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Primal Fat Burner: Live Longer, Slow Aging, Super-Power Your Brain, and Save Your Life with a High-Fat, Low-Carb Paleo Diet
Author of the popular Primal Body, Primal Mind and widely recognized Paleo expert and nutritionist, Nora Gedgaudas presents a revolutionary, scientific, accessible high-fat diet for maintaining health, losing weight, and reversing some chronic diseases.
Popular nutritionist Nora Gedgaudas returns with advice that may sound Eat fat to burn fat. In her new book, Primal Fat Burner, she explains the benefits and science behind a ketogenic (or fat-burning) diet, which switches your metabolism from a dependence on sugar to running on healthy fats. As Gedgaudas reveals, numerous studies in recent years refute the long-promoted anti-saturated fat and anti-cholesterol agenda. Now, Gedgaudas explains the science that fat isn't a “no-no” but rather a “yes-yes”—if you know the right kinds of fats to eat. In her accessible, enjoyable style, she also lays out a practical meal plan with recipes. When you follow a ketogenic diet, you consume fewer calories overall!
Author of the bestselling Grain Brain, Dr. David Perlmutter writes in his foreword that Primal Fat Burner is, “Wonderfully actionable, compassionately taking the reader from ‘why’ to ‘how.’” On this diet, you efficiently and effectively metabolize fat (ketones and free fatty acids) as your primary source of fuel, rather than glucose from carbs, starches, and sugars. Because fat is so satisfying, you naturally wind up eating less—without feelings of hunger or deprivation. And natural dietary fat is ultimately key to optimum health and longevity.
Gedgaudas communicates a real appreciation for and understanding of the central role that dietary fat plays in your body and brain, and explains how you can eat to feel better, look better, think clearer, and live longer.
Popular nutritionist Nora Gedgaudas returns with advice that may sound Eat fat to burn fat. In her new book, Primal Fat Burner, she explains the benefits and science behind a ketogenic (or fat-burning) diet, which switches your metabolism from a dependence on sugar to running on healthy fats. As Gedgaudas reveals, numerous studies in recent years refute the long-promoted anti-saturated fat and anti-cholesterol agenda. Now, Gedgaudas explains the science that fat isn't a “no-no” but rather a “yes-yes”—if you know the right kinds of fats to eat. In her accessible, enjoyable style, she also lays out a practical meal plan with recipes. When you follow a ketogenic diet, you consume fewer calories overall!
Author of the bestselling Grain Brain, Dr. David Perlmutter writes in his foreword that Primal Fat Burner is, “Wonderfully actionable, compassionately taking the reader from ‘why’ to ‘how.’” On this diet, you efficiently and effectively metabolize fat (ketones and free fatty acids) as your primary source of fuel, rather than glucose from carbs, starches, and sugars. Because fat is so satisfying, you naturally wind up eating less—without feelings of hunger or deprivation. And natural dietary fat is ultimately key to optimum health and longevity.
Gedgaudas communicates a real appreciation for and understanding of the central role that dietary fat plays in your body and brain, and explains how you can eat to feel better, look better, think clearer, and live longer.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published January 24, 2017
173 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 5, 2017
Classic Nora on her favourite topic. More accessible and more of a direct how-to than Primal Body, Primal Mind, Primal Fat Burner is direct, concise, and hilarious - a perfect primer on strict primal keto.
January 22, 2018
Kind of sciencey at times. I was surprised that it is not only recommended that you do not eat any carbs but is also recommended that you restrict protein. Butter sprinkled with sea salt for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Count me in!
September 4, 2023
Genres: Health/Science/Nonfiction
I'm not Paleo but out of all the eating plans out there, this is one I know least about. This book was informative and I liked the author. She presented the information in an easy conversational way and what I loved about this, is that she didn't spend a lot of energy or words pointing fingers at others and their research. She stayed in her lane and frankly, she owned it. I can always appreciate that kind of focus.
I listened to the audio so I could not benefit from her lists or recipes. I certainly have questions...most of them start with why.
