Review of Defeating Diabetes (Paperback)

This book gives comprehensive dietary and nutrition information to empower readers. Because diet and lifestyle factors are the primary causes of Type 2 diabetes, most Type 2's can control their diabetes completely.This is good news because the health problems that can occur as a result of untreated diabetes include blindness, early heart disease, and amputation of body parts. With over half of those with Type 2 not knowing they have it, following the suggestions in the book makes sense whether you have diabetes or not.
The authors explain ways to catch diabetes and pre-diabetes (the precursor to diabetes).They explain insulin resistance and point out that although being overweight puts one at high risk for diabetes, one can be thin and have insulin problems due to "metabolic obesity," which is explained further in the book.
Blood-sugar levels and factors affecting them are clearly explained.The myth that simple sugars are bad and complex carbohydrates are not is dispelled."This is not only a gross oversimplification; it is inaccurate. Simple carbohydrates are found in highly refined, nutrient-depleted foods like table sugar, but they are also found in highly nutritious whole foods like fruits and vegetables. Complex carbohydrates are found in heavily processed foods like white bread and pastries, but are also present in nutrient-dense foods such as wheat berries and beans."
Knowing glycemic indexes is important, but understanding how other foods affect blood-sugar control (like fats) is also important. Factors such as the following are considered: the number of grams of carbohydrate present; the type of sugar (glucose, fructose, sucrose, lactose); the amount and type of fiber present; the kind of the starch (amylose versus amylopectin); the form of the food (cooked, raw, dry, liquefied, paste, ground, or otherwise processed); and the presence of other components in the food or in foods eaten with the carbohydrate-rich food.
The authors offer a two-step process for dietary reform. "Step 1 - Take out the trash" and "Step 2 - Pile on the protectors."Trans fatty acids are an example of an item on the trash list.In a recent Nurses Health Study, replacing 2 % of calories from trans fatty acids with polyunsaturated fat reduced the risk for type 2 diabetes by 40%.
The authors pinpoint many health-promoting foods.For example, many whole plant foods contain phytochemicals and antioxidants, and blueberries are "one of the most protective foods on the planet."Their ability to quench free radicals from the body was found to be the highest, often 5 times higher than most other vegetables and fruits.Other protectors in food such as fiber, plant protein, and certain fats are given thorough treatments as well.
Another section of the book includes "Healthy Weight for Life." "Obesity . . .elevates your risk of most of the chronic degenerative diseases plaguing the Western world.The strength of this link cannot be ignored." The problems with high-protein diets are addressed, but you might be surprised to know that the problems with very-low-fat, high-fiber diets are addressed, as well.For example, the authors state that the very low fat diets often allow for too many refined carbohydrates, and this can be a problem.Another problem with too little fat in your diet will reduce the absorption of certain nutrients, and important foods like nuts and seeds, which are good sources of trace minerals and Vitamin E, may be overlooked. Seven steps to achieving a life-long healthy weight are given.
Two popular tools for diabetics - exchange lists and carbohydrate counters - are explained and reviewed.Both systems have their problems.For example, neither "adequately distinguishes among different forms of carbohydrate. Both systems favor animal over plant protein sources. . . . Neither system fully recognizes the huge variations in health effects of different types of fat." Practical information is given about understanding the glycemic index of foods, and sample menus (a week of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks) and suggested servings that ensure nutritional adequacy without excessive calories are included.This is especially helpful to diabetics who may be transitioning to the type of diet recommended in this book.
Many people still think of diabetes simply as a sugar problem. Though this is an important issue, there are many other issues, including fat, fiber and micronutrients of which one should be aware. "Making Sense of Sweets" gives information on both nutritive (those with calories) and nonnutritive (no significant calories) sweeteners. There are clear tables for each category including any cautions one should know.
Additional sections of the book include the following:
"Defensive Dining" includes advice for how to handle eating out.
"Survival of the Fittest" addresses the need for exercise and other fitness needs."It appears we can live longer simply by living well.What is more, it is not only the length of our lives that improves with fitness, but the quality of living." All facets of fitness are addressed including aerobics, weight training, flexibility, even emotional fitness and sleeping, and more.
"Self Care: A Daily Maintenance Routine" deals with how we need to take care of ourselves on a daily basis and includes a checklist for our daily assessments of ourselves.
"When Diet and Exercise Are Not Enough" deals with the different medications available to help control diabetes.In addition to prescription medications, the authors investigate vitamins, minerals, herbals, and botanicals.
Finally, "Kitchen Wizardry . . . Tricks of the Trade," helps people to understand what to buy when grocery shopping.It includes an extensive shopping list, suggestions for where to shop, information on reading food labels, and food storage guidelines. The book finishes with a delightful recipe selection to jump-start you on the road to good health and diabetes management.
Overall, the book is well documented with selected references appearing at the ends of each chapter.Defeating Diabetes is a practical, easy-to-read, well-thought-out guide to healthy living and diabetes management.The basics of the health issues that are used to defeat diabetes are sound advice for maintaining good health whether you have diabetes or not.

