The Year of the Un-Diet

My usual online food pages are clogged right now with New Year's dieting stuff. File this article under the "Oh Pul-leeze!!" heading, with even Gwyneth Paltrow going on a New Year's diet.

I'm not one to talk about dieting, being six months pregnant and all (18 pounds gained and still going strong!). However, I know so many are thinking about it, even if they aren't announcing their new diet to the world a la Gwyneth. But we all know deep down that diets don't work. Look at the cover of this month's Oprah magazine for proof. This woman can pay someone to do nothing but swat food off of her fork, yet even she falls off the wagon at times.

So let's call 2009 the Year of the Un-Diet, embracing good food and moderation. In that spirit, here are my favorite Un-Diet books that will help anyone reconnect to their plate in a healthy, sustainable way. Skip buying that copy of The South Beach Diet and check out one of these from your local library.

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver

The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan

In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan

Food Matters by Mark Bittman

Real Food: What to Eat and Why by Nina Planck