Customer Reviews

Diet Myths That Keep Us Fat: And the 101 Truths That Will Save Your Waistline--and Maybe Even Your Life

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

As an Exercise Physiologist let me first point out that I don't like the word "diet" or "dieting" being used as if it is something that you "do" or "go on". Your diet is the food that you eat, yet so many people refer to a "diet" as if it is something that you should do that restricts what you eat. Beyond this personal (and professional) pet peeve, this is a good book to help you understand some important basics about why "dieting" as the word is being used in this book doesn't work for so many, and that moderation is an important part of any diet plan. While I don't agree with everything that is said in this book about food and how to eat a proper diet, I do agree with the premise that there is more to why we are overweight than what we eat. Some good advice is given on not blaming carbohydrates for your failures (or any single food group), limiting unhealthy foods that have things like simple sugars or saturated animal fats, not focusing only on weight as a marker of good health, and not putting yourself in a position that will only allow you to succeed in the short term. In all, the book should be helpful to anyone who needs some practical guidance with their diet as they are trying to reach a leaner, healthier weight. It's nice to not see gimmicks like low carb diets that give rapid weight loss due to glycogen depletion and water loss, only to be followed by a regaining of this weight (which is a good thing) after consuming carbs again. This type of weight loss isn't fat loss, and doesn't last once you eat a balanced diet. Since this book doesn't preach rapid weight loss with dietary trickery, I give it a thumbs up.

Great inviting intro, accurate information and easy-to-use table of contents!
Very inviting and honest. This book plus Michael Polan's, "In Defense of Food" will be a great help in getting us back to sane and slim.
I hope Dr. SNyderman's book does very well and helps the pudgey American population to the "less is more" awakening! People can learn a happy healthy relationship to food with this book.
Ricki Pollycove, MD, MS, women's health physician

The information in this book and credibility of the author was nullified as soon as she said fat makes people fat.

One-by-one, Nancy tackles the ten "diet myths" that seem to be feeding the increasing obesity trends:
1.Your Weight Is Your Fault
2.Your Body Shape Doesn't Matter
3.Calories Don't Count
4.Carbs Are Bad for You
5.Carbs Are Good for You
6.Diet Drugs Are a Magic Bullet
7.Dieting Is All You Need to Lose Weight
8.Supplements Will Make You Thin and Healthy
9.Low-Fat Diets Are a Waste of Time
10.You Can't Keep Weight Off

Each myth is, more or less, debunked in a chapter, and each chapter also includes "truths" that counter these myths and encourage healthy eating. Amidst the research-backed findings of each chapter, Nancy also adds her own personal experiences and opinions.

Overall, I feel this book offers a sound and live-able approach to losing, and maintaining, weight. It's based on the common sense principles of eating more of the good stuff (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins) and avoiding more of the bad stuff (eating processed foods, being a couch potato, and neglecting self-care). And, unlike other plans, this one encourages built in "treats" (i.e., going off the diet plan one day a week and not labeling any one food as "forbidden"), which acknowledge the reality that the more deprived you feel, the more likely you are to rebel, binge, and regret.

So, if you need some structured and realistic guidance for losing weight and "eating right,"you're likely to find that here. But, if you're not a proponent of it's-mainly-about-the-calories-count approach to dieting, you might not be a such a fan. I'd say to sample what the book has to offer, and see what works for you.

Whatever the case, you can't go wrong by eating right...but, determining what is "right" for you is the real trick to any successful weight loss plan.

Here is a diet book that is not actually a diet book. Just change your lifestyle and forget some of the myths about losing weight that you have been told before. Very informative and a quick read.

Once again Dr. Snyderman brings to the consumer an easy to follow, common sense approach to loosing weight. Nothing is easy about this processs. It takes hard work and dedication. Thank you Dr. Snyderman for such an informative, helpful book from someone who struggles daily with these issues.

Martha Peterson

I've read only a few diet books in my time but never lost any weight as they aren't easy to follow. Nancy's book is easy to read and it's very logical. I've lost 20lb with very simple diet changes and I'm not starving. Everything she says is stuff I already knew but for soem reason it just clicked.

An easy to understand explanation of diet myths and corresponding truths. I find it hard to believe other reviewer even read the book.

Dr. Snyderman was wrong on so many things in this book and yes, finally we see that she has a diet of her own to recommend at the end of the book, which is no different than any other low fat diet. Many doctors today erroneously think it is fat that is causing the obesity in this country when, in fact, it is excess carbohydrates and sugar causing it. She maligns fat when actually, carbohydrates are the real problem. Well listen to her and you are guaranteed to remain overweight. She stated at one point that spicy food won't aggravate ulcers, IBS or colitis. This woman is a doctor? Though some of her advice is good, I can't believe the author is a real doctor. She needs to be more well read. It was when I cut my carbohydrates that I lost weight and kept it off, after being on low-fat diets for years yo-yoing off and on. Also, she gives salt a bad rap (typical doctor). Have you ever heard of an autopsy report stating, "Dead from too much salt"? Lastly, she states that being overweight is not your fault. Pleeeze, then whose fault is it? 99,999 people out of 100,000 are overweight because they just plain eat too much. She stated that you can't keep your weight off without exercise. I've done it for 3 years now. I hate exercise and it's much easier to just watch my carbs. I was amazed at how much Dr. Snyderman didn't know. Get this book from a library and don't waste your money.

Dr. Snyderman, does it for weight loss insights by saying, "Slimming down and getting healthier doesn't have to be about deprivation or superhuman feats of willpower. Instead, you will enjoy a new relationship with food-including those treats you love the most-while feeling fabulous inside and out." It's a refreshing view and one to take to heart if you want real weight loss and real weight balance. This would be a great companion book with Not Your Mother's Diet.Not Your Mother's Diet: The CURE for your EATING ISSUES