Diet Books

Stephen Jay Gould had a gift for raising popular science writing to the level of literature. He is by turns profound, humorous and insightful. If you have never read any of his essays, you have missed the fun of a brilliant scientist writing engagingly about what he loves most.

Once more, with feeling! Damned if Dr. Gould didn't do it again, or, more accurately, kept right on doing it. In this eighth collection of his monthly essays from Natural History magazine, Stephen Jay Gould continued his exploration of how science works (and doesn't). His reading and comprehension of history, both natural and social, produce delicious juxtaposition, insight and humor. Month after month in what became the longest running science commentary series ever to see print. Gould is adept at finding the particular instance which illustrates the general, and discerning errors of presupposition which stymie or paradoxically further scientific inquiry. In one of the title essays of this collection, for example, he demonstrates that Leonardo Da Vinci's motive for analysis of fossil clams -- a study which appears in retrospect to be marvelously modern and ahead of his time -- was offered in defense of an extremely antiquated and fallacious view of the earth as a living body. In other words, Leonardo got the right answer for the wrong reason, and though he knew his view of the earth was flawed, he never got beyond his backward bias. So, while we tend to view Da Vinci as a prescient wizard, he was perhaps more of an obsessed antiquarian, albeit a brilliant one. Great stuff in here about dodoes and Irish elk, neanderthals and missing links, princes and principles, with the arts, artists and religious texts thrown in for good measure. As I have said before ( see reviews of BULLY FOR BRONTOSAURUS, W.W. Norton & Company, 1991, and QUESTIONING THE MILLENNIUM, Harmony Books, 1997), Gould was one of our greatest modern essayists.

Gould's eighth collection of essays from his long-running feature in "Natural History" magazine explores the human history of scientific discovery; the use of observation to bolster preconceived notions and theories, and mistaken, sometimes humorous interpretations of fact.

Gould organizes the book in six broad categories: "Art and Science," "Biographies In Evolution," "Human Prehistory," "Of History and Toleration," "Evolutionary Facts and Theories," and "Different Perceptions of Common Truths."

With his customary eloquence and classic organization, Gould opens each essay with an intriguing anecdote leading to a brief discussion of his subject, then a clear statement of his intent. In the opening piece on Leonardo da Vinci's paleontology (the book's best and the one Gould himself admits to being "most proud of") Gould acknowledges the "truly prescient character" of Leonardo's observation. He then raises "two questions that expose the early-sixteenth-century context of Leonardo's inquiry: first, `What alternative account of fossils was Leonardo trying to disprove by making his observations?' and, second, "What theory of the earth was Leonardo trying to support with his findings?"

Leonardo's startlingly modern observations were employed forcefully to disprove that Noah's flood was the cause of fossil distribution or that fossils were some mystical outgrowth of rock itself. Leonardo's theory, shored up by his accurate observation, argued that the earth was a macrocosm of which man was a microcosm: "as man has within himself bones as a stay and framework for the flesh, so the world has the rocks which are the supports of the earth." Painstakingly, Leonardo proved his quaintly elaborate analogy with a wealth of breathtakingly accurate fossil detail.

This fascinating contrast of fact and human interpretation joyfully engages the reader in Gould's humanist views. While many of these myths have become famous for revealing cultural prejudice - women are inherently non-scientific, the best cave paintings must necessarily be the most modern, the dodo was an inferior evolutionary design - Gould's approach celebrates the vigorousness of human intellect in misguided pursuit.

Gould, who was evolutionary biologist and professor of zoology and geology at Harvard, makes his arguments from many sources, educating the reader on lesser known scientists and theories and revisiting favorites such as Darwin and the persisting misconceptions about the theory of evolution.

His elegant, stately prose conveys his own fascination and amusement and celebrates intellectual accomplishment, however mistaken.

Readers of Gould's other collections of science essays will be delighted with most of the material he presents here. With his usual scope and fine prose, he presents us with carefully researched and captivating subjects. All his essays are stimulating exercises in challenging traditional ways of thinking on a wide spectrum of subjects.

The opening essay on Leonardo da Vinci provides a picture of a thinker challenged by mysterious evidence, expertly addressed. Da Vinci displays more humanity here than revealed by viewing his works. Fossil seashells at mountain peaks were puzzled over for centuries. Leonardo's vivid analysis might have enhanced scientific inquiry greatly if his ideas had not ran counter to church dogmas.

