I’ve read a lot of books on health. Not so many on diets, as I get frustrated and disappointed when they tell me to use margarine, chemical sweeteners or other processed foods. The only kind of diet I would ever subscribe to is one that thinks in whole, natural foods and gives a reason behind any premise for preference. If I don’t know why, not only am I mildly dissatisfied, but I also can’t answer others questions when they ask me why I would do something one way, and not another. Too often I say it’s because it makes sense, but it can make more of a convincing statement to a friend in need if I can give her more than that.
I found SuperHealth easier to read than his three previous, and I whizzed through in what would have been a matter of hours all up (bearing in mind half the book is reference, rather than straight text). This book is the eagle’s eye view covering the guiding principles of Pratt’s recommended lifestyle (having already learned about the superfoods and how to incorporate them into your day to day previously).
SuperHealth covers the following in six steps:
1. Control Your Genes Through Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Resveratrol
2. Become an Environmentalist and Detox Your Body
3. Watch your Waistline – Burn Those Calories
4. Control Inflammation
5. Keep Up Appearances
6. Preserve Your Senses
Given this information builds on his previous writings, the lifestyle he advocates still involves a consumption of soy foods. I am not convinced on these products. Originally, I did change my latte to a soy latte, but found myself not only putting on weight but also feeling that my mind was not as bright and clear as usual either. When I read in a Natalia Rose book that soy is one of the most mucus forming foods on the planet, I quit. Within a few weeks, the weight I had gained had left me and my mind had returned! So, not even Dr. Pratt can convince me to go back that way again. However, the rest of what he says does ring true and he kept me interested in reading his fourth book by adding tidbits of information from more recent studies and situations. I had no idea, for example, that fat cells secrete hormones and that some scientists now regard fat as an “endocrine organ” for that reason. In the reference section, he has usefully included not just the usual BMI table but also a waist-hip-ratio (WHR) equation to get you thinking about your present situation.
I would recommend this to someone interested in reaffirming and updating their current knowledge with more current information. If you’re looking for a full plan including recipes, I would suggest picking up a copy of his previous book The Superfoods Rx Diet.