So if diet is 80%.....

parkermegan
parkermegan Posts: 167
in Food and Nutrition
What are some good books and/or resources to help learn about diet/nutrition? I know the basics, sort of. I would love to learn more about how to use my diet as a better tool to lose weight. I would love a good book to read. I looked today, but it was overwhelming because there were soooo many books. Any in particular that pertain to weight loss?? I don't want a DIET book. I want something on eating healthy, but also how to make the right choices for weight loss!
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Replies

  • Pebble321
    Pebble321 Posts: 6,423 Member
    My favourite book about food and how we eat is "In defence of Food" by Michael Pollan.
    It's not a diet book or even an "eating healthy" book, but it does really put food into perspective, and for me it made a lot of sense.
  • marjoleina
    marjoleina Posts: 189 Member
    Real Food Matters by Mark Bittman. It is great. It is not a diet book either.
  • H_Factor
    H_Factor Posts: 1,722 Member
    I don't follow this exactly, but when I'm eating at my best...I follow these principles closer than any others.

    http://www.fasttracktofatloss.com/
  • Michaelarforbes
    Michaelarforbes Posts: 4
    I work at an eating disorder treatment facility and the book we give to all of the clients is called Intuitive Eating. It teaches you how to eat normally and to listen to your body. To stop eating when you are full and to eat when you are hungry. This all sounds so basic but somewhere along the line we seem to forget how to do this. This book is so helpful and are principles that last a lifetime. It is definitely a lifestyle change and not a quick fix program though. I would definitely recommend this book.
  • parkermegan
    parkermegan Posts: 167
    Thanks for the suggestions!!!! :-)
  • mcarter99
    mcarter99 Posts: 1,666 Member
    I think the Pollan, Bittman and Intuitive Eating books are great suggestions. (Sorry, I haven't read the web site recommended above.)

    Sometimes I feel like I've read them all. A favorite of mine is Volumetrics by Barbara Rolls. She's highly respected in the industry, as are Pollan and Bittman.
  • parkermegan
    parkermegan Posts: 167
    Thanks!!!

    Anyone else before I pick up a few?!?!?
  • 9jenn9
    9jenn9 Posts: 309 Member
    I work at an eating disorder treatment facility and the book we give to all of the clients is called Intuitive Eating. It teaches you how to eat normally and to listen to your body. To stop eating when you are full and to eat when you are hungry. This all sounds so basic but somewhere along the line we seem to forget how to do this. This book is so helpful and are principles that last a lifetime. It is definitely a lifestyle change and not a quick fix program though. I would definitely recommend this book.

    This is the book I would recommend as well, especially if you overeat for emotional reasons or yo yo diet. It really made a difference in how I think about food and listen to my body's hunger signals.
  • anwilson_83
    anwilson_83 Posts: 66
    fit2fat2fit is pretty good. its not about diet its about changing your lifestyle. pretty motivating to me
  • lynheff
    lynheff Posts: 393 Member
    The most interesting book on eating I ever read is "Mindless Eating". It isn't a diet book but more about why we eat what and how much we eat. Fascinating stuff.
  • Rocbola
    Rocbola Posts: 1,998 Member
    "Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease" Caldwell Esselstyn (includes recipes) READ THIS ONE ASAP!

    "Engine 2 Diet" Rip Esselstyn (includes recipes) Rip is the only author i listed who isn't a doctor. He is Caldwell Esselstyn's son, and he was a triathlete, now he is a firefighter in Texas.)

    "Eat To Live" Dr. Joel Fuhrman

    "The China Study" Dr. Colin Campbell

    "The Starch Solution" Dr. John Mcdougall

    "80/10/10 Diet" Dr. Doug Graham

    The top one is one to read ASAP! It's not just about weight loss, but how to keep yourself healthy into old age. It's written by one of the most respected heart surgeons in the world, regarding his 20+ year study on diet's effect on heart health.
  • georgiegirl2911
    georgiegirl2911 Posts: 1 Member
    Hey there. Megan, I c you have twins, me too and and have decided to get back into shape after having my 3 girls. Not sure where u r from but here in Australia, Michelle bridges from the biggest loser has heaps of books with recipes and exercise regimes. I've lost 7kg and am loving doing what she recommends. Google her and it will come up with her books. Goodluck.
  • azyaria
    azyaria Posts: 18 Member
    I approach nutrition through the idea of "eating clean", which means that you are eating foods every couple of hours that are natural and healthy vs. processed, fried, etc. (this article explains it in more detail: http://eatingcleanworks.com/what-is-eating-clean.html).

    This is the general idea behind the general diet that lots of athletes follow. I only do moderate activities, but I enjoy this approach because when i'm really following it, I am only eating when i'm hungry and my cravings subside.

    There is a magazine called "Eating Clean" that gives you recipes, does food comparison, gives you a menu of what you can eat each week, etc.

    There is also a few books by Tosca Reno - i recommend "The Eat-Clean Diet® Recharged" - this explains what the diet is, how to apply it in different scenarios (like what to take with you to work? What to eat when your traveling? On the road? With your kids?).

    Good luck!
  • LifeIsNotADressRehearsal
    LifeIsNotADressRehearsal Posts: 745 Member
    Bump
  • parkermegan
    parkermegan Posts: 167
    Love all the ideas!!! I am going to look these up!