The remaining essays span the usual gamut of resurrecting the reputations of scientists now often lost to view. While restoring some scientists in our estimation, he manages to erode that of others just a bit. Huxley, having been knocked off a high pedestal by an earlier essay of Gould's is subtly chided here once more for racist opinions. Richard Owen, who used some truly underhanded tactics in responding to Darwin's theory of Natural Selection, is given more leniency. Racism is a durable commodity, as Gould himself readily admits in describing his own feelings about taxing pedal-powered vehicles in Africa. It behooves him to grant Huxley a bit of leeway. Huxley, 'Darwin's Bulldog' in his unqualified support for natural selection, must necessarily be besmirched a bit in keeping with Gould's own efforts in evolutionary revisionism.

Having addressed NOMA in comments about Gould's bizarre work ROCKS OF AGES, dwelling on the essay here would be inappropriate. Suffice to say, the concept verges on the irrational, a rare circumstance in Gould's otherwise fine collection. Far more impressive are the two essays, As the Worm Turns and Triumph of the Root-heads are among his best work. Every new discovery in biology raises our consciousness of our place in Nature. The description of the bizarre parasites inhabiting the body's of crabs is a superb challenge to rigid thinking about evolution's methods. We're frequently reminded that evolution never works 'backwards', but this essay confirms again how unpredictable life can be in adapting to new environments. Keep this book where the children can reach it. It will provide hours of delightful reading - not just one reading, but many.

As Stephen Jay Gould's writes another book of thought provoking essays, here he toys with us with the title to this book.

The title is about two seperate essays and they are well written. Understanding nature itself is what Gould is doing here... making a point in his customary brillance. There are short biographies, puzzles and paradoxes, all the time Gould is leading us through his thought prossess and reasoning.

This is a very good collection of essays and well worth the time to read.

Read and enjoy.

This is a good book for information, but I haven't discovered anything totally new. It's still very good though. Beautifully done.

MIND OVER BODY far exceeded my expectations. In this book, Nordine has finally nailed the truth about weight and happiness. All you ever needed to be slim, happy and healthy is in this fabulous book. I recommend it to everyone who is tired of the same old approaches to fitness, health and life in general.
MIND OVER BODY'S approach is easy, fast and amazingly effective.

W. R. Gower

Having read many books over the years on self help, diet, nutrition, and exercise, I think this is one book that should be in your library. It is a simple book with simple recommendations that will result it huge gains. Having practiced the suggestions I have seen a whole transformation in my mind and my body. As a actively fit orthopedic surgeon, I see this book as a must read for anyone trying to improve themselves. Having met Nordine personally, I see that he practices what he preaches. In addition to the book Nordine is one author who responds to questions and suggestions.

A MUST HAVE BOOK !

Nordine Zoureg has written a life saving book. It reaches far beneath the conscious level of thought and explores the underlying belief systems that dominate and define our lives. Simple adjustments to those beliefs and understanding ones true "core desire" will create permanent positive change. Pysical fitness is really a by-product that is received from practicing Nordine's mind over body philosophy. Because I am satisfied with myself, I am experiencing a marked improvement in the quality of relationships with family, friends and co-workers. That was unexpected, but has by far been the most rewarding.

Nordine Zouareg captures the essence of the Body-Mind connection with his easy to read and follow Mind Over Body book. It becomes a way of life. It is my bible that is next to my bed for some late night reading. I have personally cut down on my exercise and have lost more weight and toned my body. It is easy to realize that life is not a struggle. Mindful meditation and body work can produce results. There are no more excuses not be be healthy. It is the perfect gift for friends and family of all ages.
Jenni Lipa, Spa Trek Travel, New York City.

Got this book on reccomendation from my Childs Allergist. It is a very informative and easy to understand book. My son was diagnosed with a peanut allergy at 12 months just from my aunt kissing him after eating peanuts so we were shocked at the reaction to peanuts he has. This really helped us to understand and relax somewhat.

My son was recently found to have peanut and fin fish allergies. This book was great for both my husband and I. Easy to read and very informative. Every parent who has a child with peanut allergies must read it!

