I have just had the somewhat dubious privilege of reading yet another diet book — this one called “Eat to Live” by Joel Fuhrman, MD. The reviews on Amazon are glowing. Most of them say it is a life-changing book.
They’re right. This book will change your life — for the worse. It is absolutely impossible to follow Fuhrman’s edicts for a lifetime. Six weeks after you start, you will be thinner (bound to happen), and then, as you go back to a normal lifestyle, you’ll balloon again. Welcome back, yo-yo ma. There is just no way you can follow this forever — and this is the same criticism the good doctor levels against Barry Sears of “The Zone” fame
For anyone passionate about food and cooking, this book is pure poison. Following it will make you feel wretched, and will turn you into a thoroughly unpleasant human being — depressed, angry, distressed, stressed, curmudgeonly, cranky, irritable and a complete social retard. Imagine living like this: no wine, no drink, no soda, no chocolate, no dessert, no ice-cream, no cheese, no meat, no butter, no dried fruits, no bread, no pasta, no pizza, no popcorn, no rice, no wheat. Why live at all if you have to live like this?
Fuhrman is obsessed by aging and death but I really don’t see the point of living to be 200 if every day of those two centuries is to be spent in such misery. Better to live fully and die happy and contented than to force such deprivation on yourself. The book makes no allowance for human frailities, needs, wants, desires or the simple fact that it is now impossible to undo (let alone in six weeks) over fifty years of “bad” eating habits.
Also, I’ve learned never to trust an author who propounds his cause principally by attacking his rival theorists. Fuhrman goes for the jugular when it comes to Atkins, Sears et al. He debunks them all and, in exchange, offers his own theories, one of them being that olive oil is bad for you and raises your bad cholesterol because it is, after all, oil. To support this argument he cites an example of Crete saying that the people there are now fatter than before because they’re eating more meat, etc etc and less vegetables and fruits. There’s nothing to support this. Not a study cited to show any change in the dietary habits of the hapless denizens of Crete, nothing to show that what he says is even generally true. We’re just to take Fuhrman’s word for it. Thank you, no. You only have to look around at Italy, France, Germany and other European countries to understand why. It’s not the olive oil, stupid; it’s the refined food and the lack of exercise.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Eric Olsen
Love that excerpt on the front page! another very fine review, even if the book sucks eggs. Thanks G!
2 - Me
You may be right about the book, I haven't read it but just so you know, in answer to your comment about the guy who wrote a foreword in it, Mehmet Oz (who dat?)- uh Dat's just the world's foremost cardiologist/surgeon!!!
3 - Mark
Actually I have followed Dr. Fuhrman's advice from "Eat to Live" for about a year, so it is not impossible. After reaching my desired weight I began eating a less restricted version which the author refers to in the book. I am at my ideal weight, feeling as good as ever, and my blood work at my last physical was phenomenal (despite the damage I caused years ago following Atkins' nightmare diet). This book can hardly be mentioned in the same company as the other diet books - this is not a quick fix that sacrifices health for immediate results with a yoyo-ing waistline. It sounds like the reviewer had a closed mind to it from the very beginning and never gave it a fair chance.
4 - Sum Guy
I don't know what book you read but the book does not tell you you can never again eat any particular foods. The author does want you to strictly follow his manner of eating for the first 6 weeks. The author formost tells you the consequences of eating as Americans have been taught since birth and what the dangers of eating various fats, franken-foods and over-processed foods are. He does not tell you you cannot eat meat, only that meat should be restricted to no more than two servings per week and/or that it should not be the main course. He does not say you cannot eat rice or wheat only that it should not be white rice or white flour, only whole grains. Basically the idea is to eat everything is as unrefined form as possible and to eat lots of green leafy vegetables raw. He wants you to get your sweets from fruits (complex carbohydrates that spread out the stress on the liver) rather than white sugar. You eat A LOT of high nutritional value, high fiber food and less high calorie, high fat, low nutritional food (or non-food stuff).
5 - Droghit
the author of this "review" had never read the book..
he don't know anything about Fuhrman and nutrition, so it's better to shut up.
