3.80

4

Jan 22, 2009

Do you like McDonald's Caesar Salad with crispy chicken?

You probably shouldn't. At 410 calories and 19 grams of fat, a Quarter Pounder (minus the cheese) weighs in healthier than said chicken salad that contains 550 calories and 32.5 grams of fat.

I suppose you could always dump the special Paul Newman salad dressing and toss the cheese, cutting the calories almost in half.

When I'm not following Weight Watchers, I will occasionally pick up Jack-in-the Box's Southwest Chicken Salad. Yummy! But Do you like McDonald's Caesar Salad with crispy chicken?

You probably shouldn't. At 410 calories and 19 grams of fat, a Quarter Pounder (minus the cheese) weighs in healthier than said chicken salad that contains 550 calories and 32.5 grams of fat.

I suppose you could always dump the special Paul Newman salad dressing and toss the cheese, cutting the calories almost in half.

When I'm not following Weight Watchers, I will occasionally pick up Jack-in-the Box's Southwest Chicken Salad. Yummy! But again, it is not as healthy as I thought it was with 590 calories and 39 grams of fat. Their Hamburger Deluxe is only 280 calories - total shocker!

And there are plenty of do's and dont's when grocery shopping.

For instance ...

I was annoyed - seriously! - to see Smart One's (Weight Watchers) Lasagne Florentine on the "not this" list. It contains 10 grams of sugar - who knew? Instead, Michelina's Roasted Red Pepper Spaghetti with only 270 calories and 6 grams of fat was suggested.

Bummer!

Capri Sun - only 10% juice with 26 grams of sugar. Ouch!

Yoohoo's (remember these?) - only 110 calories and 1 gram of fat

Weight Watcher's (AGAIN) Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwich - 140 calories with 12 - count them - TWELVE grams of sugar!

Fudgsicle Fudge Bars - 100 calories
OR
Popsicle Sugar-Free Cherry - only 15 calories and 0 grams of fat (Woo Hoo!)

Honestly, this book was good in that I am a little more conscious about what I buy at the grocery store and how I order when we eat out. There is even a semi-great section for kids. It contains a break-down of their daily needs in calories and vitamins by age. Suggestions on which foods boost energy and promote better behavior (um ... yeah ... right!)

Another good thing about this book is that is includes "Menu Decoders", "Hidden Dangers" (ie. a large Sonic's Minute Maid Cranberry Juice Slash, the Ryan Seacrest of drinks, has more sugar than 3 sodas), and "Weapons of Mass Destruction" such as Romano Macaroni Grill's Spaghetti and Meatballs with 2,430 calories per serving and three times your daily recommended intake of saturated fat. Yikes! That ain't your momma's meatball!

What did I dislike about this book?

It is marketed as the "No-Diet Weight Loss Solution".

Come on! If you eat a Double Quarter Pounder at Mickey D's every day and wash it down with a couple of YooHoo's, who's really going to lose weight?

...more

1

Jan 26, 2008

This book is terrible. I read this book during a slow day at the bookstore where I work, and I was disgusted. A book that suggests you can lose weight by making the giant lifestyle decision to eat a Big Mac instead of a Whopper is mostly likely authored by Satan. It also offers genius advice on which entree at Chipotle packs the least calories, as well as the healthiest menu item at TGI Friday's.

Honestly, if you eat fast food everyday, switching from the fillet o'fish to white meat McNuggets is This book is terrible. I read this book during a slow day at the bookstore where I work, and I was disgusted. A book that suggests you can lose weight by making the giant lifestyle decision to eat a Big Mac instead of a Whopper is mostly likely authored by Satan. It also offers genius advice on which entree at Chipotle packs the least calories, as well as the healthiest menu item at TGI Friday's.

Honestly, if you eat fast food everyday, switching from the fillet o'fish to white meat McNuggets is probably the least of your worries. If you thought your cholesterol level was too low on your last doctor's visit, or if you really don't want to live past 50, this is the book for you.

