Dressing on the Side (and Other Diet Myths Debunked): 11 Science-Based Ways to Eat More, Stress Less, and Feel Great about Your Body

by Jaclyn London

From the Head of Nutrition and Wellness at WW and former Good Housekeeping Nutrition Director comes a scientifically-based, simple and straightforward guide to healthful habits for weight loss.




Whether it's a new fad, "detox" diet, news report or a celebrity-endorsed supplement, the constant flow of diet information is cluttered, conflicting, and often devoid of scientific research -- leaving millions of us confused, overwhelmed, and feeling totally helpless in taking ownership our health and making better food choices.

In Dressing on the Side , Jaclyn London -- head of Nutrition and Wellness at WW and former Nutrition Director of Good Housekeeping -- debunks the diet myths and mental blocks that keep you from reaching your health and weight-loss goals. Filled with accessible information, simple strategies, and practical application of scientific research, London breaks what's at the heart of the issue and offers tools, short-cuts, and solutions that work within any scenario,



London empowers us to form life-long habits that result in real, long-lasting change -- while meeting the demands of our busier-than-ever lifestyles. Dressing on the Side is the anti-diet book that will completely transform the way you think (and speak!) about food and health -- and help you lose weight for good .

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Food, Self Help, Nutrition, Science, Audiobook

320 pages, Hardcover

Published January 8, 2019

About the author

Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN is a New York City-based registered dietitian and Nutrition Director at Good Housekeeping. She is an adjunct professor of nutrition at Touro College; guest lecturer in sports nutrition at SoulCycle, and previously served as senior clinical dietitian at The Mount Sinai Hospital. Jackie holds a Master's Degree in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics from NYU (from where she also completed her Dietetic Internship), and earned her Bachelor's degree from Northwestern.

At Good Housekeeping, she is responsible for execution and oversight of all nutrition-related content across the brand's platforms, including Good Housekeeping Seal applications in the food space and developing the Good Housekeeping Nutritionist Approved Emblem and incubator program. She participates in a variety of speaking engagements and national TV segments on behalf of the brand: TODAY Show, The Rachael Ray Show, Inside Edition, and The Dr. Oz Show.

Reviews

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have had an ARC of this book on my Kindle for a horrendously long time because even when I committed to make myself finish it, I just couldn't read much before I either got annoyed, frustrated or bored. The author tries far too hard to be cool and modern, with painful results. I don't want to read a nutrition book by someone acting snarky and conversational with words like sh*t and who seems like she's trying to prove she's simultaneously the coolest and smartest nutritionist in the world. I want references, studies and real science. London bashes lots of other dietary advice, but kind of in a "I'm an expert and I say so" way or by saying that it didn't work for her clients instead of with actual data and good information. She seems to relish in trashing dietary fads and teachings in an almost competitive way, like she takes them personally and has a grudge against someone whom she wants to belittle. I agree with lots of her advice but I don't agree on others, and I didn't really want her smug and smarmy insults on topics where I disagreed. Most of the basics of her advice are sound but nothing new, and it's all written as a rambling, unprofessional mess.

I read a digital ARC of this book for review.

[Michael · Rating 1 out of 5]

A rare book that is so bad I can’t finish it (the only books that get a 1-star rating from me). In brief: I was duped into buying it because of the words “debunk” and “science” in the title, but this is not scientific at all – it is popular tripe. If you’re going to call a book “science-based,” you have to include citations to back up your assertions (science is an evidence-based process). If you’re going to debunk myths, you shouldn’t pepper your text with already-debunked ideas like “Many (if not all) of my clients confuse thirst with hunger” (note that this is also anecdotal evidence – apparently the only kind the author is familiar with) and therefore you need to drink 2 liters of water every day. It also appears to have been written with a very young audience in mind: there is constant use of slang, cutesy formatting, and profanity. To me, this sort of writing is more insulting that appealing.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks Netgalley for the e-ARC!

