Turn Off the Fat Genes - A Book Review

Once in a while a good title comes along and "Turn Off the Fat Genes" is one of those titles that just have to be written about. If you are not familiar with Dr. Neal Barnard's work, he has been writing about how to lose weight on a high carbohydrate diet for at least a decade now.

I'm amazed, as you might be, that his work is not better known. There are a number of advantages to using a high carb diet and as many disadvantages to the low carb/ high protein diets.

There is some great research in his books that document the ability to lose weight on a high carbohydrate diet, which may also be healthier in the long run than the ever-popular low carbohydrate diets.

You might think it surprising, as I do, that more people are not using high carb diets to lose weight. You might also conclude that this is solely due to a lack of awareness on the part of the public.

Turn of the Fat Genes, written by Dr. Neal Barnard features over 150 pages of menus and recipes. The recipe and menu section is very comprehensive and you can definitely find recipes that will delight you out of such a large compilation.

Dr. Bernard discusses the concept that some of the genes that shape and influence us as human beings are themselves subject to influence. The genes that affect taste, appetite and metabolism are subject to the influence of the foods that we eat.

Not only are they subject to influence, the proper use of foods can mean that you don't have to sacrifice and starve yourself of decent nutrition. You can modify your diet, eat perhaps even more frequently and still enjoy weight loss. Does that sound incredible? It is real. You might feel incredulous because the masses of people out there have been told that low carb is the way to go.

I have been following some of the suggestions in one of Dr. Barnard's books and I can tell you that a high carb diet can help you lose weight. Using his suggestions, I can eat a lot of food frequently and I still seem to stay thin.

To give you an idea of what kind of information "Turn Off the Fat Genes" can provide you with, here is a list of some of the Chapter titles:

Taste Genes: Broccoli and Chocolate

Appetite and the Leptin Gene

The Fat-Building Gene

Fat-Burning: Turning the Flame Higher

How Genes Influence Your Exercise

Children and the Fat Genes

Food Choices for Optimal Weight Control

Dr. Barnard writes, "Contrary to popular opinion, scientific research reveals that genes are not dictators; they are committees. They do not give orders. They make suggestions. Genes are not rogue tyrants exerting despotic control over your waistline. Rather, they work in groups, often with subtle effects, and you can nudge them in the direction you want them to go. You can counteract the fat genes and boost your thin genes."

In ancient times, Hippocrates said, "Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food." Of course we aren't really talking about healing as much as we are discussing losing weight, but the principle applies.

One thing I learned from another of Dr. Barnard's books is that carbohydrates don't make people fat. It is fat that makes people fat. And it makes sense. Carbohydrates pack around 4 calories per gram and fats have about 9 calories per gram.

By the way, even though it is correct terminology, the fact is that the calories discussed here are actually 'thousands of calories'. In nutrition they decided to make a calorie equal to 1,000 real life calories as measured for energy.

Anyway I don't want to confuse anyone, because the RDA is based on nutrition calories, also known as Calories, but no one capitalizes the C as should be done. You can just keep thinking of calories as calories and don't worry about the technicalities.

Back to the story. Dr. Barnard's books on high carb diets are great reading and may inform you about healthier weight loss than you are currently use to. Did I mention the recipe list?

This article is for information purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose, treat or prevent any health condition. If you have or think you have a health condition or even just want to diet, please consult your physician.

Dave Snape is a health, fitness and wellness enthusiast. His website is http://tobeinformed.com

recurring maid service Wilmette ..
In The News:

OpenTable now uses AI to track your dining habits and share insights with restaurants. Learn what data they collect and how to protect your privacy.
Google's discontinued Nest thermostats still secretly upload home data to company servers despite losing smart features, raising serious privacy concerns.
New Android malware NGate steals NFC payment codes in real-time, allowing criminals to withdraw cash from ATMs without your card. Learn protection tips.
DoorDash confirms data breach exposing customer names, emails, addresses after social engineering attack. Learn how to protect yourself from scams.
Concerned about Google's AI scanning your Gmail? Learn how to disable Gemini features that access your emails, Drive files and Chat messages for privacy.
Google warns Android users about dangerous fake VPN apps hiding malware that steals passwords, banking details and personal data from phones and tablets.
Apple's digital passport feature lets iPhone users breeze through TSA checkpoints this holiday season using Digital ID technology at 250+ airports.
A new phishing scam targets family photos with fake "Cloud Storage Full" alerts. Criminals steal credit card information through fake sites. Learn protection tips.
South Korean scientists create ultra-thin fabric muscles that turn clothes into robotic assistants, lifting 33 pounds while weighing under half an ounce.
Archer Aviation has acquired Hawthorne Airport for $126M to launch an LA air taxi network ahead of the 2028 Olympics, featuring AI-powered eVTOL operations and next-gen aviation tech.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Fake AI apps disguised as "ChatGPT" and "DALLĀ·E" are flooding app stores with dangerous malware that steals data and monitors users without detection.
Fake buyers demand specific vehicle reports from unknown sites to steal credit card information from car sellers, but warning signs can help identify these scams before paying.
Android users can now manage apps across multiple devices more easily with Google Play Store's updated remote uninstall button in the latest update.
NASA's Perseverance rover discovers shiny metallic rock on Mars that could be a meteorite from an ancient asteroid, containing high levels of iron and nickel.
Holiday scams spike during Black Friday and Cyber Monday as criminals exploit your leaked personal data. Learn how to protect yourself from fake stores and phishing.
Commerce Department proposes TP-Link router ban over Chinese security risks. Learn how this potential prohibition could affect your home network and devices.
Hyundai AutoEver America suffered a data breach affecting 2,000 current and former employees, exposing names, Social Security numbers and driver's license information.
Washington court rules automated license plate reader images are public records, even when stored by vendors like Flock Safety, setting precedent for transparency.
Fake airline texts claiming flight cancellations are targeting travelers with convincing scams. Learn how cybercriminals steal personal data and credit card info.
Discover how iOS 26's new Adaptive Power feature automatically extends iPhone battery life by learning your usage patterns and adjusting performance intelligently.
New TikTok malware campaign tricks users into running PowerShell commands that download Aura Stealer, which steals credentials and authentication tokens.
Gaia Family offers fixed upfront pricing for IVF cycles with unlimited embryo transfers and financial protection, partnering with over 100 U.S. fertility clinics.
The Jetsons Act aims to position Pennsylvania as a leader in advanced air mobility by establishing regulations for hybrid ground-air vehicles.
Fake Geek Squad invoice emails are targeting users with convincing charges and urgent phone numbers to steal personal information and money.

The Neuro-Science Of Losing The Weight You Hate

Are you one of the 90 million Americans who are... Read More

Americas Secret Addiction

America is a nation of self-disclosers, amiably acceptant of our... Read More

Does Fat Free Really Mean Free Of Fat?

Do you know what the words really mean on food... Read More

The Key to Weight Loss: The INSIDE OUT Factor ? The #1 Mindset in Changing Your Weight Forever!

WHAT DOES BEING FIT REALLY MEAN?The "INSIDE-OUT" approach to fitness... Read More

High Carb & Low Carb Diets: How To Avoid The Dangers

There's a two hundred year history of people prescribing both... Read More

A Better Body - 5 Easy Steps That Anyone Can Take

If only there were a 'better body boot camp', we'd... Read More

4 Tips for Fast Fat Loss Part I

Fat Loss Tip #1) Train With WeightsWorking out with weights... Read More

Hollywood Weight Loss Secrets ? Five Things to Avoid!

As an employee of famous fitness star Kathy Smith, personal... Read More

The 5 Keys To Finally Lose Fat Fast!

Losing fat in my opinion is not all that difficult.... Read More

What is the Glycemic Index?

Over the last 30 years, research into food and blood... Read More

Loose 10 Pounds by Drinking Water?

Drink plenty of water. Our body needs a lot of... Read More

Weight Loss Plateaus -- 7 Easy Steps to Overcome It

Have you ever experienced this scenario before?"I have successfully lost... Read More

The Truth About Low Carb Dieting

Every day you walk down the street it is becoming... Read More

Help! My Kids are Overweight!

If you have recently found yourself fretting over your child's... Read More

Theyre Wide, Theyre Here, Get Used to It

America's Obesity EpidemicAs the numbers of overweight Americans continue to... Read More

Little Known Facts About Changes In Our Diet

To say that Americans are obsessed with dieting is an... Read More

Weight Loss Doesnt Work

Your brain has this really interesting system that is kind... Read More

Fibre And Weight Loss: How Closely Are They Connected?

The incidences of deseases like obesity, diabetes, colon deseases etc.are... Read More

Rejuvenation and the Protein Revolution

Rejuvenation and the Protein Revolution in Your Kitchen?2003 Marilyn DiamondIf... Read More

Burning Fat vs. Burning Calories

To lose weight and get in shape you must have... Read More

Learn the Secrets the Weight Loss Industry Doesnt Want You To Know About Weight Loss Diets

All weight loss diets make you FatThat's right, because on... Read More

How to Lose Belly Fat: Latest Secrets from the Research Labs, Part 2

Abdominal fat is now seen as a growing health hazard,... Read More

The Truth About Counting Calories And Weight Loss

Do calories matter or do you simply need to eat... Read More

What Obesity Debate?

This is a perfect example of how on-line weight loss... Read More

On A Diet? Ensure You Get Enough Nutritional Supplements For Your Good Health

There is never any absolute certainty about what the nutritional... Read More

last minute cleaning help Highland Park ..