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Summary: Another extraordinary work from Dr. Weil
Review: Dr. Weil, arguably today's leading figure in integrative health, continues to educate the public on nutrition with his latest book. I ordered it almost immediately after hearing about it, and it has secured a permanent place on my shelf. Filled with essential information on fats, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins, the text provides a lucid explanation of what we need, how much we need, and how it will affect us. As always, the good doctor is both learned and on target. For instance, he debunks the myths surrounding the "fad diets" of today, such as Atkins, Sugarbusters, the Zone and so on, and shows how such ways of eating do more harm than good. Other big pluses: excellent treatments of omega-3 fatty acids, shopping for organic foods, and alternative choices to the poor quality food most readily available today. Be prepared for eighty-five mouthwatering recipes ranging from Roasted Vegetable Soup to Raspberry Chocolate Pie -- delicious! The appendices are also vital, containing dietary advice for those who suffer from a number of ailments such as arthritis, asthma, kidney problems, ulcer, etc. For those who feel Dr. Weil's plan is too "inconvenient" for one reason or another, consider this: how inconvenient is it to stuff your body full of toxins and then suffer the consequences? Indeed, if you want to start heading down the road to health, follow Dr. Weil's guidelines -- your body, mind, and spirit will thank you for it.
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Summary: Bravo! A Harvard Doctor who knows his Nutrition
Review: First off Dr Weil writes in a mature non-fluff manner that will appeal to well educated women but MEN too! So many books dealing with health and weight issues do not, sadly. I have all of Dr Weils books and I love this book because unlike most "diet experts" he is both a physician as well as a man well versed on nutrition. I had read and tried the Weight Down book and it seemed to sophomoric to me. Some of us just need a book geared to our backgrounds and needs/wants. But I found his suggestions workable and being Harvard trained he appealed to me because I am a Stanford woman <g> and prefer books that challenge my mind and deal with the science of life which Dr Weil certainly does. I must admit I gave up butter years ago for a "Can't Believe" product <g> and am cooking with olive oil only now thanks to Dr Weil. And while he does encourage people to eat more fish, he also gives alternatives for vegans/vegetarians, which I appreciated. It all comes down to common sense with Dr Weil. I have his 8 Weeks book and it has helped me as well. Dr Weil also covers areas like walking which he notes only requires a pair of shoes. It is interesting because I took his advise and weaned myself off of Diet Pepsi and now drink much more water and he is correct, it does make your body work better and thus gives you more energy, makes your skin look better and the water is flushing your system out, making your kidneys work better and in turn you lose weight better. Oh and another thing nice about the book,is you read a bit, put the book down and read more etc etc and you actually digest what he is saying and realize it makes sense and WORKS!
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Summary: NOT THE DOG I EXPECTED
Review: Dr. Andrew Weil's latest effort is quite palatable, really, much tastier than I expected. I am a veteran of many "fad" diet books, and I expected the same old meat and potatoes from Dr. Weil. I mean, how many different ways can you say: "eat smart" and "exercize often?" Apparently you can say it MANY different ways because a lot of "doctors" are making money off those axioms. Dr. Weil is friendly-looking, bearish sort of man with a jolly beard and a disarmingly glossy bald head. He writes like he looks, friendly and glossily. He glosses over the real issues, like most fad diet books, but he makes it friendly and fun. Which is nice. If I wanted to deal with the real issues with my diet and weight, I wouldn't read a book about diet and weight. I wouldn't read a book at all. I would join the YMCA. But Dr. Weil makes it all sound so easy and fun, so you immediately feel ashamed when it doesn't come as easily as he makes it sound. His daughter's section is nice, which makes me think that the people who write these books should be users, not doctors. All in all, good fun and big laughs. Keep em coming, "Doctor" Weil!
