Numerous authors have written books on diet and metabolism, the rate at which the body converts food into energy. If you want to lose weight, look for a book without dietary gimmicks, such as limiting entire nutrient groups or severely restricting calories, which may cause harmful effects, according to the Weight-control Information Network. For guidance specific to your needs, discuss your dietary goals and interests with a qualified medical or dietary professional first.
The Ultimate Metabolism Diet
Written by bariatric specialist Scott Ridgen, M.D., "The Ultimate Metabolism Diet: Eat Right for Your Metabolic Type" describes five metabolic types that all people fall within. The book describes the five, helps you determine which suits you and then shares dietary, exercise and dietary supplement guidelines based on your type. Ridgen addresses numerous weight and metabolism-related issues, such as sensitivity to carbohydrates, hormonal imbalances, emotional eating and metabolic syndrome. The book also features case studies of people who have found success by honing their metabolic type, and addresses the problems involved with most conventional diets and why they fail to bring success. Two advantages of the book include the author's expertise as a bariatric medical professional and the fact that he does not put forth a "one diet fits all" approach, but addresses various issues and needs.
Master Your Metabolism
"Master Your Metabolism: The 3 Diet Secrets to Naturally Balancing Your Hormones for a Hot and Healthy Body," written by person trainer Jillian Michaels, best known for her work on the TV series, "The Biggest Loser," is a three-phase diet that claims to address all weight-related hormones and lead to improved weight and metabolism. The plan begins by eliminating hydrogenated fats, processed grains, artificial food additives and high-fructose corn syrup from your diet. During the next phase, legumes, vegetables, fruits, eggs, meat, nuts, seeds, whole grains and low-fat dairy products are introduced. In the last phase, Michaels stresses the importance of eating at appropriate times, consuming foods in proper combinations and amounts, eating until you feel satiated and not eating after 9 p.m. Exercise is also encouraged, for its multiple benefits, including enhanced metabolism, caloric burn and hormone balance. "Master Your Metabolism" encourages whole, natural foods, also suggested by the Mayo Clinic for optimum health. However, Michaels also offers medical advice, such as avoiding the use of certain medications, which as a fitness professional, she is unqualified to give. The brief sample meal plan provided contains low-calorie foods, but does not indicate portion sizes or give the reader day-to-day specifics.
Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism
"Advanced Nutrition and Metabolism," by dietary experts Sareen Gropper and Jack Smith, is an in-depth, scientific guide to diet and metabolism. If you prefer a fact-based book that does not tout a particular diet, you may find this book's studies, illustrations and descriptions of how the human metabolism works and how it affects and is affected by the foods you eat helpful. The book addresses an array of relevant topics, including digestion, nutrient absorption, vitamins and minerals and how the body processes carbohydrates, protein and fat. Rather than focusing solely on weight management, "Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism" discusses the role metabolism and diet play in immune-system function and various diseases.
References
- "The Ultimate Metabolism Diet: Eat Right for Your Metabolic Type"; Scott Ridgen, M.D.; 2008
- "Master Your Metabolism: The 3 Diet Secrets to Naturally Balancing Your Hormones for a Hot and Healthy Body"; Jillian Michaels; 2010
- Mayo Clinic: Dietary supplements: Nutrition in a pill?
- "Advanced Nutrition and Metabolism"; Sareen Gropper, Jack Smith; 2008
- Weight-control Information Network: Weight Loss and Nutrition Myths
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