I know – you’re reading the book title and thinking “real food as opposed to what? Fake food?” Nina Planck is going to let you know just what “real food” is in her book Real Food: What to Eat and Why. And you’re going to be surprised to learn just how close to fake some of the stuff sold to you as food is. You’ll also find out what foods are real – and really good for you.

You’ll instantly be drawn into Real Food. Planck begins with her own story and writes in a humorous and compelling style. She’s candid and real – you can identify with her. In fact, you can see yourself in her shoes, making her discoveries really hit home.

After her introduction Planck jumps right into “real” foods by category. You’ll learn what real dairy products, meats, fish, and vegetables look like. You’ll also learn what they’re raised eating, or what kind of soil they’re growing in. There is a difference between conventional meat, dairy, fishing and farming practices and more sustainable, concientious livestock rearing and farming practices. And it’s not just the label “organic” that tells you something has been raised naturally. Planck’s book will help you judge the quality of what’s avaiable in your area.

After covering these basics Real Food moves on to real fats. This is the section you need to read. It’s hard to absorb, especially with all the anti-fat propoganda we live with in our time – but the information is vital and valid. You’ll learn why fat is not the criminal its been made out to be. You’ll also learn why the so-called “good fats” invented by modern man aren’t all that they’re made out to be. Planck includes a full survey of fats to enjoy (fats we’ve used traditionally for thousands of years) and fats to avoid (new fats “invented” by various industries in the last century).

Planck covers other foods such as eggs, salt, grains, and even chocolate. She also delves into a discussion on cholesterol and gives advice she’s gleaned from her studies. She ends the book by helping you find sources for good real foods.

The book is a clear and simple read and a great introduction to the world of real food – and sustainable food practices. I highly recommend it as a great book to help you learn to eat well for your own health, and most importantly, the health of your children.