The Smarter Science of Slim: What the Actual Experts Have Proven About Weight Loss, Dieting, & Exercise

by Jonathan Bailor, Alex McVey (Illustrator), Astrid Jacob (Illustrator)

The Smarter Science of Slim series is now out of print to make way for HarperCollins’ January 2014 publication of The Calorie Myth. But fear not! In the meantime, enjoy all sorts of free and premium content to help you eat smarter, exercise smarter, and live 1. The sold-out Seattle Smarter Science of Slim seminar plus all sorts of bonus ebooks, videos, recipes, and guides -
--Get

2. The Smarter Science of Slim Podcast
--Get

3. The SlimIsSimple.org non-profit video series and daily simple tips
--Get

4. The Smarter Science of Slim Blog
--Get Since the 1970's we have been told that eating less and exercising more is healthy and leads to lasting weight loss. Since then obesity, diabetes, and other diet related diseases have risen to epidemic levels, overtaken tobacco as leading cause of death in the United States, and account for over $190 billion a year in health-care spending.

Consistent with these trends, but in sharp contrast to what the food, fitness, and pharmaceutical industries tell us, Jonathan Bailor's new book The Smarter Science of Slim, the single largest scientific analysis of health and fitness ever conducted, proves that eating less and exercising more harms our health and leads to fat gain 95.4 percent of the time.

The Smarter Science of Slim simplifies the analysis of over 1,100 scientific studies to bridge the gap between the scientific world and the everyday world, dispel the myths and marketing that have fueled the current health care crisis, and provide a proven lifestyle for lasting wellness by focusing on quality of food and exercise and then eating more and exercising less -- but smarter. The Smarter Science of Slim is endorsed by the world-wide scientific community including top doctors at the Harvard Medical School, John Hopkins, and UCLA, and approved as curriculum for registered dieticians (RDs) by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

“We all know what the typical approach leads to,” remarked Bailor who is confident that the last forty years of research from the most brilliant medical minds around the world prove that we can use this atypical “eat more, exercise less but smarter” approach to generate atypical improved health and reduced obesity and diet-related disease rates.

More TheSmarterScienceOfSlim.com -------------------Benefits-------------------

Lower your risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and cardiovascular disease
Lose body fat
Improve cholesterol and blood pressure
Avoid hunger
Enjoy higher energy levels
Improve confidence and self-esteem
Increase insulin sensitivity and control diabetes
Curb cravings
End overeating
Get sick less often
Improve complexion and skin tone
Boost your ability to concentrate and mood
Sleep better and feel more rested
Enhance strength, fitness, cardiovascular health, and athletic performance
Enjoy less anxiety and depression
Improve sexual performance
Reduce chronic pain and arthritis
Speed-up metabolism
Improve estrogen and testosterone levels
Develop compact lean muscle tissue
Enhance bone density


---------------------Reviews----------------------

“Proven and practical.”
—Dr. Theodoros Kelesidis
Harvard & UCLA Medical Schools “The latest and best scientific research.”
—Dr. John J. Ratey
Harvard Medical School “An important piece of work.”
—Dr. Anthony Accurso
Johns Hopkins “Smart and health promoting.”
—Dr. JoAnn E. Manson
Harvard Medical School “The last diet book you will ever need to buy.”
—Dr. Larry Dossey
Medical City Dallas Hospital “Revolutionary, surprising, and scientifically sound.”
—Dr. Jan Friden
University of Gothenburg “Compelling, simple, and practical.”
—Dr. Steve Yeaman
Newcastle University “Stimulating and provocative.”
—Dr. Soren Toubro
University of Copenhagen

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Food

369 pages, Paperback

First published December 28, 2011

Reviews

[Rick Ballard · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me and promised to be a good overview of the newer science that contravenes traditional wisdom on the effect of carbohydrates on body fat. In some respects, this did follow through; he cited a large number of interesting studies and went over the purported mechanisms by which carbs affect your metabolism. Unfortunately, I ultimately came away not being able to trust his analysis of the science. From criticism of this book I've read elsewhere, it seems a lot of his reference to studies cherry-picks the evidence he wants and disregards inconvenient results. He cites a lot of individual studies instead of citing peer-reviewed surveys of available studies; there's no way for me to tell if he isn't just choosing the studies that back him up and not reporting on the rest.