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Summary: Step by step with Dr. Weil~
Review: I have read all of Dr. Weil's books and continue to find them well-written and practical. I don't think there is anyone who would not benefit from this book. I would like to suggest to readers that they check out "The Omega Diet" by Dr. Artemis P Simopoulos. As you read, I think you will find much of Dr. Simopoulos's research and writing echoed in Dr. Weil's new book -- this woman is a pioneer, she has been writing for many years on the subject of nutrition. Dr Weil lists this book himself under "suggested reading" in the back of his book.Do yourself a favor and read her book, try the recipes and enjoy feeling more full of vitality day by day. I hope she writes a cookbook soon! It would be interesting to team the minds of Dr. Weil and Dr. Simopoulos-- publishers are you listening? Good health!
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Summary: Overall very good, but . . .
Review: An excellent book that will probably force you to re-examine your eating habits, if not actually change them. A lot of Weil's advice is both impractical and unrealistic (if you eat chicken it must be free-range chicken, for instance), and at there are some gaps in his work. His recommendation on milk, for example, is to avoid it because a small portion of the population may be allergic and because of its high fat content (what if you're not allergic and use skim milk instead?). Nonetheless, you will come away from this book armed with very useful knowledge and recommendations.
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Summary: Livable Guidelines
Review: I have read several health related books and this one touches most of the basics. His guidelines are focused on the average over weight American. The concept of glaucemic index is a new one to me, but makes a lot of sense. This will not wake anyone up or get anyone to make drastic changes in their lifestyle. It only covers the basics.
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Summary: Basic ~ Simple ~ Effective...
Review: Eat Well for Optimun Health, is the start of just that. As one reads this book the impression is , "Oh, Sure" but as the information sinks in... "It's Oh, Wow" I CAN do this, and make a difference in my own life. I was very impressed with the section of Health Problems, and ways to improve them through diet and supplement,in short easy to understand and follow suggestions. The idea of adapting and using different Ethnic Diets was intrguing too.
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Summary: State of the art thinking on nutrition
Review: For me, reading this book was like discovering a secret white paper about what humans are supposed to eat. Like most consumer items, our (American) food supply is a mass produced profit driven business. For example, Dr. Weil explains why staple American food components such as white flour, hydrogenated fats and high fructose corn syrup are popular due to their ease of manufacture and low cost characteristics. Finally, here is an explanation of what is good and bad as well as why these items are in our food chain. As a person with a technical background, I found it entertaining as Dr. Weil frequently jumps in and out of somwhat techincal descriptions to explain his concepts. A scholar of nutrition would find these technical discussions light, but I can see how a reader not familiar with science might become burdened with some of the material. Nonetheless, this book has forever changed my understanding of what the body requires to remain healthy and ultimately, what I eat. This isn't a diet book, but rather guide to the care and feeding of humans. I recommend this book as a state fo the art sensible approach of modern thinking about human nutrition.
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Summary: Health for Beginners: Eat and Share
Review: I placed an order for this book when I've read in Amazon.com reviews, that Dr. Andrew Weil is a leader in the new field of integrative medicine, which combines the best ideas and practices of Western and alternative medicine. Really, with certainty, compassion and humour Dr. Weil addresses management for the intake of our food. But, unfortunately, I found it very basic. I think that this book is best for people who are just beginning to explore natural health. Buy this book if you want the real facts of nutrition. But I was really hoping for more. So I guess I would recommend the book, but not highly, because it's just too intellectual and not a practical enough guide. What is especially cool is that Dr. Andrew Weil invites his readers to visit his website and share our experiences on his program. Are you ready? Sure, I don't.
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Summary: Eating well: Not a simple process
Review: This is a well written practical book on nutrition. There is a fair amount of technical material which is somewhat difficult (i.e. the difference between cis and trans fatty acids) but these issues are important to a complete understanding of the topic. Nevertheless, as I read the book, it became apparent to me that it is no simple task to routinely eat in this manner. Our society has put a premium on fast unhealthful foods and this is what we find on every street corner of America. It is nearly impracticle to find the items suggested readily available and prepared appropriately in one's day to day life. Additonally there is the cost differential whereby I can obtain farm raised Salmon for $4.99 per pound vs. "wild salmon" at $16.99 per pound! While it is not impossible to follow the authors recommendations, we need to recoginze their importance and create a way for all to eat healthfully without it being so burdensome.
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