I always love the read the latest from Dr. Hyman. I appreciate his philosophy to health and nutrition and feel many would benefit from reading this book.

Another book about the general idea of what people should eat when really it should be curtailed to how and what people do in their life. There isn't just one way to eat for all people.

I have read prior work by the author and found much of the same here. As a vegan who has done significant research on nutrition, I found conflicts with much of the information here. There is much I do not agree with within this books but for the layperson just learning about good nutrition it is a good starting point. If you are on your first path toward better health I would recommend this for basic nutrition myth information and recommended healthier eating.

Healthy food CAN taste great! Dr. Hyman is a genius when it comes to motivating the masses to take charge of their health by presenting readers with evidence based medicine, clinical stories of success, and delicious recipes to engage anyone who has a willingness to try new things. I thought the book was easily readable for clinicians and layman. Its presented in a kind yet informed style.

Gives me hope! A doable guide to what we should be eating

Great intro to Hyman's "Pegan" diet, and you’ve got to love a reasonable middle ground. The Pegan diet seems logical, scientific, and doable. Let’s face it, most of the universe acknowledges that the food pyramid is majorly broken and our stores sell more garbage than real food and nutrition. It’s just so hard to figure out what we really can eat, especially if we have specific goals for our diets.

I hadn’t read any of Mark Hyman’s books before, but I was intrigued by the Pegan diet premise and his emphasis on functional medicine. The traditional medical community has failed so many people that I know. They keep treating the symptoms and not the causes. So we’ve had to do so much on our own. I’ve read so many books and articles on paleo and autoimmune protocol, not to mention having read about and tried vegetarian in the past. Frankly, I’d love eating vegetarian if it didn’t make me sick as a dog. Well, okay, that and the fact that I was born a carnivore reaching out for a T-bone steak.

My daughter and I have celiac disease, food allergies, and multiple autoimmune diseases, and only two of our doctors have even talked about diet. Sticking to the paleo diet is just so incredibly hard when you can’t eat so much of what’s on it. We keep having to modify things to have a variety to eat and it feels as if we’re disobeying the rules. Dr. Hyman makes a lot of sense, so I’m going to stop feeling guilty about some of the things that we include in our diet, such as buckwheat, some dairy, and lentils.

Reading about the Pegan diet gives me hope that there’s a reasonable middle ground that’s clean enough and doable enough that our family can stick to it. Some of the foods he recommends that you not eat are things that we can’t eat anyway so that’s actually a win for us, finally, LOL. Dr. Hyman may have designed a diet that my family can live with. We’re about to find out!

If You Come Across A Strange Sea Vegetable, Eat It!

That’s right--it’s important to eat a wide variety of veggies, especially the odd ones! Forgot those common veggies you see at the market. Instead, “Eat all the strange, weird, and unpopular veggies instead of the boring, all-too-common ones.” If you find some strange sea vegetable from Japan, eat it!

Practical note: As a result of reading this book, I will be planting a garden full of zany, healthy vegetables. I’m really looking forward to putting the ideas in this book into action! (You don’t have to agree with all his points to realize the value of fresh, wholesome vegetables.)

Eating unusual veggies is just one of the fun tips that Dr. Mark Hyman presents in, FOOD: WHAT THE HECK SHOULD I EAT? The author covers some of the hottest topics in diet research, and explains what we’ve gotten wrong.

Readers familiar with Dr. Hyman’s work will recognize his passion on overuse of sugar. He notes that many health organizations recommend limiting sugar to 10 percent of the daily calories. Alas, the typical American child eats 3-times that amount. One good change is to limit sugary fruit juice. So, skip the O.J., and “Eat the orange instead.”

Dr. Hyman notes that eating meat does not really lead to obesity and heart attacks. One reason studies have claimed that, is that people who eat a lot of eat have OTHER bad habits that do indeed cause health problems. To support his point, Dr. Hyman cites one summary of 53 studies, which found that high-fat diets achieved superior weight loss. Also, a comprehensive study “found no link between saturated fat consumption and heart disease.” Yet another large study found “no difference in mortality between vegetarians, pescatarians, and meat eaters.”

At first, I found the conflicting conclusion about meat bewildering, but in turns out that his dietary recommendations are very similar to the “limit meat” camp. The doctor recommends big platefuls of colorful vegetables—with only a little meat: “Vegetables should take center stage, and meat should be the side dish.”

