DOH......it makes perfect sense

After I tried Atkins in the 70's, I've never been able to summon up the will power to do the carb diet again. I gained the somewhat typical pound+ per year and as I grew older, I got heavier. The program as outlined has enabled me to lose weight and improve my lifestyle.
This program that is portrayed is clearly the result of thought and observation and common sense.
I like the fact that conclusions are presented clearly and fairly and suggestions to enhance the practice of the program are reasonable and practical.
The book shares insight and "I knew that..." expositions in an engaging and comfortable format.

I'm really please that the book was published where and when it was, since it helped my wife and me to rework our lifestyle in a wonderful and accessible manner.

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The whole enchilada of well being

This book goes for the whole, integrated enchilada of well being - diet, exercise, sleep, supplements, attitude, relationships, and spirituality. It's an approach that's hard to argue with, and that benefits from the O'Keefes' professional qualifications as a cardiologist/nutritionist team, as well as their well-rounded outlook on life.

On the diet front, the book takes the evolutionary perspective that we should eat what human beings have eaten over most of the last 100,000 years, which means lots of fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and some nuts - and very little in the way of grains (especially refined grains), dairy laced with saturated fats, refined sugar, and trans fats. Readers familiar with Loren Cordain,'s Paleo Diet will see much that's familiar. In fact, James O'Keefe has co-authored scientific papers with Cordain. Sticklers for detail will notice that the O'Keefes seem to be more ready to compromise, especially when they have science on their side. They advocate the use of whey - a dairy product - as a realistic source of protein in a world where healthy sources of protein are often inconvenient or hard to come by. They also endorse moderate consumption of some other newcomers to the human diet, in each case pointing to the science. Limited amounts of alcohol, coffee, chocolate and soy products all have a place in the Forever Young Diet. As a practical matter, though, I doubt that a large-scale study would be able to detect a difference between the Paleo and Forever Young diets, though I know which one most people would find more appealing. Both diets have lots of logic and science on their side. The O'Keefes offer very accessible explanations of the science and research, as well as lots of practical tips: how to make healthy eating attractive for kids and adults; how to recognize and deal with the emotional aspects of eating; or which fish to eat and which to avoid.

The book also addresses the use of prescription drugs and supplements (including statins, omega-3, aspirin, cinnamon), topics of interest to the health-conscious, some perhaps controversial. The O'Keefes' take on exercise is moderation and variety: mind your posture, have fun, go outside, walk, lift weights, do yoga, get in the sauna, meditate. Finally, they offer tips and evidence on the role that relationships, love, attitude, faith and sex play in creating and keeping a healthy body and a healthy mind.

A disclaimer. Dr. James O'Keefe practices cardiology near where I live. I have low HDL, and when I found out a few years ago that I could schedule my regular cardiology checkup with Loren Cordain's co-author, I did. My ten minutes with O'Keefe constitute my most satisfying encounter with organized medicine. He's a responsive, caring and well-rounded doc.

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A Must Have for Every Family That Considers Health a Priority!

This is the most exciting book I've read in a long time! In a complex world, who would guess that healthy eating comes from simplicity! The food suggestions taste delightful and are filling, and after following the plan for just 7 days, my weight is down 4 pounds, I'm more energetic and optimistic about my health and life in general. Now I'm buying copies for my entire family. Thank you, James and Joan O'Keefe for sharing your knowledge and good health with all of us!

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