This book is great for anyone who wants to "diet" by not dieting at all. Also great for those who have no desire to shed the extra layer of blubber that keeps us so wonderfully warm and toasty in the winter. ...more

3

Aug 21, 2008

I came to this book by way of Eat This Not That! for Kids: Raise a Lean, Healthy, Happy Child!. I was pretty riveted by that book, mainly because the amount of horrible things in fast food and pre-packaged foods for kids is practically indecent. So when my library emailed me to let me know that Eat This Not That: Thousands of Simple Food Swaps That Can Save You 10, 20, 30 Pounds-or More! was waiting for me, I quickly washed down my Big Mac with my super-sized coke and rushed right over.

I wasn't I came to this book by way of Eat This Not That! for Kids: Raise a Lean, Healthy, Happy Child!. I was pretty riveted by that book, mainly because the amount of horrible things in fast food and pre-packaged foods for kids is practically indecent. So when my library emailed me to let me know that Eat This Not That: Thousands of Simple Food Swaps That Can Save You 10, 20, 30 Pounds-or More! was waiting for me, I quickly washed down my Big Mac with my super-sized coke and rushed right over.

I wasn't really eating a Big Mac at the time, but one of the things that I learned in this book is that if I was going to, that would be a better option for me (at 540 calories and 29 grams of fat) than a Whopper with cheese (760 calories and 47 grams of fat).

This book is full of information like that, and its point isn't necessarily to educate you about the healthiest foods, but rather the healthier options. There are sections on fast food, supermarket foods and drinking, among others, and in each foods are compared to each other, with the reasoning behind the choices explained.

It's a pretty good book to check out if you're looking to improve your diet, and depending on how much you already know about nutrition you can take a little (or a lot) of knowledge away from it.

You can learn about things like:

Grill flavor: An ingredient in some Burger King items, like the TENDERGRILL Chicken Sandwich and the breakfast sausage. The "flavor" is actually partially hydrogenated soybean oil.

Gag.

Or that a bean burrito from Taco Bell isn't that bad for you (340 calories, 9 g fat). If you ask for it "fresco" style they'll replace the cheese and sauces with chunky tomato salsa, which cuts even more fat and calories.

Fresco style. Who knew?

Sushi = good for you. Hooray! But soy sauce = bad for you. Groan. (A single tablespoon of soy sauce has over 1,000 mg of sodium.) But did you know you're not really supposed to dip your sushi in soy sauce, anyway? At a good sushi place, the chef will serve the sushi exactly as it's supposed to be eaten.

So: try the sushi without the soy sauce. Or use a low-sodium soy sauce.

Educational!

Here's a good one. Did you know that regular Oscar Mayer bacon is better for you than Oscar Mayer turkey bacon? They both have the same amount of calories and fat, but their turkey bacon has more sodium. Way to throw us one from left field, Oscar! Tricky, tricky, tricky.

Did you know that Hellmann's makes a cholesterol-free mayonnaise? It uses canola oil instead of soybean oil, and has half the calories and fat of the original. That's one of the products to which I'll be switching.

I could go on and on about what I learned from this book, but I think what's important is that everyone who reads it will take away something different. But I think everyone who reads it will learn some pretty painless ways to improve their diet and nutrition, and in this day and age I think it's a good thing to arm yourself with this kind of information. It will help you to make healthier choices. Even at McDonald's. ...more

5

Feb 27, 2009

I've read lots of diet books over the years. I can spout the downfalls of Atkins and South Beach Diet in my sleep, and there was a two-month period in my early 20s that I ate pretty much nothing but rice and steamed vegetables. But diets like that aren't practical, especially when you're a working mother also trying to sneak healthful foods in on two preschoolers, and trying to omit food dyes and boost omega 3 foods for the kiddo with ADHD.

So forgive me for a minute as I do a happy dance for I've read lots of diet books over the years. I can spout the downfalls of Atkins and South Beach Diet in my sleep, and there was a two-month period in my early 20s that I ate pretty much nothing but rice and steamed vegetables. But diets like that aren't practical, especially when you're a working mother also trying to sneak healthful foods in on two preschoolers, and trying to omit food dyes and boost omega 3 foods for the kiddo with ADHD.

