A new book by Miriam Nelson, author of Strong Women Stay Young, Strong Women Stay Slim, and Strong Women, Strong Bones, is always cause for celebration. This time, the Tufts University researcher who taught strength training to women of all ages tackles nutrition--especially demystifying the science behind it. What foods improve health and prevent disease? What is the truth behind whether we should or shouldn't eat fat? Sugar? How do we choose among the 40,000 food items sold in the average supermarket? What about the tenets of bestselling diet books (which Nelson points out are usually by authors without nutrition credentials)? Government dietary guidelines? Nelson, with her able cowriter Judy Knipe, explains simply the truth about your dietary needs: water, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, calcium, protein. She lambastes the high-protein fad diet ("it does lead to short-term weight loss, but to the detriment of overall health") and sings the praises of soy. Clear, precise, practical suggestions for eating more nutritious foods will leave you knowing both why and how to eat better. Knipe's 61 innovative recipes include Cornish Hens with Wheatberry Stuffing, Fish and Corn Chowder, Puffed Cornmeal Pancake with Cranberries, and Barley Risotto with Shrimp and Edamame. --Joan Price