The author's tone throughout this book is full-on huckster, with lots of sloganeering and misleading catchphrases (he says over and over again that you should "Eat More -- Smarter" with his recommendations when you actually should reduce your calorie intake). His investment in health-industry conspiracy theories makes him sound like a quack; to him, the entire fitness industry is actively harming people and exists not to make anyone thinner but to milk them for all they're worth. It may be that a lot of the traditional wisdom about diet and exercise is wrong -- or at least not the whole story -- and the low-fat craze does seem to have been a big mistake, but he takes that and runs with it all the way to looney-land.

His actual diet recommendations sound utterly joyless to me... a life of eating lots of cottage cheese, egg whites, whey protein, and flaxseed. I'm totally willing to moderate my carbs, and those may be good foods to eat, but he seems to take it all way too far and completely discount the importance of a varied, interesting, and tasty diet. On top of that, he spouts a lot of Paleo rhetoric (backing it up with conjecture rather than science) even though the foods he's recommending aren't Paleo at all.

Ultimately I did get some useful stuff out of this book, so it wasn't a total waste. This piqued my interest in High-Intensity Interval Training vs the 45 minutes of cardio I've done in the past, and made me aware of how easy it is for traditional cardio to actually result in a net increase of calories in due to increased hunger. This book did make me want to increase the amount of protein in my diet, though that conflicts somewhat with my goal to eat less meat and more vegetables. This did make me more aware of the glycemic index and satiety power of food I eat. Ultimately, though, after reading this book I find myself very frustrated by the amount of conflicting research and nutritional advice out there, and that there is no clearly trustworthy expert to turn to. Government guidelines don't seem to have kept up with the science, but low-carb gurus also seem to cherrypick and distort. The best answer I have for now is to be moderate my carb intake and avoid most processed foods, but that's an unsatisfactorily vague guideline. This book, sadly, just made me more unclear on what's true and what's trustworthy in diet science.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 2011 I lost 120 lbs following nutritional advice similar to what's outlined in this book. Since then i've been working to maintain that weight loss by better understanding human physiology so a book promising to explain a decade of scientific research was too good to resist. Unfortunately I found the book lacking in several connected areas.

My first issue with the book is the lack of depth on the science. While Bailor does often go into the science he seems to do so only enough to Make the case for a "what" where with only a few more paragraphs he could explain the "why"; the all important question good science seeks to answer. Instead he leaves this as a footnote to the article as an exercise to the reader.

This leads to my second issue: the book often repeats the same platitudes about fallacy of food guidelines & the benefits & ease of his suggested plan. The reader could have been treated to more good science & fresh information.

This is where my third issue arises: given the over-repeating of his buzz words & catch phrases the book feels more like a sleazy diet plan pitch the likes of which Mr. Bailor spends so much time (& rightfully so) railing against.

While not as scientific as implied the book is a good start, especially if you haven't read "Good Calories, Bad Calories". And as I mentioned there was much covered which overlapped with my own experience.

[TJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the things in this book I already knew like eating a Paleolithic diet & the benefits of working out harder & deeper for a shorter amount of time though he prescribes even shorter amount than I thought. Best of all, he shows you how to do the exercises at home so no gym required. But reading it all with the backup of years of scientific research & facts combined with the way the author easily explains things really impacted me. I will admit this was a lot of info to take in. I recommend highlighting things that stand out, make notes & dog ear the pages where you highlighted or notated for future reference. I am looking forward to applying what I gave learned.

[JoAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much of what we think about nutrition, weight loss and exercise is wrong; not because information is lacking, but because misinformation is rampant. In the Smarter Science of Slim, Jonathan Bailor has researched 1100 weight loss studies and boiled them down so that they are easy to understand. The conclusion: eat more, exercise less, but smarter. His SANE approach (his acronym) recommends fueling the body with nutrient=rich foods such as vegetables, lean protein, fruits and nuts to unclog the metablolism and return it to the fat-burning machine it's meant to be. Couple that with resistance exercise that focuses on eccentric movement and delivers a powerhouse workout in minimal time and you have a recipe for sustainable health and weight loss. Because of the focus on vegetables, this is a program that can be maintained lifelong.