    We eat pretty healthy, I think, we don't eat fast food and I try to give me kids as much fresh food as possible (veggies/fruits) and healthier snacks. I'm sure we can improve and not only do I want to lose weight....but my main goal is to be healthier for my family and teach my kids good eating habits and nutrition! I love to know how things work though and the reasons behind things.
  • 1Cor1510
    1Cor1510 Posts: 413 Member
    Bump
  • GetFitE
    GetFitE Posts: 247 Member
    I would look into the "You" books by Dr Oz. I started reading one and it just breaks down how food/macronutrients work and why it's important to you. I think I was reading "You on a Diet", but I can't remember because I have his first two "You" books. But I thought the content was easy to read and understand.
  • eric198
    eric198 Posts: 22 Member
    I recently started Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy: The Harvard Medical School Guide to Healthy Eating. Also, you can read more directly from their site at

    thenutritionsource.org
  • no1canadianangel
    no1canadianangel Posts: 115
    My cousin and her boyfriend are health nuts and they told me about Dr. Jonny Bowden. Look him up, He is awesome! He also has some great recipe books you can check out :)
  • KauandMe
    KauandMe Posts: 45 Member
    Great list! Thanks
  • ChrisRN75495
    ChrisRN75495 Posts: 89
    I guess if you want to buy books, that's fine, but I'm pretty sure no one every lost weight reading.

    Here's the deal. It's very simple.

    Eat a varied diet. 90 percent from plant sources, 10 percent from animal sources (as little from four footed ones as you can stand). Eat as much as you want as long as you follow the 90-10 rule. This is per Dr. Oz. You can see it on his website.

    I still dont know what the "so if diet is 80%...." refers to.

    Avoid white flour, white rice, white sugar.

    Do not eat processed food or fast food or restaurant food.

    It helps if you cook for yourself--burns calories and makes getting your food satisfying.

    If you can't or won't cook, stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables that require little or no preparation. Then eat them.

    Use the tools on this site (or some similar site) under the "food" and "exercise" tabs. I check before I eat sometimes--and sometimes I make a change in my plans.

    I dropped 16 lb in 2 months sticking with this plan.

    I didn't buy a book.

    Maybe this will help you--good luck, everybody.
  • Rocbola
    Rocbola Posts: 1,998 Member
    I guess if you want to buy books, that's fine, but I'm pretty sure no one every lost weight reading.


    I didn't buy a book.

    Whether you buy a book, or get it from the library, or download the ebook illegally, or watch youtube videos, it doesn't matter, but educating yourself on health is a VERY good idea for a well rounded approach to better health.
  • carld256
    carld256 Posts: 855 Member
    If you don't want to spend any money just yet, take a look at this list of free and cheap nutrition books at Amazon. You'll need own a Kindle or download the Kindle software to your desktop, phone or tablet. But, free is worth a little effort.

    I can't speak for the quality of the books listed though, so fair warning.

    http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias=digital-text&field-keywords=nutrition'#/ref=sr_st?keywords=nutrition&qid=1339946445&rh=n:133140011,k:nutrition&sort=price
  • carld256
    carld256 Posts: 855 Member
    I guess if you want to buy books, that's fine, but I'm pretty sure no one every lost weight reading.

    I read while I'm walking, one of the benefits of a treadmill.
  • ChrisRN75495
    ChrisRN75495 Posts: 89
    I guess if you want to buy books, that's fine, but I'm pretty sure no one every lost weight reading.


    I didn't buy a book.

    Whether you buy a book, or get it from the library, or download the ebook illegally, or watch youtube videos, it doesn't matter, but educating yourself on health is a VERY good idea for a well rounded approach to better health.
    I never said any different. There's a lot of free info out there. And no one ever lost weight reading.
  • ChrisRN75495
    ChrisRN75495 Posts: 89
    If you don't want to spend any money just yet, take a look at this list of free and cheap nutrition books at Amazon. You'll need own a Kindle or download the Kindle software to your desktop, phone or tablet. But, free is worth a little effort.

    I can't speak for the quality of the books listed though, so fair warning.

    http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias=digital-text&field-keywords=nutrition'#/ref=sr_st?keywords=nutrition&qid=1339946445&rh=n:133140011,k:nutrition&sort=price
    Love "free" and "cheap." thanks!
  • ChrisRN75495
    ChrisRN75495 Posts: 89
    I guess if you want to buy books, that's fine, but I'm pretty sure no one every lost weight reading.

    I read while I'm walking, one of the benefits of a treadmill.
    Pretty sure you are losing weight because of the exercise. If reading helps you exercise, great! Congrats!
  • Helloitsdan
    Helloitsdan Posts: 5,564 Member
    Most stuff from Lyle McDonald are good!
    The Protein Book.
    Stubborn Fat solution.

    On Lifting:
    Beyond Brawn
    Starting Strength
  • mcarter99
    mcarter99 Posts: 1,666 Member
    I guess if you want to buy books, that's fine, but I'm pretty sure no one every lost weight reading.


    I didn't buy a book.

    Whether you buy a book, or get it from the library, or download the ebook illegally, or watch youtube videos, it doesn't matter, but educating yourself on health is a VERY good idea for a well rounded approach to better health.
    I never said any different. There's a lot of free info out there. And no one ever lost weight reading.

    There's a LOT more free MISinformation out there than there is in books.

    I lose weight reading. It educates me to make better choices and to recognize the misinformation that derails people. Plus I listen to audiobooks while walking and also read at the laptop at a treadmill desk.

    Not to mention reading during your leisure time gets you away from the television with its awful food commercials.
  • lmelangley
    lmelangley Posts: 1,039 Member
    I'm partial to "Food Rules" by Michael Pollan. It simply contains common sense we often forget. Things like food should rot, with the exception of honey, of course. And treats should be treated as treats - not something you eat every day. If someone's grandmother didn't recognize something as food, it probably isn't. There's nothing wrong with potato chips - as long as you make them at home from scratch. (The theory is that if you only eat chips that way, you won't have them often.)

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