Overall, I learned from this and it was an easy listen but I still had questions and I'm not sure I care enough to deep dive...so 4 stars.
I'm not Paleo but out of all the eating plans out there, this is one I know least about. This book was informative and I liked the author. She presented the information in an easy conversational way and what I loved about this, is that she didn't spend a lot of energy or words pointing fingers at others and their research. She stayed in her lane and frankly, she owned it. I can always appreciate that kind of focus.
I listened to the audio so I could not benefit from her lists or recipes. I certainly have questions...most of them start with why.
Overall, I learned from this and it was an easy listen but I still had questions and I'm not sure I care enough to deep dive...so 4 stars.
February 20, 2017
Can be adapted to a vegan lifestyle. Makes an excellent case for a higher-fat, lower-carbohydrate diet to treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease, adrenal insufficiency, and anxiety disorders, among other conditions. Fats have been demonized in recent years to the detriment of our health. Avocado, nuts, seeds, coconut... eat'em all and enjoy!
January 14, 2017
I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 4.5 stars. Nora Gedgaudas knows nutrition, and her books will go on my auto-buy list from this point forward. She also understands the health challenges people currently face, and addresses them thoroughly. I was impressed with the science in this book, and that it was presented in a way the average reader without a science background will understand. Her reasoning for a ketogenic diet is sound, her expertise is apparent, and her plan is simple. However, this plan isn't necessarily going to be easy for people currently on the standard American diet (SAD). You're asked to give up a common and convenient way of eating. I do think the convenience factor will be a challenge for some readers. However, I also believe the science supports making this shift for better health.
I love that Ms. Gedgaudas puts emphasis where it belongs--on the right veggies, healthy fats, and the right amount of protein. She offers a calculation so every reader can figure out their daily protein intake. The emphasis is on a small to moderate amount of the right types of proteins--not a protein free for all. I greatly appreciate that throughout the book she recommends professional assistance when undertaking this way of life for medical conditions. I also liked the list of resources in the back of the book for everything from support groups to labs for testing to foods to purchase.
I recommend this book for anyone who wants a better understanding of the ketogenic diet and the science behind it.
I give this book 4.5 stars. Nora Gedgaudas knows nutrition, and her books will go on my auto-buy list from this point forward. She also understands the health challenges people currently face, and addresses them thoroughly. I was impressed with the science in this book, and that it was presented in a way the average reader without a science background will understand. Her reasoning for a ketogenic diet is sound, her expertise is apparent, and her plan is simple. However, this plan isn't necessarily going to be easy for people currently on the standard American diet (SAD). You're asked to give up a common and convenient way of eating. I do think the convenience factor will be a challenge for some readers. However, I also believe the science supports making this shift for better health.
I love that Ms. Gedgaudas puts emphasis where it belongs--on the right veggies, healthy fats, and the right amount of protein. She offers a calculation so every reader can figure out their daily protein intake. The emphasis is on a small to moderate amount of the right types of proteins--not a protein free for all. I greatly appreciate that throughout the book she recommends professional assistance when undertaking this way of life for medical conditions. I also liked the list of resources in the back of the book for everything from support groups to labs for testing to foods to purchase.
I recommend this book for anyone who wants a better understanding of the ketogenic diet and the science behind it.
July 7, 2018
A very good guide to high-fat, or ketogenic, diet and switching from carbs to fat burning metabolism. The book starts with explaining the benefits and science behind a ketogenic diet. It does so by exploring the history of human evolution and our eating patterns and explaining the consequences. Then, it describes the mechanisms and role of hormones in our diet and why switching from carbs to fats is beneficial for our body. Nora also goes through many of the public campaigns that were used to show fat is the "bad guy" and promote "healthier" carbs. Finally, the book also contains a very simple step-by-step plan for starting low-carb/high-fat diet, along with information about vitamins and minerals, useful supplements and practical meal plans with recipes. Nore also addresses how to adopt this diet if one is a vegetarian or even vegan.
In overall, this is a very good book packed with information supported by scientific evidence. This side of the book, the one focused on pure science, may discourage some readers. I suggest taking the time and reading it anyway. It is worth the time. You will learn a lot about your body and how to make your diet and overall lifestyle much healthier.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to give this diet, and lifestyle, a try. High-fat diet can help you solve many issues and make your life much better. This book is a very good place to start.
In overall, this is a very good book packed with information supported by scientific evidence. This side of the book, the one focused on pure science, may discourage some readers. I suggest taking the time and reading it anyway. It is worth the time. You will learn a lot about your body and how to make your diet and overall lifestyle much healthier.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to give this diet, and lifestyle, a try. High-fat diet can help you solve many issues and make your life much better. This book is a very good place to start.
February 25, 2017
I began carb cycling/applying Keto practices eight weeks ago and this book is crazy helpful explaining the science and what to expect on the journey. Not sure that I'll go to some of the extreme menu items mentioned here (ie: make your own chicken feet bone broth), but I have taken several of her pantry recommendations and stocked my shelves accordingly. I also appreciate the tips for what to expect as your body converts from being a sugar to a fat burner, as well as what to expect from your athletic performance. I'd made many changes a couple years ago, but these last eight weeks, I've switched to under 30 carbs most days (though I have upped that to 50-80 carbs on two days prior to a heavy weight lifting sessions). Those first three weeks were TOUGH in the weight room, but since then, my sprint times have improved and I've even broken a couple lifting PRs. In four more weeks, I'll get another blood panel done, weigh in and get my body fat profile tested. Looking forward to the numbers!
September 12, 2017
I am impressed with the level of detail and research that has gone into this book. I am truly looking forward to start making my own recipes, seeing the weight fall off, and become a more efficient athlete. I have been on a journey of changing my lifestyle to one of health for almost a decade, and can only hope that my example encourages others to do the same. To that end whenever I discover gems like this, I am more than eager to put the principles described here into practice and see the results.
Thank you for putting all this information in writing in easy and understandable language. Cannot wait to begin answering those "How did you do that?" questions.
Thank you for putting all this information in writing in easy and understandable language. Cannot wait to begin answering those "How did you do that?" questions.
December 11, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Some books truly change your life. They don’t just make you think—they push you to change your habits for the better, and in a lasting way. This is one of those books.
While I had read something similar before, this one stands out for being more comprehensive and well-developed. The author explains how we’ve been wrong in prioritizing carbohydrates in our diet. She argues that by reducing them to a minimum, we can significantly improve our health: better cholesterol levels, balanced blood sugar, and overall well-being.
I experienced this transformation in the past. I changed my eating habits and managed to stop taking medication for blood sugar and cholesterol. Over time, I fell back into my old ways, but this book has inspired me to get back on track. I’m aiming for a full recovery!
I’ll share my progress in 6 months. Who’s ready to try this with me?
Some books truly change your life. They don’t just make you think—they push you to change your habits for the better, and in a lasting way. This is one of those books.
While I had read something similar before, this one stands out for being more comprehensive and well-developed. The author explains how we’ve been wrong in prioritizing carbohydrates in our diet. She argues that by reducing them to a minimum, we can significantly improve our health: better cholesterol levels, balanced blood sugar, and overall well-being.
I experienced this transformation in the past. I changed my eating habits and managed to stop taking medication for blood sugar and cholesterol. Over time, I fell back into my old ways, but this book has inspired me to get back on track. I’m aiming for a full recovery!
I’ll share my progress in 6 months. Who’s ready to try this with me?
February 27, 2018
This book is saying that our bodies were meant to run on energy from fat rather than glucose. It states that the epidemic of diabetes and obesity is a result of changing over to carb based diets, and that going back to a fat-based diet will reverse this. There is a story of an Eskimo tribe that did just that. The book sounded convincing so I've been trying out this diet. I mostly cut out breads and grains, and am emphasizing leafy greens and meats, including bacon. After a week my blood sugar levels have gone down significantly so maybe it's working.
