Finally

It's always struck me as slightly ridiculous how in a world where there is a new diet fad every five minutes, so many people, be they nutritionists, dietists, doctors or laymen nutrition enthusiasts will speak with such certainty as to what constitutes a "healthy diet". That's why it really made me happy to come across this book. It lays bare the very narrow foundations of a lot of these trendy diets, whilst at the same time provides a basis for a new mode of thinking about food and health, centred much more on the individual variations between people rather than on a one-size-fits-all solution.

Adding to this of course is the light and witty, informative, and above all, honest style of the author. The listener is treated to loads of interesting anecdotes, many of which lead to some very surprising and lasting insights. I have started to apply some of these in real life and I am happy to say that I am already noticing significant effects. I would recommend anyone to read this book and to do the same.

22 people found this helpful

Not my fault!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

At first I was reluctant to buy yet ANOTHER diet book but weakened by my life's slimming journey, I pressed the 'buy' button! Tim Spector takes us through a fascinating analysis of 'diets' & I was no longer blaming myself for repetitive failures. Serial dieters should listen to this; I have taken Dr Spector's advice & within days I feel so much better. Strangely though, I'm praising this book and the reading on my scales is only slightly lower. The difference is that I feel lighter; not bloated and uncomfortable; my tummy is flatter and I have been relieved of the guilt that it was all my fault.

What does Gildart Jackson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Now I feel that it is important to highlight the reader. Until I examined the production, I presumed The Diet Myth was read by the author. However, displaying his incredible versatility, Gildart Jackson reads the book so convincingly he, once again displays another facet of his incredible talent. Thank you gentlemen!

16 people found this helpful

Illuminating and well researched book

Certainly food for thought.... and action! The power of our gut clearly and convincingly illustrated.

4 people found this helpful

More questions than answers

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes - anybody interested in nutrition, diet, the anatomy of the body should definitely pick up this book - especially if you have little or no knowledge on the role microbes play in our everyday life.

What did you like best about this story?

Gildart narrates it very well, not dull, not annoying and not too monotone. As for the 'story' I mean there isn't one, this is an informative book, but none the less a book you could sit and listen to for anything between 10-60 minutes without switching off.

Have you listened to any of Gildart Jackson’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I've not but I wouldn't frown if I found another book on my list that he narrates.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not really, it's not a story... it's informative and educational so I'd probably struggle to retain all of the information if I listened in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

It's a very well written book and Tim Spector's certainly gained a fan for his skeptical analysis on diets and our relationship with food. I particularly liked the fact I couldn't find any points that I disagreed with, when he first mentioned cholesterol I was waiting for the trap many dieticians fall into but he pleasantly surprised me with his words on that particular subject. I find after reading it I have more questions than answers but that's probably a good thing.

8 people found this helpful

Thoroughly absorbing and an eye opener.

Very interesting view into the world of microbes and how they effect our bodies. I will that more notice of what I eat now!

3 people found this helpful

Good Listen

Any additional comments?

Have read a lot of books on Nutrition and I really liked this informative book that I was able to listen to without loosing concentration. I docked 1 star as (being a ceoliac), felt that the information/his opinion on people following gluten free diets a little concerning. There are sooo many undiagnosed Ceolics out there being overlooked by Doctors, but otherwise really good.

3 people found this helpful

Listen to this book!

Probably the best diet book there is out there and doesn't even give you a diet to follow!

I am a fully qualified nutritionist and personal trainer and can say that this is some of the best advice I have come across in years.

3 people found this helpful

Peppered with errors and oversimplification

I got only as far as chapter 4 before I became exasperated and gave up. For anyone attempting to illuminate the issue of cholesterol and saturated fats, which have both been unfairly demonized by the medical profession for so many years, to continue to refer to LDL and HDL as good and bad cholesterol, is unforgivable. Then when I heard his explanation of why some fats are solids and some liquids, he proclaims that this is due to the length of the chains of fatty acids rather than the morphology of the molecules caused by the double bonds in saturated fats, I came to the conclusion that if the author could be wrong about these simple facts there was not much point in listening to the rest of his book. I'm concerned about anyone coming to this book as a means of achieving a better understanding of diets and how it affect our health.
I did however like the narrator, and would listen to anything by him in the future.

2 people found this helpful

Rethink how you view food

What did you like most about The Diet Myth?

This was a fascinating journey into the real science behind food trends, fads and diet 'truths'. It is scary at how much myth has been accepted as fact and clear that the food and diet industry is nothing more than modern day snake oil!

Any additional comments?

My one reservation was that whilst the book is fantastic for identifying the problem of the diet myth, there is little real practical advice or guidance as to how to counter it. The problems are clearly highlighted, however we are left in the dark as to what to do as a result. The message of eat real food, with plenty of variety and eat less bad stuff is fine but this could be improved by offering some more real world examples and day to day advice.

2 people found this helpful

Thought provoking and logical

Engaging science, informative research, colouring stories. Totally insightful. And best of all confirmation that I can eat the things I love in moderation. Dark chocolate, cheese, curry, Milk are all good. I will also stop wasting money on vitamins and spiralina.

2 people found this helpful