Book Review

How the Rich Get Thin: Park Avenue's top Diet Doctor Reveals the Secrets to Losing Weight and Feeling Great

Jana Klauer, MD Reviewed by Dee Sandquist, MS, RD, CD

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Spokesperson

February 2006

Claims:

The Park Avenue mindset is used as the framework for the reader to understand New Yorkers who live with high stress are able to follow a healthy lifestyle in the midst of hectic schedules, meetings and endless parties. A quiz helps the reader determine if he or she has the "Park Avenue Mindset." The mindset is described as determination and enjoying life to its fullest. Translating this into food intake includes eating high-quality food full of nutrients.

Included in the book is science based information about prescription diet drugs, food and exercise. The author states there is no magic bullet for weight loss and is clear that nonprescription weight loss drugs such as ephedra or ma huang do not work. There is information on curbing cravings, exercise and stress reduction. A small section in the book includes upscale recipes.

Diet Plan:

• Eat high-quality protein at every meal The author recommends upscale nutrient dense foods at every meal such as smoked salmon, Greek yogurt and omega-3 eggs.
• Eat complex carbohydrates (whole grains and fruit in moderation)
• Consume dairy products for calcium Recommends dairy products and lists food sources of calcium and reviews the beneficial effects of calcium in weight management and health.
• Exercise daily
• Strategies for eating out and traveling

The author recommends a three-day (maximum) jump-start plan to get off extra bloating and reduce puffiness. This plan contains 1,223 calories, 105 grams of high-quality protein and 1,300 milligrams of calcium from dairy and other food sources and recommends drinking lots of water. This jump start is not a requirement. The rationale is that it will provide the participant with quick success.

Nutritional Pros and Cons:

For the most part, the book and diet plan are well written and the concepts follow current scientific research. The part that does not fit with the current recommended dietary guidelines is a list of foods to avoid (processed foods, hydrogenated vegetable oil, dried fruit, fruit juice, soda, diet soda, pretzels and crackers, frozen dinners) instead of "all foods in moderation and variety."

Bottom Line:

Overall, this is a well-written, easy-to-read book for the consumer. Most of the information is based on current science except for the list of foods to avoid. There's a good balance of detail that explains the reason for the recommendations and not too much detail which could confuse the reader.