Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies, MyPlate Update

Most students groan at the sight of a textbook, but Nutrition: Concepts & Controversies, co-authored by Frances Sizer and Ellie Whitney, is in a league of its own. Written for use in nutrition courses yet easy enough to read without previous knowledge, this book presents the basic concepts of nutrition in an informative way with an interesting style of writing and a pleasing overall appearance.A textbook's primary purpose is to inform the reader of its chosen topic and Nutrition: Concepts & Controversies is no different. It contains an incredible amount of knowledge in many areas of nutrition which gives the reader a basic foundation in this area. For instance the textbook goes through topics such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins as well as vitamins, minerals, and other topics as well. It even includes modern controversial nutrition topics such as "Osteoporosis: can lifestyle choices reduce the risks?" (317). The textbook explains these controversies and debunks false popular misconceptions. The knowledge is also presented in a way that helps readers apply the nutritional information to their own diet making it practical as well. Although there is a wealth of information, Nutrition: Concepts & Controversies is far from boring since it has an interesting style of writing. Easy language is used throughout to explain the information making it straightforward and simple to grasp. Easy language is more interesting since it's not hard to understand what is written and helps to hold the reader's attention. For instance when carbohydrates are first introduced, the textbook initially begins by explaining how the simple carbohydrates - the sugars - are formed from the sunlight in plants. It writes, "Through photosynthesis, plants combine carbon dioxide, water, and the sun's energy to form glucose" (107). This helps the reader to understand things right from the very beginning of carbohydrate synthesis and lays the foundation for further information on the topic. The authors also wrote their textbook in an affable manner, making the reader feel as if they are conversing with him as opposed to reading plain dry facts. The controversies the authors present are contemporary issues that affect most people which further promote a reader's interest.What strikes the reader immediately when looking at this textbook is the pleasing appearance of the text. Each page has an excellent layout and includes many graphical illustrations and photographs. There are also many charts and graphs to facilitate comprehension of the information. Looking through this textbook is a pleasurable experience overall.Nutrition: Concepts & Controversies is the perfect nutrition textbook for instructors and students alike. The authors Sizer and Whitney create a refreshing, palatable text that provides a wealth of important nutritional information in an appealing and easy format. This is definitely a textbook that students will want to keep when the semester is over instead of selling back.

Interesting information about health and health issues. Also great information about what we eat and what we should be aware of what is in our foods today. Information about reading labels and understanding what I am reading on the ingredient list. Simple explanations about how our bodies work with food, and digestion process.

Some good advice, but mostly terrible. For example, recommends fortified foods but denounces supplements. Says herbs are sold by snake oil salesmen yet acknowledges phytochemicals are powerful and necessary. Acknowledges fluorosis is a real concern, yet never discusses proper amounts of water fluoridation. Advocates against using vitamin A as an acne treatment, yet states Accutane, a powerful vitamin A derivative, is a safe form of treatment. This book and the college courses that require it do not foster discussion (most education does not), they just beat your over the head with the ADA sledge hammer.I could write theses on how much of this book is wrong. Actually others have. Go do your own research. "Nutrition and Physical Degeneration" and Dr. Fife's coconut books are good starting spots.

The book was not exactly as described. Although the description of the slightly bent and curled cover was accurate, other details were not. The book was described as not containing any writing. While no one had written WORDS in it, it is extensively and might I add sloppily hi-lited throughout the volume. I consider highlighting being written in, especially when there are big highlighter stars and such. Anyway not bad for the price.

It is very user friendly, an abundance of information on nutrition and how your body responds to it. It has almost every food you can eat has a value for it, even fast food ones are in here. Very helpful, will be keeping and not selling back.

I expected it to be in better condition, some of the pages were folded and had wrinkles, and a few stains here and there, but still perfectly good to use.

i really loved this book! it has TONS of information! sometimes it has SO much information it takes awhile to read it all. but very good information!

I used this book for my class.