This is an excellent companion piece to books like Gary Taubes' Why We Get Fat: And What to Do About it, because it takes some of the same scientific information and brings it down to the layman's level. Then Bailor takes it to the next level by telling how to use the information to force a metabolic change with his SANE approach. This is a must-read for anyone who has struggled with weight loss.

[Rikke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well-written this book based on scientific facts introduces a long-term approach to health and fat loss and confronts a lot of myths. A lot of what we have learned about nutrition is actually wrong! If you care about your health at all you should read this book. The 5 stars are for the life-changing knowledge.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for learning how to eat/exercise and why- ultimately improving your health and weight. Can’t wait to see what my results are as I implement some changes.

[Amy Connel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the 70-page bibliography.

[Christian Engler · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the beginning of every new year, people make that perennial New Year's resolution that they are going to stick to a diet come what may, so they eat less and exercise more, and they see very minimal results for their best intentioned efforts. People go into diets and fitness regimens all gun-ho and idealistic, only to be left jaded and discouraged. More-often-than-not, people actually pick up extra pounds and do more harm to their bodies than before they started a fitness and nutrition routine. They listen to misleading pharmaceutical lobbyists and questionable food company CEOs who do not have the best interests of the consumers at heart. Rather, they are interested more in what's in their wallets. In the end, only the companies and government come out on top, on top with the consumer's all mighty dollar. Here is where Jonathan Bailor's remarkable and long overdue fitness and nutrition book comes into play. He essentially says that people should eat more and exercise less, for that is the only way to lose weight and get results. However, people need to start eating SANELY versus INSANELY. For most people, they choose the latter type of eating, and that is the first and most important problem to address.

In The Smarter Science of Slim, Jonathan Bailor addresses facets of body types, why certain people are naturally slim and why others continuously struggle with weight issues, for each set point is different for all of us. Above all else, he talks about food, the best kinds of food-SANE foods-those with water, fiber and that are protein packed. Additionally, they should have a high satiety. He writes about avoiding starchy vegetables like corn and potatoes and how consumers should be eating organics, eating foods similar to that in which our forbearers ate when they hunted and gathered. When people deviated from that path and redirected their appetites to preprocessed and sugared foods, among other unhealthy types, that is when health issues and problems arose, particularly diabetes, clogs in the fat metabolism system, clogged arteries, to a whole gamut of health issues that can plague the body when it is not provided with the best nutrients available, for people are often so busy with work and families that they are easily misled and are only to eager for the quick fix.

The Smarter Science of Slim is a jam packed health and fitness book that has an amazing degree of good quality information in it, and it would behoove readers who truly want to make a commitment to a healthier lifestyle to pick this book up. Jonathan Bailor seems quite passionate in his desire to help people help themselves move away form a sedentary and junk food filled lifestyle. His goal is to get ordinary people to be energized and choose an active alternative, and the abundance of examples that he provides in his book is really quite thrilling. He offers examples of the types of foods that we should eat as well as the kinds of exercises-specifically deep exercise and eccentric exercise-that people should be performing in order to obtain the kind of healthy and fit bodies that so many "experts" promise but fall short in delivering. The book is quite detailed with charts, graphs and statistics, all conveyed in a simple and straightforward manner that any lay person can easily understand. When it comes to the fitness, he always reiterates that good nutrition is the most paramount thing, for the idea is to eat more and exercise less. Lastly, the fitness diagrams are exceptionally helpful, for they can be done at home just as well as at a gym. And the book is not filled with ridiculous high class glossy photos of fitness models smiling and providing nothing. The book is purely about the science of health, how the body operates, the good fuel needed to keep it clean and operational and the assorted exercise routines that keep it in shape. They are all interconnected and are of vital importance for good overall health. This was a great book and one that I often refer to, especially when I do my food shopping or want to order a health oriented product online. Whatever questions you may have, be assured, The Smarter Science of Slim will have an answer. No bull, either.