While I don't care about weight loss personally, I really wanted to read this book because I cannot stand bad science (::cough:: Goop ::cough::), and I've gotten into many Twitter wars (and real life arguments at my gym) over the Keto diet and so many comment section fights on a popular blog over the lack of scientific evidence for many of the wellness (diet, supplement, and even immunology topics) posts on their sites. Everything I've seen from Jaclyn London on social media/her media appearances has seemed like she has a similar crusade against the misuse or disregard of science, which is refreshing. Despite being a year away from finishing my PhD in health sciences (not dietetics), I'm a researcher/academic and not a clinician, so I was eager to read the insights from a true expert in the field.

It's a quick read and it's well-written. More importantly, it's grounded in science and therefore promotes evidence-based practices. It dispels a lot of the myths, inaccuracies, and misinterpretations of research that are out there, including a few of my favorites, including detoxing, eating "clean", and calling out pretty much every fad diet. While she mostly disproves their claims and says why they're generally a bad idea for people who want to be healthy, she does acknowledge both sides of the argument and discusses any science that may support elements of the diet for particular populations (like Keto for children with epilepsy, for example). I like that she includes that, so she doesn't come across as just writing them off completely.

Her level of snark is perfect, it feels very conversational, is direct, and she makes the science she uses very accessible to an average reader. I also really appreciate her take on social media, including the importance of "metabolizing" what we see and not letting someone's highly-styled smoothie bowl make us feel bad about our muddy-looking (but still delicious) attempt at our own smoothie. There really isn't anything in here I didn't like.

She also gets bonus points because she includes legit references at the end of the book (this has quickly become the first thing I look for in books like this, because so many books seem to omit them now and it's super frustrating). And, unlike a lot of books in this and similar genres, she's not selling a line of supplements, or life coaching, or online workshops, which adds to the credibility and legitimacy of her arguments in this book. She has nothing to gain from this book except the sales of the book — the book is her only product, compared to other books that are like "and now buy my 6-month personal meal plan for $199.99, or my one-on-one coaching for $1200."

I can tell that this book will definitely get some negative reviews, but I think it will likely be from people who are devoted to the myths she busts in here and aren't ready to face the scientific truth that their beloved weekly green juice detox cleanse is B.S. There isn't any bad advice in this book from a scientific or health standpoint. So, if you want to read accurate information that lets you make well-informed choices, read this book. If you want to read something that will support trendy diets that are popular among instagram-influencers (who are probably being #sponsored, btw) but may not actually have any science to support it, then this book isn't for you (but I'm sure Gwyneth will post something pretty for you soon).

(In full disclosure, I went to college with the author and we were in the dance program together, but we're a year apart and only had a few overlapping classes/performances. I haven't talked to her since she graduated 11 years ago, before her move into the dietitian world. It in no way impacts my review or opinions. I have no problem constructively criticizing books written by people I know IRL, as is evident if you browse that shelf on my goodreads.)

[Jill Holmberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh. my. god. I could barely force myself through this. Too much "young slang" like an older person who wants to "talk like the kids," too much italics and !!! per page, had to #hashtag tons of normal words, almost every paragraph or two has multiple ( ) after each sentence...I could keep going on here! I feel like I read the same message just reworded every.single.page.

That and I felt like there were some contradictions from previous chapters and the only things I took from this were eating tons of fruit and veggies in their natural state and that if you have IBS or any other GI disorder like myself HA! Like some of the foods they mention to eat every day would literally make me sick all the time. I can't eat nuts/dairy/whole grains that much or often without being sick. I realized I'm tired of these nutrition and health books that make me feel like shit because I'm not "eating healthy" because they don't recognize the amount of things I can't eat or drink without getting sick from them. This book tried to hard to fit in with what the trends are today in health while actually mocking them at the same time.

