Eat-Healthy Books: Part 1

Happy 2011 everyone! In other words, happy diet month! I should start by admitting that as a general rule, I’m against most diets, simply because I don’t think they work. Sure, you may lose weight at first, but in the end you usually pack it back on — and then some.

I know I’m not the first to tell you that exercise and moderation (read: portion control) are the keys to long lasting weight loss and maintenance, but then again, I’m no expert.

On that note, let’s turn to some of the diet books that have been piling up on my desk that I’ve been putting aside for just such an occasion. I’ll blog about my other top picks in my next post — along with recipes from one of the top-sellers. Here are three to get you started.

1. How Not to Get Fat (2010 Firefly Books)

It’s too bad the cover is so ugly; the interior of this book by Ian Marber, a.k.a. “the food doctor”, a diet consultant out of the U.K., is quite cheerful and well laid out. The book aims to show people how to eat properly, whether they want to lose weight, or not get fat in the first place. It’s mostly about common sense, including explanations on how the body works, how to cue into hunger signals and, basically, how to avoid a life of dieting. A good read if you’re looking for the basics.

2. The Carb Lovers Diet (2010 Oxmoor House)

From the editors at Health magazine — who, it appears, are fed up with the carb-phobic American population (hooray!) — this books claims that you can eat what you love and stay slim for life, while losing 15, 35, or even 100-plus pounds without ever feeling hungry. What their research has found is that certain carb-rich foods, especially those with an ingredient known as “resistant starch”, will do all sorts of nifty things, from suppressing the appetite to boosting the metabolism. There’s a seven day kick-start plan, before-and-after photos, testimonials, and a bunch of recipes that seem to feature whole grains and breads like sourdough and rye.

3. The Biggest Loser Food Journal (2010 Rodale Books)

Put together by the hit reality show’s experts and cast, this small spiral-bound book lets you play along with Biggest Loser members, who are required to keep a food journal on the show; part of a healthy habit they’re meant to maintain for life. Tracking every meal, snack and beverage makes you more mindful of what you’re shoving down your gullet. While the book contains info on portion size, an appendix of calorie counts of common foods, and a few recipes, this is mostly a journal for jotting down what you ate and what you did for exercise. And it may just be the simple boost you need.

Check back in on January 19^th for more diet books and recipes.

P.S. I was chuffed to hear that this In Good Taste blog is nominated in the Canadian Food Blog Awards. Visit Beer and Butter Tarts for links to all kinds of other great blogs, as well!

Photo credits:
1. How Not to Get Fat (2010 Firefly Books), from Firefly Books
2. The Carb Lovers Diet (2010 Oxmoor House), from Amazon
3. The Biggest Loser Food Journal (2010 Rodale Books), from NBC