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his book The Smarter Science of Slim Jonathan Bailor presents much more than advice on lifestyle and diet. This is a complete argument relating themes of nutrition, exercise, digestion and food to their associated consequence, weight. Unlike many works in the area of diet, The Smarter Science of Slim presents informed consideration of the subject, offers no quick fix, no formulaic or unsubstantiated, quasi-religious claims. What the book does do is argue a coherent, rationally-constructed and evidence-justified position which identifies an approach to diet and lifestyle rather than a prescription. It is to the author’s credit that the book achieves its aims in a fluent, readable style that engages and entertains as well as informs.

Jonathan Bailor begins with a criticism of current approaches, a corpus of advice that represents something of an establishment position. It’s a diet he labels INSANE. It’s not quite an acronym, but it gets the point across. The consequences of this diet are obesity. Yes, we are being officially advised into a state of obesity. In contrast, the SANE approach allows you to eat just about as much as you want. What’s more, it’s better nutritionally and your weight will stabilise at a lower level. Does this sound too good to be true?

To prove the case the author cites research findings and extensive data to identify a diet that is roughly equally shared between protein, carbohydrate and fat. On the face of it, this may not seem to be such a radical departure from the current received position, except in relation to fats. But The Smarter Science of Slim approach differs markedly in the foodstuffs identified in each category. Jonathan Bailor thus declares war on starch! Out go grains, flour, potatoes, rice and pasta, for example. In comes as much water-rich vegetable as you want to eat. Crucial to Jonathan Bailor’s argument is that these fill you up and thus satiate, while simultaneously providing all essential nutrients alongside low calorific values. He is also confident that eating more proteins will restrict the appetite that currently craves more starch because it is fat and protein deficient.

The argument then moves on to the concept of a person’s natural body weight. The norm can change and can be changed, but the human body always tries to maintain what the brain perceives an optimal or normal weight. The problem is that this norm is influenced by the digestive load that the diet presents. When this is changed, then the perceived norm can be changed. INSANE diets raise the norm and hence promote obesity, while SANE approaches encourage stabilisation at lower weights.

But The Smarter Science of Slim goes beyond this. It also suggests exercise routines that don’t take all day, are efficient at burning energy and keep the body fit and trim. And all of this can be accomplished in just twenty minutes a couple of times a week.

Cooks will be disappointed with Jonathan Bailor’s approach to meals that adhere to his SANE principles. But the ingredient list is extremely long and even five minutes in the kitchen would produce something palatable, tasty and also SANE, certainly something a tad more appetising than a veggie smoothie. The Smarter Science of Slim allows, even encourages consumption of almost anything you want in the line of meat or fish. Since fats are not outlawed, you can even take a slab of cheese. But you will have to make your sandwich with cabbage leaves, rather than bread.

Anyone who has feelings of guilt or even mere concerns about weight, diet or lifestyle could profit greatly from reading The Smarter Science of Slim. The book illustrates that there is nothing to be afraid of, that there are multitudes of wholesome and tasty foods that can be eaten with abandon without fear of obesity or ill health. As a consequence of The Smarter Science of Slim’s SANE approach, these things will look after themselves, leaving you to get on with living life rather than worrying about it. Then you can read The Smarter Science of Slim again to admire the book’s style, scholarship and coherence.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally! A Take Charge of Your Health Guru - Jonathan Bailor

Reading Jonathan Bailor's intensely well researched and well written book THE SMARTER SCIENCE OF SLIM is like having a conversation with qualified guru. And Bailor is that. He has put in the research, the time, the testing, and the delicate charge of passing his concepts before the eyes of some authoritative health care providers in order to make this book and his program accessible to the layperson. He has taken the time to investigate the big business of weight loss programs, diet pills, diet food programs, big business gym promises, and even beyond and in doing so he has uncovered the myths propagated to 'sell' weight loss programs of every description, replacing those big money making giants with the scientific facts about how the body processes foods, the need for understanding exercise, and the all important concept of this book, the Set Point for everyone who reads this book ('Set-Point Weight: The weight that our fat metabolism system automatically works to keep us at regardless the quantity of calories we take in or exercise off').

Bailor's Smarter Science of Slim he summarizes in the following: ' Increase Diet and Exercise QUALITY >by eating more and exercising less SMARTER >So our nutrition and hormones improve > so we drop the weight our body works to maintain > so we burn body fat automatically like naturally thin people.' Breaking 'Common Theory (eat less, exercise more - Harder' into all of the reasons this approach is erroneous results in his Smarter Science (eat more, exercise less - Smarter) is really the foundation of this book.

