cover image The Gut Balance Revolution: Boost Your Metabolism, Restore Your Inner Ecology, and Lose the Weight for Good!

The Gut Balance Revolution: Boost Your Metabolism, Restore Your Inner Ecology, and Lose the Weight for Good!

Gerard E. Mullin. Rodale, $26.99 (432p) ISBN 978-1-62336-401-4

Citing decades of professional medical experience and scientific research, as well as personal history as an obese teen, gastroenterologist Mullin posits that a healthy “gut microbiome,” a complex intestinal ecosystem that holds enormous sway over body function, is a key factor in permanent weight loss. Mullin presents a three-part program to weed out the “bad bugs” (bacteria) through a low-carb, moderate-fat, high-protein 30-day diet. He incorporates whole-food carbs and prebiotic foods to cultivate the presence of healthy bacteria while weight-loss goals are being met. After the 30 days, readers can switch to a lifelong maintenance phase that allows for eating off the plan. The very workable plan is enhanced with lists of metabolism-boosting, pre- and probiotic, and maintenance foods; anti-stress measures and exercises; detailed meal plans, shopping lists and appealing recipes (like blueberry spice waffles and crunchy almond tuna salad); and inspiring real-life success stories. Mullin’s promise of quick, sustainable weight loss through practices that also combat chronic health problems and discourage disease will have many readers lining up to devour this sensible guide. (June)