Synopsis:
Breakthrough genetic research indicates that genes are not just onoff switches for characteristics we can't control (like gender or eye color). Some genes, including those that shape our bodies, actually adapt to outside influences. In Turn Off the Fat Genes, Dr. Neal Barnard draws on this cutting-edge research to create a revolutionary new program for activating thin genes and suppressing fat genes, a dramatic tool for sculpting away excess pounds to reveal the healthy, vital body that nature intended.
In Turn Off the Fat Genes, Dr. Barnard begins by explaining the dynamics of nutrition and its impact on genetics. Once you understand how the genes that control your shape can be influenced, the next step is positive intervention. The heart of Dr. Barnard's book is a three-week gene-control program (complete with menus and recipes) specifically designed to influence the five key genes that determine: (1) which foods you prefer, (2) the strength of your appetite, (3) whether your calories are burned or stored as fat, (4) how fast you burn calories, and (5) your muscular type and ability to exercise. Dr. Barnard's program enables all of us to enjoy the same virtually effortless weight control as the naturally thin people we have always admired.
Review:
All of us have both "fat genes" that encourage weight gain and "thin genes" that tame the appetite, block fat storage, and increase metabolism, writes Neal Barnard, M.D., a clinical researcher in preventive medicine and president of the Physicians' Committee for Responsible Medicine. According to Barnard, scientific research reveals that "genes are not dictators; they are committees" when it comes to weight loss. His goal here is to teach you how to turn on the "thin genes" and turn off the "fat genes," using food, exercise, and other strategies.
Barnard introduces five key genetic influences on weight loss--all of which can be affected by diet:
- Taste genes that determine which foods attract you
- Leptin, the gene that tames appetite when it's working right, and leads to overeating when it's not
- LPL, the enzyme storing fat in your cells
- Insulin, which can stimulate your fat burning or turn it off
- A gene for muscle-cell types that influences whether exercise is easy for you
Part 1 explains how each of these genetic influences works, how to figure out if and how much it affects you, and how to counter it. For example, you can boost a sluggish calorie burn with aerobic exercise and plant foods high in complex carbs and fiber. Part 2 argues the benefits of a "diet makeover" consisting of a vegan (pure vegetarian, no animal products), low-fat diet emphasizing whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits.
Part 3 offers menus and dozens of recipes from Jennifer Raymond. In case you think that eliminating meat and dairy would leave nothing substantial on your plate, you'll be pleasantly surprised by her varied, innovative, and satisfying recipes. For example, try Breakfast Sweet Potato Pudding, made with oats and soy milk; Breakfast Scramble, made with polenta, spinach, and mushrooms; Oatmeal Waffles; the Garbanzo Salad Sandwich; Tofu, Lettuce, and Tomato Sandwich; Portobello and Red Pepper Wrap; Zucchini Corn Fritters; and Lasagna Roll-ups. --Joan Price
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