So forgive me for a minute as I do a happy dance for finding Eat This, Not That. Without sounding cheesy, this is really a book that can change the way you eat, and most importantly, the way you shop.

The best thing about this book is that it includes name brand recommendations and photographs of the food packaging, so there's not a lot of guesswork about what foods are preferred choices and why they are better. Think turkey breast is turkey breast? Guess again. This book will help you pick the brand that's the most nutritionally sound.

Another favorite feature -- the photo illustrations of the "perfect fridge". The author has assembled the best of the bunch in every category just to make your shopping list building a little easier.

I love this book. I got it from the library, and fully plan to buy it and use it as a reference moving forward. It's common sense nutrition information and advice for real people that are trying to make the healthiest choice possible and wade through the sea of marketing and confusing product packaging. I'd call it a must read for anyone that eats. Period. ...more

5

Jun 18, 2008

This book was good and bad. Here’s why:

GOOD: If this guy was writing as a secret advocate of the fast food industry, it totally worked on me. All I want to eat is fries and ice cream and pasta and burgers and taco salads. The pictures in the book were very tempting. Hmm...maybe this should not be listed under the “good” part of my review.

I liked it the most that it does not tell you what NOT to eat, but what to eat instead. And it breaks down meals from so freakin’ mant restaurants you would not This book was good and bad. Here’s why:

GOOD: If this guy was writing as a secret advocate of the fast food industry, it totally worked on me. All I want to eat is fries and ice cream and pasta and burgers and taco salads. The pictures in the book were very tempting. Hmm...maybe this should not be listed under the “good” part of my review.

I liked it the most that it does not tell you what NOT to eat, but what to eat instead. And it breaks down meals from so freakin’ mant restaurants you would not believe it. So let’s say you don’t want to go totally with the “healthy” food at McDonalds. You can pick and choose because it gives you good and bad choices that actually correspond with each other. I hate it when they (whoever) suggest that instead of the fries that you are craving that you should eat 1/3 of a baked eggplant and dink 3 glasses of water with lemon. HELLO? When I want some fries I either need fries or something SIMILAR. I don’t care if the eggplant and water fill me up. I am not interested in that. I am interesting in feeling some hot, crispy, salty fries in my mouth. My stomach will just have to deal with it, filling or not. So anyways, this book subs in healthy stuff that is actually close-ish to the unhealthy.

Also, the book is not exclusively for certain diets, like no-carbs. It is a general guide to making better choices. It compares sodium where sodium is a problem, for example. So it is a little bit of everything for everyone. And because seriously, a diet has got to accommodate eating out. This one says, “Hey..you are going to do damage. Such is life. Here’s how to do a little less damage.”

Oh! And in addition to the restaurant stuff it does comparisons of stuff like salad dressing, breads, cookies, etc. Cool.

BAD: I am craving fries. And curly fries. And a Slurpee, which is weird because Slurpees were not even in this book.

It would be nice to have a pamphlet version of the book or something to take with me wherever I go. A lot of the stuff that was a bad choice surprised me a lot. I’m not sure if I can remember it all on my own.

Also, toward the back of the book where it does product comparisons, there were a few products that were repeated. Ok, except they were not repeated exclusively as good or bad choices. Like Kraft Zesty Italian. In comparison to the other items on the page it was either better/good or worse/bad, but I can’t remember which is which.
...more

4

Jan 12, 2011

We had great fun with this book as a family. So much so that I went out and bought 2 additional versions. Rick and I keep shooting each other looks and shuddering over shared memories of dinners at Outback Steak House where we would split an Onion Blossom without leaving so much as a stray crumb of breading...before we tucked into our enormous dinners. Turns out that in so doing we were consuming over 1000 calories each...before we tucked into our enormous dinners.

