We generally think of genes as the either/or, on/off switches for things we can't change, like gender or eye color. As Dr. Neal Barnard points out in Turn Off the Fat Genes!, that is true for some genes, but not for all. The expression of those genes that control body shape, for instance, is highly susceptible to nutritional and environmental influence.That heart of Dr. Barnard's book is a three-week gene-control program (complete with menus and recipes) specially designed to influence the five key genes that determine: (1) which foods you prefer; (2) the strength of your appetite; (3) whether your calories are burned or stored as fat; (4) how fast you burn calories; and (5) your muscular type and ability to exercise. Dr. Barnard's program enables all of us to enjoy the same, virtually effortless weight control as the naturally thin people we have always envied.

This book was donated by Christina Myers who is a clinical mental health counselor (CMHC) and body work practitioner with 39 years of clinical work experience.