Product Description
Defeating Diabetes offers real hope and real solutions to those with type-2 diabetes. Recent health studies have confirmed that a low-fat, vegan (meat- and dairy-free) diet works best to not only manage but reverse the symptoms of type-2 diabetes.
The authors guide you through the practical steps you need to take to construct a diet and lifestyle that really work. Their no-nonsense approach presents everything you need to know to make wiser dietary and lifestyle choices.
You'll find out how to:take control of your blood sugar levelsfind out which carbohydrates are actually good for youachieve and maintain a healthy body weightarm yourself with protective dietary fatsuse nutritional supplements for blood sugar controlimprove exercise, sex, sleep, and self-care
Included are over 50 easy and delicious recipes using whole foods along with suggestions on how to convert traditional favorites laden with fat and cholesterol into high-fiber, healthful dishes.
These user-friendly and evidence-based recommendations will help anyone with diabetes become more healthy.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Defeating Diabetes (Paperback)

Review of Becoming Vegetarian: The Complete Guide to Adopting a Healthy Vegetarian Diet (Paperback)

If you're considering vegetarianism but are wondering how or where to start (or even if it's a good idea) look no further than this excellent book by Canadian dietitians Vesanto Melina and Brenda Davis.This is a wonderful primer on nutrition (and would even be good for anyone who's simply looking to improve one's diet).
Published in 2003, this is a revised and extensively updated version of the 1994 original, and it is definitely the edition to get.The book is 454 pages and contains an absolute wealth of current research that has taken place over the past decade.As the authors state, "Much of what was considered mere speculation 10 years ago is now accepted fact.We...provide more thorough guidance for readers.Several issues that were not dealt with in the original book are addressed" and the recipes are refined.The chapter headings are:
1.Why Be Vegetarian.They cover the gamut of reasons people cite for making the switch--from concerns over health and disease to concerns for the environment, economy, and rights of animals.The latter issues are briefly but powerfully addressed, but it's very tactfully done--they're not at all judgemental or abrasive.