It also explains why so many We had great fun with this book as a family. So much so that I went out and bought 2 additional versions. Rick and I keep shooting each other looks and shuddering over shared memories of dinners at Outback Steak House where we would split an Onion Blossom without leaving so much as a stray crumb of breading...before we tucked into our enormous dinners. Turns out that in so doing we were consuming over 1000 calories each...before we tucked into our enormous dinners.

It also explains why so many of my days ended with me in tears lamenting over not being able to zip my size 16 jeans and pushing the old size 2 jeans further and further toward the abyss that is the back of the closet.

My kids were fascinated by the numbers (because they are stone cold nerds) and have actually started making note of their food choices (produce colors and snack portions). Today, Henry asked if we could eat at Johnny Rocket's and we asked him what grade he thought the book would give it he decided that burgers at home would be a better way to go. When I served up sweet potato rounds and kale chips on the side, mentioning the colors and nutrition, he munched away...I won't say happily, but without commentary.

I deducted one star b/c the author foolishly tells his readers that they are not overweight by their own actions but b/c the food industry has amped up portion sizes and snuck stuff into the food. Bollocks. That's all I have to say about that. And I know a little something about it b/c those back-of-the-closet jeans eventually fought their way back to the light. Unfortunately, I couldn't wear them anymore b/c some of the zippers were broken and I could no longer find 10" long jeans zippers to replace them. Also mysteriously absent from the stores by that time? Thong bodysuits to wear to aerobics. Go figure.

...more

3

Jul 05, 2008

As I strive to alter my eating habits and head toward a healthier lifestyle, I find myself more and more attracted to things like this book. It features eight chapters of full color, info packed pages--each chapter, with a different emphasis.

The first identifies 8 foods you should eat every day and 20 to avoid at all costs. Yes to yogurt and black beans (probably not together! blech!). No to a Burger King Triple Whopper with Cheese, Fries, and a King size Coke. (2200 calories)

Chapter two As I strive to alter my eating habits and head toward a healthier lifestyle, I find myself more and more attracted to things like this book. It features eight chapters of full color, info packed pages--each chapter, with a different emphasis.

The first identifies 8 foods you should eat every day and 20 to avoid at all costs. Yes to yogurt and black beans (probably not together! blech!). No to a Burger King Triple Whopper with Cheese, Fries, and a King size Coke. (2200 calories)

Chapter two examines 60 different restaurants and identifies the best and worst meals to be found and why. Even though my community doesn't have many of the restaurants in the book, it's the WHY that I find particularly helpful. Here's one thing I learned--mayo is the devil.

Chapter three offers a menu decoder that provides strategies for eating right at any restaurant. Avoid taco salads, soy sauce, and iceberg lettuce (not much nutrition in the iceberg variety).

Chapter four provides a holiday survival guide.

Chapter five takes you through different products you might buy at a supermarket. Avoid the Lean Cuisine butternut squash ravioli.

Chapter six provides a healthy beverage guide.

Chapter seven suggests the right foods for dealing with all kinds of situations: stress, when you are trying to have a baby, when you want a good workout, etc. Peppermint tea helps with stress. Spinach salad is good for the sad.

Chapter eight has suggestions for kids.

I found that while even though many of the specifics for restaurants don't apply the healthy principles behind their recommendations and warnings still did. ...more

4

Jan 26, 2011

This book was shocking and unreal. I could not believe some of the facts I discovered. I have and will continue to change the way I eat and think a lot better about what this "food" can do to my body.

Sure, its okay to indulge, but these facts are staggering and I wouldn't want my own children to eat this stuff. That is all it really comes down to...stuff.

This can't be food, its just not right, but it is called food and we as the human race have come to accept genetically altered and lab This book was shocking and unreal. I could not believe some of the facts I discovered. I have and will continue to change the way I eat and think a lot better about what this "food" can do to my body.

Sure, its okay to indulge, but these facts are staggering and I wouldn't want my own children to eat this stuff. That is all it really comes down to...stuff.

