The Omega Diet: The Lifesaving Nutritional Program Based on the Diet of the Island of Crete [Paperback]

Artemis P. Simopoulos (Author), Jo Robinson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 3, 1999

The medically proven diet that restores your body's essential nutritional balance

"Good fats"--essential fatty acids--influence every aspect of our being, from the beating of our hearts to our ability to learn to remember. There are two types of essential fatty acids (EFAs), omega-6 and omega-3. The problem with our modern diet is that it contains far more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3s. This hidden imbalance makes us more vulnerable to heart disease, cancer, obesity, autoimmmune diseases, allergies, diabetes, and depression.

The Omega Diet is a natural, time-tested diet that balances the essential fatty acids in your diet. It is packed with delicious food that contain the "good" fats, including real salad dressing, cheese, eggs, fish--even the occasional chocolate dessert--and an abundance of antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

The Omega Diet provides:

• seven simple dietary guidelines for optimal physical and mental health

• a concise guide to the foods you need to restore your body's nutritional balance

• a diet plan that lets you eat fat as you lose fat

• fifty delicious recipes that are quick and easy to prepare

• a comprehensive three-week menu to help you get started

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Is it really possible that eating more fat is the key to better health? It depends on the fat, according to Dr. Artemis Simopoulos. The Omega Plan shows, in great detail, the difference between omega-3 fats, those found in fish and some green vegetables, and omega-6 fats, which are found in most meats and vegetable oils. The former have heart-protective and cancer-preventive properties; the latter, she writes, cause obesity, heart disease, cancer, depression, and a host of other ills. Omega-3 fats are at the heart of her plan, along with ample servings of fruits and vegetables. Unlike diets based on deprivation, Simopoulos offers some fairly lush food choices, including an ounce of cheese every day. Best of all, The Omega Plan is bursting with so much useful information about food shopping and preparation that you'll be able to use its advice the second you put the book down. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"This is the most solidly-based nutritional program currently available. The information is easily understandable, not obscured by technical jargon. And the recipes produce dishes that actually taste good! The Omega Plan is a major step forward for readers concerned with their own health."'S. BOYD EATON, MD, author of The Paleolithic Prescription andclinical associate professor of radiology, Emory University School of Medicine"I'm not a betting woman, but if I were, I'd put my money on Dr. Artemis Simopoulos as most likely to be remembered as the great nutritional/geneticist breakthrough genius of our age. For those of us 'at sea' between the high carb diets that may point us toward overweight and diabetesand the high protein/high fat diets that may be anathema to our heartshere, at last, is good sense and great eating, based on serious science." -- BARBARA SEAMAN, author of The Doctor's Case Against the Pill, Co-founder, National Women's Health Network and Contributing Editor, Ms. magazine.

Of all the diets this is the one most apt to make most Americans feel better, live longer and stay healthier. Dr. Simopoulos absolutely knows what she is talking about. The book is full of gems of dietary wisdom and practical advice. -- -Jean Carper, USA Weekend columnist and bestselling author of Miracle Cures, Stop Aging Now, and Food-Your Miracle Medicine. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks; 1 edition (February 3, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060930233
• ISBN-13: 978-0060930233
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (63 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #66,557 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

277 of 280 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The only nutrition book you will ever need, March 18, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Omega Diet: The Lifesaving Nutritional Program Based on the Diet of the Island of Crete (Paperback)

As a registered nurse, I see daily the disease and obesity caused by the standard American diet. This book is the best nutrition book that I have read (and I've read them all!). I even recommend it above Dr. Andrew Weil's "Eating Well for Optimal Health." The point the author tries to make is that one does not need to deprive themselves in order to eat well and be healthy. In fact, the opposite is true; one can feast on meat, fish, and olive oil while losing weight and improving one's health. I have been incorporating many of the author's recommendations into my own lifestyle and have found that I am eating, feeling, and looking better because of it. The recipes in the book are great (especially the Walnut Pesto), and include many savory desserts, meat dishes, fish, vegetable dishes, etc. I would have paid for the recipes alone. My husband has loved the food I've made from this book. Think of this as a "way to live," not as a diet. I have given copies of this book to everyone I love. I wish that this book received more "press" in the media because I really think the information in it could have a huge impact on the health of Americans. HIGHLY recommended--I've read it about 10 times already.

118 of 120 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yum, yum, yum..., February 20, 2001

By 

ROBERT KINGSLEY (Fort Collins, Colorado USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Omega Diet: The Lifesaving Nutritional Program Based on the Diet of the Island of Crete (Paperback)

My nutritionist recommended I purchase this book because my doctor and she decided I needed to eat a more healthy diet. Of course I did not look forward to the restrictions of a healthy diet, but I bought the book and am I ever glad I did!

I feel better than I ever have! This diet is remarkable and not only that, the food is great! I have lost weight, toned up, watched my blood pressure go down, and all the while have been eating the best food of my life.

The book explains the benefits of eating a balanced diet with plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids. It also provides some of the most tasty recipes found anywhere. I have had so much fun sharing this book with friends and loved ones. As a result, often times when I am over at a friend's house for dinner, I am treated with a great Omega Diet meal!

If you want to be on a lifetime plan that will make you (and your taste buds) feel great, buy this book!

98 of 101 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book changed my diet, April 21, 2003

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Omega Diet: The Lifesaving Nutritional Program Based on the Diet of the Island of Crete (Paperback)

This is probably the best book I've ever read. It's not as much about dieting as it is about changing your eating style. I already had a decent understanding of the importance of omega-3 fatty acids/unsaturated (poly and mono) fats in our diet, but this book really broke it down well. I was so amazed to learn how beneficial it is for us to eat omega-3 based foods like fish oils or fatty fishes (e.g., salmon) flax, canola oil, and olive oil, and how fat is good, except saturated fat and trans fatty acids. Also, good carbs like veggies and fruit are a must, but bad carbs like white rice, white bread, and pasta should be avoid if possible. I have lost 15 pounds already and I feel healthy, energized, my blood pressure and cholesterol are perfect. What's really wonderful about this book is it cites all of the scientific studies to support the theory that the American diet is totally wrong and a diet higher in fat intake and lower in starches is the way to go. I looked up many of these studies on the PubMed database... These studies are on point.