Book review: 'Whole Foods Lifestyle' well-researched

"The Powerful Whole Foods Lifestyle," by Rulon T. Burton, Tabernacle Books, $27.95, 258 pages

DRAPER — Fifty years of science-based research has gone into "The Powerful Whole Foods Lifestyle" by Rulon T. Burton. The active, healthy 85-year-old, retired Draper lawyer explained what distinguishes his book.

“Many other books written on dieting and nutrition repeat what other books have said, adding nothing noteworthy,” Burton said. “You will not find this to be the case with ‘The Powerful Whole Foods Lifestyle.’”

In the 250-page, spiral-bound book, the health benefits of a whole food-based way of eating are reviewed. Burton quotes Doctrine and Covenants Section 89, which is the health law members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints call the Word of Wisdom, in the introduction and adds that he believes, “The Lord takes real pleasure and delight in his children when they experience healthy bodies.”

Topics covered in the 17 short chapters range from “Avoiding Poisons in Our Diets” to fats, sugar, salt, water, coconut water/oil, dairy products, supplements and stress. Also included are four appendices with additional information and resources, along with 83 pages of indexed recipes. One appendix section includes a short history on why coconut water and coconut and palm tree oils have been shunned since the late 1950s.

“I have been constantly amazed at some of the research findings,” Burton said.

Burton and his wife practice the book's principles. “Within 60 days after starting this diet, my wife lost 30 pounds and I, who did not need to lose weight, lost 11 pounds,” Burton explained. Currently he and his wife eat nearly a complete whole-food diet.

Anyone looking for a well-researched book, with findings and information that support a healthy whole-food lifestyle based on correct principles, will find this a helpful addition to his library.

Burton is offering the book for $12. Send a mailing address with the $12 check to 13267 S. Berry Ln., Draper, UT 84020.

Rosemarie Howard currently lives in a 100-year-old house on Main Street, Springville. She recently finished work on a documentary for BYU-TV titled "Wei, MinZhi: Daughter of Miracles."