This can't be food, its just not right, but it is called food and we as the human race have come to accept genetically altered and lab experiment toxins and chemical agents to be pumped into our fast and furious food to make it all appealing to the eyes and mouth.

Our bodies take the toll and by the time we make connections, it can be too late.
I will never look at Skittles or hamburger patties the same way again, I gag at the thought of a McDonald's Triple thick milkshakes, and I wish that Coldstone Creamery was so much healthier. As for the fast food industry itself, I am just sad.

Since I read the 2010 version of this series, I have decided to swear off all soda for a year and so far I am successful. One month and three days down, 11 months to go. Its actually not that hard. I have no craving for the stuff and when ever it is available, I have carbonated water. It's like pop and its only water, healthy choice. ...more

4

May 04, 2011

I really enjoyed this book. It was so much more than a diet book. The writing style of the authors was really fun as well as informative. Its not a fad diet, instead its full of information helping you to make better choices about what you are eating as well as portion size and when to eat to help boost your metabolism. It contains alot if nutrition information of various foods as well as fat and calorie content. It talks about choosing food with more nutritional value instead of just empty I really enjoyed this book. It was so much more than a diet book. The writing style of the authors was really fun as well as informative. Its not a fad diet, instead its full of information helping you to make better choices about what you are eating as well as portion size and when to eat to help boost your metabolism. It contains alot if nutrition information of various foods as well as fat and calorie content. It talks about choosing food with more nutritional value instead of just empty calories and starving yourself is not doing your body any favors. It also encourages excercise including tips to be less sedentary while working an 8 hr a day sit down job. Overall I thought this was a relly good book and recommend it to anybody just wanting to lead a healthier lifestyle. ...more

1

Mar 16, 2009

this book should be re-titled as "don't eat this OR that."

seriously.

3

Aug 25, 2010

I borrowed this from a friend and the premise is interesting. I suppose if you eat this kind of stuff everyday making the change from "God-awful" to not quite as bad is definitely a step in the right direction. And I know people who do eat this stuff all the time. I try to be a bit smarter than that, but it's good to know what things might take a little longer to kill me when I decide to hit the fast food drive thru!

5

Apr 28, 2010

I picked this book up because I was working on a topic for a weight loss group presentation. Anyone interested in, not just weight loss, but a healthier lifestyle should add this book to their reading list. It’s not the kind of book you sit down to read on a Sunday afternoon but WOW is it packed full of information. I found so much information in this single book that I could have used it to do several meeting presentations (and just might). After going through this book I picked up the Eat I picked this book up because I was working on a topic for a weight loss group presentation. Anyone interested in, not just weight loss, but a healthier lifestyle should add this book to their reading list. It’s not the kind of book you sit down to read on a Sunday afternoon but WOW is it packed full of information. I found so much information in this single book that I could have used it to do several meeting presentations (and just might). After going through this book I picked up the Eat This! Not That! Restaurant Guide and am slowly working my way through that one as well … let me tell you, there are some pretty scary numbers in there if you are trying to maintain any semblance of healthy eating when you go out. The positive thing, it offers you choice options and even some recipes to make those restaurant favourites at home in a healthier manner and for less money. Even if you are not interested in the topic next time you are in a bookstore just page through one. They are fun books to look through and I’ll wager you have more than one “I didn’t know that” moment. ...more

