Book Review: The Flexitarian Diet

Lately I feel like we can all agree that there has been a shift in the way we think about food. Consumers are becoming more aware of what they are putting into their bodies and not only that but, where it comes from and  how it's made or grown. It's a wonderful thing!

 

Where I'm going with this leads me into another book review...The Flexitarian Diet! Now more than ever I feel like people are making the choice to be vegetarian or vegan. I tried it for a month or two back in college and it was not for me. What I do love, however, is Registered Dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner's perfect combination: Flexitarian.

 

The Flexitiarian Diet is the perfect combination for those who love the idea and benefits of being vegetarian or vegan but don't want to give up those special occasion steak dinners or hefty servings of turkey at Thanksgiving. Flexible + Vegetarian = Flexitarian! 

 

 

I found this book to be quite informational. It breaks down the "five flex food groups" which are new meat (aka vegetarian protein sources), fruits & vegetables, grains, dairy and sugar/spice.

I also enjoyed the "troubleshooter" boxes which provided great tips and inspiration throughout the book.

The majority of the book is the Five-Week Flex Meal Plan which includes five weeks worth of breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some recipes include a "flex swap" if you prefer animal protein sources. There are also grocery lists included for each week.

Overall, the idea behind this book is to try and make at least one change. By making at least one change it will hopefully jump start other healthy changes down the road. Don't think about the meat meals you're missing, but rather the vegetarian meals you're adding.

You could start with a Meatless Monday recipe!


Purchase The Flexitarian Diet book Here


? What diet or health book do you recommend? ?
 

Book Review: Joy's Life Diet

Time for another book review! This book was written by one of my favorite dietitians...Joy Bauer! I actually had the opportunity to see Joy speak in Michigan during my dietetic internship. She's definitely someone I look up to professionally. You can watch her on the Today Show and see previous clips here! (click on Joy Bauer on the left hand side under "contributors")

 

Let's get into the book review shall we?

 

 

Joy's Life Diet book is centered around "four steps to thin forever." It walks you through how to change your lifestyle and eating habits for good. This isn't a fad diet but rather a lifestyle change that promotes "reprogramming" your appetite and the way you eat.

 

Some takeaways I liked from this book include:

 

Drink plenty of water

 

Eat 3 meals per day plus a snack

 

Incorporate lean protein, fruits/vegetables, whole grains and reduced fat dairy

 

Get off that couch and move!

 

I also enjoyed the inspiring weight loss success stories shared throughout the book!

 

 

 Like most diet books, this one included meal plans (6 weeks worth!) as well as tons of recipes!

 

 

 What I didn't care for in this book was the "foods allowed" versus those not as part of the first few steps of the plan. I think having the mindset of forbidden foods only increases people's desire for them.  You need to learn to acknowledge cravings with a bite or two and move on. Don't let food control or define you.

 

Overall, this book would put many people on the path towards success. The stories leave you inspired and the meal plans are straight forward. Bottom line, eating healthy is a way of life...how are you living yours?

Buy this book and others written by Joy Bauer here


? Do you have any diet book suggestions for my next book review? ?

 



The Eat-Clean Diet Stripped

Happy April!!! I still can't believe it's April...where did the last 3 months go?! I hope none of you are victims of pranks today! ;-)


Last week I read "The Eat-Clean Diet Stripped: Peel Off Those Last 10 Pounds! " by Tosca Reno. My first book review! I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I usually turn my nose up to "diet" books because they're full of empty promises and leave consumers disappointed. Plus, most of them offer plans that aren't realistic or even healthy. This was a quick read and was the perfect balance of words and pictures.

The goal of this book is to help you "lose those last 10 pounds." It promotes "eating clean" while adding strength training and cardio. Here are some takeaways that I liked and would promote myself:

Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day (2-3 hours apart)

"Eat Clean" by eliminating processed or chemically laden foods

Incorporate lean protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats

Drink plenty of water

Don't be affraid of weights!

The book also contained a 2-week hypothetical meal plan as well as plenty of recipes.

There was one specific part of the book where I would disagree. Dairy is frowned upon during those 28 days. Dairy contains lactose (which breaks down into glucose or sugar in our bodies) and the book states, "avoid foods high in natural sugars." Personally, I think low-fat dairy is an important part of a healthy diet and is a great source of vitamins, minerals and lean protein.

Overall, I think this book could help those looking to make healthy changes in their life. While not all the information is factual, the message is still clear: Clean up what you put in your mouth!

? What "diet" or healthy lifestyle books have you enjoyed? ?