[Lori · Rating 1 out of 5]

There might be something good in this book, but I never got to it because I found it to be literally unreadable. Her tone has been described as "conversational," but if someone spoke to me like she writes, I would make it a point to never speak to them again. Between that distraction and the completely random and arbitrary italics that are sprinkled at least 3 times (per page on my NOOK, I'm sure it's more in paperback or hardback), I honestly couldn't concentrate on any of the actual content.

I ended up asking Barnes and Noble for a refund, something I haven't ever done in all my decades of reading and $1000s spent on books.

Maybe the tone is for you - I would just recommend reading a preview first to make sure.

[Sammi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay but reads like a podcast.

[Michael Joe Armijo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m very interested in NUTRITION books lately. I recently read HOW NOT TO DIE by Michael Greger M.D. which was far superior to this one; however, it’s good to get new views and reinforce knowledge. I liked the humor that Jaclyn offers in her book. It happens when you least expect it. The book seemed a bit more geared to women but that’s okay (maybe that’s her target market).

Each one of us is different, so I agree with her mention that one needs to find what works for you personally. I don’t agree with her recommendations on what to get at McDonald’s or the okay method of M&M’s, mini-Snickers bars---it’s just NOT something that works for me PERSONALLY! I do like how she insists on one looking at the NUTRITION FACTS for processed foods—but if you can avoid most processed foods, you are better off. I also did not like how she wrote that DIET DRINKS are ok if your Gastro-Intestinal tract is ok with sugar substitutes—because OVER TIME I believe it is not good for continuous passage through our liver (one of the most important organs of all).

I found her Instagram: @jaclynlondonrd which is informative, but I love Dr. Greger’s Instagram (author of HOW NOT TO DIE) a bit more: @nutrition_facts_org

She didn’t mention much about how WILD-CAUGHT FISH is best or the ideal sweet supplement of MONKFRUIT sugar—but maybe that’ll be in her next book. She wrote that SPLENDA (sucralose) was her top choice sugar substitute. She refers to this as a Judgement Free Zone—but I disagree as it PERSONALLY does not work for me.
Still, Jaclyn, is very knowledgeable and I would love to have a coffee with her, and I would definitely not be bored with every word she had to share. I would be lying if I said I didn't get something out of her book---but most of it wasn't new to me. I do relish the reminders though.

Here are the sentences/tips that impressed me most in Jaclyn’s book were:

Biological basics: SLEEP, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY and HYDRATION STATUS; These three factors are some of the most understated yet prominent influences on how much you eat and what you burn every day.

The less sleep you get, the hungrier you’re likely to feel. Sleeping less than seven hours per night is linked to increased appetite. Be mindful of sleep needs.

Snacks to pack: grapes or berries, cherry tomatoes, apples, freeze-dried fruit and pre-sliced veggies.

Activity level secret: CONSISTENCY

Proper hydration is key not only to making sure we stay alert and energized, but also to keeping everything functioning in our bodies. Most of us need to drink between eight and ten cups of water per day. Our thirst-alert mechanism declines as we grow older.

When in doubt: PRODUCE! One apple can pack up to ½ cup of H20, plus, it’s got loads of Vitamin C, fiber, and phytonutrients. Snack on veggies with hummus. Add fruit to regular or sparkling water.

TIMING: Regular snacking is the key to sticking with ‘timing’ (but the TYPE of snacks are key).

TYPE: MOSTLY veggies!!!

TOOLS: Your three Go-To Places for food

Eating breakfast regularly is linked to weight maintenance because you're likely to burn more calories throughout the day.

Make sure more of your meals and snacks are produce-based.

You need to find what works for you PERSONALLY.

Your best bet is easily found in fresh whole berries: raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries.

Apple Cider Vinegar gets some serious hype for reversing everything from diabetes to weight gain (but NOT on an empty stomach).

Fermented seasonings, drinks, and foods like miso, kimchi, tempeh, kombucha, and sauerkraut are chock-full of PROBIOTICS, beneficial bacteria that can help boost gut health.