The reason that reading Jonathan Bailor will change your life is the fact that he educates the reader with very complex theories that he is gifted in his writing to make very simple and understandable. This book will stand the test of every nutritionist and physical therapist and physiologist in the material he discusses so thoroughly. But given that fact, the information he shares here is presented in a conversational style that invites the reader to become mentally and emotionally involved in his précis.

Just the discussion of smart eating - foods that participate solidly in the set point - is worth the investment in this book. It is thorough without being redundant and it takes into consideration the history of why humans have survived since appearing as a species on this planet. Back to the basics, you might say - but who has ever REALLY informed you about the basics. The same can be said about the section of the concept of exercise: it is so imbued with common sense, so doable, that it makes the reader realize why periodic gallivanting through endless exercise workout programs (complete with DVDs, meeting, pedometers, specific shoes and clothing etc) end up successfully diminishing weight loss until that expensive program is over - then back to square one. And therein lies the main message: square one is defining our Set-Weight Point and form there the rest all simply falls into place.

Jonathan Bailor's magnetic personality comes through on every page of this book. Too many writers debunk other programs in a way that makes them sound like Mr. Know-it-all-and-everyone-else-is wrong. Bailor doesn't go there. Instead he lets the reader learn to understand the physiology of maintaining a slim figure and by becoming smarter it is next to impossible to not stay on track: it is just that natural. This is one of the finest books published at a time when the media is warning us about the obesity epidemic, scaring us into investing funds we don't have at the moment in an attempt to feel and look young and healthy again. It is right here. Jonathan Bailor likely wouldn't regard himself as a guru (he is far too honest and self deprecating to claim fame). But delve into this book and see if his work doesn't change YOUR outlook and reduce the stress that radical dieting and radical exercise programs produce - just when we don't need more stress!

Grady Harp

[Alain Burrese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonathan Bailor is a Health and Fitness Researcher, and "The Smarter Science of Slim" is the result of ten years worth of research and collaboration with doctors and other researchers in the health and fitness areas. I think it is a very good addition to the health and fitness resources available, which are many, and recommend it to anyone wanting to increase their knowledge in this area. Obviously, just reading the book won't do you much good if you don't apply some of the material contained within the pages.

I purposefully said "some" of the material, because I don't feel you have to agree with Bailor 100%, nor do you have to follow everything in this book 100%, to gain benefits. (Something I'm sure Bailor would also agree with) I've been a long time student of Jim Rohn, and he always said read more than one book on health and fitness and find what works best for you. I agree with this, and it is probably why I read a number of works on this topic. I recommend others do the same, and "The Smarter Science of Slim" should be one of the books you read to gain knowledge in this area.

Bailor's Bibliography is around 77 pages long. So yes, he is a researcher. And no, I did not check these sources. However, what Bailor did very well is write a very readable book based on the research. The two main areas he focuses on in the book are diet and exercise, the two primary areas related to fat loss and being slim. I felt the diet sections were a bit better than the exercise, which I'll explain.

The diet, which he backs up with many sources, comes down to eating more non-starchy vegetables, lean meats, nuts, fruits, and limiting starches, sweeteners, and such. (Yes, there is more too it, but those are some of the basics) While I don't doubt the research, I don't agree with it all either. That's because like all research, you can find opposing views and data. And, I like potatoes and breads, so I won't cut them out entirely. However, I agree with Bailor to a point and will limit them, and believe everyone should eat more non-starchy vegetables for sure.

The exercise portion is fairly short, and focuses on doing what Bailor calls Smarter exercise. (One note, the use of Smarter and SANE are used a lot, almost too much through the book) The exercise program is one of what is called deeper exercises. There are only a few, and they are recommended just a few times a week. Now, while Bailor doesn't say you shouldn't do other forms of exercise, the book sort of comes off as promoting that all you need to do is these ten minutes of exercise a week. That I don't agree with. While the exercises described in this book have a place in a health and fitness program, I don't believe they are all you should do.

