Good Calories, Bad Calories

Fats, Carbs, and the Controversial Science of Diet and Health

Gary Taubes

Book Synopsis

In "Good Calories, Bad Calories," renowned science writer Gary Taubes delves into the complex world of nutrition, challenging traditional beliefs about weight gain and loss. Taubes presents an extensive review of scientific literature, dissecting studies and exposing flawed theories that have shaped our understanding of caloric balance.

Taubes questions the widely accepted idea that obesity is simply caused by consuming more calories than we expend. He meticulously examines the metabolic effects of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, shedding light on how different macronutrients influence our body's storage and utilization of calories.

By exploring the science behind low-carbohydrate diets, Taubes challenges the prevailing belief that fat consumption is detrimental to our health. Delving into the history of dietary guidelines and industry-sponsored research, he unravels the misconceptions surrounding fat and sugar, emphasizing the importance of critical analysis when evaluating nutritional recommendations.

Through the exploration of evidence concerning insulin, obesity, and metabolic disorders, Taubes highlights the limitations of calorie-counting and the role of genetics in weight regulation. He challenges the notion that all calories are equal, emphasizing the importance of understanding how different foods affect our hormones and metabolic processes.

While "Good Calories, Bad Calories" offers a comprehensive analysis of the controversy surrounding nutrition, Taubes also provides practical advice for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. By debunking common myths and providing a scientific foundation, Taubes empowers readers to make informed choices about their diets, ultimately leading to better overall health and wellness.

Explore More Books

See All
The Fourth Part of the World
High
Justice on Trial
The Third Wave
Stress Test
Iacocca
Lincoln at Gettysburg
Consider Phlebas
Out of the Crisis
Twelve Against The Gods
The Bias That Divides Us
Linchpin
Judgment in Managerial Decision Making
Triggered
Anna Karenina
Atlas Shrugged
A Short Guide to a Happy Life
Modern Aramaic (Assyrinan/Syriac) Dictionary
The Book of Five Rings
Poor Numbers
The Undercover Economist
Vagabonding
Gridiron Genius
Execution
Folk Devils and Moral Panics
The Amber Spyglass
A Short History of Financial Euphoria
The Nature of the Beast
Shadow Divers
Stranger In A Strange Land
Destined For War
The Art of  Scientific Investigation
Mastering The Market Cycle
Artificial Intelligence
The Legend of Henry Ford
The Painted Bird
Restoring Our Republic
Lessons for the Living
The World Without Us
Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World
The Fourth Turning
The Sum of Us
Kochland
Sit Like a Buddha
Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore
Awakening Joy
The Ten Golden Rules of Leadership
The Tycoons
Malabar Farm
The Watchman's Rattle
Global Crisis
Smart People Should Build Things
The Purple Cow
Indistractable
Civilized to Death
The Art of Spirited Away
Building the Intentional University
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
A Story Lately Told
The Power of Full Engagement
Immortality
The Great Convergence
The Essential Scratch and Sniff Guide to Becoming a Wine Expert
Tales of the Unexpected
SuperFreakonomics
Friday Black
Undaunted Courage
House of Morgan
1,000 Foods To Eat Before You Die
Watchmen
Powering the Future
The Long Tail
Molecular Biology of the Cell
The Story of the Human Body
A Gentleman in Moscow
Race Against The Machine
A Curious Mind
Soon I Will Be Invincible
The Two-Parent Privelege
A Pattern Language
Home Economics
In Over Our Heads
The Upside of Inequality
How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big
Now, Discover Your Strengths
Edison
Tribe of Mentors
The World We Have Lost
Sailing Alone Around The World
The Culture Code
The Water Dancer
Rational Expectations
David Bowie
Devil's Harbor
The Conquest of Gaul
Farsighted
No Two Alike
The Back of the Napkin
The Hate U Give
The Secret Life of Salvador Dalí