Jeff Novick

Jeff Novick is an American registered dietitian with a master's degree in nutrition. He has worked with the Pritikin Longevity Center, the McDougall Program and TrueNorth Health Center, and is known for practical, low-cost ways to eat well.

Best known for

Teaching calorie density with simple numbers, and his Fast Food DVD series of quick, cheap, healthy meals.

Approach

Eat mostly foods that carry few calories per pound, so people can eat until full without counting. He gives clear bands: eat freely below about 300 to 400 calories per pound, moderately up to about 800, and limit richer foods, oils and nuts most of all.

Main talking points

• People eat a fairly steady weight of food each day, so lighter foods mean fewer calories.
• Start meals with soup, salad or fruit.
• Fill half the plate with non-starchy vegetables.
• Do not drink your calories.
• Counting calories rarely works long term; change the food instead.