
In his book 'How Not to Diet', Dr. Michael Greger, a physician and internationally-renowned nutrition expert, explores the science of healthy and permanent weight loss. Greger delves into the latest scientific research on obesity, offering insights into optimal weight loss criteria and the impact of different foods on health and longevity. The book identifies 21 weight-loss accelerators, emphasizing the importance of factors such as calorie density, the insulin index, and the gut microbiome. It also highlights the benefits of plant-based eating and provides actionable advice for a sustainable, healthy lifestyle. While some readers appreciate the comprehensive and evidence-based approach, others critique it for not offering a straightforward answer to weight loss.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Author | Dr. Michael Greger |
| Publisher | Flatiron Books |
| Publication Date | December 10, 2019 |
| Pages | 608 |
| Citations | 4,990 |
| Diet Type | Plant-based |
| Diet Characteristics | Calorie density, insulin index, impact on gut microbiome |
| Weight-loss Accelerators | Chronobiology, natural fat-burning |
| Fasting | Urges caution and medical supervision |
| Daily Activities | Yoga, meditation |
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What You'll Learn
- Dr. Greger's book provides a comprehensive review of weight-loss science
- The book dismisses long-standing programs like Atkins and Weight Watchers
- Dr. Greger highlights the importance of eating foods that make you feel full physically
- The book uncovers the latest discoveries in cutting-edge areas like chronobiology
- Dr. Greger recommends a whole food, plant-based diet for wellness and disease prevention

Dr. Greger's book provides a comprehensive review of weight-loss science
Dr. Michael Greger's book, "How Not to Diet: The Groundbreaking Science of Healthy, Permanent Weight Loss", provides a comprehensive review of weight-loss science. The book is based on extensive research and offers a unique perspective on diets and weight loss.
Dr. Greger, a physician and internationally recognized expert on nutrition, presents a wealth of scientific knowledge in an accessible manner. The book includes approximately 5,000 citations, meticulously referencing peer-reviewed nutritional research. This extensive use of evidence sets it apart from other diet books, providing a strong foundation for its recommendations.
In "How Not to Diet," Dr. Greger explores the key ingredients of an ideal weight-loss diet. He discusses factors such as calorie density, the insulin index, and the impact of foods on the gut microbiome. He emphasizes the importance of plant-based eating and identifies 21 weight-loss accelerators. The book goes beyond food choices, incorporating cutting-edge discoveries in areas like chronobiology to maximize natural fat-burning capabilities.
One of the key messages in the book is the importance of eating foods that make you feel full and work with your body's chemical signaling system. Dr. Greger also highlights the role of inflammation in disease and weight gain, recommending whole plant foods and specific anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger, and garlic. Additionally, he addresses the impact of chemical pollutants in the food supply on obesity and encourages a high-fiber diet for effective weight management.
"How Not to Diet" provides actionable advice and daily activities that go beyond food, such as recommending meditation and yoga for reducing anxiety and body pain. It offers a holistic approach to weight loss and overall health, aiming to replace constant weight-loss struggles with a simple, sustainable, and healthy lifestyle.
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The book dismisses long-standing programs like Atkins and Weight Watchers
In his book 'How Not To Diet', Dr. Michael Greger dismisses long-standing programs like Atkins and Weight Watchers. The book is based on the latest scientific research on the leading causes and remedies for obesity. Greger lays out the key ingredients of the ideal weight-loss diet, explaining how factors such as calorie density, the insulin index, and the impact of foods on our gut microbiome can help with weight loss. He emphasizes how plant-based eating is crucial to success, highlighting the importance of a high-fiber diet and anti-inflammatory foods.
The Atkins diet, in contrast, is a low-carb weight-loss plan that has been around for nearly 50 years. It involves eating almost no carbohydrates, a moderate amount of protein, and a high amount of fat. While it has attracted plenty of fans, it can be challenging to maintain over time, especially for those who enjoy pasta and bread.
Weight Watchers, now known as WW, has also been a popular weight-loss program for many years. It uses a point system to track caloric intake, with different point values assigned to various foods. While WW has recently made its program more personalized, it requires a membership fee, and its point system can be time-consuming.
Dr. Greger's book offers a different approach to weight loss, focusing on evidence-based eating and a simple, healthy, and sustainable lifestyle. He identifies 21 weight-loss accelerators and provides actionable advice based on the latest dietary research. By understanding the mechanisms that signal "full" in our bodies, people can learn to eat foods that work with their natural chemical signaling system to effectively lose weight.
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Dr. Greger highlights the importance of eating foods that make you feel full physically
Dr. Michael Greger's book "How Not to Diet: The Groundbreaking Science of Healthy, Permanent Weight Loss" provides a comprehensive review of weight-loss science and dismisses various diets as fads. The book is heavily referenced, with approximately 5,000 citations, and provides a wealth of actionable advice and groundbreaking dietary research.