6 - Gautam Patel
I thought personal attacks weren't allowed? What happened, Droghit? Or did you not see that? So much for the "never read" part. And, for your general edification, I *did* read the book. My review is *my* understanding of it. You may or may not agree; and that's your prerogative, as it is mine to criticize or appreciate a book as I think fit. But nothing excuses a lack of civility. The BC site is about discourse; and without civility there is no discourse. I notice, too, that you do not trouble to answer a single specific point. Now why is that, I wonder? In direct contrast, see the comment by Sum Guy -- precise, concise, specific and civil.
7 - anet
Hi, I have been eating complying about 80-90% w/ Eat To Live 'diet' for two years now. Once I broke my daily chocolate addiction I really didn't find it so difficult at all. If someone is really into meat or dairy they will have a hard time though, I just never was.
8 - Dave
This review is off base. Dr. Fuhrman's book contains a wealth of well-researched information. I read the book several years ago, and I still continue to recommend it highly.
9 - Ari
Sadly, this review reads like a child's tantrum about eating their vegetables. The claims (yo-yo dieting, being impossible to follow) are delivered as speculation and without any evidence. If the author had actually tried the diet, perhaps there would be some credence, but the author does not mention actually trying the diet for any period of time.
The point about Crete is interesting. Nevertheless, much of the review appears to be a grasp to justify what seems to be an emotional reaction to the idea of giving up favorite foods.
Summing up this review: "No candy? Have to eat veggies? Yuk!"
10 - robin
it's true (and sad) that modern society makes it supremely difficult to follow an ideal diet on a regular basis. you would have to isolate yourself completely (not healthy) and have superhuman will-power. that said, there is nothing wrong with educating yourself so that you can eat as healthy as possible given your particular life-style and goals. offering us this information was fuhrman's job, and i think he succeeded pretty well.
my only issue is that he prescribes the same diet for everyone, instead of addressing the issue of different metabolic types. this is where i think dr. mercola's work surpasses furhman's. i personally could not live without a moderate amount of healthy fats and animal proteins in my diet. trust me, i tried many times, and i did it the right way (no refined anything, plenty of fiber, etc.). i felt healthy but somehow unstable, ungrounded inside (and the feeling increased until i finally went and ate a huge piece of meat). also, i do not do well on abundant fresh fruits. this makes my blood-sugar unstable.
overall, i think this diet is probably very good for many people, but i do believe that there is still a significant percentage of us who need more fat and animal protein than furhman prescribes
Read this book and also dr. mercola's "total health." it will give you a better sense of the range of healthy eating. after experimenting a bit, you can discover what makes YOU healthy and happy. We all have a different genetic makeup, so it makes sense to assume that there is no one solution which perfectly pertains to all of us.
11 - Amber
Actually, Robin, Dr. Furhman does not reccommend exactly the same diet for everyone. He does say that some people can eat more of the less nutrient-dense starch, but for those with a weight problem due to stubborn metabolism you really do need to cut back even if you go through a detox period. Sometimes you'll feel worse before feeling better.
Just my $.02. Not attacking anybody's point of view. Namaste :-)
12 - Desert Rose
I've been following dr furhman's diet/advice for the last 3 weeks. I have, over the years, realised that for some people there is no such thing as going back to eating 'normally' once a diet is over. Some of us will have to watch what we eat for the rest of our lives. I feel sorry for friends who I see clogging their arteries with high protein high fat diets (I almost fainted when I saw someone 'snacking' on bacon) or obssesively weighing foods before eating them..this diet is for people with serious health concerns (it says so on the back cover). This is the diet people with heart/diabetes problems are put on when their lives are at risk - this according to Mehmet Oz, probably the most famous/high profile cardiologist world wide (he now has his own series of books out that are a less strict version of this diet) who was introduced with that title on oprah a few weeks ago (I know, it's on oprah so it must be true! ;-)
Modifications can be made to the diet, which are recommended once you lose your weight, and there's the vegetarian diet and the protein included diet. My point is, some people need the discipline and to lose weight immediately in a healthy way. I cant think off any healthier way to do it than by starting your day with fruit/protein, and every meall with a plate full of salad and veggies. Yes, it's hard somethimes, but sometimes the easy way out (3 eggs, bacon, ham, and mayonaise for dinner anyone?), just doesnt cut it.