Choose foods with more magnesium at bedtime, like a handful of nuts or seeds along with dried, unsweetened dates and figs.

Mushrooms themselves are one of the only plant-based dietary sources of Vitamin D, but the real benefits of these veggies are in the fiber they provide in food form only.

Any eating plan that does NOT encourage higher quantities of vegetables and real, whole foods limits the intake of fiber and micronutrients.

If you’re at risk for diabetes eat more fish and seafood, eggs, plant-based oils, nuts, seed, beans, legumes and avocado.

There are always going to be days when you feel like you can barely brush your teeth, days when getting out of bed seems honestly impossible, and days when you feel like you could climb Mount Everest (or at least get to Base Camp).

Self-care is different for everyone, and it’s as simple as a change in mindset.

Meals and snacks need to be at least 50 percent PRODUCE to maximize on fiber—with some lean protein and some healthy fat.

Peanut Butter is the world’s most perfect food: a 2-tablespoon serving consists of 8g protein, 4g fiber and 22g of healthy fat.

DOUBLE UP on colorful fruits and veggies.

Add fruit (melon, berries, and citrus) to water and seltzer for extra flavor and nutritional benefits.

Read NUTRITION FACTS like a boss!

The American diet is HIGH in sodium. Eat UNSALTED nuts and seeds!

Focusing on real, whole foods is the most impactful way to lose weight.

Research suggests that consuming more CHOLINE (found in foods such as eggs, shrimp, spinach, peanut butter, and lentils) may help to reduce the risk of heart disease, improve cognition (especially if at risk for Alzheimer’s); and decrease the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Corn and soybeans are the predominant genetically engineered crops found in highly processed foods loaded with added sugar (corn syrup) and saturated fat (soy-based emulsifiers).

FAIR TRADE CERTIFIED does NOT signify any nutritional value of a food product.

PASTURE RAISED (on the egg carton) means these chickens roam the open grass, which allows them to both forage for food and eat supplemental feed.

SPICE staples to keep on hand: cayenne pepper, garlic and onion powders, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, cumin, oregano, thyme and rosemary.

There’s no such thing as ORGANIC fish.

Per the British Journal of Medicine in 2016, about 60 percent of our total calorie intake and 90 percent of our intake of added sugars come from ULTRA-Processed foods.

The most important weapon you have against eating too much sugar is label reading (Nutrition Facts)!

Eating an all-carb breakfast is deadly for your energy and sets you up for a downward spiral throughout the day. Make sure your breakfast is a combo of protein, fat, and fiber which will give you sustained energy.

The more processed the foods we try and trick ourselves into believing are actually real, the more confused we become. We feel more satisfied when we eat real, whole foods (especially plant-based) because they’re high in fiber and water content than others—meaning they help us feel fuller, longer.

It’s a good rule of thumb to make sugar under 10g your goal. Go for 4g protein and 4g fiber.

Gelato is slightly lower in calories and sugar as it’s made of more milk and less cream (NOT for me PERSONALLY if I don’t want to drink milk that comes from a cow; that milk is made for calves—in my opinion).

Alcohol can easily blunder an otherwise healthful meal—choose the clears: wine (red, white, champagne) or the hard stuff on the rocks.

Anything FRIED or DOUGHY—opt for one piece.

A standard sized iPhone (5.5 inches) is the size portion of meat or seafood you want to add to your plate.

Cut the amount of Egg YOLKS in half so that you can savor the whole omelet without feeling exhausted and weighted down after the fact.

Any dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots or whatever) is a source of added calories from sugar.

In Chinese/Asian food WATCH OUT FOR SODIUM, steer away from their FRIED OPTIONS.

EXERCISE COUNTS! Doing as much as you can, whenever you can, will become ritualistic over time and lead to your healthiest, happiest self.

Your goals shouldn’t change when you’re on the road. HYDRATION is your single greatest ally when you’re traveling.