Here’s what surprised me--I discovered I was woefully ignorant about modern fruits and vegetables. Modern fruits and veggies do not have great nutritional content, compared to less refined produce. We have “bred our produce to be sweeter, less colorful, and less nutritious. . . We’ve taken our wild plants— vegetables and fruit— and stripped them of their best qualities.”

Here is my #1 surprise: A wild crabapple has “100x more cancer- and inflammation-fighting anthocyanins than the Golden Delicious variety found in supermarkets.” What? How did I not know that? Ditto for berries: “Wild blueberries have dozens of times more phytonutrients than domesticated berries.”

Okay, I totally confess I had no idea about the nutrition of more wild produce compared to modern produce. I am VERY surprised.

So all in all, I found FOOD to be a helpful book, with tons of great ideas. I realize that I am chugging down way too much sugar (I love ice cream and pies!) I found the chapters on veggies and fruit the most helpful, as I just didn’t realize how modern fruits and vegetables have so much less nutrition than less refined varieties. Excellent information!

Finally, realize that there is a LOT of material in this book, and it can be a little overwhelming. Fortunately, the doctor writes well, and I found his points easy to follow. After presenting each topic, Dr. Hyman summarizes, ”What The Experts Got Right, ”What They Got Wrong,” and “What We Still Don’t Know For Sure.” I liked his succinct summary of the issues, and especially appreciate the author telling us where the science is not really settled.


See also Bassocantor.com/blog/food

A good book for someone new to Hyman's work, but for a fan of his past work, this installment adds nothing new to the cannon.

As a vegetarian for over eight years I found myself scratching my head at a lot of the information. I think the information was organized well and very easily explained. However, I just did not agree on a lot of the points that were brought up from all the other research I have done during my eight years. I have heard so much conflicting information and this just did not resonate with me.

I received an advanced review copy of Mark Hyman's forthcoming book Food: What The Heck Should I Eat? which I enjoyed a good deal. Full review: http://www.thebarefootdragonfly.com/book-review-food/

Full of rubbish. While he's on the right path of encouraging people to eat fruits and veggies, eating a bowl of Frosted Flakes isn't going to kill you. Sugar is not evil. Meat is not evil. You almost had me, book. But no. You said that back in the day low fat diets were bad, along with eggs. And just like those falsities, your book will be wrong, too.

The subtitle of the book is surprisingly accurate rather than flippant: this is a book that takes all we know about the various food groups and updates our knowledge. It turns over a lot of misconceptions about what is healthy and what isn't: there are plenty of surprises I feel for even the most well read of nutritionists and dieters/health conscious. An emphasis is on myth correction about diabetes, heart disease, veganism, and the various diets out there. Those looking for clarity on all the latest research findings will find a lot to like here.

The book breaks down as follows: Part one is a general discussion of the myths and misconceptions about today's foods (especially the role of fat and sugar in our diets). Part II methodically breaks down what we should know about the food types (meat, poultry and eggs, milk and dairy, fish and seafood, vegetables, fruit, fats and oils, beans, grains, nuts and seeds, sugar and sweeteners, beverages). Part III discusses other tidbits we need to know (things to keep out of our food, things we can add to our diet, and good health in the kitchen). Part IV is a diet plan to help transition into better eating, called the 'pagan diet': detox, meal plan, and recipes. The book ends with acknowledgments, notes, and index.

Author Hyman is a holistic type of doctor and so there is much to consider with each food item: sustainability, environmental impact, and more than just the actual eating. This includes some down-to-Earth discussions about how many of the studies we have relied upon in the past were conflicts of interest sponsored by big corporations to favor their products. Or just plain wrong. As well, the issues with American regulatory agencies and how their leaders also sit on corporate boards of food companies and how they put out misleading guidelines or information.

The book's focus remains on understanding why it is so important to cut out processed food/carbs and instead focus on protein, fat, and plants. There are no calorie or carb counting; a person eating better foods really doesn't need to do any of that.

The sections on the various food groups are nicely arranged with repeating motifs of "what we know" "what we don't know" "What we should eat" "What they (scientists) got right" "What they got wrong". So much is surprising in each of these categories. From beans not really being healthy to the health benefits of fat products like pure butter over low fat margarine. Oatmeal is a terrible first meal and not healthy while coffee is surprisingly healthy. Each of the chapters starts with a short quiz and I think you'll be surprised at how many facts you get wrong with each of the food groups.

