Review: A helpful resource for those following a DASH diet plan
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 30, 2013
The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is a dietary regimen promoted by the U.S. National Institutes of Health to prevent and control hypertension. The DASH diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy foods; it includes meat, fish, poultry, nuts and beans, and is limited in sugar-sweetened foods and beverages, sodium, red meat, and added fats. In addition to its effect on blood pressure, it is designed to be a well-balanced approach to eating for the general public.The DASH Diet Action Plan book begins with the basics of a DASH diet, including recommended servings of grains; vegetables; dairy products; meat, poultry, and fish; nuts, seeds, and legumes; and fats and oil. The book then presents tips for active people who may not have the time to prepare nutritious meals that conform to the DASH recommendations. Following a DASH regimen should result in weight loss for overweight persons, and the book includes a number of recipes that should contribute to weight loss while also being tasty. Since the ultimate goal of the DASH diet is control of hypertension, the book features chapters devoted to suggestions for steps to ensure that this important goal is met, including sample recipes for main dishes, salads, side dishes, and desserts.The book is fairly short, but it contains the basic information that people who are considering a DASH diet would want to know. Please note that my review is not intended to support or endorse the DASH diet or any other diet, but only to indicate that the material in the book is well organized and would be helpful to anyone following the DASH diet.