Book Review – Fast Food Vindication
Fast Food Vindication – The Story You Haven’t Been Told is probably the most provocative book that I have read all year. In this book, former fast food insider turned dietician Lisa Tillinger Johansen, MS, RD takes the unusual stance that fast food restaurants are not responsible for the many ills of society often attributed to them – including the current obesity epidemic our nation is facing and a steady stream of low-paying, dead-end jobs.
Instead, Lisa purports that the fast food industry is responsible for many positive contributions to society that are often overlooked – that much of the negative publicity they received is, in fact, based on myth – and that in many instances, eating at fast food restaurants can be one of the healthier food choices you can make!
- Who’s to blame for the obesity problem?
- How has fast food contributed to society?
- Can fast food be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle?
These are the major themes that Lisa focuses on in Fast Food Vindication, and the arguments that Lisa makes – as well as the supporting evidence she presents – may surprise you!
This book first caught my eye because I was interested in learning how fast food could be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle. I got a lot more than I bargained for. In places, this book educated me, informed me, inspired me, infuriated me, engaged me, and provoked me – but never did it leave me unmoved or untouched. Although I didn’t always agree with the author – at times, I felt she was somewhat biased in her coverage – at the same time, it is obvious that a lot of research went into this book and that Lisa is passionate about this topic!
If you’re looking for an unusual take on fast food or nutrition – by all means, read this book. Regardless of what your current stance on fast food and nutrition are, by the end of the book, you will most likely expand your view on both topics – and take away some great tips on how to eat a bit more healthily in the process!
Video: Lisa Tillinger Johansen Discusses Fast Food Vindication
If you are reading this book review in a format where you cannot see the video, click here.
About The Author
Lisa Tillinger Johansen is a registered dietitian and health educator who teaches a variety of classes on diabetes, pre-diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, weight management, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and healthy eating for adults and teens. She holds a Master of Science degree in nutritional science, Coordinated Dietetics Program, from California State University, Los Angeles.
For More Information:
- Visit Lisa’s Website
- Follow Lisa on Facebook
- Follow Lisa on Twitter
- Read Chapter One Of Fast Food Vindication
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from The Barrett Company Communications for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review, nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Well that is very interesting and so different from most health books! I tend to agree with her thought that fast food joints are not responsible, however, I don’t think they help! You certainly have my curiosity spiked!
Your right that we need to know that all restaurants, including fast food can contain unhealthy items. It’s up to us to choose the better choices. Thanks for the comment!
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
I was really shocked – no, I guess more discouraged – to learn that all of my fave sit down restaurants were SO unhealthy!
What really shocked me was the section where you talked about what some restaurants have done to avoid complying with the laws regarding disclosure (including one of my favorites, which I now view in a totally different light).
Prior to reading your book, I had started to change how I ate at fast food restaurants on the occasions that I go there…
To make healthier choices…
One tip I would suggest to my blog readers (based on my own personal experience) is to take the time to explore what is on the menu BEFORE you actually go through the drive thru – since once you are in the drive thru line it is all too easy to feel the pressure to move thru quickly and fall back into fast, unhealthy habits!
Something to think about, for sure. Especially as I’m feeling very guilty (and bloated) about having fries last night. I think people are responsible for making their own choices and should quit blaming the fast food joints for their health issues. If you think it’s making you fat or feel cruddy, don’t eat it. No one is forcing you.
Thank you for getting the wheels of my brain turning this morning. Stopped by from SITS and glad I did!
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
So glad you stopped by Lisa – your blog banner made me smile!
Wanted to let you and Tereasa know that the author has several You Tube videos available for viewing if you are interested.
I shared one on the post – I haven’t had a chance to check out the others – but if you are considering the book you may be interested in checking them out!
Thanks for taking a look at my videos. I enjoy making them and there are more to come!
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
I am looking forward to checking out more of your nutrition-based videos as your tips were very helpful!
Thanks for the kind words about my book. I’m glad it got you thinking!
Thanks for taking the time to review my book. I really appreciate it!
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
Thanks for sharing your informative book with us Lisa! I learned a lot and I especially loved the final sections where provided so many practical and useful tips! 🙂