13 - Linda Louise
Ummm. This review is WAY off base. This is not a "fiber" diet. How silly. Read it again. It is NUTRIENT DENSE oriented. You will flood your body with nutrition -- that's first, the side effect is you lose weight.
You will lose your cravings for junk and binge eating.
And, of course, processed food is the main culprit. The book says as much IF one reads it before bashing it.
14 - Todd Cesere
I just wanted to add to the list of people who can attest that this way of eating can be followed, and in fact it can be followed indefinitely! And that, as respectfully as this can be said, this summary of Fuhrman's diet is really pretty bad and makes it appear as though you didn't read the book (which, incidentally, I didn't either, but my wife did, I'm mostly concerned about the diet itself). That being said, I believe you when you say that you did read it, I just don't think you read it with much interest. I've followed pretty close to this diet - which I don't really consider a diet so much as a way of eating - for about three years. I feel great, I love what I eat (I went straight from McDonald's to Fuhrman's, no kidding) and I didn't do it to lose weight. I overcame severe stress while on this diet, I ran my first two marathons (in the first I qualified for the second; the Boston Marathon), and I became a much happier person than I used to be. I used to love meat and cheese and all forms of refined foods, but as Fuhrman points out, once you break the addiction, you stop craving these things.
As for research, I've listened to Fuhrman talk and I've read his blog, where he constantly sites research. It's a bit of the pot calling the kettle black when you complain about lack of footnotes and then make vague references to Europeans as a counter argument. Whereas he at least appears to have done his homework and simply not made a footnote, what you have written is openly speculative.
15 - Jenni
I can understand why this reviewer doesn't like the book. After all, it requires the will power and determination to change your diet from being unhealthy to super healthy. The average meat eating american probably looks at the diet and feels threatened and angry, because it makes him/ her see how terrible their diet is. I think the book is excellent, and even if you don't follow the diet 100%, it gives you REAL information about what is healthy. He doesn't say you have to follow it exactly for the rest of your life, just that you should try it for 6 weeks, or at least read the book and get the facts.
16 - Sara
Wow, a whole-foods, plant-based diet with no portion control, but limited amounts of junk, and starch and fat amounts based on personal needs--this is an unsustainable way of eating? Please go back and read the book more carefully. There are *extensive* citations in the book and none to back up the refutations in this review.
This way of eating has changed my life. I am *so* much healthier. Allergies, acne, menstrual cramps, headaches are gone. Nutritional excellence isn't just for your life span, but quality of life.
17 - Johann
Just to put my voice in with the other people that have commented on this review: many of the the statements that the author makes are flat out untrue. Dr. Furhman does allow for any food, but only in very very limited quantities. He allows for animal proteins and fats on a limited weekly basis. Moreover, he says pretty straight-up that after the first 6 weeks you should do what you feel is right. Many people have followed this diet for years and years (including the good doctor himself), and although I've only been on it a few weeks so far, I intend to continue with the less strict version for the rest of my life. You say that you wouldn't want to live to 200 if you couldn't have all the unhealthy food and drink that you desire, but this is about living past 70. More than just that, it's about *feeling* more healthy every day of your life, even when you're younger. I'm willing to give up a certain amount of hedonistic pleasure in food to feel as good as I have for the past two weeks for the rest of my life. It's honestly worth it.
Finally, there are over 25 pages of footnotes, the book is VERY heavily cited, choosing a single example out of the middle of the book and claiming that the book is pseudoscience is very intellectually dishonest. You even lie about what he says concerning olive oil! He says it *is* ok to have it (in fairly limited quantities, to be fair, but he still says it's ok to have it every day), that olive oil *isn't* all that bad for you, and that the people of Crete were healthy before due to high nutrient vegetables and fruits, and unhealthy afterwards due to refined goods and animal products. The olive oil doesn't even come into his argument, in fact that's the whole point!
Overall, very very disappointed with this review. You should read the book again and pay closer attention to the details of his ideas.
18 - Matt
Just started this diet 2 days ago. It's quite a shock to the digestive system. Bathroom runs happen more frequent.
