BOOK REVIEW – Naked Calories

I recommend the book “Naked Calories” to those of you who are interested in learning more about both micronutrients and macronutrients.  Mira and Jayson explain the importance of micro/macro nutrients in depth and go into the science of vitamins and minerals, etc.  I appreciate the fact that Mira and Jayson focus extensively on the quality of food consumed and how they believe that micronutrient deficiency is responsible for most of the ill-health experienced by people today.

In their words, “Our goal is the spread the message that processed, micronutrient-poor naked calories are detrimental for vegans, vegetarians, low fat, Mediterranean, and low-carbohydrate dieters alike.”  I completely agree that the root of our healthcare epidemic falls under the auspices of micronutrient deficiency.  Though we have access to it, the developed world quite simply does not eat high quality food and our bodies are suffering dramatically; our bodies are SCREAMING for us to change.

Where we differ is in their assessment that, “The Rich Food, Poor Food philosophy works no matter what type of diet you choose to follow.”  I simply do not agree.  I do not believe that high nutrient diets that include the consumption of animal protein (meat and dairy) at what is now considered “normal” levels is healthy.  The Caltons believe that animal protein which is grass fed and organic has its place in a healthy diet.  We are going to have to agree to disagree on that point.

I really appreciated the sections of their book that focused on common micronutrient depleters; many of which I don’t believe people are even aware of.  You can be eating wonderfully nutritious food and unknowingly be simultaneously depleting your body of the same valuable nutrients.  Their book shows you the hows and whys along with how to avoid these depleters.

While I do not agree with all of the information in “Naked Calories” (namely the information provided regarding animal protein) I do find that the book is overall very informative and a worthwhile read.