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SHAPE UP |
Diet books are traditionally released in January, the "official" start of dieting season. While the trend seems to be moving away from the fad diet, publishers and authors alike still try to come up with a new angle — some sort of hook. Here's a roundup of the latest.
The claim: "Trimmer waist, better health in just 10 days."
The concept: This looks like a better, more practical version of "French Women Don't Get Fat," written by an actual nutritionist and food expert, Connie Guttersen, who is also an instructor at the Culinary Institute of America. She offers practical advice and tips on eating good, healthy, power foods.
Notable: Looks like it could be the winner of the group. Lots of meal plans and great recipes and a pullout guide with portions and food lists.
The claim: The brain is "tricked into being satisfied all day long, so you don't eat when you don't need to."
The concept: By combining foods by flavor at the right time, they're more satisfying and enjoyable, so you don't overeat. More than 100 recipes for maximum eating pleasure.
Notable: Dr. David Katz, a professor at the Yale School of Public Health, really cares if you lose weight and eat healthfully.
The claim: Lose up to 2 pounds per week eating regular food without feeling hungry.
The concept: Use ordinary packaged convenience foods from your local supermarket to lose weight simply and easily.
Notable: More than 100 recipes, many using convenience foods and "triple tested" in Good Housekeeping's kitchen. Also, it takes you aisle by aisle through the supermarket picking the healthiest foods.
The claim: "Men lose on average 28 to 30 pounds and women on average 19 to 20 pounds per month!" Also, a promise of detoxification.
The concept: How can you go wrong limiting saturated fats and sodium and eating good complex carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables, grains and beans)? But losing 20 pounds in one month is probably not realistic for everyone.
Notable: Recipes from the renowned Durham, N.C., Rice Diet Center.
The claim: More energy, improved flexibility, joint stability and balance.
The concept: Verstegen, who runs an elite-athlete training facility in Tempe, Ariz., has come up with a simpler program for the average person. He provides strength-training routines using just body weight and minimal equipment.
Notable: Good descriptive photos of exercises.
Other new releases:
Sound advice for the entire family, including sidebars throughout the book called "Coach's Corner" with advice for difficult situations.
Top South Beach food picks at more than 75 restaurants.
Focuses on behavioral and personal environment components of eating. No meal plans — just good advice, if I may say so myself.
A book for teens, offering practical guidance.
A quick read on common issues faced while dieting. Somer has been writing about women and diet for 25 years.
Noble has a daily fitness lifestyle show, "Urban Fitness TV." Uses "simple props" to come up with an effective exercise program.
Weight resistance how-tos, including more than 100 black-and-white exercise photos.
Offers illustrations of a wide variety of exercises broken down by body parts.
Tsiaras uses images generated by new technology in a health book that's extremely motivating.
Behavioral and food advice to regain self-esteem.
This low-fat, high-protein diet has been scientifically tested with positive results.
Charles Stuart Platkin is a nutrition and public-health advocate. Write to info@thedietdetective.com.