4

Dec 29, 2010

I got this (well, actually the 2011 version) for my boss who eats at Hooters like everyday and wants to lose his potbelly but refuses to give up junky food. A lot of it's the lesser of two evils, so if you're super jonzing for some fries and you want to TRY to be good, you'll learn that KFC's wedges are actually pretty sensible. It also has a sweet grocery guide where it's not the lesser of two evils, but the better choice, period, arming you for smarter shopping. I started reading it and was so I got this (well, actually the 2011 version) for my boss who eats at Hooters like everyday and wants to lose his potbelly but refuses to give up junky food. A lot of it's the lesser of two evils, so if you're super jonzing for some fries and you want to TRY to be good, you'll learn that KFC's wedges are actually pretty sensible. It also has a sweet grocery guide where it's not the lesser of two evils, but the better choice, period, arming you for smarter shopping. I started reading it and was so interested, I wound up getting my own copy (super cheap off amazon)so I wouldn't wind up dogearing his. I'm already pretty health conscious and am not one of America's obese, but it's got a lot of interesting facts and really changes the way you think about eating out. It's not just calorie tips, but also fiber, sodium and sugar, so you're more aware of what your intake really is composed of. I'd recommend this for pretty much anyone who eats out in America, or goes grocery shopping, even if just to skim. It'll definitely steer you clear of the Cheesecake factory, I tell ya that much. ...more

2

Jan 17, 2011

This is just my opinion, mind you, but I think this book is stupid. For a few reasons:

1. They call this a "reference." Something you will look to when you are making decisions. However, it only gives you 1-3 options at each restaurant. So, what if I don't want a chicken sandwich at Carl's Jr? You won't know what else to choose. Not a very good reference if you ask me.

2. They don't explain WHY you should choose one food over the other. Yes, they give some nutritional information, but how is the This is just my opinion, mind you, but I think this book is stupid. For a few reasons:

1. They call this a "reference." Something you will look to when you are making decisions. However, it only gives you 1-3 options at each restaurant. So, what if I don't want a chicken sandwich at Carl's Jr? You won't know what else to choose. Not a very good reference if you ask me.

2. They don't explain WHY you should choose one food over the other. Yes, they give some nutritional information, but how is the average-joe supposed to understand? Or make healthy choices on foods that are not included in the book if they don't understand the WHY of healthy food?

3. This will not help people who make home cooked meals. This is for packaged/process options & restaurant/fast-food eaters. Which, to me, isn't a healthy way to eat. This book will not teach you to eat healthy; just help you with the ability to choose the better of two bads.


I did, however, enjoy reading how horrible foods are in America. For example: A Baskin-Robbins Chocolate Oreo Shake (Large) is 2600 Calories and has 135 grams of fat!!! WOWZA! (And sick....) I gave it two stars for the enjoyable gross-out factor.

Would not recommend this book. ...more

2

Apr 14, 2009

During my junior year of college, the new Cougareat opened and I found myself buying a plate of Chicken Alfredo several times a week. I have never liked marinara sauce with its chunky tomatoes and enjoyed the option of a creamy, white sauce that tasted so much better. I honestly never thought about what ingredients might make it taste so good.

Then, somebody (I can't remember who) told me that a serving of alfredo sauce was equal to eating thirteen pieces of bacon. While I have never verified During my junior year of college, the new Cougareat opened and I found myself buying a plate of Chicken Alfredo several times a week. I have never liked marinara sauce with its chunky tomatoes and enjoyed the option of a creamy, white sauce that tasted so much better. I honestly never thought about what ingredients might make it taste so good.

Then, somebody (I can't remember who) told me that a serving of alfredo sauce was equal to eating thirteen pieces of bacon. While I have never verified that piece of life-changing information, I have never again been able to eat Alfredo sauce with the same abandon. Then carb awareness came along followed by Jay's Celiac diagnosis and pasta dishes, in general, has been in my "not worth it" column ever since.

I was hoping reading this book would turn a bunch of my favorite guilty pleasures into mental alfredo sauce. Gross me out-of-love, you know? Sadly, it didn't. The foods I knew were bad were still bad and the foods they suggested replacing the bad foods with were the menu items I skip over. Forget the picture on the title that has a Big Mac and the words "Foods that can save you 10,20,30 pounds or more!" Totally misleading. Most of the foods swaps are for items that don't hang out in the same neighbor hood as its fatty evil cousin. If you really want to lose weight, you should probably try to nix that eating out all the time habit. Besides, I don't go to Chili's for their wilty vegetables and canned black beans. If that's all I can have, then I'll go with guilt or not go at all.