The recipes are about what you would expect. You will have to use more exotic ingredients - cow's milk, for example, isn't recommended due to the hormones pumped into cows but coconut milk is a good substitute. You'll want to stock up on things like frozen blueberries or grass fed beef. Fortunately, the author has provided places where you can source healthier choices as well as the rarer items. I greatly appreciated the resources and recommendations.

The formatting of the recipes is simple fare: no images, a title, a quick intro, serving size, prep time, cooking time, ingredients, and then simple paragraph instructions. These are easy to prepare recipes that don't take hours or excessive prep time. Examples include savory buckwheath porridge, grass feed beef breakfast patties, coconut caluiflower rice, chicken liver pate, slow roasted potatoes, seared scallops with curried cauliflower, herb marinated chicken breasts, and flourless cashew butter cookies.

I have to admit, I have read many diet and nutrition books and yet I learned a surprising amount in here. Hyman is personable and friendly as well as encouraging and motivational. If I have a nitpick, it's that he occasionally use odd justifications; e.g., he'll state that if fat is bad, then why are babies fed breastmilk when it is one of the most fattening drinks we'll ever have? But that logic is silly since we are talking about developing human beings and not adults who have very different nutritional needs. I also wish there weren't so many 'reminders' to subscribe to his newsletter. I am sick of the upsell of various products in diet books (Dr. Fuhrman's especially was egregious).

So yes, highly recommended. I learned so much in here and this was worth every second of time spent reading. The recipes are simple, easy to make, and taste good. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

About a month ago I read Gary Taubes new book called “The Case Against Sugar”...in where he exposes the facade we have been lead to believe about Sugar. Carbohydrates were increasing - diabetes was increasing- while we went through a the anti-fat period. Sugar-pushing companies were benefitting from the ‘fat-is-bad’ for human consumption....
Taubes set the facts straight! His book is the best comprehensive- up-to -date - well respected and documented in “The Case Against Sugar”. .... a very powerful addictive drug-like effect for many people.

Mark Hyman and Gary Taubes are both - two of the most respected - committed qualified men restoring the health of our nation. To be fair ....I could name at least a dozen other experts in the field ...all on the same team: restoring the health of our nation.....I’ve been following them all - have participated in summit seminars - weekend workshops with these doctors - and nutritionist for approximately 30 years.

I already own most of Mark’s books - listen to his audio video’s from time to time -and have cooked literally dozens of his meals ....so often: I forget they are his: they have become my meals. His spiced ground Turkey Wrap with watercress and avocado is a regular favorite comfort meal around here. —-

But I’m here to review Dr. Mark Hyman’s NEW BOOK.....”Food”....What The Heck Should I Eat” ..... I’m Soooooo EXCITED ABOUT THIS BOOK....,
I HONESTLY BELIEVE ITS THE BEST BOOK OF ITS KIND....THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE UP -TO -DATE USEFUL INFORMATION that EVERY HOUSEHOLD would benefit owing ...reading ... and referring to as a resource. It’s the PERECT COMPANION to Gary Taubes book, “The Case Against Sugar”.

Mark Hyman, MD is - a functional medicine doctor - covers FOOD IN THIS BOOK LIKE NOBODIES BUSINESS! He will cover questions you have - that you didn’t know you had. I had already suspected I would buy his hardcopy book - even if I was granted the opportunity to read this book early from Little Brown and Netgalley....
but now I’m 100% sure I want to own a physical copy.
I’d give this book as a ‘perfect gift’ at a BABY SHOWER! No, kidding...raising kids is no easy task ...the the book is the best FOOD BIBLE ...clearing up misconceptions that we have to date — and who better to have written it - but a qualified medical doctor who has solid reputation in this field.

The structure is designed to either read straight through - or jump to a particular food group you want to know more about.

