Customer Reviews

Better Living With Whole Foods

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In this book, Alexander Morentin, a Clinical Exercise Specialist (note: not a doctor or a nutritionist) presents a reference manual to help people make informed, healthy food choices. Morentin's program is based on the consumption of whole foods, or foods that are unprocessed and unrefined. This may not sound too difficult until you consider what items are banned from a whole foods diet, such as wheat/gluten, pasteurized products (milk), table sugar and sweetners, preservatives (ie, most packaged, canned, and frozen foods), etc.

Morentin does take pains to break down the basics of a whole foods diet into simple, easy-to-understand language. He describes the essentials of good nutrition and reviews the detriments of processed and refined foods. He then addresses individual food groups in turn (eg, grains, breads, meats, dairy products, etc.) and explains exactly what specific foods he would recommend in each group. Several Appendices at the end of the book provide a nice summary, including lists of "Foods to Eat" and "Foods to Avoid" as well as "Food Lists" based on category. Clearly, Morentin is striving to be as user-friendly as possible. He repeatedly states that not everyone will go as far with their own diets as he has (he is also a vegetarian); he also lets readers know that it is understandable to make "bad" food choices once and awhile. In addition, his overall plan allows for one "cheat" day per week, which he believes increases motivation to eat well most of the time.

Still, despite all of Morentin's efforts to make his plan easy to swallow (excuse the pun!), it should be noted that this way of eating will be a RADICAL change for most people. Morentin himself does his food shopping exclusively at farmer's markets and whole food stores, NOT at grocery stores, which in and of itself is a likely major departure for the average person. Furthermore, whereas Morentin's program certainly may be attainable to the motivated individual, I find it extremely difficult to envision adapting his plan to a busy family setting, a topic that is not directly addressed in the book (although Morentin does spend time discussing healthy baby food).

As mentioned above, I think this book would be most appropriate for motivated individuals who want assistance in shifting to a whole foods diet. Making the transition to a whole foods diet is quite an extreme change in today's world of processed and refined foods, so if you plan to read this book, be aware that Morentin's program is likely to require a fair amount of effort on your part.

Mr. Morentin has put together a thorough, easy to read, inspiring guide for anyone how is looking to not only lose weight but to dramatically improve their health.

First, I liked the fact that he included a "before" and "after" picture of himself to encourage people who may have lost hope.

In addition to that, I was impressed with the amount of research that went into this book. I have read many books on health and nutrition, yet Mr. Morentin exposed me to information that I had never heard before.

For example, I use extra virgin olive oil regularly but he pointed out that you should get it "first cold pressed." He also pointed out that there is a better oil for cooking than olive oil because it doesn't handle high heat well. Who knew?

Another topic that I found enlightening was when he discussed Soy milk. I use soy milk in my oatmeal but I had no idea how genetically modified soy actually is. I will definitely make an effort to limit my use of soy milk.

I've read in other books that it's best to eat foods in their natural state. Mr. Morentin definitely drives home this point in his book when he discussed other examples of denatured food, besides soy.

The author did a great job in explaining some of the ingredients that are on food labels. (many of which I have a hard time pronouncing) I didn't know that Partially Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil is a trans fat.

In addition, I am glad that he stated in the book that food is primarily designed to provide fuel for the body. Sometimes we lose sight of this when we are gorging ourselves on junk food :>

I am also glad that he recommended having a cheat day because I believe it's ok to treat yourself to some pie or cake, once in awhile. Besides, starvation diets never work.

If you are a health enthusiast, you will thoroughly enjoy reading this book, as I did. But reading it is not enough, you've got to take action.

John Hinds
Author of "What's In Your Water?"

This book is very informative and is a quick and easy read. It will change the way that you look at your food. Shopping at traditional grocery stores will be replaced by farmer's markets and Whole Foods type markets. Alexander Morentin has a very efficient writing style, giving just the right amount of information about each topic. This book is a great read and a book that you'll continue to use as a daily resource for planning your daily meals.

If you are looking for the Key to Lasting Ultimate Health, you have it in your hands. This is my Bible on Nutrition! I give this book to every patient and I am amazed at the results I see! Enhanced energy, weight loss and strengthened immune system are just a few of the benefits that you will experience. After studying nutrition for 15 years, I have yet to come across a better tool. This is not your typical diet book; this is a simple guide that takes you step-by-step so you can easily learn it's principles. Every page is loaded with information that is easy to understand and follow. Now you can finally learn the true secret to feeling great! Al Morentin is certainly bringing light to health and wellness in a whole new way. From myself, my patients, to you: Thank you Al for changing lives one page at a time!

I HAVE READ JUST ABOUT EVERY NUTRITION BOOK OUT THERE AND MUST SAY THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST I HAVE READ. FIRST, MOST NUTRITION OR DIET BOOKS ARE ABOUT 2/3 RECIPIES AND 1/3 INFORMATIONAL CONTENT (AT BEST). INSTEAD, THIS BOOK IS FILLED 100% WITH INFORMATION THAT TEACHES READERS HOW TO MAKE CHANGES TO BETTER THEIR HEALTH, BETTER THEIR PHYSIQUE AND ULTIMATELY BETTER THEIR LIVES. THE BOOK IS WRITTEN IN A CONSCISE, EASY TO READ FORMAT THAT PROVIDES INSIGHTFUL INFORMATION THAT I HAD NOT SEEN IN ANY OTHER "BEST SELLER" BOOKS, PARTICULARLY WITH REGARD TO THE DANGERS OF PERSERVATIVES AND ARTIFICAL SWEETNERS. I FOUND THIS BOOK EXTREMELY INFORMATIVE AND EDUCATIONAL AND WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE WHO WANTS TO IMPROVE THEIR LIVES WITH SIMPLE SLIGHT CHANGES. FINALLY, I WILL CONCLUDE BY STATING THAT ALL PARENTS SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO READ THIS BOOK SO THEY CAN LEARN ABOUT POISIONS THEY ARE UNAWARINGLY FEEDIG THEIR CHILDREN.

