So, is there one best diet? Barbee says no. He concludes his book with a lengthy discussion of why one grocery shopping list does not fit all. He explains the weaknesses of diets that claim personality, physiology, neurology and even blood type are valid markers for determining specific diet profiles. He asserts that while there’s no magic formula or test for the proper diet, there are standards to determine what works best for you individually. He encourages you to consider:
- the connection between food & emotions; to know why you eat what you are eating
- the possibility that your cravings are better satisfied by water, rest, or supplements than food
- the benefits of eating like a caveman (no pesticides, for one)
- the importance of simplifying and basing your diet on organic fruits and vegetables, raw nuts and seeds and high-quality, hormone-free meat.
Balance
Barbee balances his large-scale arguments about what’s wrong in the world of food with very specific shopping, eating and lifestyle tips that are easily found at the end of each chapter. And Barbee is serious about his message, never preachy. Barbee presents his opinions concisely and supports them with research and reasonable anecdotes. He doesn’t hesitate to take on the FDA and other big-name researchers. And he’s equally willing to name products and businesses that are doing more harm than good. On the other hand, Barbee readily compliments those same organizations when it seems their research or products are beneficial.
Rejuvenating Foods
The book ends with one chart, the Non-Pyramid Food Guide. This self-described ‘rejuvenating food system’ by Dr. Edward Baum, is a visually appealing graphic that perfectly underscores Barbee’s primary goal that readers and food consumers everywhere make careful, individualized choices and do whatever is necessary to eat whole foods, drink filtered water and read all labels very, very carefully.
Politically Incorrect Nutrition: Finding Reality in the Mire of Food Industry Propaganda
Michael Barbee, C.D.C.
Vital Health Publishing, 2004
ISBN# 1-890612-34-0, $13.95 U.S.
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Katie Engen contributed to this article.
