There’s a recent trend in dieting philosophy that has changed the way people think about the idea of weight loss. A few years ago, most of us would have thought about a weight loss plan as being comprised of regular exercise, a healthy diet, and perhaps related products, like pills and supplements.
Today, many consider understanding their genetics to be an important part of their weight loss plan. In The Primal Blueprint, author Mark Sisson traces the genetic and evolutionary links that affect weight loss, as well as ways that we can use this information to aid in our own weight loss planning. As someone who is always seeking to lose a few extra pounds, I was intrigued by this idea– could my genetics somehow be limiting my weight loss? And if so, what could I do about it?
How Does The Primal Blueprint Work?
The idea behind this book is straight forward: by better understanding our genetic predispositions regarding diet and weight loss, we can better understand how to lose unwanted weight. Author Mark Sisson is also tied to the popular “Paleo” diet. In this book, Sisson promises to turn various dieting preconceptions on their head, claiming that high fat diets may help dieters lose weight and that some common medications may interfere with exercise and weight loss.
What Others Are Saying – Does The Primal Blueprint Really Deliver?
Many readers have become diehard proponents of the so-called “Paleo” diet (as mentioned, this is Sisson's other well-known diet) renouncing other current trends in the weight loss world. While some of the advice and tips are relatively simple (such as “eat less carbs”), other sections in the book offer advice that many readers found revolutionary. As Amazon.com reviewer Jeff L. Pickett puts it, “it's time to take the 'Matrix pill' and wake up to a whole new world.”
Will it Help Me Lose Weight?
The “Paleo” diet has proved effective for many dieters. This book expands on the concept in surprising ways that readers may find interesting and motivational. The information about genetics and evolution’s effects on diet may help readers to better understand their relationship with food. In addition to the genetic and evolutionary take on weight loss, a fitness regimen is outlined.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Provides an introduction to the popular “Paleo” diet trend.
- A unique genetic and evolutionary perspective is applied to the world of weight loss.
- The author is a recognized authority in the world of fitness.
Cons:
- Some of the information presented is common sense to many readers.
Problems and Complaints
Amazon.com reviewers rated The Primal Blueprint quite favorably! The most common complaint was that too much of the book was common sense. Indeed, some of the weight loss guidelines presented will appear to be too straightforward to be helpful to some readers (“Avoid Poisonous Things,” for example). Readers like Michael Bluth felt that greater documentation and citing of sources was in order. As a counter-point, a greater portion of readers found the information in The Primal Blueprint to be helpful, and in some cases, revolutionary thinking.
Is The Primal Blueprint Better Than Other Diet Books?
The Primal Blueprint is an excellent introduction to “primal” and “Paleo” diets. Beyond this, its perspective on weight loss from the world of evolutionary science and genetics gives it an edge that most diet books do not have. For readers interested in learning more about these diet trends or how evolution and genetics affect dieting, it is a clear winner. Personally, my research into this book made me want to learn more about this interesting subject.
How Does The Primal Blueprint by Mark Sisson Rate Overall?
Amazon.com reviewers gave The Primal Blueprint a 4.5 star rating out of 5 possible stars. Most reviewers found the book to be a bold take on dieting from a fresh perspective.
Where Can I Buy and Where Can I Read More Reviews for The Primal Blueprint: Reprogram Your Genes For Effortless Weight Loss, Vibrant Health, and Boundless Energy by Mark Sisson?
The Primal Blueprint is currently available for purchase on Amazon.com. Buy this product with 43% discount. It is also available in hard cover and kindle edition, and is eligible for free “Super Saver” shipping with orders over $25. In Amazon you will also be able to read the reviews mentioned above, as well as many others. Read more reviews here.