Book Review
The Tropical Diet
Written by L. Dorfman, MS, RD, LMHC
Published by: Food Fitness International,
Inc, 7000 SW 62nd Avenue, Suite 350, Miami,
FL 33143, 2004.
Pp: 224; Soft Cover; $26.95 CDN
ISBN: 0-9721985-0-4
This resource is an easy and interesting
read, especially for anyone interested in a
new type of diet and eating pattern. The
content is technical, however the author
makes it easy for the public to understand.
The author introduces a new type of diet and
a new approach to weight loss in that she
presents a variety of types of meal plans to
suit different lifestyle patterns and body
types. There are basic, lean and
athletic-type plans. The author does promote
many foods that are emphasized in Canada's
Food Guide to Healthy Eating such as
increased fruits and vegetables, increased
lean proteins, but also recommends increased
usage of spices and Caribbean-type foods to
boost metabolism and increase energy. There
are many useful tables and illustrations
such as ideas for the various meals and
snacks to choose. There are also numerous
tasty recipes throughout the book. In
addition there are charts depicting the
medicinal and nutritive information of
various seasonings, which is interesting
information.
The diet is intended for a person who likes
a structured and detailed meal plan. The
book gives all the specifics of the diet,
however it is intended for one who is
interested in making a lifestyle change. The
diet is unfortunately not an easy one to
follow as most of the items that are
recommended are foods that the general
public would not normally buy. However, if
one was interested in making a lifestyle
change and adamant in following a specific
regimen, then this could be a new approach
to eating. There are also various phases for
each diet and variety is definitely the key.
Exercise is also promoted as is including
alcohol and desserts in moderation.
The content of the resource is accurate and
useful for a person who is uninformed about
nutrition and is interested in following a
regimented eating plan.
The conclusions, findings and opinions
expressed here are those of the individual
reviewer.