Moreover, other than the fast food chains, we don't have any of the restaurants showcased in the book where I live. I think it would make a handy reference guide for someone in a city or suburb of a city whose lifestyle includes a lot of eating out. Otherwise, this book can easily be replaced by using common sense and moderation.
...more

5

Oct 23, 2012

Excellent ideas in this book. The theory behind Eat This, Not That is a lifestyle change--instead of going on a diet, you tweak your diet to consume more of what's good for you (protein, fiber, and healthy fats being the big 3 to watch) and less of what's not (namely bad fat and empty calories). And you don't have to give up the foods you love, or even go hungry. Instead of severely limiting your calories, you just eat nutritionally dense foods, which have fewer calories overall anyway. So you Excellent ideas in this book. The theory behind Eat This, Not That is a lifestyle change--instead of going on a diet, you tweak your diet to consume more of what's good for you (protein, fiber, and healthy fats being the big 3 to watch) and less of what's not (namely bad fat and empty calories). And you don't have to give up the foods you love, or even go hungry. Instead of severely limiting your calories, you just eat nutritionally dense foods, which have fewer calories overall anyway. So you feel better, function better, and the stored fat in your body just melts off.

My favorite parts of this book are the build-a-food matrixes. This book shows you what to start with and what to add on to build easy, delicious, and very healthy green salads, deli salads, fruit salads, smoothies, and trail mixes. The book also offers plenty of ideas for each meal and snacks, whether you're at the drive-thru, the grocery store, or home.

Another great part of this book is the voice--the authors explain things in unique and hilarious ways. Totally fun just to read. ...more

4

Aug 09, 2012

Quickly read through this one and the kids version. Both worked as a great reminder as to why I should never eat at restaurants except for very special occasions. Most restaurant meals are loaded with fat, salt, and other unsavory items that I need to avoid. The book is easy to read with lots of pictures and graphics and facts that shock. My one criticism is this: on some pages there were group comparison in which, for example Doritos made the "Eat This" page and pita chips made the "Not That" Quickly read through this one and the kids version. Both worked as a great reminder as to why I should never eat at restaurants except for very special occasions. Most restaurant meals are loaded with fat, salt, and other unsavory items that I need to avoid. The book is easy to read with lots of pictures and graphics and facts that shock. My one criticism is this: on some pages there were group comparison in which, for example Doritos made the "Eat This" page and pita chips made the "Not That" page. Huh? I think we were supposed to compare the pita chips pictured in one group to the pita chips pictured in the other group but I found it to be misleading. I realize that Doritos may be a better choice, than say, Cheetos, but can't we just say to avoid them both? I also think whole groups of food should probably be regulated to the "Not That" group (frozen pizzas, pre-made breakfast sandwiches, pop-tarts for example). I realize he's finding the least offensive and most offensive within every group of grocery foods, but some foods should just be avoided, period, in my opinion. ...more

4

May 27, 2011

After reading this book, I am convinced that the food (labeling) industry is one of the most corrupt. It is unbelieveable how much they get away with. Low fat may be just that, but when more salt is added to make the taste still be good, is that any better? What I've learned:

- Labels mean basically nothing. Read the ingredients.
- Mayo and high fructose corn syrup are evil and they are in a lot more food than you would think. Read the ingredients.
- The best is to make your own food at home. After reading this book, I am convinced that the food (labeling) industry is one of the most corrupt. It is unbelieveable how much they get away with. Low fat may be just that, but when more salt is added to make the taste still be good, is that any better? What I've learned:

- Labels mean basically nothing. Read the ingredients.
- Mayo and high fructose corn syrup are evil and they are in a lot more food than you would think. Read the ingredients.
- The best is to make your own food at home. You know exactly what is in it. Always take left-overs home from a restaurant as their serving sizes are way above what the body needs.
- Salads are not a great option, when slathered in dressing. Many times, they have more calories than chicken or beef dishes.
- Once again, do your own research. The food industry is trying to sell you stuff, not watch our for you or your waistline. ...more