This is a great little book. It's a fast and easy read, but some how it manages to pack a ton of accurate material in there anyway. I bought a copy to give to my peanut allergic sons' teachers - and they actually read it. That tells me that it truly is an easy read - and that isn't a slam on teachers - it's just that they usually don't have time to read any of the info I bring them on peanut allergy.

It isn't hysterical - it doesn't call for peanut bans in school - but it does take it very seriously and gives the reader the information necessary for them to make their own decisions about how to deal with the allergy.

I highly recommend this book to anyone recently diagnosed with, or having a child diagnosed with peanut allergy. Grandparents and other close family would also benefit from this book. (This should also be on the reading list for daycare employees and teachers!) Peanut allergy should not be taken lightly because of the serious consequences (which most people seem to be ingnorant about).

This book is written in an easy-to-read question and answer style and covers all aspects of the condition. I have learned so much from this book and continue to reference it. I have highlighted many passages and am quick to show them to family or friends when they just don't seem to be "getting it".

I can't recommend this book enough!

This is the most thorough book I've read on peanut allergies. You probably won't find this information on the internet, because most of the answers are substantiated with trials performed by experts.

The book is set up in a question and answer form. All the questions are listed in the contents with pages showing where to find the answers. It is also easy to read, so you won't be stumbling over annoying medical jargon.

As the editor of DolceDolce.com I reveiw dozens of anti-aging books as well as cook books. Cheryl as captured the best of both. Her recipes are mouth watering. You can tell a chef was at work in this book. Her health information is fabulous. She doesn't miss a trick: skin, hair bones, weight, she covers it all. She lets you know what and how to eat to stay healthy, vital, vigorous, --and ageless. This is a great reference book for women of all ages; shop with it and cook with it!

First we want to grow up; then, we want to look younger! Positively Ageless gives advice on how to take care of ourselves inside and out. I've met Cheryl Forberg and she is a perfect example of practicing what she preaches. This book touches upon every aspect of maintaining health and the recipes are doable and delicious. That's what I want to be --'positively ageless'. Thanks.

For those of us wanting to keep our bodies healthy and as "ageless" as we can, this book is a hit! The easy to understand examples (like the oxidizing apple...) are great, and the no-nonsense research is fascinating and well-written. And the recipes are terrific too -- so far, of the 4 I've tried, all are yummy! Great book...

Finally! A book by someone who's knowledgeable about the subject of antiaging nutrition. I saw her on television and she really knows her stuff.
I've read a few popular antiaging books and I liked Positively Ageless better because it is written from the perspective of a nutritionist who is also a professional chef. She makes the subject easy and logical to understand. Her recipes sound and taste great. I even made two of them myself so far which is a first for me.

I felt like a new person after following Dr. Cheryl's nutritional advice. I lost weight, but more importantly, I looked great! Everyone commented on how much I glowed after a few weeks of following the plan.

Ms. Owens book is the best book out there for a total body and life transformation. She gives practical easy to follow advice. Her book does a great job of combining many different aspects to achieve health and longevity. A must read for anyone wanting to feel and look better.

In my opinion, this book beats the Skinny Bitch book everyone's reading which is one dimensional, and I question the nutritional knowledge of the author's. The Power of 4 on the other hand, is educational, informative, and multi-dimensional as it delves into all aspects of one's life. It gives one an opportunity to change physically, spiritually, and emotionally. It's obvious the author is very knowledgeable and she's presented the information in a way that's easy for anyone to understand and follow.

I personally found this amazing book extremely helpful. The philosophy and knowledge to maintain a heathly life style is exceptionally informative. I would highly recomened this book for anyone that wants a complete heathier life style.

Norma Meredith
Music Teacher

I am a busy mom of three little girls and this book simplifies an overall approach to well being and a positive lifestyle that I can start using today. It was hard to put the book down, because I was so eager to learn more about the author's overall approach to health. Finally a book that is comprehensive and understandable!

This book is not the typical "miracle diet book", it truely is a complete guide to transform your life. This step by step guide is easy to read and understand.(I finished it in two days!)Just reading it is motivating! It totally inspired me to make changes that I have wanted to make for a long time. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a no nonsense, realistic guide to achieving good health.

