Fellow Bostonian, Brett Blumenthal, sent me a copy of her latest book “Get Real and Stop Dieting!“ back in December. I don’t like to reveiw “diet” books right after I read them because most want you to feel a life changing effect. How can a reader tell if the book has made a permanent and lasting mark on your well being if you review it right away? So here is my review: 
Blumenthal’s subtitle says, “Forget the fads, learn the facts and feel fabulous.” This statement is held true throughout the book. It’s not a about crash dieting but rather focuses on health and the facts that science has proven time and time again. If you eat a typical American diet of processed foods, this book is a good start for helping show you how to eat healthier. But if you have been eating down this road before, this book will serve as a refresher rather than deliver new information.
Bett’s book is nothing ground breaking but very informative and helpful even for someone like me who writes about health on a daily basis. It is well written as an easy read and crash course in eating a proper diet complete with real, clean foods. Did you know quinoa is the only plant based complete protein? Do you even know the difference between a complete or incomplete protein? If not and you want to know, this book is an excellent choice for you. It can be picked up leisurely to learn some new tips to share and implement in your own life.
This is ideal reading material for people who don’t know where to start or may just beginning to start their own journey to a healthier lifestyle. Skip the fad diet books and check out Blumenthal’s “Get Real and Stop Dieting.” It will educate you on all the right information you need to learn how to eat to live, and not live to eat. If you a bit of a diet book junkie, like I am, this book will still give you a quick fact based refresher on the science of a healthy diet.
My favorite part of the book were by far the recipes. Here is my favorite that is simple, yet I had never heard of it!
Garbanzo Nuts
Ingredients:
- Canola oil cooking spray
- Parchment paper
- 1 can chicpeas (15 ounces- rinsed and drained
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
Preheat over to 400 degrees F. Spray light coating of canola oil onto cookie sheet covered in parchment paper. Mix chickpeas with spices and place in a single layer on cookie sheet. Bake for approx. 40 minutes, stirring occaionally. When done store in an airtight container to maintain crispness. Makes 4 servings. Nutritionals: 138 calories, 2 g Fat, 24 g Carbs, 4.7 g Fiber, 0 g Sugar, 5 g Protein.
To order a copy for yourself or someone you know for less than $7, visit Amazon to buy Get Real and Stop Dieting!
