FOOD FOR LIFE

by Leigh Clayborne

"A plant-based eating pattern has numerous benefits for health and wellness, the environment, and even the food budget. As more people are switching to a plant-based diet, they’re beginning to realize the benefits in their own lives, and to positively impact their families and communities and the world. Decades of planning meals around meat, dairy, and ultra-processed convenience foods have left people feeling sick and tired, with serious health consequences that follow them for a lifetime. Is switching to a plant-centered way of eating the answer? Many have discovered they have the power to reclaim control over their health and quality of life through a plant-based diet. However, choosing a plant-based eating lifestyle does have some challenges that keep many people from realizing the benefits. This book tackles common myths that say, “Plant-based choices are inconvenient, expensive, impractical, or can only be done one way.” It explores specific solutions to overcome perceived and real barriers to living a plant-based lifestyle and encourages students to consider why they might want to eat plant-based, and what doing so means to them."

by Patricia Waldygo

"When teens get inspired to improve their health by eating more nutritiously, they may want their families to join in. But how can they motivate their parents and siblings to give up highly processed and junk foods? This book will help teens talk to their families about the psychological and physical health benefits of eating meals together. They can explain the value of a plant-based diet (even for meat eaters), the science behind Harvard’s Healthy Eating Plate, and the five best diets for families (as rated by nutritionists and dietitians). The book provides suggestions for healthy snacks, planning and cooking meals, losing weight the healthy way, dealing with picky eaters, grocery shopping and cooking when teens go away to college, and accommodating a family member who has a special diet, such as a vegan sister or a parent with high blood pressure. Family dinners should be a celebration—enjoyable for everyone, with lively conversations and belly laughs. This book offers a selection of fun games and open-ended questions to draw people out, plus ways for families to explore their heritage or even other cultures with special ethnic dinners. It’s time for families to create new traditions with memories that will last a lifetime."

by Leigh Clayborne

"For decades now, people in many parts of the world have stopped eating whole, real foods, instead filling themselves up with low-nutrition, high-sugar, ultra-processed foods that are designed in a lab to fool people into eating them even when they’re not hungry. As a result, people are getting sicker. They’re living shorter, lower-quality lives. But many are saying, “Enough is enough.” They’re rediscovering the rich flavors, textures, colors, cultural significance, and health benefits of eating real food and how fun it is to prepare, eat, and share food made from scratch with friends and family. They’re choosing “whole foods for life.” Making the switch from a standard American diet (SAD) isn’t easy. We don’t live in a time when people have hours to spend making everything from scratch. Sometimes limited money, time, or access push people toward less-healthy options. However, the simple truth is that people can develop skills that make a whole food lifestyle easier, more affordable, accessible, and practical in modern society. They can break the unhealthy habits that are making them sick and develop good habits around whole foods, friends, and staying physically active for life."

by Laura D. Radley

"Food is a basic necessity of life and the primary source of nutrients for the human body. It’s what makes us able to laugh, play, study, exercise, sing, dance, and get a good night’s sleep. It powers growth, affects how we look, and determines how much energy we have to accomplish all that we need to get done in life. However, not all foods are equal. We need certain amounts of specific nutrients in order to be as healthy and fit as possible. We also need to avoid common ingredients found in certain foods that can wreak havoc on our health and well-being. Foods for Peak Fitness will teach you how your body works, what nutrients matter and which don’t, and how to eat healthy foods while avoiding the wrong ones. You’ll discover how to enjoy eating tasty meals and snacks without having to worry about packing on the pounds, and learn how to tell the difference between an effective diet plan and one that causes temporary weight loss yet long-term weight gain. In short, you’ll learn how to make your life as happy, healthy, and energetic as it is meant to be by giving your body what it needs to help you reach your full potential."

by Laura D. Radley

"Most people know that it’s important to eat fruits and vegetables at least some of the time, because they’re good for the body. However, there is so much more to these fascinating foods that is just waiting to be discovered! Did you know, for instance, that eggplant is a fruit, strawberries aren’t berries, and there are certain fruits you can eat before bedtime to help you relax and get a good night’s sleep? What’s more, did you know that science shows that eating enough fruits and vegetables every day can boost your brain health and physical health and even help you feel happy? In Fruits and Vegetables for Health you’ll discover a wealth of information about fruits and vegetables. You’ll learn what they are, why they’re important, and the best ways to eat them. You’ll also learn to sort through the myths surrounding these foods to find out facts that will help you enjoy them and all that they have to offer without stressing about when, where, and how to eat them. Dig in and enjoy!"