Years ago I ate on the food exchange system (which is what the pyramid is) and maintained my weight and felt very healthy. It is very easy to do once you know how. I had slipped away from that kind of eating and gained a lot of weight so I bought this book to refresh my memory of it and update. I am very glad I did as this book is very helpful and has ideas on how to implement it. I haven't tried any of the recipes yet but they sound very good. If you're interested in eating on a food exchange system which I think is a very healthy lifelong way to eat, to help you with more delicious recipes the New Better Homes & Gardens cookbook notes the exchanges (based on the pyramid) in the nutrition section of each recipe. My Mom always cooked from these cookbooks. Another good book to help with portion size is The Portion Plan by Linda Gassenheimer which has wonderful hand visuals for portion sizes. Good luck!

She makes this book easy to read & easy to follow. She breaks down the complex pyramid and makes it simple to undertand just how much of what you should be eating. An easy way yo get a good balance into your lifestyle. No quick fads, no "no this or that". Real life, real food with all the trimmings. Just the right amounts.
The only way to lose weight and keep it off. Great book! Can't wait for her new one to come out in March!

This book was given to me as a gift, and what a wonderful one it was. Zied's book was easy and fun to read. This is definitly not another fad diet book! While reading I felt like one of my friends was explaining the new guidlines and cheering me on to change my eating habits. She makes it so simple to make changes in your everyday routine and they are easy to remember. The recipes are easy, quick, and great tasting. There is no need to ever "diet" after reading this book.

The common sense approach to nutrition and healthy eating habits in this book are wonderful. The author is able to give the reader alot of information on dietary guidlines as well as nutrition information- but doesnt make it overwhelming. I love the recipes and think the chicken meatballs are fabulous !!!

I felt that the author was writing in a very personal manner. She made it easy reading and definitly was not a preacher but a teacher. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to understand the basic importance of eating healthy.

This book is a pleasure to read. It's full of healthful information in an honest and humorous style. I really love the little sprout cartoon characters as well as all of the other drawings! This book is a fun read for anyone who is into sprouting or healthy eating.

This book is so helpful that I bought an additional one for my daughter in college. We are about 90% raw and this book is really helpful with real recipes we can use.

It is a good book just not what I wanted. Not the kind of recipes I was looking for.

I got this book because I wanted to make sprout bread. The book is very informative. But 95% of the sprout recipes are for wheat. That is great if you want to sprout wheat, but I don't. It does repeat the same info in many parts of the book. But I would say over all I still say it is a great book. I am on a special diet so a lot of what he has in his recipes I can't use. But I did learn a few things.

Sproutman Publications is a specialty publisher with an impressive roster of health books to their credit. One of the best of these is the "Sproutman's Kitchen Garden Cookbook" by Steve Meyerowitz who began his interest in the relationship of foods to health in 1975 when he sought to deal with a lifetime condition of allergies and asthma. After the traditional medical establishment had failed him for some twenty years, he was able to restore his health through diet and fasting. he at 100% live foods for five years, practices 'fruitarianism -- a diet of fruit, nuts and sprouted seeds -- and fasted on raw juices for as long as 100 days. The resulting improvement to his personal health was amazing. In "Sproutman's Kitchen Garden Cookbook", Steve has amassed superb collection of recipes for sprout breads, cookies, soups, and salads, as well as 250 additional low-fat, dairy-free, vegetarian recipes. The recipes are presented after the reader benefits from an informational presentation on the pros-and-cons of dairy, dehydrating foods, nutrition charts, sprouting, food drying, low temperature cooking, how to be a healthy vegetarian, and so much more. From Cashew Cottage Cheese; Mighty Millet Bread; Sunflower Nut Milk; and Banana Chips; to Manhattan Sprout Chowder; Braised Tofu; Spinach Marinade; and Creamed Potato Mash, "Sproutman's Kitchen Garden Cookbook" will prove to be a popular and invaluable addition to the cookbook collection for anyone having to deal with the problems of food related allergies and illnesses, as well as the recipe collections for general vegetarians. Also very highly recommended for those concerned with food related health issues are the other titles from Sproutman Publications (available through their website at www.sproutman.com) including: "The Organic Food Guide"; "Power Juices, Super Drinks"; Juice Fasting & Detoxification"; Wheatgrass: Nature's Finest Medicine; "Water: The Ultimate Cure; and "Food Combing and Digestion".

