Review: 'Eat This Not That! for Kids!' by David Zinczenko and Matt Goulding

September 25, 12:59 PMLow-Carb Lifestyle ExaminerJimmy Moore

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Eat This Not That! for Kids!: Be the Leanest, Fittest Family on the Block! by David Zinczenko and Matt Goulding

On the heels of the success of the bestselling Eat This, Not That! book comes this new one tailored specifically for kids. If my disappointment in the adult version of this book was any indication of what I’d expect from this new book, then I was not looking forward to flipping through the pages of this one either. And authors David Zinczenko and Matt Goulding yet again show us that they just don’t get it.

While they acknowledge that kids are eating too much sugar, too many calories from fast food, too much trans fat, too many sugary sodas, and all sorts of unpronounceable food ingredients these days in virtually everything they stuff in their mouths, we’re still stuck with mixed messages about what is healthy for kids to consume when eating out. Yes, the No-Sugar-Added Chocolate Chocolate Chip Ice Cream cone from Baskin Robbins is better for your child than the Peanut Butter ‘n Chocolate Ice Cream cone, but why push the Chicken Nuggets from Chick-Fil-A over the Chicken Ceasar Cool Wrap? The Half Rack of Ribs over the loaded potato skins at T.G.I. Friday’s is an excellent choice, but the Kid’s Spaghetti & Tomato Sauce is better than Macaroni & Cheese at The Olive Garden? Come on! Is this REALLY the best you guys can come up with?

Plus, what’s up with showing only the calories, fat, saturated fat, and sodium on some of these Eat This, Not That! listings and then conveniently showing the carb totals on others? Are the authors trying to conceal the carbs when it makes them look bad for their “healthy” choices and sharing them openly when it makes their point? Either the carbohydrates are good or not guys. You can’t have it both ways.

One other key point the authors do not share with readers is the fact that most restaurants are more than happy to accommodate special requests and substitutions if you want to make their meals healthier. My wife and I regularly request non-starchy veggies or tomato slices instead of the bread or potato and a side salad is always an excellent alternative to just about anything on your plate that doesn’t line up with your health goals. Too many people forget that the restaurant is there to serve them and their wants and desires and that they don’t have to feel obligated to eat what is brought to them.

I suppose the most redeeming aspect of this book is the “Menu Decoder” towards the back which takes you through a generic menu at a variety of restaurants, including Chinese, Italian, BBQ, Indian, and more. Key points are circled and then explained why they are either a good or poor choice for kids to eat. Again, consider the source of the information and make appropriate corrections to the information accordingly. Zinczenko and Goulding do seem to gravitate parents towards the healthy veggies and protein sources for the most part which is odd considering the rest of their book does just the opposite.

Eat This Not That! For Kids! is another one of those books that give you both the good and the bad. Sad to say, but they still just don’t get it, though. They’re still advocating way too much junk for children which will do nothing to help solve the childhood obesity epidemic.