In her 2009 book, "Diet Myths That Keep You Fat: And the 101 Truths That Will Save Your Waistline and Maybe Even Your Life," Dr. Nancy Snyderman debunks eight common dieting misconceptions. She then explores ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle and body image without relying on dieting fads or food deprivation. Snyderman is a surgeon specializing in head and neck injuries and a frequent medical commentator for NBC-TV.
Features
The first myth Snyderman targets is that being overweight is the individual's fault, since American foods frequently contain weight-inducing ingredients like corn syrup, sugar, and artificial preservatives. She also attacks contradictory claims that carbohydrates are both bad and good for you, NBC's "Today Show" reported in 2009. Snyderman explains that body shape does matter, fat is bad no matter where you carry it on your body, and that diet drugs and surgeries are not sound long-term solutions for keeping weight off.
Significance
Snyderman backs her weight-loss plan with research and data, whether examining weight gain or the benefits of exercise. Her book comforts struggling dieters by telling them they are not entirely to blame for their problems, but strongly encourages them to take responsibility for correcting them. She does this by recommending a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen she believes nearly anyone can follow without tremendous effort.
Solution
Snyderman encourages dieters to eat plenty of fruits of vegetables, but to curb unhealthy cravings by snacking on traditional diet-busting foods like ice cream or cake, the Diets in Review website explains. Her Treat Yourself Diet allows for small servings of sugary snacks or comfort foods to prevent binging. Snyderman instructs readers to eat slowly and incorporate fiber-rich foods into every meal, while avoiding cheese, artificial sweeteners and processed foods. She argues that the key to losing weight is portion control. Eat small meals, even if that means eating more often.
Warning
While Snyderman tells patients to exercise five days a week for 30 minutes at a time, she presents no specific exercise plan. Her book has also been criticized for exaggerating certain facts, particularly relating to like expectancy. Snyderman argues that maintaining a proper individual weight can increase life expectancy by seven years, but critics contend she does not consider genetic factors or that optimum weight varies from person to person. You should consult your own doctor before beginning any new diet or exercise regimen.
Effects
Snyderman attempts to motivate dieters by relieving them of all the blame for their weight problems. She frequently reminds her readers that losing weight is a slow process requiring a lifetime commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Her "101 Truths" are not part of popular fad diets or common starvation techniques, but designed to produce gradual weight loss and a better medical condition if followed diligently, Diets in Review explains.
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