http://media.onsugar.com/files/ons/249/2498060/46_2008/3b/good_calories_bad_calories.jpg

It is New Year’s Day, and I can’t help myself. I have to tell you about a book. I read about food. A lot. And I read (most of) one book that truly changed the way I see and think about food. Now don’t roll your eyes as I go on and on. It’s not going to be like that. But as I reviewed my goals for the year, I realized that today is the best day to tell you about it. If you are thinking about changing any habits this year, Read. This. Book.

Good Calories, Bad Calories was written by Gary Taubes (a science journalist).  Taubes does something very brave–he gathers all of the recent studies on what we eat and why and looks at it through a different lens. He challenges what we think about food and forces us (at least he did me) to rethink what food is good, and what is bad.

Okay, here is where I get real. I did not read the whole thing. Because it reads more like a text book, I skipped around, highlighted certain parts, and reread some passages over and over again.

At the end of the day this is what I know: Refined sugar and white flour are not our best friends. Now don’t worry, I’m not going to go crazy and tell you that Chocolate Cake is evil. Never. But I will say that when I finally put this tome down, I drastically reduced my sugar and (white) flour intake. I feel like a different person. Instead of grabbing chocolate, I grab clementines. Instead of reaching for yet another chunk of bread, I drink more San Pellegrino. I feel healthier and happier (and yes… I did lose a few pounds… and yes, I’m happy about it).  I’m absolutely convinced the changes came because of this book. Happy reading and Happy New Year!

(p.s A shout out to Big Daddy G who over a green chile chicken salad told me about Mr. Taubes in the first place. Thanks G.)

 

4 Responses to Eating Right: Good Calories, Bad Calories

  1. Becky says:

    Happy New Year and thanks for sharing this book with me! I will check it out. And if you’re looking for some uber healthy inspiration, check out my SIL’s food blog at http://www.goodlookingcook.blogspot.com. I hope to reach for more fruits and vegetables this year instead of bread myself :)

  2. Big Daddy G says:

    I’m glad you found it as fascinating as I did! I just got Taubes’ new book “Why We Get Fat: And What To Do About It“. It’s basically a much more concise and accessible version with some more recent evidence and research.

  3. STEPHANIE MARSHALL says:

    Please tell me butter is good calories.

  4. [...] amount of sugar is a bit steep for me. Ever since I read Good Calories, Bad Calories, I cringe at really sweet things that are meant to be savory. I belong to the camp that believes [...]

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