cover image Naked Into the Night

Naked Into the Night

Monty Joynes, St Leger Joynes. Hampton Roads Publishing Company, $11.95 (256pp) ISBN 978-1-57174-055-7

Among the latest health-food buzz nutrients, antioxidants are molecules found in fruits and vegetables that fight cancer, arthritis, premature aging and ""a general deterioration of health"" caused by unavoidable free radicals, defined briefly as the ""unstable electrons"" resulting from ""exposure to oxygen and sunlight, among other chemical stresses."" This diet book lays out a seven-part plan with antioxidant-rich recipes, daily menus and sound advice on exercise, mental health and proper hygiene. The low-fat, low-calorie, easy-to-prepare recipes are generally appetizing, including basics (soups and salads, stir-frys) and surprisingly sophisticated fare like Wild Salmon Packages with Fennel, Sweet Potatoes, Leeks, and Olives. The promise of filling cereals like Hot Cinnamon-Fruit Oatmeal and Cherry-Berry Muesli make mornings a little easier, and a handful of not-too-depressing desserts will also cheer dieters (though be warned: Chocolate Divine Mousse Ice Cream does require two handfuls of baby spinach). Authors Jeep, a former Whole Foods marketing director, and Couey, a health sciences professor at Baylor University, also offer a brief guide to nutritional supplements (including specific recommendations for products made by a company Couey advises), as well as a section of to-the-point advice on making the ""Journey to Wholeness"" through thoughts, emotions, relaxation and other techniques.