So What Can I Eat? How to Make Sense of the New Dietary Guidelines for Americans and Make Them Your Own

For befuddled readers wanting to "clarify the often conflicting information you hear every day about food and nutrition," this book will serve as a usable resource in the pursuit of better health. Zied, who says, "I'm a registered dietitian, not a food cop," reveals a list of changes to the guidelines of yore, pointing out, for instance, the addition of "discretionary calories," which can be used on treats or second helpings. But there's a lot of information here, and the book's seven-step plan for determining actual versus necessary calorie intake, which requires some work, may deter casual dieters. Many of the book's assertions aren't surprising (a balanced diet plus exercise equals better health; moderation is key), but discussions of RDIs (Reference Daily Intakes, a set of references regarding the recommended dietary allowances for essential vitamins and minerals) and common terms on food labels (e.g., what makes a food "low calorie") may offer new insights even to super-healthy sorts. Those readers will also benefit from the detailed shopping list, menu plans, suggestions for dining out and host of recipes designed to aid in better health through education and practice. (Mar.)