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This is more of a lifestyle transformation than a weight-loss program. "The Kind Diet" drives home the idea that eating a dairy-free and meat-free food plan can transform the way you look and feel, and that those very changes will revolutionize your health -- not to mention the entire world. However, many pure vegetarians don't have a really solid grasp on what it means to eat a balanced diet or even adequate proteins; if you're not eating dairy or meat you need alternate protein sources and tofu gets tired -- fast. I'm not sure the chapters on "Kind versus Nasty" are helpful to dieters desperate to drop 10 pounds either. Though this hefty book is a wonderful way to explore a humane way of living without meat, weight loss is not it's main goal. And while it's admirable that famous vegetarians like Woody Harrelson and Paul McCartney weigh in with their humane (and jet-setting) lifestyles, they're not overweight or obese! Eating the way that actress Alicia Silverstone suggests is also expensive and not accessible to America's mainstream masses.
Is the diet healthy?
Alicia Silverstone is correct on many counts of leading an animal-free food existence: Most meat is loaded with too much fat and hormones, so it makes sense to omit most meat and some dairy from your diet. But she also blindly states that "dairy makes you fat," which is neither truthful nor helpful to most overeaters. Silverstone actually herds dieters into three sections: The Flirts (who occasionally tiptoe into vegetarianism), The Vegans who only eat grains and produce, and what she calls "the truly enlightened" The Superheroes, who already avoid dairy and meat altogether. Some of Silverstone's most helpful hints make sense, like using minimal salt during cooking, nosh on nuts for protein, and engage family members for support. If she labeled this a "Humane Animal Lover's Lifestyle Book," I'd say right on, sister. But calling "The Kind Diet" an actual layman's weight-loss guide, well, that sets dieters up for a fall.
What do the experts say?
"The Kind Diet" book can open any readers' eyes to a more humane way of eating. "There are several marvelous recipes for interesting salads and grain dishes; I like a couple of the healthier dessert options too," says registered dietician Julie Eltman, owner of Creative Nutrition in Redondo Beach, CA. The nutritionist agrees with Silverstone that most people over-eat animal proteins and under-eat vegetables and grains. "However, in my holistic nutrition practice, I treat quite a few overweight vegetarians and unhealthy vegans who oversimplify their menus. These dieters are often anemic because they don't eat adequate complete proteins such as fish or chicken. Plus, many vegans are allergic to soy products so they'd actually get sick if they followed this diet." Finally, Eltman admires the altruistic themes in Silverstone's book, and hopes readers start eating more veggies and less meat. "But an all-or-nothing attitude like this generally proves unsuccessful for permanent weight loss," says Eltman.
Who should consider the diet?
This is a book for animal lovers who want to take those last few key steps into total vegetarianism. If you're already on your way to eating a natural plant-based diet but fall back on fish or chicken occasionally, then this is your ticket to being a "Superhero" according to Silverstone.
Bottom Line
This book is helpful for folks who want to use this book as a stepping-stone to a totally meat-free existence. But if you're not ready to give up cheese or meat, skip it.
What you can eat
Raw fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains, tofu and seitan, veggie hot dogs and veggie burgers, all beans and lentils, peanut butter, polenta and rice, and whole wheat bread.
Is the diet healthy?
Alicia Silverstone is correct on many counts of leading an animal-free food existence: Most meat is loaded with too much fat and hormones, so it makes sense to omit most meat and some dairy from your diet. But she also blindly states that "dairy makes you fat," which is neither truthful nor helpful to most overeaters. Silverstone actually herds dieters into three sections: The Flirts (who occasionally tiptoe into vegetarianism), The Vegans who only eat grains and produce, and what she calls "the truly enlightened" The Superheroes, who already avoid dairy and meat altogether. Some of Silverstone's most helpful hints make sense, like using minimal salt during cooking, nosh on nuts for protein, and engage family members for support. If she labeled this a "Humane Animal Lover's Lifestyle Book," I'd say right on, sister. But calling "The Kind Diet" an actual layman's weight-loss guide, well, that sets dieters up for a fall.
What do the experts say?
"The Kind Diet" book can open any readers' eyes to a more humane way of eating. "There are several marvelous recipes for interesting salads and grain dishes; I like a couple of the healthier dessert options too," says registered dietician Julie Eltman, owner of Creative Nutrition in Redondo Beach, CA. The nutritionist agrees with Silverstone that most people over-eat animal proteins and under-eat vegetables and grains. "However, in my holistic nutrition practice, I treat quite a few overweight vegetarians and unhealthy vegans who oversimplify their menus. These dieters are often anemic because they don't eat adequate complete proteins such as fish or chicken. Plus, many vegans are allergic to soy products so they'd actually get sick if they followed this diet." Finally, Eltman admires the altruistic themes in Silverstone's book, and hopes readers start eating more veggies and less meat. "But an all-or-nothing attitude like this generally proves unsuccessful for permanent weight loss," says Eltman.
Who should consider the diet?
This is a book for animal lovers who want to take those last few key steps into total vegetarianism. If you're already on your way to eating a natural plant-based diet but fall back on fish or chicken occasionally, then this is your ticket to being a "Superhero" according to Silverstone.
Bottom Line
This book is helpful for folks who want to use this book as a stepping-stone to a totally meat-free existence. But if you're not ready to give up cheese or meat, skip it.
What you can eat
Raw fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains, tofu and seitan, veggie hot dogs and veggie burgers, all beans and lentils, peanut butter, polenta and rice, and whole wheat bread.
