I GIVE THIS BOOK A LOW SCORE BECAUSE IT IS NOT A VERY GOOD BOOK ON EATING.

THERE IS NO PORTION CONTROL INFORMATION OR SUGGESTIONS. PORTIONS ARE THE KEY TO A PROPER DIET. WE ALL [AMERICANS] EAT TOO MUCH. WE’RE ALL OVER WEIGHT AND SUFFER FROM MANY EATING RELATED DISORDERS. WHAT YOU EAT IS AS IMPORTANT

AS HOW MUCH. THE SHORT SECTION ON GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISORDERS FOLLOWS THE STANDARD ANTI-BIOTIC APPROACH THOUGH CULTURED DAIRY PRODUCTS [YOGURT,BUTTERMILK,ACIDOPHILUS, COTTAGE CHEESE, SAUER KRAUT ] AND FIBER DO A MUCH BETTER AND SAFER JOB OF CURING THESE PROBLEMS.

I THINK THE OBJECTIVE OF “MEDICINE” IN THE USA IS ILLNESS. BEING SICK IS BIG BUSINESS. PIG OUT AND OFTEN. BE SICK…ALWAYS SEE YOUR DOCTOR FOR ANOTHER DRUG OR TWO OR THREE…
Rating: 3 / 5

I had to buy this book for a class, but only used it once. It doesn’t really contain THAT much information, and when one has to do research, this in not the best book to use as a reference. If you’re not a student, I’d say it’ll be very helpful, but for students…it is just too simple and doesn’t get into the complicated facts about nutrition or dietetics we really need to learn. I already graduated, and I won’t recommend this book as the reference for a major course in dietetics.
Rating: 2 / 5

This book provides an excellent presentation of the basics of nutrition as well as practical tips to improve health. With all the nutritional quackery floating around, this should be the first source you check to answer your concerns.

That said, the author has a tendency to minimize evidence that contradicts the standard “FDA wisdom”. For example, creatine is the only muscle-building supplement (other than illegal steroids) that has proved effective as a performance enhancer for weight lifters in independent studies. Ten years of studies show no serious side effects to taking creatine. The author argues that nobody should take creatine because there is a possibility adverse side effects will be discovered. That is true, but the same argument is used by irrational pureness religionists who condemn genetically modified foods because they might prove unsafe in the future. The same argument is used to justify all sorts of paranoia and pseudoscience. Rather than labeling creatine good or bad, the author should identify the proven benefits and potential risks and let the reader make a decision based on individual risk tolerance.

Despite the occasional condemnation of things that are probably good, the author never recommends things that are probably bad (like Atkins and all the other quacks out there).
Rating: 4 / 5

There’s a lot of confusion out there with regard to foods. But how do you know who to believe? — What’s the real story on how much water a person should ingest? What’s the best way to manage body weight? How beneficial are dietary supplements? This book was recommended to me by my nutritionist, and it’s been a wonderful guide. Don’t let the fact that this is a publication sponsored by the American Dietetic Association lead you to believe it’s dry; it’s very readable and well organized. There are a lot of terms that doctors and nutritionists use — things like body mass index, phytonutrients, glycemic index, insoluble fibre, and on and on. Things a lot of us would rather not have to deal with, but if we’re going to be serious about our diets, we really should understand. This book gives the reader easy-to-comprehend definitions, as well as suggestions regarding foods in those areas. For anyone interested in losing weight, may I suggest you first take a look at what this book has to offer with regard to healthy eating before spending a lot of money on plans and programs. It contains a wealth of great cooking tips and recipes, as well. Author Duyff notes in her introduction that the book wasn’t written in a vacuum — input from thousands of consumers shaped the publication. The book has answers to SO MANY questions about virtually every aspect of nutrition. All in a 2-inch-thick, 676-page tome for under $25. Such a deal!
Rating: 4 / 5

This comprehensive guide is like having a complete set of “The Encyclopedia of Nutrition” on my bookshelf. It’s not a book to be read like a novel, but has chapters and sections to refer to over a period of time on whatever your interest is that week. If you want a resource for healthy eating in general–or specifically for elderly people or for baby–if you want accurate information on vegetarianism or taking supplements or to look up the symptoms of an eating disorder. If you’re looking for tips on savvy shopping or what the heck trans fats are anyway… This book covers it!

In addition to the chapters there are resources at the back of the book where you can find more specific information on a variety of topics. Charts and tables are provided for easy access to look up facts and figures such as the daily value tables.

This comprehensive reference book was not only written by a registered dietitian, but she was commissioned by the American Dietetic Association to write it. That means you can rely on this book for accurate information backed by science, provided by an agency whose mission it is to promote optimal nutrition, health, and well-being.
Rating: 5 / 5