 The Sardine Diet: Lose Weight, Fight Disease and Stay Healthy for Life
Written by Keri Glassman
(Downtown Bookworks 2006)
Okay, so people have finally stopped choking down the half-pound of bacon and 20-ounce steaks hailed as the road to weight-loss by the protein-heavy Atkins and South Beach Diets, but what's next? No new diet fads have grabbed the public's imagination for aeons, and with Speedo weather just around the corner, there must be something to do to shed that spare tire.
Try the diet of the likes of Odin and Thor-sardines, at least according to nutritionist Keri Glassman. Yes, those stinky, teeny, fish whose tinned state is oft-compared to New York living conditions. The term sardine actually comprises a number of small, oily fish, and if you think you are eating a sardine, you may actually be ingesting a European pilchard, a sprat, a sild, or a round herring.
In her new book,  "The Sardine Diet: Lose Weight, Fight Disease and Stay Healthy for Life" (Downtown Bookworks Inc.; 2006), Glassman lauds the huge health benefits of the diminutive Nordic brisling sardine, providing recipes such as Nordic Pizza and Pimiento Cheese Sardine Wraps for those seeking to decrease their girth and improve their overall health. The diet is actually based on a variety of lean sources of protein, fiber, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, nuts and fruits high in fiber. The sardine component is included to jack up the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet, which, according to Glassman's book, promote weight loss, reduce diabetes risks, reduce anti-inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and cancer, and promote healthy skin, mental acuity and a beneficial metabolism.  Keri Glassman
Glassman's company, KKG Body Fuel, provides counseling to New Yorkers on healthy diet and lifestyle. She was approached by King Oscar, a major sardine company whose catch originates in the Norwegian fjords, to write the book.
Scientific studies have long touted the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and a fish-heavy diet, but sardines, especially brisling sardines, Glassman said, are particularly desirable as a source these fatty acids. "The size of the fish is important, because they are low in the food chain, meaning they contain less mercury," she explained. "Also, the waters they live in are cleaner than sources of other fish."
And what about all that oil in the sardine's little metal box? Not to worry, according to Glassman. Diet is about fewer calories, not packing oil. If you reduce your calories, you'll lose weight, the logic goes. And King Oscar even has a step-by-step section on opening that pesky can on their Web site.
So is the much-maligned sardine is actually a versatile culinary creature? Both the book and King Oscar recommend sardines in recipes ranging from omelets, sandwiches, and salads to burritos and tostadas.
In terms of how successful the sardine diet will be for those seeking to look hot in short shorts, Glassman admits there are many components to successful weight-loss. "Everyone has their own individual battle with diet," the very-pregnant and vivacious author said. "With some people, poor eating is emotional, with others it is lack of preparation, and others still, a lack of knowledge about healthy eating." She added, "There is so much information out there about diet, it's hard to digest." No pun intended. Whether all the claims in the book about the benefits of sardines can be substantiated is questionable-any diet high in fiber, grains, and lean sources of protein and low in fat and calories will lead to weight-loss and its associated benefits such as lower blood pressure and blood sugar. But what the heck, sardines are kind of cute, appealing, so orderly and neat in their little cans. Just don't forget the Tic Tacs. Visit the Sardine Diet Homepage... >>>
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