Eating-Plan Tape Is Great, but Book Is Better

Marilu Henner’s Total Health Makeover

Harper Audio

Abridged nonfiction

One cassette

Length: 90 minutes

$12

Read by the author

Available in bookstores

About 11 years ago, performer and former chunkette Marilu Henner found a way to feel healthy and maintain a slim profile. Her new audio explains her system but is so abridged you will have to purchase the printed book if you really wish to follow her unusual plan.

Much of what Henner has to say makes sense, though the beef and dairy suppliers in this country may not agree. She advocates a mostly vegetarian regime, regular exercise, plenty of sleep and lots of water. She also advises people to stay away from prepared foods and chemicals.

It is her “food combining” plan that will probably be too controversial for most listeners. Briefly: You do not eat acid and alkaline foods at the same meal. So, no protein with those starches, and always eat fruit alone.

Listening to Henner is a joy. She is bright and breezy and charms her way though numerous bad jokes. Her upbeat attitude might just persuade you to change your slacker ways. If you want to follow her program, however, buy the book. Her cheerful delivery does not make up for the amount of info excised from the original material.