Low Fat Lies: High-Fat Frauds and the Healthiest Diet in the World

by Mary Flynn and Kevin Vigilante

Book Overview

Most of the time they are boring, tasteless, and leave you feeling hungry -- and they can even be harmful to your health. Those trendy high-fat fad diets like Atkins and Sugar Busters are just as bad.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0895263211
• ISBN13: 9780895263216
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: Regnery Publishing
• Length: 334 Pages
• Weight: 1.44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Education, not scare tactics

Before you follow any diet read this book! It debunks fad diets (Atikins, Ornish, Low-Carb, Sugar Busters, etc.) by explaining the flawed science behind them in words and examples that anyone can understand and introduces the reader to the the Mediterranean diet. Dr.'s Flynn and Vigelante not only speak of "diet" in terms of food but they expand this term to include lifestyle as well. They provide scientific proof of the benefits of olive oil, red wine, and the Italian passegiata (after-dinner stroll). The authors organized the book to be read either cover-to-cover or browsed. The first part is dedicated to debunking the fad-diet myths, the second introduces the reader to the Mediterranean lifestyle and the third includes practical advice on how to introduce this into your life. As an "out of the closet" reader of other diet books, I was pleased to discover that education, not guilt, is the motivator for loosing weight in this book.

Important and thought-provoking

This is a very good book indeed: informative, clearly written, realistic, and practical in its approach. Drawing upon scientific evidence, the authors expose the flaws in fad diets and provide a sound, healthful, and easy-to-follow alternative: the Mediterranean diet, with its modest amount of meat, lots of fruits and vegetables, use of olive oil as the primary fat, and daily glass or two of an alcoholic beverage (preferably red wine). They stress the importance of eating and drinking in moderation as well as physical activity, recommending walking as probably the single best form of exercise. For really exciting recipes, however, I turn to my extensive library of cookbooks. One book that I have enjoyed reading and cooking from immensely is "Recipes and Remembrances from an Eastern Mediterranean Kitchen" by Sonia Uvezian. In addition to recipes for uncomplicated dishes that are not only healthful but also taste wonderful, this fascinating volume contains an important message: slow down and smell the roses. Of the two dozen-plus Mediterranean cookbooks I own, Uvezian's is by far my favorite. I was amazed at how compatible "Low-Fat Lies" and "Recipes and Remembrances" are in their philosophy; one book actually reinforces the other. In reminiscing about her eastern Mediterranean childhood, Uvezian describes precisely the life style Dr. Vigilante encourages. The region's love affair with food in general and vegetables in particular and the gardening, walking, biking, dancing, and socializing are all part of her memories. Vigilante's Italian "passeggiata" (daily promenade) is Uvezian's "shamm al-hawa" (smell the air) and serves the same purpose--in the doctor's words "a source of exercise, fellowship, relaxation, communication, psychotherapy, street theater, and pure amusement." "Low-Fat Lies" and "Recipes and Remembrances" have deepened my understanding and appreciation of the Mediterranean diet as no other books have, and I recommend them both very highly.

WONDERFUL!

This book is wonderful! Not only doesn't it provide the information you need for a healthy heart and body, it also sheds some light on fad diets that can be confusing and very difficult to follow. I love bread, pasta, potatoes, and corn but I've always wondered why these carbs where always being bashed, perhaps because of the information in Low Fat Lies people will no longer have to feel guilty for enjoying these and all foods in moderation.

Read if you are confused by all the conflicting diet claims

This is a very good book. If you have wondered where the truth lies try this- it is based on population studies and real evidence. The Zone, Atkins, Sugar Busters and the low fat recommended diet, all advocating different ways- how can we know which is the right way to eat? Well, despite what their authors claim where is the evidence for any of the above? If you are confused or have tried these various options and failed, do read this. It is sound, realistic and tested by time. It is a great way to eat and not expensive. No special bars or mixes, no counting carbs, proteins or computing combinations. It recommends more than just a diet it is a way of eating that is tasty,cheap,easy and proven- the Mediterranean Diet. Calories do count but portion control is the way to do it-not constantly worrying about numbers. If the authors read these reviews I would make one request and that is that they make the recipes available on line (ok,for a price), in Mealmaster format

Finally, a healthy diet that really works!

Kudos to Dr. Vigilante and Dr. Flynn for writing the best book on health and nutrition that I've ever read! If you are looking for guidance to not only lose weight, but also lead a healthy lifestlye, this book is a must read! In it, they expose the hidden dangers of low fat diets that we've been subjecting ourselves to for years, explaining the science behind the nutrition in a very understandable way. I read the book in only a few days, it was that enjoyable and interesting to read! Even better, they don't just promote the Mediterranian diet, they tell you how you can easily apply it to your life; and the recipes really are delicious and easy to make. Living and eating well don't have to be difficult anymore!