This was exactly the type of book I needed to read.
It is a book that is easy to read with white space for taking notes.

The author covers the types of foods you should eat and the types of foods you should probably not eat. The chapters are broken down into specific types of food. (Pork, Fish, sugars, snacks etc) The chapters are not very long but are very clear, concise and easy to read and understand. At the end of each chapter is a quick overview that highlights and restates the main points.

While this might make it sound like a school book it is not. It is simply a very easy, very well thought out book about nutritions and the types of foods you want to eat.

Worth the money.

It is a easy to read book and it contains a lot of information. I was surprised to find out canola oil was not good for our body. You will want to keep reading this book once you started.

This is a great book to gain knowledge of whole food. Let's all eat healthy and be happy.

XXXXX

"[This book] is at the forefront of a whole foods [foods that are unprocessed and unrefined] revolution that will completely change the way you think about food, empowering you with the skills needed for healthy living in the 21ST century. The principles outlined in this course [or reference manual or book] will make a significant difference in your life. You will discover what's wrong with the commercial food industry and how to easily choose delicious whole foods that are your key to optimal health and wellness [and safe weight loss]."

The above comes from this comprehensive, easy-to-read, well-written book authored by Alexander "Al" Morentin, a practicing Clinical Exercise Specialist (C.E.S.) and Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant. He is also the owner of "My Fit Life," a health and wellness company.

The book itself is divided onto four sections:

(1) Risks of bad nutrition and essential good nutrition basics (2 chapters)
(2) Supermarket tour (34 chapters)
(3) Putting it all together (2 chapters)
(4) Appendices

The "supermarket tour" consists of examining eleven product-types in your typical supermarket:

(1) processed grains and breads
(2) produce (vegetables and fruits)
(3) meats
(4) dairy
(5) nuts
(6) oils
(7) sugars and sweeteners
(8) packaged foods
(9) beverages
(10) baby food
(11) sports nutrition products

The "putting it all together" section does just that by providing an action plan for incorporating all you have learned into your everyday life. In addition, you get to see how Al himself uses the food principles outlined in his book in his own life (including his "cheat" day, a day where he can eat non-approved foods).

Once you have read this book, do you have to remember everything you've read or diligently make outline notes of what you have read? NO (thank goodness!!). This is because the first three appendices concisely provide you with all the vital information (extracted from the book) that you'll need. These appendixes have the following titles:

(1) Foods to eat
(2) Foods to avoid
(3) Food lists

What I would do is photocopy these three appendices and refer back to the main text when you require more detailed information.

Other features of this book include the following:

(1) "Remember" checklists and statements. These are found at the end of the majority of chapters. What these do is concisely state what Al wants you to take away from a particular chapter.

(2) "Food For Thought," "Fit Fact," and "My Fit Life" gray boxes. That is, peppered throughout the text are boxes of information printed on a gray background that are isolated from the main narrative. These boxes give important vital information that Al wants you to be aware of. (That's why they're isolated from the main narrative.)

(3) Glossary. This gives definitions of key terms found in the main narrative. I found this most helpful. (Unfortunately, some key terms that should have been in this glossary are not.)

Some readers might get the idea that you have to incorporate this new way of eating all at once. NO. Al states this more eloquently:

"Do the best that you can [according to your situation] and be proud of yourself for making the effort to better your life. Do not try to be perfect from day [one]. The best thing to do is to think of how you ate last week and eat a little better this week. Always strive for constant improvement, but don't worry about perfection."

In other words, this book presents the perfect and ideal way of eating (that's why you should read it) but you're not expected to be perfect. You can only do the best you can according to your situation.

Finally, there are only two problems I had with this book:

(1) It has no formal references. There are informal references throughout the book though. The author may have used the "Recommended Resources" (the title of the last appendix) as reference material for some of the detailed information found in the main narrative but this is unclear.

(2) There are no notes (or footnotes) for the highly specific numbers given throughout the main narrative. When numbers are used, you have to mention the source or sources where you obtained them.

In conclusion, this is a VERY practical and comprehensive guide to eating that will help you look and feel better. Be sure to read this book to rediscover your passion for life!!

(first published 2008; acknowledgements; about the author; preface; introduction; 38 chapters; after word; main narrative 230 pages; appendixes (4); glossary; index)

<<Stephen Pletko, London, Ontario, Canada>>

XXXXX

It's a very insightful book with easy-to-understand information about what to look for when buying foods especially the fine-line between certain ingredients. After reading, it can also serve as a good reference book. First thing I noticed in the book was the large print which is easier to read for some people. Cheers to good health!

Mr. Morentin has obviously done extensive research on the the effects of processed vs. natural foods on our bodies. This is an excellent guide on how to make the dietary changes necessary to live a longer, healthier life. He explains just how the processing of foods, and the preservatives and hormones that are added contribute to disease and generally feeling lousy. This book is well written, easy to read, and is formatted in such a way that it's easy to find answers to your questions. In addition, he has added a food guide in the back that tells you all the foods to avoid, and also the foods to eat. I keep it on my kitchen table and refer to it daily. Oh, and I'll never eat a quarter pounder with cheese again! You'll have to read the book to find out why.