I should also point out that I am not overweight looking for a diet and exercise program to lose weight. I eat healthy and exercise so I can continue to live the active lifestyle I enjoy which includes teaching martial arts, hiking the mountains of Montana, and many other activities. I am a firm believer of a well rounded exercise routine that includes stretching, anaerobic exercise, aerobic exercise, and other activities that promote functional fitness. The guidelines in this book may help someone lose the initial pounds needed to start living a more active lifestyle. But I still believe a person should regularly include more exercises and activities than just the deep exercises in this book.

Overall, I liked the book, learned some things from it, and feel it has a place in the health and fitness resources of those looking to be fit and healthy. I do think the information contained within the pages, if applied, will help some people lose weight and be more slim. And if it does help people in that way, I'm all for it!

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Johnathon Bailor has done his homework with The Smarter Science Of Slim. In this book, he debunks popular myths of dieting such as eating less and exercising more as being the end all to combat obesity. This book is informative and life changing. By changing what we eat, and therefore needing to exercising less, we can transform our bodies better than any fad diet and exercise craze around. Eating lean proteins, cutting out starch and sweets is a great way to begin to feel better without the need to exercise more. By understanding the way the body works, through scientific study, Johnathan Bailor helps to explain the dangers of popular diets and how things like how yo-yo dieting effects our bodies.

This is a great book. I like the way the author mixed scientific studies with nutritious facts and revealed great information regarding popular food products and the promotion of food. I also like the way he explains how the government and the boards of nutrition such as the American Council on Fitness and Nutrition and its members help to shape the American diet. Doctors, food manufacturers all need their customers and this may point to why our diets in America are the way they are. In order to loose weight and stay in good shape in our society, we have to take the reins. We have to focus on the good things we put in our bodies and not the things that get our attention at the grocery stores. Starchy foods..out...blueberries...in. We have to think in these terms in order to control our own destiny. Instead of focusing on the fat content of foods as we have become obsessed with as a society, we need to focus on what certain foods react like when we eat them and put them in our bodies. Water, fiber and protein are great things to put in our bodies. Sugary, startchy things may not contain fat and may be marketed as being 'low-fat' but they are still not good for us. Fat is a natural ingredient that is, in fact useful to our bodies and just because a food is low-fat, doesn't mean it's good for us.

The Smarter Science of Slim is a great resource for those who want to maintain good health using diet. It explains in plain terms the faults of many popular diets and blows up old myths to integrate healthy eating knowledge. Using scientific studies and by showcasing how the body metabolizes foods, The Smarter Science of Slim explains the basics of good eating habits. Bailor does amazing things in his book such as comparing the nutritional values of a cup of wheat flour (popular starch) compared to a cup of spinach, and the results are super interesting. He also shows how much of today's diet is not from natural foods - and there's the rub. It's amazing how a study showing how sugar effects the body in a worse way than saturated fat, and was known as early as the 50's but was conveniently swept under the rug.

This book is a gem, filled with interesting facts and "food" for thought. Marketing campaigns for popular foods do not have our best interests in mind, with help from books such as this one, we can reprogram ourselves and help ourselves and our family to eat better and feel better and not have to jump on the diet and exercise band wagon to stay fit and healthy. Exercise is best when done using more muscle less often and is better than killing ourselves on the treadmill daily, and eating right means reading books like this one to unbrainwash ourselves. Great Job!! Thumbs up & Recommend highly!

[Todd Fonseca · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are serious about losing weight and keeping it off – you must read The Science of Slim
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Author: Jonathan Bailor
Format: Release date January 2012

With well over fifty pages of references, Jonathan Bailor’s “The Science of Slim”, is exactly that - a thorough scientific evaluation of the data and research collected over decades on what makes our bodies slim and what does not. While steeped in research, this is no dry academic book, but rather an engaging and interesting read exploring how diet myths and the deleterious effects institution of the government’s food pyramid has had on the overall health of our nation. Bailor explains how misinformation in the fifties caused a large shift in our diets away from fat, assuming it is always bad for our health, in favor of grains and sweeteners which cause major inconsistencies in hormone levels throughout the day effecting our metabolism and our bodies fat storing signals.