2.Maximizing the Vegetarian Advantage.A very powerful chapter dealing with the health of vegetarians and the impact of diet on diseases, including cancer, gall stones, diabetes (type 2), arthritis, and diseases of the heart, kidneys, and the GI system.Includes nutritional recommendations for good health & prevention of disease.
3.Power from Plants...legumes, nuts, and seeds.All you need to know about protein, iron and zinc in the veg diet. (One tip: Vitamin C greatly increases absorption of iron.)
4.Bone Boosters...milk, greens, and other calcium champions.How to maximize our bodies absorption and use of calcium.(Sodium & excess protein actually rob us of calcium).
5.Energy Plus...goodness from grains.A wealth of info about grains, fibre, and how to maximize nutrient absorption from grains.(One tip:Soak whole grains, legumes, nuts & seeds overnight in lots of cold water (discard soaking water)).
6.Perfect Protectors...vegetables and fuits.Vitamin and mineral content is the focus.
7.Fat Feuds...who's winning?All you need to know about types/amounts of fat--including essential fatty acids and how to ensure we're getting them.
8.Fine-tuning the Vegetarian Diet...vitamin B12
9.Designing the Diet...the vegetarian food guide.Covers food groups, recommended number of servings, serving sizes, number of calories per serving,and how to keep a diet log (important initially to determine areas where one may be having problems).
10.Vegetarian for Life.Deals with special situations (pregnancy/lactation, infancy, childhood, teen years, and those aged 50 and over).
11.Vegetarian Victory Over Weight
12.Vegetarian Diplomacy
13.From Markets to Meals.Tips on where to shop, what to buy, food storage, how to make the transition to vegetarianism, and travel.Includes substitutions for chicken broth, ground beef, gelatin, or egg for those who want to adapt non-veg recipes.
14.Recipes...simple treasures.You'll eventually want a proper veg cookbook or two, but included are a good variety of recipes to get one started plus tips on cooking grains and legumes.The few recipes I've tried so far have been super (My favourite is Hot Tofu and Cool Greens--who'd have thought tofu could taste so yummy!).(Tip: When cooking dry (pre-soaked) beans, do not add salt, tomato, or other highly acidic ingredients until after the beans have become tender or they'll be hard to digest!)
In conclusion, this is a comprehensive, incredibly informative (not to mention interesting) guide for the person interested in learning how to become a healthy vegetarian.Whatever your motivation--be it a desire to improve your health & nutrition, to lower your risk for many diseases, to lose weight, to be more environmentally-responsible, or something else, you won't find a better (or at the time of writing a more current) resource than this fantastic book.It's the perfect place to start.In short, I simply cannot praise highly enough, and I recommend it unconditionally!

Product Description
The evidence is in- millions of people are moving toward a vegetarian diet because it offers a healthful and environmentally sound alternative to the standard diet. Becoming Vegetarian is the ultimate source for making this valuable and beneficial life change. Packed with authoritative vegetarian and vegan nutrition information from established and savvy experts, this powerful book takes the worry out of making an important, healthy transition.
Here' what's inside:

• Vegetarian food guide for optimal nutrition and easy meal planning
• Delicious, easy recipes
• Helpful guidelines for those who are just starting out
• Cutting edge scientific information for experienced vegetarians
• Nutrition essentials from infancy through our senior years
• Practical tips for weight control
• Much, much more

This comprehensive update of an international bestseller is the one resource that contains everything you need to know about becoming a vegetarian or fine-tuning a vegetarian diet. From dealing with awkward social situations to making sure you're getting all the necessary nutrients, let Vesanto Melina and Brenda Davis give you the information you need to achieve a healthful vegetarian life with ease. Change the way you look at food and your health forever- start following the dynamic, easy-to-implement advice in Becoming Vegetarian today.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Becoming Vegetarian: The Complete Guide to Adopting a Healthy Vegetarian Diet (Paperback)

Review of The New Becoming Vegetarian: The Essential Guide To A Healthy Vegetarian Diet (Paperback)

This is book is absolutely necessary for anyone transitioning into a vegetarian or vegan diet and a great reference for those of us already there. It goes through all of the nutrients that vegetarians and vegans might have trouble getting enough of and explain why it's important and the best ways to incorporate that nutrient into your diet. It also gives dietary advice for prenanct women, children, and the elderly. There is so much information, I find myself constantly referring to this book as a reference guide.

Many other reviwers have noted that this book is objective and not "preachy." I agree. It points out honestly what's wrong with and what's good about omnivorous, vegetarian, and vegan diets and then shows how to improve in each case. It does address reasons for veganism, but this book is in no way dogmatic. There's also an entire section on "diplomacy," that is how to resolve issues between ominvores and vegetarians.

One of my favorite parts of this book is the latter half, in which advice is given on transitioning to vegetarianism or veganism. To often the changes that need to be made in lifestyle aren't addressed, in favor of reasons for going vegan or recipes. Here, however, they provide advice on mundane but necesary topics like meal planning and grocery shopping.

