Useful approach, important information nearly unreadable
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Turnathought –
2011-09-19
Over the past decades, It has become obvious, that regardless of one's specific health complaint or goals, eating predominatly fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains is the correct diet. This leaves authors on this topic treading reduntantly.
However, science does deliver new studies in this field continuously and Dr. Ornish reports on how these reinforce the conclusions, and on some of his own investigations that he admits still need a proper scientific methodology applied.
Like the myriad of "how to do business" books a unique perspective on the topic is thematic enough to publish, and the approach here is quite useful. Instead of a dogmatic adherence to the correct way of eating, a means of emphasis is suggested. The reader is encouraged to move toward the most healthful way of eating, as they need or desire, along a "Spectrum" of choices.
Foods are grouped into five catagories along this spectrum and these are detailed over pages of charts that are nearly unreadable in this ebook edition.
Some of the food placements seem to reflect Dr. Ornish's preferences. Chocolate, which he begins his book with in a demonstration of his liberal approach, is listed in group 2 (second best) with a note that essentially says "in small amounts." Of course, "everything in moderation" is the essential approach extended in this book. Potatoes, with a high glycemic impact, are in group 1 (best) with no such admonishment. Sweet poatoes are a grain!
With great effort the crucial charts can be perused (double tap on each one and then expand the image in the new window, but the quality is very very poor and this helps but a little, tap done when finished and move on to the next chart, very tedious) and one can evaluate how healthful they are currently eating and choices for improvement. There are dozens of other foods I would like to have a group number for.
Ultimately, as the charts illustrate, what is the best diet for us huminoids? No real surprise there.