Review: Eat Drink and Be Healthy

Characteristics: (where 1 is bad and 5 is superb)

  • Interestingness: 4
  • Subject Matter: 4.5
  • Organization: 3
  • Binding: 3
  • Writing Quality: 3.5

This may not be the most entertaining book to read, but it contains a great deal of useful information. The book is about the healthy consumption of food and drink, with the discussions primarily revolving around nutrition and its effects on long term health.

One thing I’ve noticed, as I am sure many others have, the medical/nutritional world is full of shady individuals. Conflicting ideas are the norm, not the exception, even in a field that is based on scientific study. I am no expert, but this book and author struck me as one of the more sane individuals. And, in general, he seems to be largely consistent with most of the sane-sounding individuals that are out there. Assuming I am right in that assumption, here are a few interesting (and hopefully true) things that you’ll find in the book:

  1. Despite what the milk commercials and billboards will imply, we have no problem with calcium shortages. Some people may be even getting too much.
  2. I’ve known for a while that moderate consumption of alcohol is good for the circulatory system. According to Willett, and a few other things I’ve read, it’s not only red wine that gives you that benefit. Any alcoholic beverage will benefit. I would imagine some would be more beneficial than others, but the benefit for things like high blood pressure doesn’t come only from red wine.
  3. The old food pyramid is very faulty, especially in its recommendations on carbohydrates. And there’s some really important fats that the old pyramid would drive you away from as well!

There is a lot of useful information in the book. Unlike almost every other book I read, this one actually came from a local library. I definitely plan on buying this one. I could probably use another pass through it to better absorb the information.

Along with nutrition info, the book also has a good number of recipes in the back. Unfortunately, there aren’t any picture. I do like pictures with my recipes.

Overall I’d rate the book rather highly. If you want more information on eating healthy, this would be a great book to read.

Comments

Anderson Imes 2007-08-29 10:03:29

If you want even more of a nutritional wakeup, try out Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon.  Some of it is a bit sensational, but overall it's very interesting.

Eric 2007-09-01 09:51:58

Yes, I am planning on reading more on nutrition. I'll check it out.

Kirk Sowell 2007-09-03 11:58:30

Based on your recommendation, I've just purchased this book. I bought it along with the DVD of "300" (to make sure I hit the $25 min.), and my hope is that after reading the book I fully expect to have a physique like Gerard Butler. Otherwise, I'll want my money back.

Eric 2007-09-04 07:06:11

Sorry, bro, but I don't think getting that book will make you look like him...or any of the warriors on 300. Now, of course, I look like I could have been in the movie...