Go Green Get Lean

March 16, 2009
Comparing a consumption-heavy lifestyle to a gas-guzzling SUV, Geagan arms readers with a dense but readable treatise on making healthier choices for body and planet. Over the course of six weeks, readers are encouraged to adopt a "flexitarian" diet, heavy on plants with limited amounts of fish, meat and chicken. In a week-by-week fashion, Geagan illustrates the benefits of greener consumption habits with straightforward, relevant data-not only do readers learn the benefits of adding more water to their diet, they also learn the fastest way to shrink their carbon footprint is eliminating bottled water-though she may alienate some with her presumption that we're all on the same sociopolitical page. Geagan keeps an impressive amount of research manageable with anecdotes, charts and digressions covering milk myths (it does not in fact help you lose weight); the fresh-frozen-or-canned debate; and requisite dining out tips. The already-converted and those sincerely interested in change should find this a valuable resource, but McMansion-dwelling, SUV-driving convenience-food junkies should prepare for a harsh talking-down to.

March 2, 2009
Verdict: With a mainstream green revolution upon us, this indispensable book reveals the connections between a healthy diet and planet. Deeper and more substantive than the average diet trend book, this guide's sound research and advice will benefit all readers. Recommended for all libraries. Background: Geagan, an award-winning dietician, consultant, and speaker, reveals the carbon impact of our food sources and their long-term effects on our health and the planet. Locavores will rejoice at the book's emphasis on local sources and seasonal eating-and all readers will be aided by its inclusion of narratives, nutrition information, and recipes.-Sarah E. Myers, Red Feather Lakes Community Lib., CO

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