Diet Reviews

The Complete Woman's Diet Reviews section is a great place for women to share their experiences with dieting. Whether it's the latest diet fad or a diet that has worked for you, this is a sure fire way to be informed.

Each month we will feature a new diet review, and at least one recipe that is good for that diet. You can also browse through our diet reviews at a glance on the left side of this page for past diets we have reviewed.

Diet Review Ratings: Diet Reviews are based on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest possible score for the diet being reviewd.

FYI: If you have an experience with a  diet, or diet review that you would like to share, Click Here.

IMPORTANT! You should consult a doctor before beginning any new diet or exercise program.

March's Diet Review

South Beach Diet Review

Rating: 8

Diet Summary: The South Beach Diet is very similar to the Atkins diet. However, it is heart healthy. South Beach Diet is a low carb AND low fat diet. They offer books filled with delicious recipes. This was a real plus for me. Normally, I have a problem with "diet recipes." Not with South Beach though. They were DELICIOUS!

Pros: The food you have to eat is very good and you are not harming your heart.

Cons: Like all low carb diets, it is very restrictive to those who love carbs. However, no diet is fun! ;)

Recipes for Diet Success

Beef, Pepper, and Mushroom Kabobs (phase 1)

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon water
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground  black pepper
1 pound boneless top sirloin steak, cut into 1" squares
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
12 large mushrooms
2 cups cooked brown rice
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted

 In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, oil, water, mustard, oregano, and black pepper. Add the steak, bell pepper, and mushrooms, tossing to coat. Alternately thread the steak, bell pepper, and mushrooms on each of 4 metal skewers. Set aside.

Prepare the rice according to package directions. Keep warm. Meanwhile, place the kabobs on a grill over medium coals. Grill uncovered, turning occasionally for 8 to 11 minutes or until a meat thermometer measures 145 degrees F (for medium-rare).

Mix the toasted pine nuts into the rice. Serve the kabobs over the rice mixture, allowing 1/2 cup rice per serving.

Portobello Mushroom Sandwiches (Phase 2)

2 Portobello mushrooms
1 red pepper
1 box frozen chopped spinach (defrosted)
2 pocket-less whole wheat pitas (may also use whole wheat flat bread or pitas with pockets)
1/2 cup lite mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
1/2 tsp Italian-flavored salad dressing mix
1 tsp olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
Olive oil cooking spray or Misto sprayer filled with olive oil

1) Wash mushrooms. Gently scrub dirt away using a vegetable brush. Slice stems off and discard.

2) Wash red pepper. Cut lengthwise into quarters. Discard stem, seeds and ribs.

3) Place mushrooms and pepper strips in a shallow baking pan that will fit into your broiler. Lightly coat with 1-2 sprays of olive oil spray. Sprinkle with
salad dressing mix. Cover with balsamic vinegar (may use more than 1/4 cup if
desired). Broil for approximately 10 minutes. (Check and rotate frequently to
avoid burning.)

Note: may also grill vegetables if desired - this may shorten cooking time.

4) While mushroom and peppers are broiling, add 1 tsp olive oil to a non-stick skillet. Saut?garlic for 1-2 minutes. Add spinach. Continue to saut?spinach and garlic for about 5 minutes or until hot. Cover and set aside when done.

5) Remove mushrooms and peppers from broiler.

6) Spray each pocket-less pita with 1 spray of olive oil and sprinkle each with 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Broil for approximately 1-2 minutes or
until cheese melts. Remove from oven.

7) Assemble your sandwiches. First, cut each pita in half. Then, layer
spinach, red pepper and mushroom on one half. Finally, top with the other half
of the pita. Serve and enjoy!!

Diet Reviews