Only reason I am doing this diet, is my girlfriend did it for 6 weeks strict, and looks great! She always worked out alot and watched what she ate(mostly), but this diet fixed her constipation issues, and she dropped body fat quick.
6 Months of weight watchers and working out did not touch what this diet(plus excercise) has done for her in 6 weeks.
She also has learned to appreciate fruits as a cure for the sweet tooth, and understands more what her body needs to be healthy.
19 - Lannette
It's been almost 4 years since this reviewer reviewed Dr. Fuhrman's book. I wonder how healthy he is today? I know how healthy he would have been if he had even implemented half of the great info the book contains.
I work with cardiac rehab patients and so get to see first hand how attached people are to the very foods that are destroying their health.
Studies show that diet and exercise are every bit as powerful as medications. Dr. Fuhrman's book sites the studies.
Thankfully the info that seemed so hard to -forgive the pun - swallow in 2004 is receiving a warmer reception in 2008.
Green smoothies rule!
Lannette
20 - Gautam Patel
Okay, people, I get it. You were right and I was wrong. The book is brilliant. Marvellous. Stunning. Life-changing. But the review is four years old now. The world has turned since. Time to move along, maybe?
21 - Ryan
I've followed Fuhrman's plan about 80% for the last year with wonderful results. I don't really feel deprived but I understand how someone might feel that way (a smoker that quits may feel "deprived" too, I guess) and I find that people really enjoy the way I eat. I recently purchased his new books "Eat For Health." I think the review above is way off base. Eat to Live is the most annotated, comprehensive overview of nutrition I've ever read and it changed my way of thinking completely. I don't believe Fuhrman is 100% on target but he's pretty close. I highly recommend the book.
22 - Natalie
This review is not only off base, the reader clearly did not read the book thoroughly.
On one of the first pages, there is a clear statement that if you are not willing to make extreme changes to your diet, then this book is not for you.
NOTHING is restricted in the diet, on numeous pages he suggests that you eat veggies for 90% of your meals and give yourself sensible treats for the other 10%.
Bottom line, if you're not willing to give up a diet that is 90% meat, fat and alcohol, why would one read a diet book in the first place.
The whole concept of pure diets is that one prioritizes health over taste. If you prioritize taste, don't read the book!
23 - Skeptic
This "NUTRIENT DENSE" idea is all just speculation. Whether you like it or not, you are going to have to derive a good portion of your calories from non-nutrient dense foods if you plan on maintaining weight. What does whole grains have to offer besides calories and fiber? Can the "nutrient density" of fruits make up for the fact that it is 50% sugar and 50% sucrose? Fuhrman's diet is simply the equivalent of a Calorie Restrictive type diet or a Paleo diet without the meat (which is ridiculous because the Paleo is supposed to be a low-carb diet).
24 - Stephanie
It sounds like the author of this post thinks that a good diet book would tell you some magical secret that would make you lose weight and improve your health without changing your eating habits. It also sounds like he didn't read the whole book.
25 - bokononanon
I've been trying to find intelligent arguments against Eat to Live, and haven't found one yet.
For those who think it is an impossible diet to keep up, it is not. There are many, many people who do. It is challenging at first and takes discipline. But it is my strong opinion that it is the best study I've seen on the diet humans most likely have evolved to respond best to (health, energy, happiness, etc.).
Even if you can't stick to it 100%, if you incorporate most of the basics you'll notice dramatic benefits (eat small amounts of meat, eat more fruits and vegetables, stay away from processed sugars, flour, etc.).
Einstein was a strong proponent of the Vegetarian diet. Smart guy. I am too and it cracks me up when people think that makes you new age and soft. I don't think it is wrong to eat lots of meat. Tigers eat meat and they are not "immoral." That is what they were designed to eat. Look at the diets of our closest relatives (chimps, bonobos). Carnivores have claws and sharp teeth for killing. We have fingernails and opposable thumbs for pealing fruit....
But, I eat meat. Just not much at all. Think anyone who hasn't tried this lifestyle should give it 3 months and see how you feel. What do you have to lose besides cancer and heart disease?