April 16, 2019
A bit polemical and extreme for my taste, but Gedgaudas does have a lot of science behind her, and added usefully to my information on useful blood tests and supplements and cholesterol levels when eating LCHF.
Most of the recipes included were not very interesting, I thought. I'd describe her as more evangelist than cook. Some better recipes included in the Going Paleo book she wrote with Pete Evans, who is a cook.
Most of the recipes included were not very interesting, I thought. I'd describe her as more evangelist than cook. Some better recipes included in the Going Paleo book she wrote with Pete Evans, who is a cook.
August 20, 2019
So many points in this book were spot on, yet it was also a bit extreme for me personally. I found some of the advice to be so extreme as to exclude the possibility for following the dietary recommendations for most Americans. Besides, who wants to eat kangaroo or emu? Who even knew that eating emu was a thing?
January 27, 2020
Wry good book. The author paid out the information very well and had hard facts and data to back up her claims. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that is done with the status que of diets and health.
September 21, 2020
Mostly easy to read. I enjoyed her prose, her enthusiasm, and her expertise. I didn't quite buy her paleo argument, but the rest of the science convinced me. Some excellent recipes (her primal roast chicken is amazing!)
January 9, 2022
Doubled-down
This being my second book by Nora, once again I came away with plenty to ponder. Like she says, this book is not for the dietary dilettante. If you’re committed, I highly recommended it. Take the red pill.
This being my second book by Nora, once again I came away with plenty to ponder. Like she says, this book is not for the dietary dilettante. If you’re committed, I highly recommended it. Take the red pill.
May 14, 2017
Same information found elsewhere expressed a little more articulately.
August 8, 2017
My favorite book on nutrition!!!
December 25, 2017
Reading this was just the kick in the fat and allergies that I needed!
March 3, 2018
If possible, I would buy a book for all my friends and loved ones, to improve their health and mental capacity in the simplest of way while they lose weight. It's a drastic change, becoming a fat burner and a fat eater, instead of a sugar burner, but I can feel the difference already. Mentally and physically. And my scalle suddenly has become my friend :)
June 22, 2018
One of the best books I've read on this subject! Loving Nora!
September 8, 2018
Very interesting with lots of information, I actually purchased the book after reading from the library to have as reference.
August 3, 2020
Ana, Central patron, August 2020, 3 stars:
Very detailed account of how to improve life and diet on a paleo diet.
Very detailed account of how to improve life and diet on a paleo diet.
December 5, 2020
Pretty good information but really nothing new. 2nd half of the book is recipes, which do look good if you're feeling uninspired.
December 31, 2020
Excellent read, full of her research.
Full of information. Very scientific and written as you would expect a researcher to write, but she has a great wit sprinkled along.
Full of information. Very scientific and written as you would expect a researcher to write, but she has a great wit sprinkled along.
November 11, 2021
Not as good as her first book, Primal Body Primal Mind. This book was very repetitive and more like a typical trendy diet book.
March 17, 2025
Didn't even bother finishing
December 13, 2025
Lots of hyperbole, shaming, and seemingly some missing facts... But I was interested to learn more about the paleo diet, and this book did the trick.
March 8, 2017
A ton of information based on science. Not for the novice as much of the information may go over their head. Recommended if you want to dig deeper into nutrition and lifestyle change.
March 16, 2017
Great book. Gedgaudas is so knowledgeable and technical while being totally engrossing and readable.
Wonderful inspiration to be 100% paleo again.
Wonderful inspiration to be 100% paleo again.
February 27, 2017
Found this at the library and figured I'd give it a read. I've read her previous book and am completely on board with keto already.
This is paleo keto and emphasizes proper food sources. It's demanding and I only found one or two recipes I thought were doable or interesting to me. If you are into paleo keto then also read The Wahls Protocol.
This is paleo keto and emphasizes proper food sources. It's demanding and I only found one or two recipes I thought were doable or interesting to me. If you are into paleo keto then also read The Wahls Protocol.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews