This Summer’s Must Reads!

The Summer is when I read more than usual – holidays and longer days are the explanation – but also when I give myself the opportunity to read up on all the best books I get sent for review or choose to buy. There’s a mix by my bed at the moment and more stacked by my suitcase to take on holiday. Reviews of those will come later but for now here are some that I have found very interesting that were published over the last year. Some are weight-loss and even surgery related; many focus on the food issues and problems we face today with obesity and diet; others offer some recipe inspiration; and there’s a fictional one that I have simply enjoyed (even if a bit challenging on occasions) and hope you will too! I haven’t given prices for the books because there are, as usual,deals galore and much depends upon the country from which you order.

A Straight Talking Inspirational Read (with fun bits too!)

Straight Talk with a Post-Op and a Doc by Cari De La Cruz & Connie Stapleton PH.D – Mind Body Health Services

A new book that offers, firm, fair and fun answers to questions about living fully in recovery after weight-loss surgery. It’s a brilliant book, with many anecdotes, but most of all great down-or-earth advice. The reason it works is because Cari and Connie know what they are talking about – first-hand! Cari is a post-op with nearly a decade of living as ‘twice the woman in half the body’, and Dr Connie is a licensed psychologist providing the clinical expertise gleaned from working in the world of recovery and addictions for over 20 years. It’s written with honesty, humour and compassion an inspirational read and I recommend it to you.

A Provocative Read!

Fat Chance by Dr Robert Lustig – Fourth EstateI have never been wholly convinced that fat was the enemy and suspected sugar had a greater part, so I read this with much interest. I studied John Yudkin’s ‘Pure, White and Deadly’ at Uni and it had some resonance. The argument in this book is convincing and as the author says explores ‘the bitter truth’. Sugar might be toxic, addictive and everywhere but maybe there is a middle line – but do we tread it? Food for thought!

Inspirational Recipe Book

Salad Love by David Bez – Quadrille Publishing

One of the first cookery books I ever wrote was about salads (some 35 years ago for M & S) so they are dear to my heart. David Bez’s new book ‘Salad Love’ is on a whole new level. There’s some 260 recipes that show you how to create a lunchtime salad, every weekday for a year, in 20 minutes or less. Indispensable and challenges those who say they don’t like ‘rabbit-food – one of the best food books I’ve seen this year!

Cut-Price Diet Delivery Plan Book

The Jane Plan Diet by Jane Michell – Piatkus

I really like the Jane Plan diet delivery service and think it’s great for those watching their weight who are short on time; want some results and have the money to subscribe. If you don’t then this is the nearest and best thing – Jane Plan recipes that are fad-free, fuss-free and best all of all work. Portion sizes might be a bit too big for bariatrics (aren’t they always..) but great if you reduce and share with the family (but making sure you get the lion’s share or portion of the protein).

Fictional Must-Buy/Must-Read

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt – Abacus

Pullitzer Prize-winning nearly 800-page novel about the life of 13-year old Theo Decker. Big themes, bug book, and a masterclass in epic story telling. A great, if long, read!

Best Book For Procrastinators!

What’s Your Excuse … For Not Eating Healthily by Joanne Henson – Completelynovel

I am one of life’s great procrastinators and can find any ‘excuse’ (or poorly-based reasoning) for not doing something. Joanne Henson’s book has encouraged me to set aside these excuses then recognise and improve my relationship with food! Easy to read, full of inspiration and some wonderful advice it might be just what you need – although don’t use the time it takes you to read it as an excuse to put off eating healthily (tried that one and it doesn’t work!). No more excuses!

More books will be reviewed later in the month after my summer holiday … hope you get a chance to enjoy some too.

CAROL

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