Dine Out and Lose Weight: The French Way to Culinary "Savoir Vivre"

The "nefariousness" of sugar, the goodness of wine, and the virtues of chocolate are all expounded upon in this longtime European bestseller. Keeping in mind the person "with an epicurean flair who is determined to stay fit without abandoning the culinary pleasures of life," author Michel Montignac advises a program of watching one's consumption of beer, bread, sugar ("it should be labeled with a skull and crossbones since it is a dangerous product when consumed in large amounts"), starchy foods, after-dinner drinks, sodas, milk, and fruit juices. Without counting calories, but simply avoiding his list of "bad" foods, Montignac says that weight loss is inevitable. There's a technical section at the back with charts of lipid biochemistry and a detailed explanation of the regulation of insulin secretion that will fascinate some but may make others' eyes glaze over. But for the most part, this book's filled with good news and painless dietary guidelines that will keep even a gourmet complaint-free.