In 2006, there was no shortage of books promoting healthy eating. Here are seven that measured up.
“What to Eat” by Marion Nestle (North Point Press, $30).
Nestle is one of my favorite nutrition gurus. Her science- based approach, coupled with sensitivity to the environment, put her book at the top of my list. The book is organized around grocery store aisles or departments, and she will help you make sense of the supermarket maze. She takes the complex world of nutrition and makes feeding your family a simple task.
“10 Habits That Mess Up a Woman’s Diet” by Elizabeth Somer (McGraw-Hill, $16.95).
The title says it all: We have some bad habits that mess us up. Somer covers issues like mindless eating, putting others’ needs ahead of your own and the all-or-nothing approach to dieting. Sound familiar? If so, this is the book for you.
“The Healthy Lunchbox” by Marie McClendon and Cristy Shauck (Small Steps Press, $12.95).
This handy little book contains healthy nuggets of nutrition information to help parents prepare lunches that are good for their kids and that kids will eat. Recipes are included, and icons identify recipes that are gluten-free or dairy-free, for children with food intolerances.
“California Squisine” by Malcolm Kushner (Robert D. Reed Publishers, $11.95).
One thing that kids want is fun, and this children’s cookbook contains recipes that are fun and healthy. The premise is that kids will eat healthy food if they can squeeze a sauce over vegetables or yogurt over cereal or fruit. It’s a clever book with easy recipes that kids will love.
“Diabetes Meal Planning Made Easy” by Hope S. Warshaw (American Diabetes Association, $14.95).
This book is a must for anyone who is newly diagnosed with diabetes or for those who need a refresher course. Lifestyle is the cornerstone of diabetes management, and this book will answer all your nutrition questions on how to manage your diabetes.
“Dr. Buynak’s 1-2-3 Diabetes Diet” by Robert J. Buynak (American Diabetes Association, $14.95).
There were so many diabetes books published this year, it was hard to choose my favorites. But this little no-nonsense book will help people with diabetes who need to lose weight. As the subtitle says, “weight loss without gimmicks or risks,” and I could not say it better.
“Betty Crocker Win at Weight Loss Cookbook” by James Hill and Susan J. Crockett (Wiley, $24.95).
Yes, Betty Crocker has gotten into the weight-loss business with this cookbook. However, this is more than a cookbook; it is full of nutrition tips from experts and sprinkled with notes from nutritionists. If you buy only one healthy cookbook this year, consider this one.
Chris Rosenbloom, Ph.D., R.D., is a professor of nutrition at Georgia State University.
