SubscribeEat, Drink, and Be Gorgeous
Esther Blum, a New York City dietitian, has just come out with a nutritional guide which seems targeted towards a very particular audience: cosmo-drinking, party-going, "gorgeous gals," in their 20's and 30's.
Blum promises a "gorgeous path to enlightenment," including "freedom from hangovers, guaranteed great sex, and the know-how to live it up without letting yourself go."
Gosh. Guaranteed great sex? At least it doesn't sound like a typical diet book! But is Eat, Drink, and be Gorgeous just a hot pink-covered novelty purchase? Or is it a useful nutritional self-help guide?
The answer: well, that depends on the Gorgeous Gal who buys it. What kind of nutritional help does she need?
Chatty, Irreverent Tone
The book is written in a chatty, intimate, can-we-talk tone--which will probably delight some readers and drive others bonkers. Blum doesn't come off like a preachy nutritionist; more like a fun-loving pal passing on favorite tips for going a bit wild without doing too much damage. She sounds like she'd probably be a kick to hang out with.
And the focus of the book is not on weight loss in particular, which is refreshing--instead the book discusses good nutrition and the role it plays in many areas of health. The areas chosen, however, definitely reflect the intended audience: there is quite a bit of discussion of sexuality, physical attractiveness, and hangovers.
Moderation and Common Sense
There is not much that is new or surprising or gimmicky about the basic diet suggestions. They seem sensible. Blum is an advocate of balance and moderation, and favors the sorts of foods most mainstream nutritionists would agree are healthy: lean proteins; vegetables and fruits, whole grains and other non-refined carbs; healthy fats. She urges readers to reject black-and-white thinking, mindless eating, and rigid rules.
Skimpy on the Specifics?
On the other hand, there is not a lot of pragmatic help on motivational issues, or meal planning, or recipes. Many people know they need to move to a more healthy, moderate lifestyle, but how exactly? In rejecting the usual diet "rules," Blum is a bit skimpy on alternative approaches.
Supplements and Sex Tips
Instead, the book devotes an unusual amount of ink to dietary supplements and quirky (and sometimes racy) lifestyle advice. Blum essentially gives supplement "prescriptions" for all kinds of medical problems, from herpes to thinning hair. She's a great believer in herbal remedies such Primrose Oil, Licorice Root, Spanish Black Radish, etc. Are these "prescriptions" backed by scientific research? Well, from the book, we don't know. Footnotes with supporting research tend to bore many readers--so they're not included. The prescriptions just have to be taken on faith.
And as to the lifestyle advice? Well, some might be surprised to find a nutritional guide advising women on how to properly groom their "lady business," or suggesting the best foods to apply to one's body when playing naked Twister. Others will enjoy the irreverent approach.
Bottom Line
In short, for a "gorgeous gal" who wants some basic information about nutrition, can self-motivate, is willing to go out and buy a bunch of supplements, and who appreciates a breezy non-preachy approach to diet and lifestyle changes--this book could be a good resource.
Others, however, might find this a bit fluffy and prefer to spring for a "weightier" read.
While there's nothing ground breaking in this book, I like Blum's common sense approach to healthy life and better figure in general. The best part of this book is her opinion and guide on organic food.
ReplyGreat review, Crabby! I wonder if this kind of literary approach will become more popular.
Health nut - what is her take on organic?
ReplyBefore I pass judgment on this book, I would need to know: Is the author a smoker, and what is her take on smoking?
ReplyBah! I hate this kind of book. If you want to write a sex advice or social improvement guidebook then do it. Don't try and disguise it as some sort of diet book or guide to healthier living.
Gal
ReplyMike, she's all in favor of organic food.
And Kailash, I don't remember there being a lot on smoking, although I think there may have been some help on how to quit. (But then I'm one of those people who reads a book and then forgets three quarters of it twenty minutes later.)
And Healthnut--glad you found her book helpful.
ReplyOk, cool. I'm happy then. (I have a bone of contention with cigarette smokers.)
I'd feared this was a "Dopamine Addict's Guide to Getting Your Kicks (and Getting Away With It)". Sometimes, it's good to be wrong.
ReplyIt sounds like a good book if you're not "hard core" into diet/exercise. I'm not sure how I feel about the herbal remedies she promotes though...some of those could be dangerous if you're on prescription meds.
ReplyDrink drive andfast. That's how my life is and that's the only reason why I am gaining weight :)
ReplyGreat blog!
ReplyI actually followed a health regiment that a friend was using that was recovering from addiction. I just did it because it promoted healthy fats and carbs but I noticed that I started losing weight. Might be basic stuff but it was the first that I had heard of it. A good article titled "The Importance of Nutrition in Addiction and Recovery" - http://www.myaddiction.com/education/articles/nutrition.html
ReplyI love this page's dedication to losing weight. But Fat people make way too many excuses. Overweight people typically just need to STOP putting food in their mouths. Simple as that. Fat people are usually very sensitive to the truth and complain that this attitude is "mean" or "uncaring." God helps those that help themselves, so put down the chips and get healthy already.
Look, here's the DIET SOLUTION; anyone that wants to lose the flubber should simply take a picture of themselves and put it on the fridge next to a picture of a starving child. Next time you need a cupcake, stare at the picture for 30 seconds and get real.
There's more, but you can read it all at the link below. We welcome all feedback.
http://iblogfat.blogspot.com/
Replydo you have pictures of pilates for toning, slimming and firming of body exercise?
ReplyTq
I too wonder if the title is just to get people to buy the book.
ReplyWhat about 'cigarette smokers'? You sound cruel. Although I just quit smoking, I hope I never adopt your attitude.
ReplyIf it results in the general public doing less damage to their bodies, minds and spirits, so to speak, accolades to her. Everyone gets "reached" via a different style.
ReplyThere's no way to attain a sexy body without weight training.
ReplyIt sounds like a good book if you're not "hard core" into diet/exercise. I'm not sure how I feel about the herbal remedies she promotes though...some of those could be dangerous if you're on prescription meds.
ReplyI think it's great to talk to people on a real in your face level but it gets a little ridiculous. The title is definitely just an attention grabber but.. it worked on us didn't it? Thanks for the review. great blog.
http://losingweighteasy.wordpress.com/
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