Today there is a debate raging amongst nutritional authorities concerning the timing of breakfast. Some argue that in order to avoid sugar lows and uncontrollable hunger one should eat breakfast shortly after awakening. Others promote the extension of the nightly fast by delaying breakfast, and thereby attaining the metabolic advantages and improved insulin sensitivity of intermittent fasting. Maimonides & Metabolism explains in depth the physiological processes that are overlooked by many mainstream nutritional authorities, such as the fact that a person who is accustomed to eating a late breakfast won't suffer sugar lows because the hormone cortisol is at its daily peak half an hour after waking up in the morning, and cortisol boosts blood sugar levels. In fact, since cortisol raises blood sugar (the opposite of insulin which lowers it) eating a breakfast that includes carbohydrates (even low GI carbs) will make it impossible to keep the blood sugar from going too high, as the high levels of cortisol won't allow the insulin to lower the blood sugar to balanced levels. That leads to hyperinsulinemia (too much insulin). And simultaneous high levels of cortisol and insulin cause the body to increase the number of fat cells. Hyperinsulinemia also directs the body to store fat, and blocks the body from using stored fat for energy. Maimonides & Metabolism delves into the timing of meals, habituating ourselves to the most effective strategies of daily intermittent fasting that alleviates hunger and puts us into the natural fat burning mode. Several chapters go into great detail on macronutrients to arm dieters and dietitians with the understanding needed for long-term fat-loss. It includes hundreds of cutting edge studies backing up the recommendations of Maimonides and the Talmud, as well as the best proven short-term and long-term dieting methods for fat-loss and improved health. Health professionals are recommending this book to their colleagues and patients for its amazing array of insights and solutions.

In his own personal weight-loss struggle, David Zulberg turned to the forgotten wisdom of Maimonides, a medieval Jewish expert on philosophical subjects, to find consensus on ideal nutrition and optimum physical and emotional health. After 10 years of studying volume upon volume, Zulberg was able to distill the teachings of the bible and humanity's greatest doctors, and he discovered something amazing--ancient doctors already knew what today's medical findings are rediscovering about what's best for human health, weight loss, disease prevention, and psychological well-being. The 5 Skinny Habits explains the ancient understanding of health and its application to our lives in the 21st century and its supersize proportions. Zulberg refers to legendary thinkers as Master Physicians and, through a close study of Maimonides, integrates the spiritual, emotional, and physical components of health and weight loss. With an easy five-step plan, Zulberg tells readers how to incorporate one habit each week for 5 weeks to achieve a healthier lifestyle. His five steps streamline and simplify the process of becoming fit, ensuring that change is made for good. As readers are gradually led through the plan, they become more accustomed to living as prescribed by the ancient health experts. A simple diet diary with positive affirmations makes self-monitoring an effective and enjoyable part of the discovery. By the end of the journey, readers have incorporated the habits into their routines so completely that they are no longer "dieting" but simply living a healthier life.

In the historical record there is abundant evidence that obesity was a medical and health concern as long as medicine has been practiced. The idea of diet and exercise are bulwarks in the fight against obesity in history from the time of Hippocrates to the 16th century-a span of 2,000 years. Examining the history and etiology of the obesity epidemic, this book discusses various requirements of effective intervention and treatment strategies. The first section covers the history of obesity, defines and evaluates the clinical presentation of the pathology, discusses its prevalence in the population, and explains common analytical measurements. Chapters include genetics and genetic factors, modern consequences of obesity, and quality of life issues. The second section introduces prevention strategies in children and adults, such as dietary and lifestyle changes, medication, and surgical interventions.