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90 of 93 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
“Just what I needed…”, 17 Jan 2006
This is a truly excellent little book – packed with information and easily transported if – like me – you spend a lot of time away from home.There are introductory sections on food and nutrition and details of ideal weights (as BMI – body mass index, or weight ranges for heights). However at the core of this book are lists of calories per 100g or 100ml and occasionally for “units” as sold. Also listed are percentages of protein, carbohydrate, fat and fibre although I found these less useful. Entries are grouped under major headings such as Fish, Fruit and Vegetables or Meat. Most raw foods are given calorie counts as are some cooked foods (e.g. grilled fish or stewed meat). Much of the book is taken up with calorie counts of processed meals – frozen, tinned, in packets or jars. While it is true that you can simply look at these on the products in the shop, it is quite useful to see the range of calories for the “same” product from different manufacturers. Of itself this book will only help you so far in dieting. I’ve found that it is best used when combined with a food diary – I use a spreadsheet. While a chore, the discipline of weighing food and counting calories is quite eye-opening. You really begin to see where the “extra” calories are coming from. In my case post-meal snacks such as cheese and crisps. Over 6 months I’ve managed to reduce my BMI from over 25 to under 20 by eating more sensibly (lower calories foods, smaller portions, fewer snacks and more exercise). All without “fad diets, “miracle cures” or labelling some foods as “bad”. This little book was not the cause of the weight loss – willpower and determination was – but was a very handy reference work to allow me to calculate the calories I’m eating and thus slowly adjust my habits. By calorie counting you can avoid fad diets and – if you lose weight slowly – change your lifestyle to both lose weight and to remain slimmer. [PS I’m not a medical doctor, so see your GP before you make a drastic change to your dietary regime.] 4 stars for this excellent little book. A real gem, and cheap too.
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by Carolyn Humphries
by Weight Loss Resource
by Nancy S. Hughes
