101 Optimal Life Foods    by David Grotto Order:  USA  Can Bantam, 2009 (2009) Softcover, e-Book Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Hilary Williamson In 101 Optimal Life Foods, nutritionist David Grotto suggests ways to promote healing through diet, addressing thirty common health issues with enticing recipes and meal plans. The book is divided into two sections - the first on 'seven distinct health challenges' and the second presenting 'delicious, nutritious recipes' that use the 'powerhouse foods' recommended for those with these health problems. Dietary supplements are also discussed and three-day menu plans suggested. Section One covers: The Skin You're In (aging and damaged skin, eczema, psoriasis, acne); Go With the Flow (cold feet and hands, leg cramps); House of Pain (migraines, muscle and nerve pain); It's All About Performance (cognitive decline, depression, stress, insomnia, fatigue); Sexual/Reproductive Performance (erectile dysfunction, benign prostate hyperplasia, infertility, female libido, menopause); Check Your Plumbing (constipation/diverticular disease, diarrhea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, halitosis, gas, irritable bowel syndrome, urinary tract infections); A Good Foundation (osteoporosis, arthritis, degenerative disc disease); and Eyes on the Future (macular degeneration and cataracts). For each condition, the author explains it and its causes, and delves into foods (and supplements) that are optimal for the condition (e.g. cherries for osteoarthritis). He also includes a Menu Plan, with page references to recipes for menu items, and Dave's Tips on good lifestyle choices for anyone with that condition. Section Two presents the recipes under: Beverages; Appetizers; Soups and Chili; Salads; Dressings and Sauces; Desserts; Entrées; Sandwiches; Breakfast; and Side Dishes. Without even checking what medical conditions they're good for, I'm salivating over Apple-Soy Chai Latte, Asian Satay Skewers with Black Bean Sauce, Curried Chicken-Banana-Yam Soup, Sicilian Broccoli Salad, Avocado Chimichurri, and Cocoa-Encrusted Salmon with Blueberries. New year, new you? Perhaps it's time to see what a good diet can do to reinforce a good life, and 101 Optimal Life Foods makes a great starting point. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews