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Gillian McKeith, healthy eating guru, has had a mixed reception from the press. Her You Are What You Eat cookbook advocates eathing fresh, tasty foods and has some great recipes. Give one of them a try and see what you think...

You Are What You Eat Cookbook - Book Review

I used to love to watch her show on BBC America television. It always inspired me to eat better. But to be honest, she has a very radical approach to food and eating.

First, she eats strictly for health. She ignores the tastebuds and anything that food represents (tradition, culture, celebration, bonding, pleasure) except for sustenance. That makes her method unrealistic for most of us.

Even though some of her clients made major improvements, I wonder if there was any backsliding later on. It is an effective program, to be sure, but one that is exceedingly difficult to maintain for life.

I agree her approach is radical, Lori. I have tried out recipes from her cookbook but would find it difficult to follow her approach completely. I do think some of the recipes taste good - she just doesn't mention taste in her writing. I love the way you've put what food represents - tradition, culture, bonding, pleasure...

A while back there was an email going around with two pictures - one of Gillian McKeith on a very bad day and one of Nigella Lawson. The comment on the pictures was about the two women being the same age, one advocating healthy eating and one eating for pleasure - which one looks healthier?...