Book review – The G-Free Diet: A Gluten-Free Survival Guide
Elisabeth Hasselbeck, co-host of The View, tells her story of Celiac diagnosis after participating in Survivor and coming back to the states seriously ill.
The G-Free Diet: A Gluten-Free Survival Guide is more of a memoir than a non-fiction book about the disease. Hasselbeck speaks of her personal experience, and spends less time discussing research about Celiac.
Being a newbie in the G-Free world, I can’t really tell you much about the inaccuracies that are contained in this book, but I can state that I was really turned off by the chapter, “G-Free and Slim as Can Be!” Throughout the book Hasselbeck attempts to reach out to Celiacs and Gluten Sensitives, along with Parents of children with Autism/ADHD, and those looking for another fad diet to help with weight loss. Judge a book by its cover and this is just another fad diet book.
Although there is controversy about exposure to cosmetics and skin care products with gluten actually causing harm to the body, I have found that my skin has improved by avoiding products with wheat protein in them. I have suffered from a skin rash, but maybe it is related to allergies or skin sensitivity. Regardless, there is a good section in the book on beauty products called, “Gorgeously G-Free.”
This book definitely wouldn’t be my first pick as a resource for someone newly diagnosed with Celiac to read. While it is an easy read, it lacks the support of detailed research and contains misinformation. Pick up a book by Peter Green instead, the doctor that wrote the forward.
Hmmm..I don’t think I’ll be picking up Hasselbeck’s book anytime soon. Sounds more sensational than substantial.
I did read Dr. Green’s book, “Celiac Disease: A Hidden Epidemic,” and it was extremely helpful. I can also recommend another book: “Healthier Without Wheat” by Dr. Stephen Wangen. (I wrote a review on Amazon if you’re interested.) Both books are excellent resources.
Thanks for this review!
Laurie, I’m reading Dr. Green’s book write now. Healthier Without Wheat has by far been the best book I have read to date. I think Dr. Green’s book is very helpful, but is a bit over my head at points. I’m still trying to wrap my head around this whole gluten intolerance thing. Thanks for the suggestions!
I felt the same way when reading the book a few months ago. Thanks for the review, you have a great blog!
Hi Laurie, thanks so much for the great book review. My daughter Dot just tested negative for Celiac diagnosis but continues to maintain a gluten-free diet because of fibro/IBS/GI issues. At least the public is becoming more aware that celiac/gluten sensitivities are serious health matters. Even a book written for the mass market like this one is probably a good thing if it gets out the general message.
But for people like me, who are looking for more scientifically based info, your informative review is very helpful. This book won’t make my summer reading list! Thanks again and best wishes.