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Book & DVD Reviews
Below are recent books and DVDs we have reviewed in addition to essential books for everyone's libary.

 
The World's Healthiest Foods: Essential Guide for the Healthiest Way of Eating
by George Mateljan [ISBN: 0976918544].
Review by Joan Shumaker
I am estactic to find this book!! I have been studying good nutrition on my own for years as I have been focusing on creating healthy recipes or reworking recipes to maximum the nutrition I receive at every meal. The author of this book has organized extremely valuable information in an beautiful reference guide that is easy to follow and understand. It also includes special links to the author's foundation web site to view "how-to" video's as well as a 4-week curriculum to use in creating your own "Healthiest Way of Eating" groups! I'm planning to start some of these groups in my area as well as rework all of my recipes to follow the techniques in this book.
 
For each food mentioned in the book (100 of them!), George Mateljan provides: nutrient information, why it should be part of your healthiest way of eating, varieties, the peak season, special considerations, the way to select, the best way to store, the best way to prepare, the healthiest way of cooking, and recipes. He also includes a shopping list! This book is a vital reference to "how to get the most nutritional bang out of each bite!"--which has been my pursuit since the early 90's.

George Mateljan founded and ran Health Valley Foods for 26 years. Then he sold the company about 10 years ago and started a foundation to educate people on healthy eating. His web site is: www.whfoods.org
 

 Food, Inc.

[ASIN: B0027BOL4G]

Review by Joan Shumaker

 

After you see this documentary, you will think more carefuly about the food you buy or the restaurants at which you eat!  This documentary isn't intended to fill you with fear but hope--that YOU have the power to change the food that is available at your supermarket, local restaurants, AND, most importantly, what's on YOUR table!

 

The documentary is 94 minutes and well worth your time.  After you watch it, develop your on game plan.  Here are a few ideas:

 

  • Take stock: Review the food products in your kitchen.  Gradually eliminate the bad stuff.
  • Get educated: Learn what healthy food should be in your diet by reading articles, books such as The World's Healthiest Foods (see above), or useful web sites ( see Eating Well for Life Healthful Links)
  • Be a scout: start scouting the local supermarket for healthier choices
  • Learn to read: Make it a habit to READ labels before you buy.  If you are over 40, don't forget your reading glasses!.  Here's a link to help you understand what you are reading: http://www.fda.gov/Food/LabelingNutrition/ConsumerInformation/ucm078889.htm
  • Check the menu: Before heading out the door for lunch or dinner, check the restaurant's web site.  Many restaurants have nutritional information on their web site to help you make healthier choices.
  • Ask questions: Ask waitstaff or grocers questions about the origin and freshness of the food.
  • Research the origins: Check the origin of your fresh produce or meats.  Read the labels. Read the menu.
  • Watch where the fish swim:  Stay up to date on fish to avoid.  See the Seafood Watch list.
  • Subscribe to U.S. FDA email recall lists: Visit the FDA site and look for the subscribe link.
  • Teach others, especially your children:  Pass on what you learn so they can make healthier choices.  Train children's tastebuds earlier and you will find they will easily choose fresh fruit over "empty calorie" foods.
  • Keep reading . . . and learning: Stay informed and get educated by reading articles on healthy eating habits.  Just about every publication that you pick up today or read online contains at least one article regarding eating healthy.  In addition, you may want to tap into the wealth of information on our "healthful links" web page!

 

 

Supermarkets and suppliers respond to the demands of the consumers and eating establishments.  Do your part!  And in doing so, you will help yourself and your family be heathier!