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102 of 104 found the following review helpful:
 I love this book. Jul 07, 2005
By gay denesse
This book is packed with information, and confirms what I always felt to be true about nutrition. There aren't alot of recipies, which only reflects on the simplicity of the Mediterranean style of eating. I have dozens of cookbooks, I really didn't need another one. With this book, I was inspired to use all of the fresh produce that I already enjoyed, but in a simpler and healthier way. I was also able to release any guilt about using whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables, just because it was a carb, or just because it was a fat. It really makes sense to me. Keep it simple. Leave out the processing.
82 of 84 found the following review helpful:
Very good book about a healthier way of eating Mar 30, 2005
By Sharon K. Lewis
I really liked reading the Mediterranean Diet book. It is very imformative and helpful in giving out good common sense nutritional information. I have not tried any of the recipes in the book yet, but I plan to in the future. I have been eating a "Mediterranean style" diet for the past year and I have lost 20 pounds and feel better. I do not cook a lot of fancy gourmet meals, but I cook very simple meals made from natural ingredients. I avoid fast food and highly processed food as much as possible. I eat more fresh fruits, veggies, whole grain cereals and good quality fish and chicken. I use extra-virgin olive oil in most of my cooking and limit my intake of sugar and processed sweets. Most of my snacks and "desserts" consists of fruit,plain yogurt,olives, nuts and other natural foods. I feel much better since I stopped eating all the processed fast food junk loaded with chemicals. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to learn how to eat healthy. If the food is natural and unprocessed and doesn't have any artificial ingredients, then it is healthy.
114 of 120 found the following review helpful:
Recommended by my gastro Jul 16, 2002
I was recommended this diet by my gastro after being diagnosed with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) & acid reflux. I had tried the Hawaii Diet and liked it allot but it had no protein and I found that a drag.
So I got this fellow and lemme tell you, it's very complete. They discuss and make allowances for everything under the sun. No thinking just follow the servings and oila I feel better, I lost weight and I get to eat protein.
But seriously this is a very complete book with thorough discussions of every aspect and a pyramid that leaves nothing to chance.
43 of 43 found the following review helpful:
A simple, clear approach to eating well and staying healthy Jul 09, 2006
By a reader
Research has shown that the traditional Mediterranean diet is one of the safest and healthiest in the world. People who follow it have significantly lower rates of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. This book offers dietary wisdom and practical advice in language that is easy to understand. In addition to providing nutritional information, an eating plan, and an exercise plan, it emphasizes the importance of strong social ties and of dealing with stress efficiently.
The Mediterranean diet works because one can stay with it for life without feeling deprived. There is ample variety, the dishes are not difficult to prepare, and the ingredients are generally inexpensive. When combined with moderate exercise and reduced levels of stress, it can help to maintain good health as well as proper weight. Having said this, however, there is a larger aspect to the Mediterranean diet, which the authors of this book make clear: it is part of an overall philosophy of life in which food is treated with reverence and is savored in an atmosphere that celebrates the joy of sharing with family and friends. Eating healthful food is essential, but it is not enough.
As far as recipes are concerned, although this book does include some I think you will be able to enjoy Mediterranean food more fully if you take advantage of actual cookbooks that are devoted to the subject of Mediterranean cuisine. For health-conscious cooks who are unwilling to renounce the pleasures of eating well, one of the very best is Sonia Uvezian's "Recipes and Remembrances from an Eastern Mediterranean Kitchen," which I use regularly and which features hundreds of authentic recipes for great-tasting, nutritious, and satisfying dishes.
60 of 63 found the following review helpful:
Good, with some reservations May 30, 2007
By Granny
If you are looking for a book written specifically for losing weight, this is not the book for you.(There is one chapter on losing weight.) If you are looking for a book to help you determine the best diet for good health, this is the book for you.
Pros:
Very well organized
Very well researched
Very detailed
Interesting
Includes the Mediterranean lifestyle as important as the diet
Cons:
Although the author, a dietitian, says the Mediterranean Diet is the best for health, she chooses to change it by adding canola oil and decreasing the amount of eggs allowed.
One needs to do research on canola oil before using it as freely as olive oil. Canola oil is a modern phenomena, unlike olive oil that has been used successfully for centuries.
The author discusses a study that showed, along the Mediterranean coast of Spain, eggs were eaten at almost every meal, but heart attacks were a rarity. But, still, the author suggests eating no more than four eggs a week. Modern science has determnined that eggs do not affect cholesterol levels and if eggs high in omega-3 are chosen, they can be beneficial.
I think the book would have been improved if she had just reported the research that shows the Mediterranean Diet to be healthy instead of adding her own "knowledge" that contradicts this historically healthy diet.
There are a few recipes at the end that I have not tried yet, so can't review that portion of the book.
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