Ultimate Foods for Ultimate Health
Written by Liz Pearson and Mairlyn Smith
Reviewed by Elizabeth Shears

Years of working in public health and health promotion have taught me a very clear lesson. People want information on healthy eating and they want it simple and usable. This year’s winner in the Special Interest Food and Beverage category, Ultimate Foods For Ultimate Health (Whitecap Books, 2007) delivers just that!

When I scanned the table of contents, I wondered if this book might be too science-oriented. As I read on, I realized these two authors had a winning way with words. The topics are very current: fats; flax; fish; multivitamins and more. The information is direct and presented in the context of everyday living. The authors’ clever use of coloured banners at the bottom of pages, providing good advice and research highlights, gives great summaries. When I read them, I felt empowered to make great healthy eating choices.

The crowning glory of this book is located in the second half. There, I discovered a treasure trove of exciting recipes that made my new knowledge easy to apply. The fish recipes are really tempting. I particularly liked the Totally Kid Friendly Salmon Cakes, as did my two fussy teenage daughters. Being a Scot, I also was pleased to see a focus on not so common grains such as Barley Risotto. I agree with the authors statement that this is an underused grain that tastes really great.

Investing in a copy of Ultimate Foods For Ultimate Health is a great way to kick-start a healthy eating makeover for a low cost in Canada of $29.95.

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Elizabeth Shears is a retired public health nutritionist whose main career focus has been in the planning and policy support for making healthy eating choices attainable for everyone.