Food for Life: How the New Four Food Groups Can Save Your Life

by Neal D. Barnard

Book Overview

Citing overwhelming medical evidence previously downplayed by powerful lobby groups, Dr. Barnard reveals why a diet based on the new four food groups (grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits) will... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0517592304
• ISBN13: 9780517592304
• Release Date: June 1993
• Publisher: Harmony
• Length: 334 Pages
• Weight: 1.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Book

Arrived on time Good book

Excellent and worth reading!

I just finished reading Dr. Barnard's book and I'm reading it a second time! I found his book informative and explained in easy to understand terms. I think he makes a very good case for reasons not to continue eating a meat-based diet as the effects of a high fat animal diet lead to many of the popular illnesses and diseases we read about today (e.g., diabetes, stroke, heart attack, etc.) I was not a vegan or vegetarian before reading this book and I know that some reviewers may think there is too much of a vegan agenda, but I would disagree. Plant based diets are a healthy and economical way to live your life. It can be particularly useful if you're trying to lose weight as well as if you are genetically predisposed to certain illnesses by incorporating the new four food groups into your life and possibly preventing or eliminating potential illnesses altogether.

I buy used copies of this book for my unhealthy family

I have purchased over a dozen copies of this book for my family and friends, and finally browsed the reviews today and was shocked to see any negative feedback. So for those considering the book, remember the negative reviews were written by meat-lovers that in no way plan to give it up. I've read at least twenty or so nutrition books and this is my favorite of them all. It's simple to read, easy to understand, and very complete. It encourages a vegeterian diet for the sole purpose of having a healthy life, rather than giving all the statisitics on animal cruelty. It deconstructs all the myths (i.e. people need tons of protein, and vegetarians do not get enough iron) and gives tons of yummy recipes in addition to informing you of all the nutritional benefits of a plant-based diet. It reinforces the fact that doctors do not fix you until you are broken. My brother is in med school and I asked him how many nutrition classes he was required to take..... the answer was none. Why not learn how to prevent diseases rather than fix them afterwards? Why eat a meat-based diet, take your cholesterol pill and destroy your liver, when you can avoid eating cholesterol at all? Why eat excessive simple carbohydrates and sugars and rely on an insulin shot every day? I've bought copies for nearly every member in my family over the past three years, but sadly they don't bother reading it until they are required to take insulin, or they find a lump in their breast, or they find their cholesterol is off the charts. I believe you have a duty to your loved ones to keep your body healthy so you can be here for them as long as possible, and this book can show you how. For more info, look into pcrm.org Also, my sincerest thank you to Dr. Barnard for caring enough to spend time to teach interested people the proper way to eat.

Very enlightening and well-documented

This was a great book at exposing the dangers of eating meat and dairy. Dr. Barnard's more recent books like Foods That Fight Pain are also highly recommended. A less than 10% fat diet is great for those who want to lose weight and keep it off, but for those who just want to switch to a vegan diet without losing weight, you may want to include a little olive oil or nuts. A little more fat also may help if your skin gets dry. The research on dairy products is shocking, you may wonder why most doctors and nutritionists keep ignoring the negative research on dairy. I have been a vegan for a couple of years now and feel better than ever. Just think of all of the varieties of fresh fruits, vegetables, various whole grains, variety of different beans, and different types of nuts available. Soy products are not necessary(I can't remember the last time I ate soy), so don't hesitate to buy this book based on that. Read the book about info regarding vitamin B-12 and vitamin D. Highly recommended.

Truly a Life Style/Not a Diet Fad

If you could only have one book for diet related information, this is the one to have. My original purchase of the book was seven years ago when I needed help eating balanced meals while learning to become a vegetarian. This book has it all from nutritional needs for different stages of life, meal planning, great recipes and even fast food alternatives and special needs due to various illnesses. I recently purchased my second copy for a friend (so I could get mine back) and she has also found it to be a great reference guide.

It's about time!

This book helped tremendously clear up any researvations I had about adopting a vegan lifestyle. This doctor's explaination of dietary needs will help anyone see the light! This book's diet is so natural and so right! It's a wonder that somthing so simple can be the best recipe for total wellness. All the traditional 'meat-eaters' out there have got to read this book and give up their stubborness. If they do, they will undoubtedly have second thoughts about their unhealthy affection of flesh!