Saturday, June 11, 2011

Paleo Lite




Wheat Belly: Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight, and Find Your Path Back to Health by William Davis MD.

When I found out that this book was coming out, I knew I HAD to review it. Why was I so excited, you might ask? It all started when I had a partial thyroidectomy and I had stitches on my neck. With a constricted throat, the last thing I wanted was bread or pasta which I dropped like a hot rock. I absolutely didn't miss it either and I stopped having my daily heartburn and reflux. On a thyroid site, something called the paleo diet confirmed what I felt, namely that anything with wheat was unnecessary and unhealthy. There was also a reference to a "wheat belly" article which I read and promptly sent to my husband who was eating a bagel at the time. It was the push he needed to begin my paleo program, and it was the last bagel he's had since. You guessed it-the article was written by the esteemed Dr. Davis.

So,on to the book. Dr Davis is a cardiologist who counsels obese people in ways to prevent heart attacks. He discovered through observation, and by monitoring his own health issues that the visceral fat around the middle is the result of too much insulin, the hormone of fat storage. The way most people obtain this insulin is wheat consumption. Wheat has morphed from an unobtrusive biblical grain to a modern hybridized, high-yield Frankenfood that would die without human assistance. Those harangued by doctors, nutritionists, and health associations to eat whole wheat instead of chips and pretzels are not getting good advice, as wheat/gluten in any form packs on the pounds and causes inflammation. Dr. Davis also counsels against gluten-free products as, while wheat-free, they are still made from cornstarch, rice starch or potato starch and can increase blood sugar more than wheat products.
In the 13 chapters of the book, Davis explains the wheat belly phenomenon and how to banish it from your life forever. An appendix with some yummy sounding recipes is included to start you on the path to good health.
I am reviewing this book as a paleo follower of more than a year. Dr. Davis gets it almost absolutely right with a couple paleo non-no's specifically tofu and most cheeses. But his scholarship, professional advice, and common-sense language will be very much appreciated by all of those concerned with healthy eating and well functioning body systems.

Bodacious Book Reviews

Hi all! I'm Donna Ballard, a librarian at the East Meadow Public Library. My official librarian blog is "On the Bedside Table" which I co-write with the other librarians in my department. Since this blog mostly features fiction, I decided to create another review blog which will be more eclectic and a little less formal. Please take a minute to see my posts on both blogs-all comments appreciated!