Books Advise On The Healthy Eating

If you’re seeking advice about the right foods to eat, the good news is that there are many books on the subject. The bad news is there are as many opinions as there are authors. Experts abound on the subject of eating -- after all, we’ve all been practicing eaters our entire lives. Then the doctors get involved, and it really gets complicated. What a surprise then that it’s a doctor, and one from Harvard Medical School no less, who brings us a commonsense, practical and easily understandable guide to healthy eating.

In "Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy: The Harvard Medical School Guide to Healthy Eating," Dr. Walter C. Willett and the Harvard School of Public Health present the conclusions of the most up-to-the-date research in a way that makes sense. Not only that, it seems pretty reasonable when they explain it. Most of it’s not news, but in this book facts come together in a way that is useful and compelling. You’ll not only understand the changes you need to make, you’ll want to make them tomorrow.

Dr. Willett and his team promise the information "will substantially improve your chances of remaining healthy and active to an old age." Though by definition you can’t get your personal proof for years, there are two compelling motivators to take the advice to heart. First, it just makes so much sense. It’s some of the stuff you’ve always known and some of the stuff you’ve heard about but haven’t understood until now. The bigger motivator may be this -- most of the advice isn’t all that hard to take. According the Harvard boys, you can drink your coffee, enjoy a glass of wine, and even eat some high-fat foods.

Early on the in the book, the USDA Pyramid is vilified as a big part of the problem. Willett refers to it as "wishy-washy, scientifically unfounded advice." That is one of his kinder descriptions. He goes on to say that the "misinformation contributes to overweight, poor health, and unnecessary early deaths." "Eat, Drink and Be Healthy" debunks the worst of the USDA’s advice. All fat is not bad, all carbohydrates are not good, and dairy products are not essential (they’re not even all that good for you). In perhaps his most damning comment, Willett says:

"The thing to keep in mind about the USDA Pyramid is that it comes from the Department of Agriculture, the agency responsible for promoting American agriculture, not from agencies established to monitor and protect our health ... You deserve more accurate, less biased, and more helpful information."

Willet explains how tough it is to synthesize the research on human eating and its impact. As he points out, we don’t eat ’people chow’ day in and day out. Accurately tracking dietary intake and the results is a real challenge. At this point he’s convinced there’s enough hard data for the book to include solid conclusions, and they’re all backed by references to specific research.

The core of the book is the Harvard team’s list of the seven healthiest changes to make. Their first advice -- watch your weight. According to the book, it may actually be true that you can’t be too thin. That’s tough to read for all but that small group of very thin people who either possess tremendous discipline or super-hyped metabolism. But you’ve really always known it. From reading the book, we’re more convinced of the link between weight and health. There are no new secrets about how to lose weight and maintain a lower weight (does diet and exercise ring a bell?). But there is a clarifying explanation of how and why trying to eat less fat has made us fatter.

Which leads to point number two. According to the book, we’re supposed to eat fat, just not most of the types of fat we’re offered. There are good fats and bad fats, and in this book you’ll learn which are which. Olive oil and canola oil are low in saturated fat, and the fatty types of fish, nuts, and even peanut butter all contain fats that are good for you. As long as you remember that first point about your weight, eating the right kind of fat is a necessary (and enjoyable) part of a healthy diet. Life is good!

On the other hand, watch out for the saturated fats, like those found in high levels in dairy and beef products. Even worse are the trans fats. Dr. Willett will have you pulling things out of your pantry reading labels, looking for the tell-tale signs of the dreaded trans fats (like partially hydrogenated oils). You may be surprised, and dismayed, by how often you’ll find this on the ingredients lists for processed foods.

The other key points are standards made new. Eat grains, but replace your refined grains with whole grains. Choose chicken (or nuts) instead of beef. Eat your fruits and veggies, and kiss those potatoes goodbye. Take a vitamin every day. Again, Willett takes information you already knew and gives it better definition and more logic. And the book doesn’t preach extremes; there aren’t many always and nevers in the recommendations. Moderation is the key.

Which leads to what may be the most controversial of his seven pieces of advice -- Willett advises alcohol in moderation as being healthier than abstinence. Now of course you aren’t advised to start drinking if you don’t drink now, and all the many concerns about overuse of alcohol are presented. But the research suggests that one to two drinks a day is actually good for you.

On the downside, Willett and his team get a little high-handed at times. Willett’s own expertise is overplayed, and there is a sense of superiority in the book that can be off-putting. You know those Harvard types. But my advice is to get your serving of "Eat, Drink and Be Healthy" at your next trip to the bookstore. There might be a good reason for the attitude. Their advice makes a lot of sense.

Source: Ivanhoe News

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