REVIEW: Diet Fads by Barbara A. Zahensky (for TEENS)

DIET FADS by Barbara A. Zahensky

Okay. Yes, I am once again reviewing a somewhat *diety* book. BUT, I am only doing so because this was a book written for TEENS, and it wasn't so *diety* after all. There were a few parts that mentioned watching calorie-intake, or avoiding a lot of high-fat foods.

But, overall, the book encouraged teens to stay away from fad diets (while explaining WHY), and encouraged them, instead, to listen to their hunger signals, to do some research into why they think they overeat, and to get more exercise.

I would recommend this book, definitely. I might give a word of "warning" along with it ((grin)), but only to say that we don't necessarily NEED to count calories, or avoid any foods so long as we're truly listening to our bodies' signals, paying full attention, and allowing any food in moderation. Moderation is key. ;o)

REVIEW: Safe Dieting for Teens

SAFE DIETING FOR TEENS, 2nd Edition
by Linda Ojeda
Hunter House publishers
ISBN: 0-89793-502-0

NOTE: I volunteered to read this for LibraryThing's "Early Reviewers" program. Don't be scared off by the term 'diet' in the title... read my review (below) for more!

Ms. Ojeda has written an excellent book on dieting for teens. It doesn't give you a food plan, or recommend cutting out any food groups, or counting calories. Instead, Ms. Ojeda suggests that teens make up their own "diet" using some guidelines she provides.

I appreciated the fact that she doesn't tell you that you have to do it "her way". I liked that she often encouraged the reader to "listen to your body", and to just make healthier changes.

One of the best parts I thought was where she says not to try to change everything all at once... you do one new thing for a while, until you're comfortable, and then move on to something else.

Even though I'm well past my 'teen' years, I found this book to be helpful, in some respects, even for me. So, while it's directed at teen readers, it's good for anyone looking for some quick tips on how to put together a working healthy-lifestyle plan.

The only 'issue' I had is that she still has a lot of focus on calories. Being a nutritionist, that's understandable. And, I'm somewhat biased, as I've been into "non-dieting" for the past 2 years, and will never diet again. ;o)

Overall, though, this book was very good, and if teens are going to look to "dieting", I'd recommend this book, as it's very 'safe', and very sensible.

Rated: B (enjoyable)

*** One more NOTE: While the book still focuses a lot on calories, the fact that the author still gives a lot of push toward the "non-dieting" style of changes makes me feel that this book is "okay". Hence, why I reviewed it here. ;o) ***