IF you’re walking in HOT WEATHER remember this to add to your hydration:

Magnesium: Leafy greens, nuts and seeds, legumes, avocado, bananas, fried fruit, chocolate

Calcium: Dairy products like yogurt, leafy greens, fatty fish, seafood of all kinds, almonds

Potassium: Tomatoes, potatoes, oranges, bananas and all other fruits and veggies

Sodium: EVERYWHERE

That BLOATED feeling when traveling is linked to 3 things:

1. Time at 30,000 feet (altitude while in the air effects your circulation)

2. Changes in hydration and food adjustment period

3. Constipation

90% of us do NOT eat enough fish. Seafood is lean protein that’s good for your brain and heart.

Another under consumed food are BEANS, CHICKPEAS, LENTILS and PEAS

Never forget that no one knows what’s best for you better than you do.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dressing on the Side is a fun book about serious nutrition. Jaclyn London is not on a fad diet trip, she's an RD with lots of knowledge, common sense, and a sense of humor. Her humor may not be for everyone (her enthusiasm oozes off every page), but she gets her points across throughout the chapters. Eat more vegetables. Eat more fruit. Move more. Eat dessert. All common sense statements that are repeated throughout the chapters.

Personally, I felt it was too repetitive (but maybe some people need that!), and I don't need all that rah-rah coaching, but I did appreciate learning a few new things. I also never figured out what the 11 ways are to feel great about myself. They are not actually itemized, but I think it has to do with the 11 chapters.

[Bree · Rating 1 out of 5]

Notes:
No science-based list of resources to be found!
Worst book I've ever forced myself to finish
Filled with run-on sentence a interrupted by parentheses and decorated with italics and profanity
Literally unreadable

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost, following a few of Jacklyn London’s suggestions for dietary improvement completely changed my hunger and eating patterns. By simply eating more frequently and being mindful of including protein, fiber, and healthy fats in all (or most) snacks, meals, and what she calls “sneals,” I’ve pretty much eliminated both being too ravenous and too full. Her suggestions of what to eat are practical and specific, including particular brands of snack foods and items on restaurant, bar, and coffee shop menus—which makes it easy to immediately apply her recommendations. Her instructions on how to read food labels allow the reader to identify foods that are both healthy and satisfying at the grocery store. I was amazed at how many snacks that “taste healthy” (but not delicious) are incredibly low in fiber and surprisingly high in sugars.

Note that the author is a Registered Dietician, a career that requires a Bachelor’s Degree and specializes in, among other things, creating healthy and safe diets for people with chronic diseases. RDs actually know more about nutrition than most doctors. And certainly, more than Nutritionists, whose profession requires no particular training. So the reader can trust London’s expertise, as she debunks fad diets from Detox to Paleo to Keto. She points out both good and bad health aspects of such diets. As far as her own recommendations, eating more fruits and vegetables and “moving your tush” (getting some exercise) are her primary suggestions. Frequent balanced meals, drinking water and other liquids, and coordinating food choices with lifestyle are also her priorities.

The author has been criticized for her writing style, but I found it casual, engaging, and down to earth. I have read SO many diet and health books that are serious and academic or heavy handed and pedantic. It’s refreshing to see a bit of snarky humor introduced to the subject. Making one’s diet healthier and losing weight rarely sounds like fun, and I like London’s light approach. She also makes it clear that her plan allows all kinds of foods, as long as one eats them with joy and intention, and keeps track of daily or weekly intake. She gives plenty of specific advice for grocery shopping, as well as what to eat while traveling and during postwork dinner and drinks and other social occasions.

I recommend Dressing on the Side for anyone who’s tired of “dieting” to control their weight, and who is ready for a specific healthful eating plan that suits their lifestyle and gives them sustained energy—especially if they can take a bit of silliness and irreverent humor.

