An eye-opening, myth-shattering examination of what makes us fat, from acclaimed science writer Gary Taubes. In his New York Times best seller, Good Calories, Bad Calories, Taubes argued that our diet's overemphasis on certain kinds of carbohydrates-- not fats and not simply excess calories--has led directly to the obesity epidemic we face today. The result of thorough research, keen insight, and unassailable common sense, Good Calories, Bad Calories immediately stirred controversy and acclaim among academics, ...
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An eye-opening, myth-shattering examination of what makes us fat, from acclaimed science writer Gary Taubes. In his New York Times best seller, Good Calories, Bad Calories, Taubes argued that our diet's overemphasis on certain kinds of carbohydrates-- not fats and not simply excess calories--has led directly to the obesity epidemic we face today. The result of thorough research, keen insight, and unassailable common sense, Good Calories, Bad Calories immediately stirred controversy and acclaim among academics, journalists, and writers alike. Michael Pollan heralded it as "a vitally important book, destined to change the way we think about food." Building upon this critical work in Good Calories, Bad Calories and presenting fresh evidence for his claim, Taubes now revisits the urgent question of what's making us fat--and how we can change--in this exciting new book. Persuasive, straightforward, and practical, Why We Get Fat makes Taubes's crucial argument newly accessible to a wider audience. Taubes reveals the bad nutritional science of the last century, none more damaging or misguided than the "calories-in, calories-out" model of why we get fat, and the good science that has been ignored, especially regarding insulin's regulation of our fat tissue. He also answers the most persistent questions: Why are some people thin and others fat? What roles do exercise and genetics play in our weight? What foods should we eat, and what foods should we avoid? Packed with essential information and concluding with an easy-to-follow diet, Why We Get Fat is an invaluable key in our understanding of an international epidemic and a guide to what each of us can do about it. Includes a bonus PDF with images from the book
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Gary Taubes has taken the extensive research he did into published scientific papers and written a very sensible, helpful, readable book. His first one, which goes into more detail and is the longer version (500 pp, instead of 200 pp.) is more difficult to follow, especially for a non-scientist. However, WHY WE GET FAT makes the same points: dietary carbohydrates (especially sugar and starch) are uniquely fattening. Calorie for calorie, they are more fattening than either protein or fat. Furthermore, a low-carb -- and therefore higher fat -- diet can help prevent not just obesity, but also diabetes and heart disease. I recommend this book highly.
Jim O
Aug 30, 2012
Fat and You
Quick read. A logical presentation of studies done, misinformation you've received, what is going on in your system and why. Let's you make informed decision concerning food!
Christina B
Jun 7, 2012
Fabulous Book
If you want to sort fact from fiction - this is your book! As all who have struggled with their weight know, the USDA and government officials don't really have it right. Forget the food pyramid put together by government bureaucrats who then wring their hands as to why Americans are fat!
Read this book - it will open your eyes.
Ann B
Jan 19, 2012
It was written well and easy to understand and gave me a lot to think about. If you are trying to get healthy or reduce your weight it is worth reading. Or, it is interesting if you are into nutrition.
resilience
Jul 27, 2011
Great Book
OK, I actually read Good Calories Bad Calories and liked it. However, I could not recommend it to anyone. It was a somewhat tedious read and to long for the average person.
This book, Why We Get Fat, however is a easy read that is very enlightening. I recommend it.
Gary Taubes did a great job of writing this book for the average person.
I think his message is right on target and if people would read and apply this information there would be a lot less "diet grumpy" people and a lot more lean and healthy people.
