The Executive Success Diet

Suggests eight basic steps for improving one's diet, discusses weight loss, the six food groups, fad diets, exercise, and stress, and gives advice on how to handle business meals

The authors make a valid case for a diet designed for executives that is high in complex carbohydrates and fiber, and low in fats and cholesterol. Double-density nutrients coupled with "sensible" foods are incorporated into a five-day workweek menu plan, based on either 1000 (for dieting) or 1500 calories (for maintenance) per day. Included are discussions of food groups, nutrition, emotional stress (and how to cope), 25 recipes and suggestions for exercise. But the material that should be the heart of the bookthe menu plan and advice on adapting good eating habits to a variety of business situations (airplane travel, cocktail parties, set-menu business lunches)is thin and lacking in detail. Helpful, however, is the listing by state of fitness centers that offer reciprocity for members of affiliated clubs. The book would have been greatly improved by better organization and editing. It's a handy guide but not the definitive word on the subject. Roth (The Pasta-Lover's Diet Book has a graduate degree in clinical nutrition and Ross (Fighting Depression is a psychiatrist. First serial to Savvy; author tour.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

That health and success can be achieved through good nutrition is the theme of these two books, but each approaches the idea differently. Roth and Ross stress the role that nutrition plays in the life of an executive from breakfast through dinner meetings and recommend eight basic steps to health: e.g., increased complex carbohydrates, less fat and salt, calorie control, stress reduction. A five-day weight-loss and maintenance plan (with recipes) emphasizes common, easily prepared foods. Haas, by contrast, expanding on the theme of Eat To Win ( LJ 2/1/84), presents specific and detailed plans for increased productivity, reduced stress, and other benefits under his nutritional guidelines. He emphasizes nutritional supplementsespecially those produced by a company which makes them to his formulaas well as complex carbohydrates, less fat and salt and protein. A 28-day diet plan complete with recipes is included, with special diets and supplements for travel, colds, surgery, the office, and women. In discussing air travel, Haas cites as problems jet lag and exposure to radiation, ozone, and tobacco smoke, and recommends nutritional supplements, anti-oxidants, and low-fat meals as protection. Roth and Ross, on the other hand, suggest ordering a "special meal" to avoid the fatty airline food. Their plan seems rooted in unglamorous common sense, while Haas emphasizes the use of special supplements. Buy for demand. Susan E. Holmer, Peninsula Lib. System, San Mateo, Cal.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.