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the text of this book impressed me as desperately wanting to be my best friend -- you know, written in that so-informal-that-its-generic writing style -- I was happy to find that the author had something to offer besides parenthetical asides and repetitve use of "crossout" fonts for humourous effect. In general, there is some sound advice if you can get past that writing style I mentioned. However, if a long list of facts about nutrition, personal habits and the psychology of food sounds like a soul-crushing encounter, this may be the book for you. This book delivers what many other books on changing habits promise: Practical methods for modern times. In fact, if you can get your hands on a copy, I think the last chapter is a great recap (and encouragement) for seeking the methods for making healthy eating choices tailored to your lifestyle and needs. The author also gets bonus points from me for pointing out the dangers of Diet Culture and Body Love Backlash as rigid and incomplete ways to attain healthy eating goals.

[JudieBudie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me almost 10 months to work my way through this book, but in a good way. This isn’t a quick read through sort of book. Each chapter introduces tactics, techniques, and ideas that you have to put to practice and get comfortable with before the next chapter or two can be tackled. Honestly I’ve seen so much of my perspective on food change. I used to try to starve myself out in order to lose weight, and I always failed and ended up eating more. This book served as my jumping off point for making lasting changes to the way I eat and my relationship with food. In my opinion it’s the perfect book to start with for anyone interested in making long lasting change to how they eat

[Sonya Loyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I happened upon this book and grabbed it on impulse. I really appreciated the snarky, fun tone. It was a fast read and easy to understand. Diet is confusing and I feel like the author did clear up some things, but not everything!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this nutrition book actually. It's focus is on realistic behavior changes and smart decision making rather than any one diet. It's also written like it's your best friend talking to you so it's an amusing and easy read .

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another new year to re-evaluate our lives and our diets. This book was a refreshing on many levels. The author starts out, “It’s January 1, and your head feels like it’s going to explode…You’re hangry; your headaches, your eyes are puffy; your face is puffy; hell, your right toenail looks a little bloated…Okay, think, you say to yourself. Who would know how & where to start?”

She then talks about how her mother called tells her she’s on the Wholesome diet she’s lost 10 pounds, she talks to her cousin Joe and he’s into fasting he’s lost weight too and is feeling great. She reads her favorite blogger and she’s into the “just apples” diet. She wonders if it’s for real. She talks to her dad who informs her the Dr. has him on a low-sodium diet. She goes to work, and her co-worker is on the detoxing plan. She thinks Clean-Mean-Grean-2b-lean protein shake. Maybe that’s the deal for me. There are so many more diets she could have mentioned Keto, Paleo, South Beach – each works for a short period of time but what works for me. She starts out the chapter by saying; I’m so confused. “Ditto! I’m right there with her. I realize that one diet doesn’t fit ALL!! I enjoyed how she went about getting down to the nitty gritty and helping readers think about “what is healthy for them”

This author did a great job of not only opening my eyes to what words meant, deciphering what choices are healthy, and realistic in our fast-paced lives but she made learning funny and entertaining. She helps you get the correct information for you, your life style, and taste buds.

The author reminds readers there is no magic pill or dream away diet plan out there. We have to do our part in getting the facts about maintaining a healthy body. She helps readers uncover the truth in the medical information we are bombarded with she says, “My point is that not all science you hear about day-to-day is created equal.” She tells readers what to look for and how to get to the bottom line. I enjoyed this authors’ refreshing approach to a healthier you. I learned so much.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine https://www.bookfun.org/page/past-iss...

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5* loved this book on nutrition in the modern world. Full of practical advice on eating well without dieting. It was nice to read sensible info without the seemingly ubiquitous message of eliminating whole food groups. London focuses on moving more, eating vegetables, getting sleep, and staying hydrated. Other topics include avoiding dieing fads, eating regularly, better, satisfying meals, taking care of yourself now, ending powerlessness, grocery shopping, sugar (eat real dessert and less hidden sugar!), eating out/ alcohol, and traveling. The book has a casual, conversational tone and uses humor and swearing to get her points across (which drives some readers nuts, but I was fine with it). This came across well in the audio version too if you like to listen, but the lists are great in print.