Hormones, Bailor explains, are the main factor impacting weight gain and weight loss. This is why two different people can eat the same amount of calories and one person will gain weight while another will not. The average American diet basically signals our hormones to essentially have us in fat storing mode almost all of the time.

Bailor also explains the impact of exercise on weight loss and busts some beliefs on what does and does not work. For those doing cardio workouts multiple times per week and adhere to a strict calorie controlling diet yet still find themselves not losing any weight Bailor explains why supported through years of research.

This book not only gives you the information to understand how our bodies work and why what you may have come to believe as truth does not work, but it also provides data and research on what does work. The good news - it doesn't involve counting calories, points, starving yourself or working out 2 hours per day. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Less, more specific exercise and more frequent correct eating will actually help manage weight goals. You don't have to believe me. In fact you don't even have to believe the author. What you should believe is the mounds of research, many including randomized studies, to support his contentions.

There is something to note however. While this book does not require you to be on a diet, it does require you to understand and eat differently both in the proportions of the types of food you eat per meal and how frequently. Essentially you must change your diet. If you aren't willing to commit to a change in how you eat this simply will not work.

Overall, a very interesting and well researched book that has the answers if readers are willing to follow it. I will admit that I find it a little hard to believe the exercise routine suggested would work (a couple of videos on the exercise on youtube would also help) but then again if the focus is fat loss versus cardiovascular health then perhaps it does. It seems to me that combing both eccentric exercise and a cardiovascular workout would be appropriate for a healthy lifestyle, but admittedly I have not done the research the author has.
Note: A copy of this work was provided in return for a review.

[Angie Boyter · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a book cover boasts endorsements by medical-school professors from Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and UCLA and prefatory comments by two professors at Harvard and UCLA, it almost seems presumptuous, not to mention superfluous, for me to add my review. However, these are scientists; I am the ordinary reader, the gal who wants to get those last few pounds off and KEEP them off this time. How does the book work for me?
Unlike many diet books that cite the “amazing work of Dr. ________”, Bailor’s explanation is documented by exhaustive research from many sources. The positive comments from the experts predisposed me to feel confidence in Bailor’s assertions, and the 76 pages of notes and references reinforced my impression that the author has done his homework.
This being said, what did he do with the results? Bailor explains the science clearly and translates it into what sounds like a practical program of diet and exercise that anyone could follow. One aspect I especially liked was the treatment of “set points”. Like many people, I reach a sort of equilibrium at a certain weight and neither gain nor lose pounds easily from that point. Unfortunately, my set point is a bit higher than I would like it to be. Bailor emphasizes how to reset your set point and put the equilibrium at a lower level.
The exercise component of the program is especially appealing; it takes a minimal amount of time and can be done at home.
I have some minor quibbles with the diet recommendations. Bailor gives a good presentation of what he calls his SANE diet (Satiety, Aggression, Nutrition, and Efficiency), and he includes enough specifics that the reader can put together a food program that would work for him or her. At the same time, he seems to “push” certain foods like whey powder and Greek yogurt without really convincing me why they are so much better than other alternatives. I eat Greek yogurt every day and love it, but I fail to see why it is stressed so much as opposed to other high-quality foods. The foundations of Bailor’s program seem based on good science; “faddish” elements that remind me of crazes like The Grapefruit Diet seem incongruous. But I can ignore those elements and apply the general principles.
Overall, the worth of a book like The Smarter Science of Slim is measured by whether its recommendations work. I’ll let you know when I fit into those size 4 slacks….

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think most of us are being extremely weary of fad diets. We know they don’t work. In fact, if we do manage to lose a few points, in the coming months we manage to find them again- along with a few more.

The Smarter Science of Slim looks at weight loss from a different angle. It’s not about counting calories, starving ourselves, or exercising for hours a day. Instead, it looks at how our bodies work and how different foods create different results.

For the most part, the nutrition portion focuses on a quasi-paleo diet. Whole foods, closest to the natural state as possible. Lots of veggies and protein, particularly non-starchy vegetables and lean protein. The basic premise is that if you fill up on non-starchy vegetables and lean protein then you will be too full to crave sweets and junk food. Then, over time, the body’s insulin levels rebalance so that your set-weight naturally lowers.