2

Oct 11, 2009

the main idea of this book is to help you find out whats good to eat and whats not. it helps you find the just right foods, that help get full. and not gain a lot of weight, this book is a guide book. for people who want to lose weight but dont what to work out. it helps you find the perfect comintment that you can agree with to help you lose weight.
i can connect to this book becuase if i really wanted to lose weight. and didnt know how i would look for a book like this . but i get a work out the main idea of this book is to help you find out whats good to eat and whats not. it helps you find the just right foods, that help get full. and not gain a lot of weight, this book is a guide book. for people who want to lose weight but dont what to work out. it helps you find the perfect comintment that you can agree with to help you lose weight.
i can connect to this book becuase if i really wanted to lose weight. and didnt know how i would look for a book like this . but i get a work out everyday at school when i have to walk up and down the stairs at school. i think this book can connect to a lot of people who want this kind of help.
i gave this book 2 out of 5 stars becuase it was a very detail book. it was like a non ficton book, but if anyone whats to lose weight. or diet they should get read this book. becuase it will help you out a lot. but if you dont want to lose weight then dont read this book. ...more

5

Sep 09, 2018

A simple, well illustrated title that is just the right size for skimming. However, it is full of shocking facts about the food we eat. The FDA allows companies to include toxic chemicals and contaminants in low amounts in the food that they serve. This book helps you look at the food you eat and hopefully make wise decisions before you eat it. The book also compares similar items and shows you that you do not have to give up taste to save on calories, fat, and salt intake. A very handy A simple, well illustrated title that is just the right size for skimming. However, it is full of shocking facts about the food we eat. The FDA allows companies to include toxic chemicals and contaminants in low amounts in the food that they serve. This book helps you look at the food you eat and hopefully make wise decisions before you eat it. The book also compares similar items and shows you that you do not have to give up taste to save on calories, fat, and salt intake. A very handy reference guide that should be kept close at hand. NOTE: Does include a few recipes in the back of the book. ...more

3

Apr 02, 2008

This was a cute, brief, little book that helps you to fully understand what you're putting in your mouth when out to eat. I liked how it spelled out 3 or 4 healthier options per restaurant featured, and that it featured restaurant chains at both ends of the price spectrum.

However, what I enjoyed reading most were the last few pages that gave suggestions on what to eat when you're in a particular scenario, such as "When you wanna get in the mood, eat this..." and "When you want to stave of This was a cute, brief, little book that helps you to fully understand what you're putting in your mouth when out to eat. I liked how it spelled out 3 or 4 healthier options per restaurant featured, and that it featured restaurant chains at both ends of the price spectrum.

However, what I enjoyed reading most were the last few pages that gave suggestions on what to eat when you're in a particular scenario, such as "When you wanna get in the mood, eat this..." and "When you want to stave of depression, eat this..." ...more

5

Apr 02, 2010

This book has changed the way that I shop at the grocery store. Just looking at the ingredients, the grams of sugar, grams of fiber has helped me to realize that things I think are healthy are really loaded with additives and sugar. No wonder our nation struggles with obesity and weight control. It was an easy read, interesting and, I confess, makes me want to study more and learn healthy things to feed my family.

4

Oct 13, 2010

This book is helpful if you use it right. The amount of fat and calories in common restaurant meals is down-right shocking. I suggest reading in conjuction with The End of Over-eating. The later has the why behind why our food is so bad and how to combat this situation and the former has the proof.

3

Jan 15, 2008

Got this from a woman in the locker room of my gym. At first I thought she was trying to tell me something, but apparently she works at the publishing company and had multiple copies. It's actually a pretty interesting comparison of chain food restaurants and a good dissection of restaurant menus.

5

Oct 02, 2009

A fun book if you're interested in nutrition, but are a novice. The book has an attractive layout with lots of pictures and interesting info. I'm not sure anyone should read it for the "saving pounds" part, but it is entertaining. There are versions for kids and to take to the supermarket (the most useful) as well.