Hi Joe, I just joined this group, but first wanted to comment on your question. Hubby and I used some of the recipes and eating principles from BFL. Overall, I think it's a good program....perhaps a bit heavy on the protein, but good at minimizing fat and stoking the metabolism. The Eating for Life cookbook is great, and we continue to use several of the recipes from it. One thing I didn't like about it is that the cookbook didn't have nutrition info. But you can go to the website and get that if you're counting carbs. Also, I think women need to be especially careful on the portion sizes. There is a Body for Life for women book that is good, and might be a better start for your wife to read. Just my 2 cents.