15 September 2009

read this. not that.


in my toppling stack of books, i picked up two healthy lifestyle type books at the library last week. i like knowing what's what in the food world. no disrespect to oprah's trainer, bob greene, but i lasted all of three minutes in his pages. i'm sure it's a perfectly sound change your life type book for those with an attention span longer than idling at one stoplight.

however, this easy-to-flip-through supermarket survival guide was another story. it had me coming back for more. i appreciate it's magazine-like layout, the bright photos and getting the dish about the seemingly harmless substances that we load into our carts. this book is all about giving the straight scoop about what to find in the aisles, how to read misguiding labels, the truth to poultry and which ice creams are the least sinful. it's packed with simple methods to eat right while navigating a correct course through the grocery store.


it's a most perfect book for those of us who are visual learners. the comparisons are astounding. it will make you think twice before guzzling a 20 oz. Minute Maid Lemonade. with a sugar equivalent of 5 ice cream sandwiches, i'll just head straight to the water section, thank you. i prefer my sugar in rich ooey gooey form instead.


the worst part about reading this book is seeing which of your favorites are listed among the worst offenders. sadly, a comfort food indulgence of mine topped the list. goodbye marie callender pot pies, i love you, but you're sooo not worth it.


the best part is this book isn't just for junk food junkies. i like the salad bar guide, the delisch recipes (we tried the peanut thai noodles last night) and their tips on picking, storing and shelf-life of different types of produce.

here's to surviving the supermarket and stocking a more perfect pantry.

21 comments:

kelly said...

so funny! i picked up this book just yesterday. & while at first i didn't want to read it (sometimes not knowing is bliss) i kept found myself gravitating back to it. i can't wait to delve in!

talesofahummingbird said...

looks like a good pick. i'm reading "the omnivore's dilemma"....low on the pictures and high on the 'what you're really eating' info that is hard to swallow. i am fascinated. and it makes going to the grocery store interesting now, being clued in what you're actually putting in your cart. i'll check this out, thanks!

Ann Marie said...

ooh! my pet topic: food! loved this post, marta.

may i recommend: "in defense of food" by michael pollan and "animal, vegetable, miracle" by barbara kingsolver. you'll love them!

tawnya said...

I promise, there is life after Marie Callendar's pot pies...I swear!

{amy k.} said...

I have to say that sometimes I like not knowing... then I feel like it's okay- but I know that's a lame excuse. And this book looks like ag reat way for me to learn... I'm a visual learner as well, especially when there are comparisons! Thanks for the suggestion!

Anonymous said...

thank you, thank you for this!

brooke said...

I'm excited to find this book. THanks for the great tip! I hope it doesn't tell me to give up Oreos and tootsie rolls--my two weaknesses.

Miranda said...

Sweet! I can't wait to pick up this book. I'm such a food fact junkie. Also...I heart the library.

Little Gray Pixel said...

Please tell me Honey Nut Cheerios are in the "Eat This" pile. Because I would die without them.

Hannah said...

i bought this book at Costco while in Hawaii. i love the visuals as well.

Becca Groves said...

this is good stuff...We actually had Marie Calendar pot pies about a year ago at a friends house and after we got home she called to tell me she had looked at the package and wanted to tell us what exactly she had just served us! We laughed and then we exercised :)

Sarah said...

My mother in law had that book at her house and I thought it was fascinating. I love the easy layout too! I just thought it was nice to see quick, better options... even if you still want a candy bar - you can have a twix, just avoid the butterfinger (too bad, those are so good in shakes!)

Natalie said...

i also read omnivore's dilemma and it changed the way i shop and eat. i'll have to pick this up because, like someone said before me, there aren't nearly enough pictures in michael pollan's books!

ALFIE said...

i love the "eat this not that" series!

Janssen said...

Terrific! Thanks for sharing! I just put it on reserve at the library. . .

Amanda said...

Thanks for the good find. I, like you, am a visual learner so this is something I could see on my kitchen shelf!

summer said...

oh i would adore this book! hope my library has it. you're so right, the magazine style would be super fun to read. oh and don't those juice drinks just drive you crazy? i'm with you- i'll take dessert and have water with my meal anyday.

ps. speaking of meals.. we had your zesty crockpot chicken for dinner tonight and found a new fave. thank you!

Travelin'Oma said...

Marie Callendar's pot pies? Oh no!

loren weltsch said...

thanks for the recommendation! i am definitely going to add this to my 'must read' list.

Cassee said...

Totally bought this book after reading this post. So excited! Gleee!

Kari said...

I don't get around to watching Oprah very often, but a few weeks ago I passed by and saw her highlighting this book. Also thought it looked interesting, but unless it reaches out and grabs me, I have to wait for backup witnesses.
Digging the format. And thank you, hannah--we're headed to Hawaii tomorrow, so I won't stress about getting to B&N, I'll just pick it up when I get there.
Thanks for the recommend. (My taste buds reserve their thanks until we see the full extent of the "no no" list.)

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