For example ....let’s talk about BEANS for a moment. Is there any controversy or concerned about the *bean*? High levels of nutrients - and as far as plants go - unmatched amounts of protein..... a cheap and plentiful source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

As you will continue reading about THE BEAN .....( or substitute other foods in this book: vegetables, fruits, poultry and eggs, meats, grains, nuts and seeds, milk and dairy, fish and seafood, fats and oils, sugars and sweeteners, beverages, the pagan diet, etc. etc.), Mark will show us the the beans on beans — ALTHOUGH HAS BEEN KNOWN TO LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE AND LOWER THE RISK OF CANCER.....is NOT A SIMPLE AND CLEAR POSITIVE FOOD FOR ALL PEOPLE.
Yes..... they are packed with a lot of nutrients including potassium, zinc, iron, magnesium full light, and vitamin B6 among others....but they also contain lectins which can damage our intestinal lining and prevent us from absorbing all the nutrients we need. FOOD BEGINS TO GET CONFUSING......
However.....Mark clears up the questions-of- concern. .....very easily.
By the time you are done reading about a particular food.... YOU WILL BE PRETTY DAMN CERTAIN ....99.9% which foods BEST WORK FOR YOU .....( this book can be validating for things you suspected).

Throughout this book ....Mark shares: ....on each food:
WHAT THE EXPERTS GOT RIGHT
WHAT THEY GOT WRONG
WHAT WE STILL DON’T KNOW FOR SURE
......( back to beans....)....NINE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BEANS .....
GREAT INFORMATION.....

There is a great section on GRAINS.....
......with a list of symptoms that ‘some’ people may have. I have 5 of the 7 symptoms listed.... meaning.....I’m not the best candidate for eating grains.....
unless I like being depressed, bloated, and gaining weight.

OATMEAL....is not a health food... NOT THE BEST CHOICE BREAKFAST....
Why? Spikes blood sugar!

Egg whites - avoid the yokes? I have friends who have been doing this for years....
Mark has not only a lot to say about this .... but I was laughing at the ridiculousness I discovered- through reading the EGG SECTION .... of what different egg cartons say on them in the supermarket. FREE RANGE EGGS.... I started laughing when I learned what it really means. GLUTEN FREE EGGES..... OH MY! Best laugh I had!
The packaging of our foods - the “PURE SELLING TEASERS” start to be rather funny....if not scary!

MEAT.....the *M* word .....a word MY CHILDREN WERE ASKED NOT TO *SAY* in their 4th grade class because their teacher was a vegetarian—and her daughter a veterinarian. It was the beginning of our daughters eating disorder. She came home from school one day - age 9, and said, “I don’t eat Meat”....”I be nice to animals”. Our pediatrician said to honor her wishes and feed her lots of beans. By age 14 - she had a serious eating disorder weighing 65lbs and was hospitalized.
Thankfully our daughter is well today - strong & lean - eats lean proteins ( some meat).

Mark doesn’t advocate to be or not to be a vegetarian - meat eater - vegan - or any specific spiritual or personal choice diet .... it’s ALL INCLUDED ....but the myths are exposed.

I HAD TO FACE THE FACTS THAT DAIRY IS NOT A GREAT SOURCE OF CALCIUM.... and LOW FAT MILK has almost NO VITAMIN D.....
.....even though my doctor is telling me to eat dairy products since I was diagnosed with osteoporosis this year. I was never much of a dairy girl...and there still seems to be confusing information of how I’m to GAIN *BACK* my bone loss - build new density. Exercise seems to be the only ‘sure’ thing all experts agree on.
Keifer which I’m now taking daily is a “WE STILL DON’T KNOW FOR SURE”, of the benefits. THANK GOODNESS I’m eating those little fishies.....sardines, often now. Trying to build back bone density at age 65 is a challenge - but a game worth fighting for.

There is a wealth of HEALTHY SCIENCE -BASED INFORMATION IN THIS BOOK. I haven’t even skimmed the surface. ITS REALLY A HUGE GIFT TO ALL OF US!

Mark has many videos worth watching - great books - and many ways he offers support.
He says “getting healthy is a TEAM SPORT... and unfortunately many of us are lacking the positive encouragement and supportive relationships we need in order to move toward our best selves”. I had read this quote by him ways back. I happen to agree....that one of the biggest challenges for many of us —is feeling alone, stuck in a rut, unmotivated, sometimes like a complete failure because we gave into our junk food craving — wishing ongoing wellness - personal support if needed - to literally everyone! I include myself - with my own challenges - my family - and close friends.

This book is a golden ticket for consumers to cut through all the conflicting messages we receive about food....emphasizing that food is our best preventive medicine in avoiding diseases and living a healthier life.

A BIG THANK YOU to Netgalley, Little Brown and Company, and Mark Hyman

Note: To get a food fact and weekly recipe directly from the kitchen....sign up for free at www.foodthebook.com. You’ll also be able to read a sample of this book and pre-order it. This book will be out in stores in Feb 2018