What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About(TM): Hypertension: The Revolutionary Nutrition and Lifestyle Program to Help Fight High Blood Pressure (What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About...)
I didn't feel like I was reading a typical reference book. It kept my interest and is easy for the average individual without a medical background to understand. Referenced studies are included, which I found especially beneficial as a health professional. Great book I highly recommend to anyone struggling to lower high blood pressure.

if you have high blood pressure get this book its a 10 ! knowledge is good for your health ! stay healthy ! go to saunna sweat you toxins!! and and excercise keep away from foods that have too much sodium like chinese food , can soups , processed foods ! eat natural and excercise and live to 100 !!!

I've used the Vaso-Guard therapy and it is working for me. The book is very comprehensive and I appreciate the holistic approach outlined.

I actually starting using the Dash diet and some of the supplements, not all. In a few days my blood pressure started to go down dramatically. It's amazing how much salt there is in everything. You really have to read labels and of course a lot more fruits and veggies!

All in all, very good reading. Nothing new here, just ties together all facets of controlling your high blood pressure: vitamins, supplements, exercise, diet and stress reduction. Presents a variety of programs and explains in detail how each can potentially lower and control hypertension. A good "how to" book to keep handy and refer to often. I have started the program and after only 3 weeks, my blood pressure has dropped. I plan to "wean" myself off the high blood pressure medication I am on now and go "totally natural".

This book has been pretty helpful, my girlfriend and I enjoyed going through it and reading certain sections.
It's true, most of the subject matter isn't a walk on the beach, but it's good information to know and understand. Besides explaining the previously unmentionable, it also offers good suggestions as to what to say and do if you're in a situation covered in the book.
The language is plain english and slightly humorous (without damaging the credibility of the information)
The only reason it's not 5 stars is because the book skipped one or two particular things we, as a couple, were looking for.

As someone who is active in the Endometriosis community, one of the most common problems women come across is explaining Endometriosis to their husbands or boyfriend. Since Endometriosis can cause painful sex, infertility, and other possible relationship problems, the disease can cause problems for both men and women. This book offered one of the best explanations of Endometriosis to men that I have ever seen. It does not go into too much detail, but it goes in enough detail that it allows men to really understand the full nature of this awful disease.

I found 'Your Guy's Guide to Gynocology' witty, informative and a big help in understanding the fairer sex. This should be required reading for every bloke interested in improving his relationships with women. Bekkar and Wahn deserve a medal.

Dr. Wahn, one of the authors of "Your Guys Guide to Gynecology",is my personal Gynecologist and for that reason I bought the book. Thinking that I knew everything in the book, I read it anyway. I found it not only to be informative, and humorous for men, but I also learned things that I didn't know.I think that this book should be a required reading for High School Seniors, both male and female.

The amazing fact about this book is that I learned a lot about a subject I thought I already knew a lot.It is fun to read and the more you read the more fun you will have in using or living your gained knowledge.I am more sensible towards my girlfriends feelings which gives me a better feeling,too.This book is definitively a recommendation for both sexes,because there are always two involved in a relationship. Thank you for teaching me!

We are constantly reading this book not for the recpies but for the knowledge and history of different foods that we comonly use. We are lucky enough to be able to enjoy Zingerman's Deli anytime we want and they are top quality just like in the book.

Finally I understand why sea salt is so good; and how to choose olive oil. And I now know a few good brands to look for on my gourmet items. This has really helped me shop for excellent ingredients. And the recipes, esp the roasted beet salad, are delicious and simple, relying on the very best ingredients for flavor instead of complicated instructions.

For anyone who knows the name Zingerman's, chances are they know the name is synonomous with amazing food of the highest quality. For anyone interested in food, particularly imported, specialty and artisanal foods, check out this book and their website. You won't be disappointed.

I really enjoyed this book. As a lover of food, I was elated to discover this book. He includes history and just an over all knowledge of fine foods and how you can tell when you get your hands on them! The commercialization of fine foods (like balsamic vinegar) often times loses the art. I appreciate the art of creating fine foods and am grateful to now have a little extra "Zing" and knowledge when I'm shopping for them.

When it comes to food and cooking, this is one of my top 3 favorite and most used books. Though this has recipes, that is not where its value lies. This book is a guide to understanding and appreciating quality in your food. Some of the foods covered are olive oils, vinegars (balsamic and others), cheese, bread, pasta, chocolate, etc. Each section tells you what makes for quality and recommends brands to try. If you love good food, this is a MUST HAVE!