The DNA Restart

Millions of people around the world spend their entire lives searching for that one specific diet that will help them lose the unwanted pounds, stop cravings, and improve their overall health. For most, it will prove to be a fruitless search, often resulting in further unwanted weight gain and frustration. And that’s because until now there has never been one single diet that takes people’s unique genes into account.

Award-winning physician, scientist, and New York Times bestselling author Sharon Moalem M.D, Ph.D., has spent the past two decades uncovering the reason why most diets fail: because we’ve been ignoring our genes. In his groundbreaking new book THE DNA RESTART: Unlock Your Personal Genetic Code to Eat for Your Genes, Lose Weight, and Reverse Aging (Rodale Books, September 6 2016) Dr. Moalem lays out the argument that our modern life is simply out of touch with our DNA—we’ve turned our backs on the wisdom contained within our 3 billion letter genetic code that our forbearers spent thousands of generations carefully annotating and preparing for us.

Recent stories and studies (such as this one from the New York Times (Sep 2015) have been starting to shed light on the pivotal and crucial role genes play in the journey to ideal weight and health (i.e. what might be good for some, may not be good for all). Dr. Moalem’s 20 years of genetics research and his travel to five of the world’s continents brings together, for the first time (in book form), what we truly need—genetically, nutritionally and culturally to live a healthier and longer life. The book offers a unique 28-day plan that Dr. Moalem has successfully used with his own patients, as well as himself, and has resulted in profound physical transformations (some of which he recounts in the book).

THE DNA RESTART is divided into five sections, one for each pillar of the plan.

Pillar 1: Eat for Your Genes

In this section, readers will do simple, scientifically-based at-home genetic self-tests (such as the cracker-test, see attached). These are designed to get you eating the amounts of carbs, fats, and proteins that are right for your unique genes. Readers will also take a genetic self test that will determine the amount of alcohol they should be consuming. Depending on the results of these self tests, the book provides specific meal plans, recipes, and dietary guidelines to follow on the DNA Restart.

Pillar 2: Reverse Aging

In this section, Dr. Moalem introduces ways to turn back the hands on all of our genetically-based, biological clocks using dietary and behavioral changes. Based on the most cutting edge medical research available to date, Dr. Moalem’s instructs readers how to follow the DNA Restart behavioral program to upgrade the health of their genomic and mitochondrial DNA. The exercise prescription within the DNA Restart is based upon scientifically validated research which shows how to improve your skin’s overall collagen levels, resulting in firmer, younger looking skin. Research on the genetic health benefits of unique phytonutrients and signature DNA Restart ways of food preparation round out this important pillar.

Pillar 3: Eat Umami (The Fifth Taste)

Umami is a crucial weapon in the DNA Restart weight loss arsenal. Using strategies developed after meeting with numerous chefs of 3-starred Michelin restaurants, this pillar shows how practical, umami-based dietary strategies will leave readers feeling full and more satisfied naturally (both during and long after meals). Readers will learn how our genes evolved over millennia to keep us effortlessly at our ideal weight by relying on natural umami contained within food to trigger long-lasting satiety.

Pillar 4: Drink Oolong Tea

This special and relatively unknown tea has the potential to shift your microbiome in a beneficial direction by promoting microbes that favor health over obesity. Oolong tea helps absorb fat from your diet and targets the stubborn visceral fat, such as belly fat, that we all want less of. Readers will also learn how to brew oolong tea the DNA Restart way to maximize its calorie-free health benefits, which include sharpened cognitive focus and a natural reduction in anxiety levels.

Pillar 5: Slow Living

By combating some of the stressors created by modern living (sleep deprivation, eating too quickly, etc.); this section teaches readers how to recalibrate their lives in order to maximize their genetic potential. Continued stress has the power to potentially change our DNA and what we then pass on to the next generation. Using signature DNA Restart Slow Living techniques, Dr. Moalem’s shows readers how to more mindfully enjoy their food, upgrade their sleep and use easy visualization exercises to curb unwanted cravings so that they can fully harness the potential of their improved genetic health.

The DNA Restart is a truly paradigm-shifting book that is certain to change the conversation about diet, health, and longevity.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SHARON MOALEM, MD, PhD is an award-winning physician, scientist, inventor, and New York Times bestselling author whose books have been translated into more than 35 languages. He has been awarded more than 25 patents worldwide for his inventions in the fields of biotechnology and human health. Dr. Moalem has also cofounded three biotech companies and has served as an associate editor for the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. His scientific work led to the discovery of a first-in-class member of a novel class of antibiotic compounds directed against multiresistant or “super-bug” microorganisms such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). His clinical work also led to his discovery of two new genetic conditions. Dr. Moalem’s current research focus illuminates how historical nutritional and dietary choices impacted and shaped genetic differences across human populations. Dr. Moalem and his research have been featured on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Today, CNN, Good Morning America, and in the New York Times, O: The Oprah Magazine, and New Scientist. He lives in New York City.