This is definitly not a recipe book by nature, by several recipes are provided in the back. These are not gourmet or experimental recipes. Rather they are recipes that the authors themselves eat on a regular basis and which new vegetarians can realisticly incorporate into their menus. The recipes were also all chosen with nutrition as well as taste in mind, so they contribute to learning how to plan well-rounded vegan meals. My favorite, for instance, is a traditional marinara pasta with lentils dissolved in the sauce to make it creamier and add protein. In addition, instead of meatballs, a variety of vegetables are added to make it chunky. I've tried several of the other recipes as well, and have been pleased with them all.

I really can't stress how amazing and necessary this book is. I find myself returning to it over and over again, so it was definitly worth buying.

Product Description
Comprehensive and well-researched, this new edition provides everything you need to know about making a healthy transition to a vegetarian diet or maximizing its benefits if already a vegetarian.
Updated with the latest recommendations for intakes of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fats, the authors show how to achieve optimal nutrition for all stages of life. Easy-to-read tables, figures, menus, and food guides help you determine how to meet your nutritional requirements. You'll also learn what plant-based dietary components and factors play active roles in both the prevention and treatment of chronic illnesses.
And for practical application, over 50 new and easy recipes show how to incorporate highly nutritious ingredients - some of which may be unfamiliar. These delicious meals include contributions from chefs Joseph Forest, Ron Pickarski, Joanne Stepaniak, and Yves Potvin (Yves Veggie Cuisine) as well as favorites of the authors.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The New Becoming Vegetarian: The Essential Guide To A Healthy Vegetarian Diet (Paperback)

Review of The Raw Food Revolution Diet (Paperback)

Cherie Soria has lived this lifestyle for decades.As the reviewer above noted, she looks at least twenty years younger than her 60-something age.
Coming from a person like her, you can rest assured that this is not a fad, unbalanced diet. She is a vibrant, healthy, energetic person.

What I particularly like is that she has a great deal of sympathy and understanding of the challenges facing a person who is struggling with their weight and their health, and understands how intimidating it is to make that huge transition from a Standard American Diet to mostly raw vegan.

The best thing about the book is that each day's eating is completely laid out, so you don't have to fill your head with planning and making decisions.Just do what she says, and you'll very quickly 'get it' - because in the end, it's all very very simple.And you will feel so much healthier and cleaner (not to mention thinner!) very quickly.Within days.Once you 'get it', it's easy to use the book as a guide for taking over and planning for yourself.

There are lots of great raw cookbooks out there, but this explains the basics of what to eat, how much and when.So it's great for beginners.

She doesn't insist that you eat 100% raw, and has great suggestions for common concerns like cold weather, travelling, and eating out.

The book is very well-researched, and has a great deal of scientific information if you want it. There are easy to use charts. And she explains the big 'protein question' that always comes up - ie how do you get enough.

There are recipes for nutrient-packed and yet simple to prepare foods, with great sympathy for those of us who don't have a lot of time in the day.Nothing is very difficult to put together, and they are appealing to non-raw diners as well (who, if you didn't tell them what you were serving, probably wouldn't notice, and might even congratulate you on the quality of your hummus and hungrily devour the nut creams and desserts).

She goes on to explore and recommend special equipment like juicers and dehydrators, which might be useful additions to your kitchen if you continue to eat in this vein.

Overall, an excellent introduction to the new healthy you.My criticisms are minor, but I did find it a little hard to navigate without reading from cover to cover.And I would have preferred color photographs, to enhance the recipe pages. I'd recommend this book if your current food-style isn't creating the health and life you want to have.

Product Description
Discover how a raw foods diet will balance your weight naturally. This collection of recipes for imaginative, delectable, accessible and enticing cuisine is a far cry from a discipline limited to salads and sprouts. You'll be able to enjoy delicious, easy-to-prepare meals without feeling deprived. And you'll experience how raw foods can improve your health and make you feel more alive. Practical tips make it easy to choose the raw diet plan that's right for you with handy menus to get you started. A "How To" section on putting together a raw food diet that is nutritionally sound ensures that you receive the nutrients you need as you achieve your natural weight.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Raw Food Revolution Diet (Paperback)