This handy (though rather thick) book details the total calories, grams of
carbohydrates and then grams of fat for thousands
of foods, both in their raw or generic states, and by brand name and brand name product. The first part of this handbook is an introduction, which gives the basic nutritional information necessary to use the book for dietary planning with understanding. It includes a copy of the USDA Food Pyramid, along with a discussion of what it means, and how to use it constructively in planning one''s diet and menus. It also contains a discussion on the various types of fats (unsaturated, monosaturated, polyunsaturated, transfatty acids, and saturated fats) and of
carbohydrates (simple, complex, fiber, sugars, and starches) along with their relative desirability and sources. There follows a short section on how to use this guide, followed by the A to Z listings of foods (many are cross-referenced, if they are commonly known by more than one name); foods are sometimes listed by categories as well as by specific name alone. The final section is a listing of fast or prepared foods by name under the various restaurants where they can be purchased. All in all, it is a very handy guide for those on a specific diet, or those wishing to make healthier food choices consciously and conscienciously.