Adhering to a paleo-diet makes sense from a body function standpoint. Our bodies were simply not made to process the foods that the majority of people eat these days. However, humans do eat for comfort when stressed or overwhelmed. That too is natural bodily reaction that trumps our normalized glucose ranges.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well researched. Shows how everything we've been told over the last 30-40 years about nutrition and so-called "healthy" eating was based on flawed data. Stresses how the old "food pyramid" and the new "my plate" were created by the Department of Agriculture NOT a health-centric organization with the goal of emphasizing foods and what Mr. Bailor calls "food-like substances" ie: mostly processed grains, high-fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated fats which are cheap to produce and can be added to almost anything to make it hyper-palatable and virtually addictive. He gives excellent guidance on how to improve the quality of your diet so you can actually eat MORE (truly good for you foods) and exercise LESS (short bursts of high intensity rather than long bouts of low intensity) with better results.

[Jed Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. Has fundamentally change the way I eat and exercise. While I'm not only seeing instant results, I've never felt better. The great thing about this book is that it isn't a prescription or a set of rules to follow, instead it is an extremely informative, researched book that teaches you how to recognize what is good and bad for you, and the science of why and how your body reacts to food. An amazing read for anyone who cares about their health or even is just starting to.

[Beth Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find his claims interesting, but at the same time he talks out of both sides of his mouth, such as people's set points don't change even when overeating, yet we are all overweight.

His exercise claims are extremely intriguing because he claims only 10-30 minutes of exercise per week is necessary if you're doing high-quality, eccentric exercise. That is definitely worth a try!

He doesn't seem as anti-dairy as most diet experts.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was nice learning about the studies conducted that proved that some methods worked better than others. I have incorporated some of the changes for myself and feel better but haven't noticed a loss in weight yet. Unfortunately the workbook to go with this program costs extra and that I won't be purchasing. I believe this should have been included in the orginal book.

[Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book. It's not so much a "diet book" as a practical, sensible and simple way to engage in a healthier lifestyle. The science is clear, well presented, and it works. I've lost almost 20 pounds, a belt notch, one set of bags under my eyes, and I feel much healthier than I have in years!

[Reese · Rating 3 out of 5]

No fad diets here. Lotsa research, though. I find the sample cardio program and diet both a tad too restrictive, but overall, the message of eat better, eat ENOUGH (yes!), lift heavy things, and do smart, minimal cardio has worked well for me and has brought me more sanity than any crazy ass "you-will-die-if-you-eat-grains" diet.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read and the science seems solid. I'm giving it a try, but I have some reservations. I've seen people convincingly argue the moon landing didn't happen and the world is flat, so who really knows. It's more sane than the grapefruit diet, that's for sure. I like his honest, forward approach. We'll see what happens, but the book was good.

[Lil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just what I love...a sciency diet book! Extremely well researched. I really enjoyed all the background studies he cited. The writing isn't great. Excellent, clear recommendations for action. Half the book is the bibliography. This won't be for everyone, but you probably already know if it's up your alley.

[Tara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Full of good science, but badly in need of an editor. The author has read and compiled a zillion studies on nutrition and how our metabolism works, but fails to explain them coherently. The chapters were disjointed, and he made quite a few random jumps in logic, without tying all that science-y research together.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revolutionary info about how our ancestors ate and why the current food guide pyramid is failing us and making us sicker. All those low-fat/high carb diets probably made us fatter! An easy read with lots of stats.

[Claire Bondy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without question the best book I have read on the topic of food and diet! I highly recommend this for anyone who wants to understand why one body is fatter than another, or why you and your husband can eat the same thing and he doesn't gain a pound!

[Mary-anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the simple message of eat real food. There are some aspects I want to experiment with on myself especially the exercise part. I've been eating sanely for over a year following the Paleo template nod have had good results, so I'm going to try his exercise template.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Body composition is largely determined by hormones. What we choose to eat –- not how much — and how we choose to exercise – now how often or for how long — has a huge impact on the hormones our bodies produce. That’s the message of The Smarter Science of Slim.

[Nicoll Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book!!!! I finally get it, am I 100% SANE,somedays Yes, somedays No but I don't feel guilty about those lapses anymore, every meal is a new opportunity to eat healthier and make smart choices

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling reading. How could we have been led astray for so long?