*Thanks to the publisher for the free copy and goodreads for hosting the giveaway.

[Olivia S · Rating 4 out of 5]

On when you're about to snack after dinner:

"Your goal is to rule out whether you (a) are really thirsty instead of hungry, (b) are full without feeling all that satisfied, or (c) just need a little something else before bed. (I mean don't we have two stomachs and one is for dessert?!)" (London 93)

I really liked this book and found it useful for what it was. I love her overall approach and attitude towards health and think it will change my daily choices in the future. Her big takeaways are to focus on adding more: more fruits and veggies, more physical movement to make yourself more satisfied and more healthy. Great framework for me.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of incredibly helpful tips! My purpose in reading this book was to learn how to make smarter food choices and to hopefully get out of the diet rut. I did find all the info about hydration and adding veggies helpful and I’ve been trying to do that at every meal now.

The target demographic of the book was clearly a business professional who loves coffee and alcohol. I’m more of a student/young wife whose trying to learn how to cook healthy options for my family, but I still learned valuable lessons.

[Brindi Michele · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ughhhh this was a pain to read. With all of the young slang it was difficult to get through. Also, for a science-based platform, she lacked a lot of sources. And she pretty much (attempted to) debunked every supplement and diet/eating plan out there, and basically stated just be mindful of what you eat and in moderation.

Skip this one.

[Mars · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is packed with invaluable information. The author is not shy when it comes to sharing the knowledge that she has and completely unloads everything you need to know. She includes little pockets of advice throughout the book, advice that she would be giving to a paying client.

The writing style is not my favourite but ultimately the value of this book is in its content. Great book.

[Priya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lacks substance for something purportedly “science-based” - I wasn’t looking for a scholarly article, but the tone is so informal and conversational that it feels like a blog post I could have stumbled across on Pinterest.

[Valerie Sherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Top tips from this read: load your plate up on vegetables, stave off intense hunger with snacks that are a combo of protein and fiber, and lots of ways to think about mental discipline to make your changes a lifelong endeavor. I loved her message but hated her writing style.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

one of the better "healthy eating" books i've read (er...skimmed). none of the information was necessarily new or mind blowing, but it was a good collection and reminders of all the important things i have learned over the years. easy to read

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to stop reading this before I hit page 50. The excessive italics and capitals made it exhausting. What was the editor thinking?

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye roll title, I know, but really fantastic insight into nutrition and your own energy levels.

[Janet · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't like profanity in my life and I really don't need it in a diet book.

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I unexpectedly found this book looking for something else. It’s full of common sense, but more than anything else, it’s a sobering yet refreshing approach to eating well. It takes the pressure valve off the “dieting experience.” Favorite quote from the author: “And come to think of it, shouldn’t ‘healthy’ describe people, while ‘nutritious’ describes the foods we eat that help to make us healthy?” Exactly.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy to understand (but not too easy that it feels as though author and registered dietitian Jaclyn London is talking down to you) book about wading through all of the diet and nutrition information out there so you can know what is really true. Her tone is conversational and she uses some references this child born in 1982 loved - like Jessie Spano on caffeine pills and Kalteen bars from Mean Girls.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're just starting to get interested in nutrition and don't want to read a lot of dry, academic writing, this could be the book for you. Jaclyn London tries to be a little too cute and snarky for my taste but I think she's striving for conversational and fun. I've been reading about nutrition most of my life and she said a few things that I don't agree with. But, I also learned some new things and it was a motivation booster.

[Baron · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. Too much vocal fry, typical internet podcaster hip food/nutrition advice. Couldn’t make it through the first chapter, stopped when advising to eat Veggie Pizza as a good choice. Reminds me of the Summer Tomato stuff.

Frankly, anytime someone goes on a diet (vegan, keto, carnivore, Mediterranean, etc) they will probably lose weight and improve their health just from the fact that they are watching what they shove down their pie-hole instead of mindlessly eating.