Book Review: Get Real and Stop Dieting! by Brett Blumenthal

Get Real and Stop Dieting! by Brett Blumenthal came at the perfect time for me as I’m really trying to eat much healthier. I’m not dieting, just watching what I eat and how much and I’m pleased to say I’ve lost just over 20lbs. This short book by wellness expert Brett Blumenthal packs a big punch with a lot of helpful ideas and tips on how to eat properly to lose weight instead of torturing yourself on the newest fad diet.

It’s hard in this day and age to stick with a healthy eating plan when everywhere you turn there is a fast food joint and even in the grocery stores the shelves are lined with pre-packaged foods designed to make your life easier but most definitely not healthier. Get Real and Stop Dieting! offers a common sense approach to eating better, feeling better, and even losing a few pounds in the process.

The book is based on five principles which mainly revolve around eating foods better for you – like whole foods, adding more fiber to your diet, eating more lean proteins and choosing healthy fats. She also tells you why these foods are important and then goes further to give you sources of these foods. It isn’t about going on a diet. More it’s about eating healthy and when you do your body responds. It only stands to reason if you eliminate junk food, fast food and pre-packaged food that you’ll probably lose a few pounds.

I was pretty impressed with this book and plan on keeping it close by to refer back to often. It breaks down many myths we have about food – for example believing that low fat foods are actually good for us. They are as long as we don’t go overboard on them but many people do precisely that because they say low fat. She also tells us how to read nutritional labels and which ingredients to avoid. Throughout the book she has little ‘Did You Know’ boxes that offer little informational tidbits like eating slowly can help you lose weight and eat less – you need to give that old brain of yours time to register the food you’re shoveling in there. lol.

Even better this book has recipes! Good recipes – healthy recipes along with the nutritional content. My favorite is one called Garbanzo Nuts. I have made these numerous times and love them. They satisfy my need for something crunchy and tasty and best of all they are good for me! I thought I’d share the recipe with you – it’s easy and yummy!

Garbanzo Nuts

canola oil cooking spray
parchment paper
1 can chickpeas (15 oz) – rinsed and drained
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder

Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray light coating of canola oil onto cookie sheet covered in parchment paper. Mix chickpeas with spices and place in a single layer on cookie sheet. Bake for approximately 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. When done, store in an airtight container to maintain crispness.

These really are good and they are full of protein so if you need a pick-me-up they’re great. You can add whatever spices you want but stay away from that nasty salt shaker!

All in all Get Real and Stop Dieting! by Brett Blumenthal is great little handbook. I love that it’s not a diet – just a way of incorporating good for you food into your life without depriving yourself. You can purchase your own copy of Get Real and Stop Dieting! by Brett Blumenthal here in the US and here in Canada. Be sure to pop in and visit Brett Blumenthal’s blog as well!

© 2010, Darlene of Peeking Between the Pages. All Rights Reserved. If you’re reading this on a site other than Peeking Between the Pages or Darlene’s Feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

My review copy of Get Real and Stop Dieting! by Brett Blumenthal was provided by Amazon Encore.

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