Reviews for: 
Cut Thru The Crap of Exercise and Fat-Loss Nutrition
by Robert E. Dickson
CUT THROUGH THE CRAP- Robert E. Dickinson

Reviewed by: Akanksha Gilbertson, C.N.

Cut Through The Crap (CTTC) outlines a practical and authentic approach to health and fitness, and speaks the truth to everyone who has been puzzled or roped in with the diet and fitness industry's hypes, marketing tactics, gimmicks and over-promising miracle claims that under deliver. Claims of fat-free, gluten-free, zero carbs, 60 second abs etc are all touted as miracle cures to magically cure obesity, to a still, nationally obese nation. Cut Through The Crap book does exactly what it states, it cuts through the plethora of information and confusion overload and helps the reader understand nutrition and exercise in a manner that is easy to grasp while reinforcing motivation through the emphasis of a practical mindset, which is that of hardwork, patience and understanding fitness and nutrition. Mr. Dickson begins the book by explaining the fundamental foundation on how the body and one's health works. He addresses a key point that to master one's health one must know that diet and fitness is not a one size fits all approach. Most programs and books try to show you how to gain restraint, CTTC shows how to regain control. The layout of the book helps the reader visualize the methodical plan of action needed to start to regain control of one's health.
CTTC navigates the path to fitness in Chapters 2 and 3, through quality exercise through proper exertion, or as cleverly put by Mr. Dickeinson “exer(t)cise”. Cut Through The Crap explains the science behind aerobic, and anaerobic exercises. Anaerobic workouts are touched upon in greater detail in Chapter 7, where the advantages and know-how of free weights are detailed , the methodology helps readers unfamiliar to free weights, start to understand them, it also allows those familiar with free weights, to take their practice to the next level and learn a variety of approaches and workout strategies. I really enjoyed learning from the numerous examples of workout routines which range in different levels that are outlined in the second half of the book, they provided me with variations on my current regime, which I am excited to change up.

The book further tells readers of the “secret recipe” of CTTC, which is that there is no miracle recipe, and that taking responsibility and being accountable for one's choices is what shapes one's health, especially when it comes to nutritional choices. Nutrition topics are covered in a concise manner but with enough depth to back up their reasoning in following chapters. Some Do's and Do not's emphasized are well rounded claims such as eating small meals, about 5-6 times, throughout the day to keep one's blood glucose level stable and thereby regulating hormones, a topic which can be discovered later in the book. Points such as eating breakfast, not skipping meals, ensuring fiber and essential fatty acid intake, avoiding simple sugars and simple carbohydrates and pretty much staying away from packaged, processed diet foods are all explained in a no-nonsense approach. The brief chapter that follows points out some hygiene and etiquette talk that has we have either been irked by or perhaps have been unknowingly been committing, is a fun read. 

Cut Through The Crap goes on to explain the tools needed to succeed in a prevalently failing endeavor for most, which is that of losing fat. The book details various options that one can choose based on personal preferences, timers, heart-rate monitors, back belts, weight gloves as well as a log that is provided in the book, as by keeping track of and monitoring one's progress, and staying injury free and motivated is the recipe for success. Chapter 14 is dedicated to women specific fitness issues, such as myths about bulking up, body image issues, creating definition and even touches on the billion dollar cellulite industry and its most effective product and how to get it ( spoiler alert ladies: its good circulation). The book ends with a some fascination myth busters that recapitulate tips, facts and fiction that were covered previously such as what is better? Light weights, more reps or heavy weights, less reps. 

As a nutritionist I have consistently had to break the engrained thought processes of clients that believe they have to starve themselves and subject themselves to a calorically stringent diet to achieve fat loss. It is refreshing to see Mr. Dickinson cut through the fat of what a nationally obese country has been told to buy – fat-free, sugar-free and processed foods which have only exacerbated our national obesity crisis. CTTC debunks the hype of fads and explains the importance of quality dietary choices . CTTC sets the right positive mindset while allowing the reader to understand how to achieve realistic, real and concrete goals that are attainable and allows the reader to think, integrate and adapt these facts as a way of life to suit each one's need and lifestyle. 
Review by: Akanksha Gilbertson, C.N.

Akanksha is a nutritionist practicing in the Los Angeles area. She is also the owner and founder of Foodtrition whose consultation practice is founded on the notion of energizing and recharging wellness through food. She also conducts research for the companies that are on the forefront of Epigenetics and Nutraceuticals. https://www.elance.com/s/akanksha06/resume/