4 replies to this topic

[Joshua_L]

Hello,

I am interested in learning more about nutrition.   My goal is to make some positive changes in my diet, but I want to be able to do it based on what I know to be sound, smart choices.  I don't want to just watch a few youtube videos or read some fad diet book and think I have found the solution.  I know nutritional science is complex, and I am aware that often times there are seeming contradictions.  One day a study shows this or that is good, the next day another study says that it will give you cancer.  I want to be clear that where I am interested in starting is with the basics, the science that we simply know is true.  Only after that will I begin to learn about the more cutting edge science.  Often times when I read this forum there are topics which simply go above my head.  I believe this is because I lack knowledge of the basics of nutritional science.

So what I am asking for is a recommendation for a textbook(s) that can give me an understanding of solid nutritional science and deitetics.  A website would be ok to but I would much rather have a book that I can hold in my hand.

 

Thank you.

[bor]

What exact goal do you want to achieve by learning about nutrition? Feel better? Lose weight? Build muscles? Get rid of stomach problems? Nutrition is an extensive field..and you can easily get lost when you do not limit yourself to what exactly you need.

[Joshua_L]

I don't necessarily have a specific goal in mind at this time, other than simply to educate myself about this field so that I can make informed decisions about my diet if and when I do develop specific goal.  I am not overweight, am not interested in building muscle, etc.  Of course I suppose everyone would like to "feel better", but I do not consider myself one who "feels bad" more than average.

Consider it this way.  In the same way that 2 separate people aspiring to 2 different fields within the same subject (for example a biochemist and an organic chemist) must both first begin with a standard "chemistry 101" textbook, I am hoping for a college level "nutrition 101" textbook, if you will.  One that has been published within the last few years so as not to be too out of date.

I hope I was able to clarify my intention and what I'm looking for.

Edited by Joshua_L, 10 September 2014 - 03:49 PM.

[bor]

Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010. This is an online version, but a booklet is also available (90 pages). It seems reasonable, it's readable and not too moralistic.

 

Available for $16 here

http://www.amazon.co...e/dp/0615449913

 

If you want a more study reading:

Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism, 2012, 500 pages; preview available in Google Books

 

 

What I firmly believe and what was proven so far and agreed by many people from the experience is: avoid too much salt and sugar.

Most books will recommend you eating "more fruits, legumes, vegetables and nuts," also fish. And milk. But fruits and legumes can cause bloating, and you may have some thoughts about other foods, so on the end, you and your body need to agree with what you eat... 

Edited by bor, 10 September 2014 - 05:40 PM.

[timar]

The Nordic Nutrition Recommendations, which are a joint effort of all Scandinavian countries, are much more thorough, up-to-date (nominally it is the 2012 edition but it has only been released this year) and scientifically uncompromised (due to virtually no lobby influence) than the US guidelines. And they are available as a free PDF (just scroll down the page linked above. It is huge though, 6MB and 627 pages).

Edited by timar, 20 September 2014 - 04:16 PM.