The Subconscious Diet

Hugh B. Sanders
Liberation Press (2005)
ISBN 0976644401
Reviewed by Marcy Burns for Reader Views (2/06)

“It’s not what you put in your mouth; it is what you put in your mind!”

The subtitle suggests that this book is about body weight, and so it is, but it also is a broader treatment of self-defeating behaviors. The author believes that you can stop being a frustrated, overweight, tired, and angry individual, becoming instead optimistic, slim, energized, and peaceful. And what is the key to your natural state of happiness? His thesis is that it is your subconscious mind, which you can change by controlling the thought processes that feed it.

This is not a scholarly book, nor does the author present it as such. He has effectively sprinkled pithy quotations throughout the pages, but he does not cite scientific studies or lay a factual foundation for many of his claims. Some statements are overly simplistic for the scientific-minded, as are some of the end-of-chapter exercises. Thus, it is a book that will not appeal to all readers, but it does offer generally valid ideas. Readers who are not steeped in psychological theory will be the most receptive readers and will find it worthwhile.

The author has been a trainer/speaker for many years, and his writing reflects that. His writing voice probably is very much like his speaking voice; i.e., a relative simple and straightforward presentation of potentially powerful ideas. For the subject matter and those who are likely to be readers, the style works well. One is struck, too, by the generosity of spirit of the author. He appears to genuinely want to share what he knows to the benefit of his readers.

The most effective chapters are those dealing with the use of affirmations and visualizations. Although the issue of weight loss becomes secondary to more fundamental change, this well-founded material will have value for any reader who has not experienced the power of these methods.

The overall conclusion is that this book is akin to chicken soup. It certainly can’t hurt. For many readers, it will introduce new and productive ideas.

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