Body Love by Kelly Leveque

When I was compiling my summer book list, my dad recommended that I read the book Body Love by Kelly Leveque.

The book provides food and lifestyle instructions to lose weight, clear skin, and be healthier overall. Previously, I had heard of dieting fads that sound eerily similar, so I was reluctant to start the book. I was worried that this might kindle a diet obsession. Nevertheless, because of its overwhelmingly positive feedback, I cautiously read the book.

The book proposes the Fab Four Formula: eating a specific combination of protein, fat, fiber, and greens at every meal. This meal, she says, works by, “balancing your blood sugar, elongating your blood sugar curve, and keeping you satiated for up to six hours between meals” (60). As a result, you will experience less cravings for sugary snacks, lose weight, and improve your overall appearance. Leveque includes meal recipes, smoothie combinations, and a grocery list of food options to fulfill the Fab Four diet.

Some of the good things about this book are that it has a casual tone, and the scientific content is digestible (no pun intended). I enjoyed learning about nutrition and what each food type does in my body. It’s also nice that other medical professionals have agreed with her claims, which adds another level of integrity that one hopes for in a diet book. However, I did feel that the book was very repetitive, and some chapters were unnecessary. Additionally, the book doesn’t apply for vegan and vegetarian eaters. As a lifelong vegetarian, I don’t know what to do with all of her meat-dependent recipes. I would have appreciated some guidance on vegetarian dishes that achieve her ideal combination of protein, fat, fiber, and greens.

In the end, I haven’t developed an obsession with dieting, though I am more aware about my food intake (especially with fruit!). Having her grocery list of foods and smoothie ideas is also helpful. I haven't been able to try her full diet yet, but if it sounds interesting to you, give this book a try!