Important and thought-provoking
|
|
This is a very good book indeed: informative, clearly written, realistic, and practical in its approach. Drawing upon scientific evidence, the authors expose the flaws in fad diets and provide a sound, healthful, and easy-to-follow alternative: the Mediterranean diet, with its modest amount of meat, lots of fruits and vegetables, the use of olive oil as the primary fat, and daily glass or two of an alcoholic beverage (preferably red wine). They stress the importance of eating and drinking in moderation as well as physical activity, recommending walking as probably the single best form of exercise. For really exciting recipes, however, I turn to my extensive library of cookbooks. One book that I have enjoyed reading and cooking from immensely is "Recipes and Remembrances from an Eastern Mediterranean Kitchen" by Sonia Uvezian. In addition to recipes for uncomplicated dishes that are not only healthful but also taste wonderful, this fascinating volume contains an important message: slow down and smell the roses. Of the two dozen-plus Mediterranean cookbooks I own, Uvezian's is by far my favorite. I was amazed at how compatible "Low-Fat Lies" and "Recipes and Remembrances" are in their philosophy; one book actually reinforces the other. In reminiscing about her eastern Mediterranean childhood, Uvezian describes precisely the life style Dr. Vigilante encourages. The region's love affair with food in general and vegetables in particular and the gardening, walking, biking, dancing, and socializing are all part of her memories. Vigilante's Italian "passeggiata" (daily promenade) is Uvezian's "shamm al-hawa" (smell the air) and serves the same purpose--in the doctor's words "a source of exercise, fellowship, relaxation, communication, psychotherapy, street theater, and pure amusement". "Low-Fat Lies" and "Recipes and Remembrances" have deepened my understanding and appreciation of the Mediterranean diet as no other books have, and I give them both my highest recommendation.
|
|
|
READ IT READ IT BUY IT BUY IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
|
|
I'm 12 yrs. old. The book rocks! I can even understand it. Highly reccomended! All my friends LOVE it!! An instant bestseller! WOW!
|
|
Good Info, Quick Recipes, and my, do they hate Dean Ornish!
|
|
This book contains a wealth of scientifically backed up information on the failure of low fat diets in American Society. In fact, it traces how the popularity of low fat diets has coincided with the epidemic of obesity in America! They even have a whole chapter dedicated to debunking Dr. Dean Ornish, whose mantra of low/no fat eating has been propagated in the media. The authors state how his scientific papers, aimed at medical professionals are very well written. However, they point out that his popular books, aimed at the dieting public, mislead and misinform (by ignoring the other aspects of his intensive program (i.e. long hours of exercise, stress reduction programs, etc) and focusing solely on reducing fat in the diet). As many other online reviewers commented, this book makes its point early on. I wish instead of 2/3 information and 1/3 recipes, it could have been 1/3 info and 2/3 recipes. Now I have to go get another book to get more varieties of healthful recipes with olive oil and Mediteranean flair! Rachel Perlow
|
|
|
Read if you are confused by all the conflicting diet claims
|
|
This is a very good book. If you have wondered where the truth lies try this- it is based on population studies and real evidence. The Zone, Atkins, Sugar Busters and the low fat recommended diet, all advocating different ways- how can we know which is the right way to eat? Well, despite what their authors claim where is the evidence for any of the above? If you are confused or have tried these various options and failed, do read this. It is sound, realistic and tested by time. It is a great way to eat and not expensive. No special bars or mixes, no counting carbs, proteins or computing combinations. It recommends more than just a diet it is a way of eating that is tasty,cheap,easy and proven- the Mediterranean Diet. Calories do count but portion control is the way to do it-not constantly worrying about numbers. If the authors read these reviews I would make one request and that is that they make the recipes available on line (ok,for a price), in Mealmaster format
|
|
|
A Great Second-Half
|
|
If you don't know much about the Mediterranean Diet and are confused about whether you want to try the two most popular fad diets (low-fat or Zone), then you owe it to yourself to read the book. It crearly debunks why low-fat diets are almost impossible to stay on, and shows the shoddy research methods behind the claims of the high-protein/low carbo fanatics -- not to mention the dangers of these diets. My biggest criticism of the book is that the authors spend an inordinate amount of time debunking the bad fad diets -- nearly the entire first half of the book. Maybe this amount of space devoted to trashing these fads is worth reading if you had not heard, or were not previously convinced, about how bad the fad diets are. For me (since I previously had read plenty of articles on the topic), it was preaching to the converted. So, I did not get as much out of the first half of the book as maybe others would. The second half, which does cover the principles of the Mediterranean Diet, is alone worth the cover price. The books summarizes the very solid research to date on the natural and very healthy diets of the Mediterranean peoples. Unlike other books on the topic, the authors tell you how to limit the calories with handy tables. There's also a good list of items to stock in your 'fridge at all times. The one complaint about the second half is wanting more: more detailed data about the benefits of the diet, more discussion of weight loss on the diet and more thought about simple rules of eating Mediterranean without gaining weight. But hey, maybe the writing team is already thinking along these lines for a sequel. I'll certainly buy it. (P.S., if you like this book, think also about getting "The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook," by Nancy Harmon Jenkins -- it also covers the principles of the diet and features scores of great recipes).
|
|
|
United States | 
United Kingdom | 
Canada