Search - The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite

The End of Overeating is one of the best books I have read concerning the food industry. David Kessler begins by presenting a mountain of evidence to show that the way our brains are wired make it difficult to resist the lure of salt, fat, and sugar. This first section is a little dry, but stick with it because in the next section he deconstructs foods from popular chain restaurants to demonstrate how the restaurant industry takes advantage of our predisposition for hypereating.

There are many books which make this same case, but Kessler's differs by offering solutions to these problems. He concludes with an action plan that individuals can use to manage their eating. His action plan is not a diet, but rather a strategy for choosing what to eat (and what not to eat). Some of the strategies employed are the same as those recommended to people trying to quit smoking or overcome some other addiction.

This book is essential reading for anyone who is concerned about what they put into their bodies, and should be a big wake up call for those who are not.

I gave this book one star. First, the author can't write. I understand that writing isn't his profession ... so, it's typical that he's not going to be a literary genius. However, he repeats himself over and over and over and over and over again. All the chapters have blurred together for me from this book because they all had the same reiterated information in them.

Also, I'm unsure as to why this book is a bestseller or considered so great. Who doesn't know this information?! I always thought it was obvious that when it comes to business, money is the bottom line, and EVERY company will try to make sure people come back for their product - whether it's food or otherwise. Thus, I didn't think the information contained in this book was very groundbreaking.

The neurological information in the book was interesting. However, he could have covered that in one chapter - instead he repeated this same information throughout the whole book.

Finally, the last few chapters that deal with how to overcome overeating are extremely vague. I don't think the author wanted to admit that he really had no idea how to overcome it. He does touch on cognitive behavioral therapy - but, again, this is basic information found in any psychology book. Nothing groundbreaking.

Also, the author did not focus at all about (what I think) the most important aspect of dietary lifestyles is: health! Not once did he mention the benefits of alternative ways of eating - all he focused on was, essentially, portion control. Which is, of course, good. But, trans fat in small portions is still ... trans fat. So, I was disappointed not to see any conversation about health in here.

I suppose if you're an absolutely beginner to the food industry, this might be an OK book. However, don't let this be the only book you read. Pick up Food Inc. (excellent book that far surpasses this one) or Organic Manifesto by Maria Rodale.

Great read with hard data on how we are marketed fat, salt, and sugar as addictive substances, how food is so processed we don't even have to chew it, even food we THINK is not processed, and steps to break the addiction. We are so much like Pavlov's dogs when it comes to fast food.