ENDING THE FOOD FIGHT

A progressive approach to preventing childhood obesity, from a leading expert in the field.

In the past two decades, the number of overweight children has grown at an alarming rate. As the cofounder and director of the Optimal Weight for Life Program (OWL) at Children's Hospital Boston, the author is more than qualified to provide much-needed dietary advice to parents across the country. Ludwig targets three areas that directly affect a child's health: biology, behavior and environment. With his nine-week program, based on his previously developed low-glycemic diet, the author addresses each of these factors, identifying specific strategies to assure that children?and their parents?make informed decisions about food choice. First on the chopping block are "fake foods"?fast food, soda and other processed foods?and Ludwig offers healthy alternatives to leave kids feeling sated and energetic. The most impressive aspect of the book is the ordered structure of the program, which provides parents with the tools and focus necessary to ensure a healthy lifestyle for their children.

A solid, targeted program.