Kessler, David. Your Food Is Fooling You.

Kessler, David.  Your Food Is Fooling You.  Roaring Brook Press see Macmillan   2013      183p  ISBN 978-1-59643-831-6  ms/hs  E-BN  Nonfiction

Your Food Is Fooling You is sure to shock young readers as it reveals the “secret” that is leading to obesity, especially in our youth.  Everyone knows that obesity comes from overeating; however, this book reveals what is being added to our foods – sugar, fat, and salt -- that cause us to want to overeat.  Dr. Kessler has written a very informative book that will appeal to young readers.  He has combined a very worrisome issue with facts that young readers will easily understand and ponder. The enlightening text is sure to have youngsters critically evaluating the foods they consume and determining alternative sources of fuel instead of foods that “hijack” our brains.  The mention of child-friendly products such as “Fruit Loops” adds credibility and interest to the discussion.

Unfortunately, there are some typographical errors that distract from the importance of the material.  For example, page 10 is missing the word “be” in a sentence in the middle of the page. Further editing is recommended.

This book is recommended for any middle- or high-school library.  It will appeal to many young readers and would make an excellent selection for a basic books list for school libraries.

Summary: This book explains how the brain is hijacked by sugar, fat, and salt, leading to the inability to choose wholesome foods and the growing global problem of obesity.  Our food is being injected with substances that make us crave more than we need.  These additives – sugar, fat, and salt -- are responsible for feelings of in-satiation after a meal that should satisfy and causing obesity in humans.

Nutrition, Obesity                                          --Virginia McGarvey