Prescriptions
Here's a list of nutritional advice books
By Amy Tousman
Special to The Advertiser
The last time I went to Borders in Waikele, I noticed there were hundreds of books on diet and nutrition. It reminded me that choosing a book with reliable nutrition information can be a daunting task.
During March, in honor of National Nutrition Month, the American Dietetic Association publishes the "Good Nutrition Reading List." This list is designed to help consumers cut through the clutter to find books with scientifically sound nutrition information.
The list contains brief descriptions of approximately 100 books. They cover a wide range of topics such as sports nutrition, diabetes meal planning, food allergies, books for parents, and more. The books listed are not trying to sell products, are user-friendly, and represent currently accepted nutrition practice.
Here are some examples from the reading list. It's important to note that some books are in limited supply, and you may need to ask your bookseller to special-order a copy for you. Prices may vary depending on the bookseller.
"Dieting for Dummies" by Jane Kirby (Hungry Minds, $19.99, paperback)
Written by a registered dietitian, this book is chock-full of practical advice on how to end the confusion over battling the bulge Ü not by offering a magic bullet, but by providing a weight-loss and exercise plan that is meant to last a lifetime. Includes tips on using healthful cooking techniques, dining out and reading food labels.
"Food Folklore: Tales and Truths About What We Eat" by Roberta L. Duyff (Wiley, John and Sons, $6.95, paperback)
Legends, traditions and myths have followed food for centuries, from healing qualities of chicken soup to the belief that grapefruit burns calories. Written by a registered dietitian for the American Dietetic Association, this easy-to-read guide answers common questions and dispels myths about food and nutrition.
"Herbs of Choice" by Varro E. Tyler (Haworth, $14.95, paperback)
An internationally renowned authority on herbs presents factual information about the therapeutic use of plant chemicals.
"American Academy of Pediatrics Guide to Your Child's Nutrition" by William H. Dietz and Loraine Stern (Random House, $19.95, paperback)
The authors, both pediatricians, wrote this reference book for parents who need strategies to care for their children's dietary requirements from birth through adolescence. Special insights are provided for the introduction of solid foods, basics for toddlers, school-age children and adolescents, and more.
"Brown Bag Success: Making Healthy Lunches Your Kids Won't Trade" by Sandra Nissenberg and Barbara Pearl (Wiley Trade, $9.95, paperback)
This book is written by registered dietitians who answer common questions and provide many tips for preparing children's meals and snacks eaten away from home. Gives menu ideas and over 100 recipes.
"No More Morning Sickness: A Survival Guide for Pregnant Women" by Miriam Erick (Penguin, $12.95, paperback)
Written by a registered dietitian, this practical guidebook offers many strategies for dealing with a variety of eating problems during pregnancy. Also included are nutritional guidelines, recipes with nutritional values, and menus.
"The Food Allergy News Cookbook," edited by Anne Munoz-Furlong (Wiley, John and Sons, $14.95, paperback)
In addition to a variety of recipes for those with food allergies or sensitivities, this cookbook provides useful label-reading and food substitution information. Each recipe identifies appropriateness for specific allergy or sensitivity.
"Pass the Calories, Please! A Guide for People Who Need to Eat More" by Gail Farmer (American Dietetic Association, $12.95, paperback)
Written by a registered dietitian, this book is designed for people with AIDS and cancer, as well as those who simply want to gain weight. It provides general nutrition information, plus tips on dealing with loss of appetite and symptoms that interfere with normal eating. It includes snack ideas, tips for eating out, and 63 pages of recipes.
"Eating for Endurance" by Ellen Coleman (Bull, $14.95, paperback)
Written by a registered dietitian with expertise in sports nutrition, this new edition explains concepts regarding exercise physiology, fuel sources, diet and hydration guidelines. Other topics covered include weight management, eating disorders and nutrition quackery.
The full list can be viewed at the ADA Web site at www.eatright.org (under "healthy lifestyles") or you can order a brochure with the full reading list by sending a self-addressed, stamped, business-size envelope and a check for $3.50 to: The American Dietetic Association, Good Nutrition Reading List, P.O. Box 97215, Chicago, IL 60678-7215.
Amy Tousman is a registered dietitian at Straub Clinic & Hospital Inc. and a member of the Hawai'i Dietetic Association.
Hawai'i experts in traditional medicine, naturopathic medicine, diet and exercise take turns writing the Prescriptions column. Send your questions to: Prescriptions, 'Ohana Section, The Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; e-mail ohana@honoluluadvertiser.com; fax 535-8170. This column is not intended to provide medical advice; you should consult your doctor.
