There are a lot of diet wellness books emerging for 2014, but do they work? And how do they impact your wellbeing as an older adult? We’ve looked at three of the top weight loss books for 2014 but, first, there are three points you should consider:
- Are You Vitamin-Deficient? According to wellness expert Kathleen Doheny, ‘As we age, our systems might not be as good as they were at manufacturing Vitamin D in the skin, for instance, and Vitamin B levels can decline, too. Whichever plan you try, ask your doctor if you need a supplement or multivitamin to get enough nutrients.’
- What Medicines Do You Take? ‘Some foods and medicines don’t mix,’ says Doheny. ‘Prime example: grapefruit juice interferes with the way cholesterol-lowering statins work.’
- Are You Eating Enough? ‘Keeping your calorie totals at 1,400 a day minimum will help ensure you get enough nutrients,’ advises Doheny. ‘Whether you are trying to lose weight, improve health or do both.’
Now we’ve covered those points, let’s take a look at three of this year’s hot diet and health improvement books:
1. Your Personal Paleo Code: Our first book up for discussion is Your Personal Paleo Code: The 3-Step Plan to Lose Weight, Reverse Disease, and Stay Fit and Healthy for Life, by Chris Kresser. Doheny details, ‘By eating like our foraging caveman ancestors (kind of) and incorporating physical activity, the plan promises weight loss, reversal of disease and improved fitness and health. The Paleo idea is not new, but this is a new spin. The meal plans suggest high intake of animal protein, along with fruits and vegetables. Egg dishes are plentiful. It assumes we were healthiest when eating like cavemen and cavewomen.’ However, Andrea Giancoli, R.D., a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a registered dietician in Southern California, warns, ‘We really ought to be moving more toward a plant based diet. For people watching cholesterol, [the eggs] might be an issue.’
2. The Calorie Myth: Next, let’s look at Jonathan Bailor’s The Calorie Myth: How to Eat More, Exercise Less, Lose Weight, and Live Better. Doheny outlines, ‘Bailor proposes eating more of the ”right foods” – whole plants, and nutritious proteins to keep us full, satisfied and not overweight. He says to pay attention to foods that are high in water, fibre, protein and vitamins and that are minimally processed. Bailor claims that two 10-minute workout sessions a week are enough to stay trim and healthy… That plan proposes eating filling, nutritious foods so you eat fewer calories overall but still fill your belly, and it’s accepted as sound by most experts.’ Yet Giancoli cautions, ‘Whether it’s a long-term solution is less clear…There’s no need to eliminate fruit choices whether high or low sugar.’ Doheny adds, ‘The exercise programme is too skimpy. Instead, you need at least 30 minutes a day for general health – and more for weight loss.’
3. The Doctor’s Diet: Finally, let’s review The Doctor’s Diet: Dr. Travis Stork’s STAT Program to Help You Lose Weight & Restore Your Health by Travis Stork, MD. ‘The book promises to help with weight loss, better health, disease prevention and longer life,’ says Doheny. ‘Stork’s diet emphasises enough protein and plenty of fruits and veggies. Instead of focusing on weight loss for weight loss’ sake, he lists the health benefits of staying trim, such as less inflammation (inflammation is linked with chronic disease such as heart problems), and better sleep and blood sugar levels (high blood sugar is linked with diabetes risk).’ Giancoli’s verdict is ‘This sounds pretty reasonable…[as does any diet that follows those principles of eating enough fruits and vegetables (five plus servings daily) and having protein at every meal.’