The 150 Healthiest Foods On Earth by Jonny Bowden, Ph.D.
FIRST IMPRESSION
One of the many excellent features about this book is that Dr.Bowden doesn’t present this kind of “unexciting” information in a dull format. Quite the contrary. This book is an enjoyable read as well as being a treasure trove of healthy-eating information. For example, Jonny’s side notes, “Worth Knowing” posted throughout the book, take the information to the next level of knowledge and are a great way to get the low-down on nutrition facts.
An example of how the books deals with foods that some nutrition experts frown on, such as rice (see his “Grain Runner-Up ” group pg 79), he at first talks about rice’s high-glycemic impact standing. It raises blood sugar very quickly, and that’s usually quite bad for a long-term feeling of fullness. But, instead of throwing out the whole idea of rice, Dr. Bowden suggests whole grain rice, and eating this food in a portion that’s smart and good for you as well. I was glad to see a professional show understanding of the fact that millions of people love rice and are not likely to stop eating it simply because of GI statistics. Like myself, Dr. Bowden suggests foods that are similar, but better for us. Amen to that!
A LOOK UNDER THE HOOD
The book is packed with great information that’s otherwise hard to find in one place, and so clearly written. Dr. Bowden’s research and knowledge are both to his credit, and he (unlike others) informs the reader as to where/how he gets his facts. At many points in this book, Jonny Bowden gives us a “Top Ten” healthy foods list, such as at the end of chapter 11. This list, by Virgin, Dr Phil’s Ultimate Weight Loss Challenge nutritionist, gives us useful information that we can literally “take to the market”. Simple, basic suggestions such as apples, turkey, green tea and lentils are all found in every grocery store in the country and do provide excellent nutrients to our bodes. Again, the concept of making smarter choices that everyone likes comes through loud and clear.
YEA OR NAY
The “150 Healthiest Foods on Earth” is not your average food manual. Not by a long shot. This is what I would consider the “Bible of Healthy Eating” and not only recommend this to my readers, but hope that all of you consider adding this to your own library – and leave it where you can refer to it often.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Highlights of Jonny Bowden’s list of accomplishments:
He writes a monthly article ,”Healthy Solutions” for Better Nutrition Magazine, contributes to America Online publications, is acontributing editor for both Clean Eating Magazine and Total Health Magazine.
Dr. Bowden holds an M.S. in psychology, a Ph.D. in nutrition, and six (6) certifications in personal training and exercise.
An adjunct faculty member for Clayton College of Natural Health, Dr. Bowden is in demand as a speaker all over the country. Dr. Bowden’s work has appeared in the NY Times, Time Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Fitness Magazine, Weight Watchers Magazine and Shape Magazine to mention just a few.
Link to Jonny Bowden’s website:
At Dr. Bowden’s site you’ll find a great deal of interesting information. While you’re there, be sure to take advantage of a generous gift by downloading the free “29 Tips For A Healthy Life” ebook.
WHERE I GOT MY COPY
I purchased my copy of “The 150 Healthiest Foods On Earth” as a student at Clayton College of Natural Health. You can find this book at Dr. Bowden’s website, or any retail book establishment. Also, be sure to check your local library.


This book is really worth getting. You don’t have to be a nutrition expert to understand it. He doesn’t give you a lot of hype about the fads and the trendy stuff. He’s down to earth. I learned alot about to help my problems with arthritis from him. I’m only 31, but broke my left shoulder twice as a teenager (don’t ask) and am now paying for it. Eating the right foods really makes a difference.
I am glad to hear that someone in nutrition says it’s okay to eat rice, at least brown rice anyway. I tried low carb dieting and hated it. I need pasta and bread and that’s all there is to it. Rice actually saves me a lot of calories because I can eat it plain. By itself it has very low calories and since I don’t drown it in Alfredo sauce I’m better off.
I like Jonny Bowden’s website. I downloaded the free ebook and it’s very good! I’m surprised that he’s not making us pay for it!
I went to Amazon and looked at some of the contents. This book is really great looking. I’m sold on it.
I have not read this but after this review I think I may. It sounds great. So many books are on the shelves about what to eat and why that they all sound alike after a while. Thanks for the great review!
This book is very good. I bought it at a used book shop last year and was very happy to have found it. Once you have this book in your home you refer to it all the time.
I need something like this. I cook a lot but want to know more about what I’m doing.
Just bought this book today. It’s very readable, and the content is nicely organized. I like that Dr. Bowden doesn’t fixate on being a vegetarian, or eliminating carbs. I needed a good source of information about what’s good for me, and I like to eat a wide variety of foods. This meets my needs very well.
Have a question. Is there such a thing as eating too much greens?
Yes, there is such a thing. If we focus too much on one kind of food then we’re putting our bodies out of balance. Fish, as an example, is usually very good for us but if we ate it morning, noon and night we’d simply be getting too much.
Three or four 1/2 cup servings of greens per day is sufficient. If you make a large green salad for yourself, that probably equals that much to be a guide. Other than that, a good rule to live by when it comes to fruit and vegetables is to go for the rainbow. A variety of color in your diet usually means a variety of nutrients as well.