Dr. Greger also emphasises the importance of eating whole plant-based foods, which can help reduce chronic inflammation in the body. He suggests that processed foods and animal products, especially those containing saturated and trans fats, are pro-inflammatory. In contrast, whole plant foods, legumes, vegetables, and fruits contain anti-inflammatory compounds.
The book offers a different approach to weight loss by focusing on evidence-based eating and the latest scientific research. Dr. Greger identifies 21 weight-loss accelerators and emphasises the importance of a plant-based diet for weight management and overall health. He also addresses the impact of food-borne pollutants, with approximately 90% of these pollutants coming from animal-derived foods.
Overall, "How Not to Diet" provides a wealth of information and a practical guide to healthy and permanent weight loss, replacing constant weight-loss struggles with a simple, sustainable lifestyle.
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The book uncovers the latest discoveries in cutting-edge areas like chronobiology
Dr. Michael Greger's book, "How Not to Diet", offers a unique perspective on weight loss by incorporating the latest discoveries in cutting-edge areas like chronobiology. Chronobiology explores how our bodies are influenced by time, particularly the time of day. Dr. Greger provides research-based suggestions aligned with chronobiology, such as recommending that we do our heavier eating earlier in the day and eat dinner at least 2.5 hours before sleeping. He also emphasizes the importance of adequate sleep and avoiding late-night snacks.
The book delves into the science of healthy and permanent weight loss, focusing on optimal criteria for weight loss and the impact of different foods on our health and longevity. Dr. Greger lays out the essential elements of an ideal weight-loss diet, including calorie density, the insulin index, and the influence of foods on our gut microbiome. He emphasizes the significance of a plant-based diet, highlighting it as a crucial aspect of successful weight loss and long-term sustainability.
In addition to dietary factors, "How Not to Diet" explores twenty-one weight-loss accelerators available to our bodies. It incorporates groundbreaking dietary research and provides actionable advice to help readers adopt a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. The book is highly referenced, with approximately 5000 citations, and offers numerous hacks for those seeking additional support on their weight loss journey.
Dr. Greger's work extends beyond the pages of "How Not to Diet." He is the founder of NutritionFacts.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free updates on the latest nutrition research. The website offers videos, blogs, podcasts, and infographics to disseminate fact-based information about nutrition, food safety, and public health issues. Dr. Greger is also a New York Times bestselling author, an internationally recognized speaker, and a physician.
"How Not to Diet" by Dr. Michael Greger is more than just a weight-loss guide. It is a comprehensive resource that integrates cutting-edge research in chronobiology with practical advice. By following the principles outlined in the book, readers can make informed decisions about their dietary choices and adopt a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.
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Dr. Greger recommends a whole food, plant-based diet for wellness and disease prevention
Dr. Michael Greger is an internationally-renowned nutrition expert, physician, and founder of NutritionFacts.org. His book, 'How Not to Diet', is a New York Times bestseller that offers an evidence-based approach to healthy and permanent weight loss. The book is heavily referenced, citing approximately 5000 peer-reviewed nutritional studies, and provides a comprehensive review of weight-loss science.
The book provides a different approach to dieting, focusing on a timeless and proactive strategy that can be sustained long-term. It does not prescribe a single "diet" or set of rules but offers checklists and actionable information. Dr. Greger urges caution and medical supervision when fasting, recommending intermittent fasting combined with a healthier diet during feeding windows. He also suggests non-religious meditation and yoga as activities that can help reduce anxiety and pain.
Dr. Greger's recommendations are backed by extensive research, and he practices what he preaches, further adding to his credibility. His book provides a wealth of information and practical advice for those seeking a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.
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Frequently asked questions
Dr. Greger's book provides a comprehensive review of weight-loss science and dismisses both long-standing and modern fad diets. The book is based on evidence from peer-reviewed nutritional research and provides actionable advice. It also identifies 21 weight-loss accelerators and emphasizes the importance of a plant-based diet.
Dr. Greger identifies factors such as calorie density, the insulin index, and the impact of foods on the gut microbiome as key to weight loss. He emphasizes the importance of eating foods that make you feel full and work with your body's chemical signaling system. Additionally, he recommends a high-fiber diet and prioritizes fresh or frozen vegetables over canned.
Some reviewers have noted that the book does not provide a single "diet" or set of rules and that it does not offer strong recommendations. Instead, it provides checklists and general advice. Additionally, some critics have pointed out that Dr. Greger's opinions may not seem significantly different from other diet gurus to the average reader, and that his book follows a similar narrative of "all these other diets are wrong, mine is right."













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