by Patricia Waldygo

"This book not only explains the balanced diet of Harvard’s Healthy Eating Plate, but also discusses the pros and cons of 30 popular diets and answers questions on many other topics. Learn what’s wrong with the standard American diet (SAD) and why it saps people’s energy and leads to the onset of many chronic diseases. What are healthy versus unhealthy oils? Should we eat organic foods to avoid pesticides and herbicides? How can eating junk food cause metabolic syndrome? Why do 96 million Americans have prediabetes, and why do 8 out of 10 not know it? How can we overcome our sugar addiction? Unfortunately, not with most artificial sweeteners. Studies show that they increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer, stroke, dementia, and neurological disorders, and also harm the crucial gut microbiome. How to Eat a Balanced Diet describes how social media causes body dysmorphia and low self-esteem in young people, which can lead to eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating as people try to attain a perfect “Instabody.” And finally, the book gives practical tips for teens who live with their parents and tells them how to stay motivated and inspired while eating foods that will bring lifelong good health."

by Tony Lozzi

"Does nutrition and healthy eating seem overly complicated? Are you trying to lose weight or just change the way you interact with food but don’t know where to start? Two of the easiest ways to improve your health, lose weight, and positively impact your diet are eating in moderation and intermittent fasting. If you've never heard of these concepts, this book will help you understand and benefit from them. Eating in moderation is a healthier approach to food, learning to be mindful about what you eat and how much you really need. Mindful eating helps you get the nutrition you need without overindulging. Intermittent fasting gets to the “when” of eating, ensuring you eat because you’re hungry and not out of habit or because you’re bored or depressed. Learn how to give your body a break from constant calories as we explore simple methods to get your diet on track and your weight under control!"

by Laura D. Radley

"While fat is a vital nutrient that your body needs in order to produce energy and absorb vitamins, it’s also far too easy to eat more of it than is needed. In fact, the average American eats an eye-popping 85 pounds of fat per year, far more than is necessary to keep one’s body healthy and in good working order. The end result is that nearly three-quarters of Americans are either overweight or obese, and many battle with fat-related health issues, such as diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure, and lack of energy. The good news is that you don’t have to eat foods with a high fat content in order to enjoy your meals and snacks. Lean Protein for Good Health isn’t about fat-bashing and dumping tasty foods from your diet; rather, it’s about exploring the many lean protein options available in today’s world and getting to know simple ways to prepare lean, healthy meats that not only taste great but also provide your body with the nourishment it needs to keep you healthy, fit, and happy. If you want to live your best life, this book can help you get started on the right path."

by Leigh Clayborne

"With their healthy fats and astounding levels of nutrition, nuts and seeds have taken their place in the modern diet. But hiding within their shells, these tiny, nutrient-dense foods have some secrets to share with those who want to know how to get the greater benefit from them. Learn what the science says about how nuts may reduce disease risk and promote optimal health. Avoid the pitfalls that many step into when adding nuts and seeds to their diet. Discover the lengths to which seeds will go to protect the nutrients stored within, and the secret to accessing that hidden nutrition. Unpack the seed oil controversy. Why do some say that seed oils must be avoided at all costs, while others say we should eat more of them? What does science really say? Learn the many fun and creative ways you can enjoy the benefits of nuts and seeds."

by Patricia Waldygo

"Read about the history of food labeling, from the crazy 1800s, when people commonly died of food poisoning, up through the early 1900s, when scammers and fraudsters sold contaminated foods and cheated customers. The government gradually introduced food safety regulations to address each crime and travesty, but the urge to make a quick (or dishonest) buck persists. Now, in modern times, many food companies use deceptive labeling practices and marketing ploys to trick consumers—and this book exposes the worst of them. It’s time for health-conscious readers to brush up on the standards for organic foods and see how they compare with foods labeled “Pesticide-Free,” “All Natural,” “Non-GMO Verified,” “Free-range,” “Light,” and more. Which ones are tested and verified, and which are scams? Learn new tips on how to decipher confusing food labels, nutrient amounts, and ingredient lists. The FDA and the USDA have done a stellar job of improving labels, yet they fall short by allowing toxic food additives and dangerous chemicals into the US food supply. From BPA can linings to GMOs, preservatives, emulsifiers, and artificial flavors and colors, the modern supermarket is a minefield of processed foods that consumers must navigate. This book is the ultimate shopper’s guide."