SuperFoods HealthStyle

November 14, 2005
Pratt and Matthews follow their successful SuperFoods Rx
by laying out a yearlong health program based on a diet incorporating the first book's 14 "best foods" plus additions like dark chocolate and kiwis, as well as lots of exercise, adequate sleep and other healthy habits. For each season, they describe proven benefits of foods in abundance then and provide recipes combining them; they also focus throughout on specific concerns like diabetes, portion control and stress. Readers may occasionally struggle with dietary jargon that isn't always well explained (e.g., "phytochemicals" and "cryptoxanthins"), and those new to the SuperFood way might be overwhelmed by the amount of certain foods they're supposed to eat (a cup or two of blueberries per day in summer; one-half to one cup of broccoli daily in autumn), but the advice is sensible and the authors make no incredible claims. The recipes, mostly simple, range from breakfast items to light entrees to desserts and show ways the book's recommendations can be put into practice. Pratt and Matthews's system is basically the age-old one of restraint: eat fresh food in moderation and exercise.

December 1, 2005
Pratt and Matthews believe that -true health involves the whole you: Body, mind, spirit. - This follow-up to their earlier "Superfoods Rx" expands the emphasis to cover not only diet and exercise but also stress reduction and the importance of sleep. The -superfoods - of the earlier book are reexamined and their effects on a wide variety of physical conditions discussed; recipes are included for each. An extensive bibliography lists the various studies and reports cited in the text, although the lack of specific footnotes makes matching the two difficult. However, the primary audience for a book like this one will probably not mind this omission. Overall, this is an excellent lifestyle manual telling how to incorporate healthy eating with the right variety of exercises, stress reduction techniques, and sufficient sleep. The superfoods hook will be a popular draw, so libraries can expect demand." -Susan B. Hagloch, formerly with Tuscarawas Cty. P.L., New Philadelphia, OH"

Copyright 2005 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.