The reality is that extreme diets that promise instant results just don't work. For one thing, you lose muscle and water, but little fat, and may seriously jeopardize your health in the process. For another, restricting certain foods and food groups deprives your body of essential nutrients. In the end, the faster the pounds come off, the faster they pile back on.



After seeing many of his patients fail on these kinds of fad diets, and suffer health-threatening side effects, Dr. Steven A. Schnur, founder of the largest cardiology practice in South Florida, developed a new, breakthrough program. The Reality Diet is not low carb, low fat, or high protein. Instead it is rich in a wide variety of foods that are high in one key fat-fighting ingredient?fiber. Not only does fiber stop hunger, it also significantly lowers the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and a host of other illnesses.

Flexible and forgiving, The Reality Diet is for real people living in the real world. With eight weeks of mouthwatering menus, more than 200 quick and easy recipes, tips for eating in restaurants and navigating holidays, as well as an effective exercise program, The Reality Diet is both a comprehensive weight-loss plan and a blueprint for lifelong health.

Enjoy one of Dr. Schnur's great-tasting drinks, straight from The Reality Diet.

Raspberry Breakfast Smoothie

Keep a couple of tall beer glasses in the freezer to add a frosty touch to your breakfast drink. Strain the smoothie through a fine-mesh strainer if the raspberry seeds bother you.

1 cup skim milk (or plain non-fat yogurt for a creamier texture)

1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries

1/2 teaspoon sugar substitute

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

4 or 5 ice cubes (if you're using fresh raspberries)

Combine the milk, raspberries, sugar substitute, and vanilla in the jar of a blender. Cover and blend until smooth and frothy, about 30 seconds. Add the ice cubes if you're using fresh raspberries and blend an additional 30 seconds.

Pour into a tall glass, sprinkle with the nutmeg, and serve.

Serves 1

CALORIES 170; FIBER 5g; FAT 0g; PROTEIN 11g; CARB 31g; SODIUM 135mg