Showing posts with label Health and Fitne. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health and Fitne. Show all posts

6/23/2010

Review of Politically Incorrect Nutrition: Finding Reality in the Mire of Food Industry Propaganda (Paperback)

It seems like so much of the information we internalize is gathered from news snippets and commercials.We hear things like: eggs are bad; drink lots of milk and green tea.The problem is that we are not sure why these things are true.How many of us hear the snippet and then spend the time reading all the opposing scientific papers to determine why the statement was made so we can make informed decisions about making a change in our diet?Michael Barbee has done the research for us in his book Politically Incorrect Nutrition: Finding Reality in the Mire of Food Industry Propaganda.

The book covers a variety of nutritional topics and challenges conventional thinking citing historical sources as to why we believe certain things.For example, the conventional thinking on eating eggs is that we shouldn't eat too many as they are high in fat and cholesterol or that we should throw out the yolk and only eat the white.The author takes us through the history of why eggs were originally found to be unhealthy-a study conducted on dried egg yolk powder, not whole, fresh, organic, free-range chicken eggs. Since 1945 egg consumption has dropped by almost 50%, yet there has not been a subsequent drop in heart disease.The author says that eggs are nutrient dense and that "eggs have the best nutrient package of any food we can eat." He ties in the politics of cholesterol paranoia by making the connection with greedy corporate America.The emphasis placed on cholesterol being bad is misguided and has led the drug companies to earn mega-bucks by selling cholesterol lowering drugs (statins) to unsuspecting citizens.

Assumptions made about eggs are just one topic covered in this book.There are also chapters on green tea, soy, cholesterol, conjugated linoleic acid, fluoridation, aspartame, osteoporosis, bovine growth hormone, plastics and microwaves, vitamin C, food irradiation, and vegetarianism. The book concludes with a chapter on whether or not there is indeed a perfect "best diet" for everybody.

If you are like me, you are constantly questioning conventional thinking.Politically Incorrect Nutrition questions our conventional thinking on foods.But don't take my word for it, read the book and find out!

C.J. Wong, M.S.(Biology), M.S. (Lib. Info. Sci.)
Editor, Organic Family Magazine

Product Description
Everything you thought you knew about nutrition ... but didn't! Politically Incorrect Nutrition debunks many of the widely held beliefs of consumers as well as health care practitioners concerning our life-sustaining food supply.
Using the most recent and objective scientific and clinical research data, this book reveals that much current nutritional dogma is based on outdated information or has been fabricated to satisfy vested corporatefinancial interests rather than to promote human health. Learn about these issues and more:
*How non-caloric artificial sweeteners can actually make you fat -- if not kill you.
*How overconsumption of certain soy products can upset your hormonal balance and lead to hypothyroidism.
*Why cholesterol does not cause heart disease and how eggs and red meat may actually help prevent it.
*The harmful effects of irradiation, microwaving, plastic leaching and overprocessing on food.
*Why the government is poisoning our water supply with fluoride, a toxin also found in green tea.
*The need for saturated -- but not synthetic -- fats in a healthy diet.
*The limitations of calcium and vitamin C supplementation.
*A dozen ways a vegetarian diet can actually harm your health.
*Facts and fallacies about the "Ideal" diet.

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6/13/2010

Review of A Beautiful New You: Inspiration and Practical Advice to Transform Your Looks and Your Life-- A Total Makeover Without Cosmetic Surgery (Paperback)

I shelved self help books years ago until I let myself go too far away from myself.Laura DuPriest, like me, already walked this road and now she is guiding me back to the woman I once was with "A Beautiful New You".Honestly, she takes you by the hand and gently shows the reader, through her book, no matter how far you've gone away from yourself, you can come back, at any age! The pictures alone speak for the content of the book.Laura's 'before' picture shows a loving woman hiding underneath layers of self doubt - but watch out.In her 'after' picture, she comes out like a phoenix ascending from the ashes - looking breathtakingly 20 years younger.She writes simply and honestly from her heart.Her client stories are as compelling as her own.I love this book because it speaks to my own journey back as I now undertake it.For all those beautiful 40-60 year old women who remember the energy and vitality of their youth and want to reclaim their inner and outer beauty, your mentor has written a guide and provided you with a map.Now get to it!Get this book.

Product Description
Give yourself a real extreme makeover from the inside out!

Is all the stress of taking care of your family, home, and work starting to show on your face? Is your waistline increasing while your energy and patience levels decrease? Are you ready to make a change but aren't sure how to do it? A Beautiful New You is about more than getting the right haircut or dressing to look ten pounds thinner. A former model turned beauty expert who rescued herself from being overweight, frumpy, and tired all the time, Laura DuPriest is a source of invaluable advice for anyone who wants to improve herself, just as she did-without cosmetic surgery! She knows firsthand what it's like to let yourself (and your appearance) get lost in the grind of daily life. In her hand-holding inspirational guide, Laura reaches out to women just like you who are ready to reconnect with the person they truly want to be.

For years Laura has made it her mission, through her salon and weekly TV makeovers, to help hundreds of women who know the pressures of today's fast-paced life and have little time and energy to devote to their own well-being, but want to look and feel better. Included in A Beautiful New You are the heartwarming stories from women whom Laura has helped, along with their astonishing before and after makeover photos. Just like these women who have embraced Laura's six-step program, you too can feel empowered to change and improve every aspect of your life and become a beautiful new you.

•Does your exterior show that you take pride in yourself? Your self-esteem is communicated to others through your appearance.

•Come up with a dream look by collecting photos from magazines that will help you stay focused on the new you. Keep a journal of your moods and thoughts to recognize just what is holding you back and what is keeping you going.

•Create a simple makeup routine, allow time for exercise, and go to bed earlier-the time you spend on yourself will benefit everyone around you.

- Give yourself permission to be the best version of yourself: happy, confident, and proud. Treat yourself with the same care and kindness as you give to others around you.You deserve to look and feel beautiful!

Laura shows you how to reclaim your beauty-both inner and outer. Each step features real-life makeovers and moving personal stories of women who have transformed their appearance-and discovered a whole new positive attitude in the process. Stop wasting time making excuses-let A Beautiful New You help you bring out your best.

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5/07/2010

Review of Hotbody.101: An Easy Diet & Exercise Program To Help You Get Your Hot Body In 8 To 10 Weeks. (Paperback)

I have just recently graduated from college and, I must say, I wish I'd had this wonderful book throughout those four years! Where was this book when I was putting on my "Freshman Fifteen?" I sure could've used it!! It should be available in all college bookstores and should be required reading for anyone about to embark on their college journey! Written in an extremely easy-to-understand tone that appeals to just about everyone, not only the undergrad, it is a fabulous fitness plan that has really worked for me! College kids everywhere will be thanking Michael Kamins and singing the praises of Hotbody.101!!

Product Description
The HotBody.101 book / program is the only program on the market geared towards the college student!It is also the only viable program geared toward the on the go 9 to 5 working man or woman.In fact this diet and exercise program works for everyone.That's right, everyone.It will not drastically cut carbohydrates, it also will not force you to spend hours in the kitchen preparing intricate meals or in the gym doing hours of monotonous exercise.Instead you will in eight weeks, be in the best shape of your life, and truly have your very own HOT BODY!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hotbody.101: An Easy Diet & Exercise Program To Help You Get Your Hot Body In 8 To 10 Weeks. (Paperback)

4/07/2010

Review of What's With Fiber: Enjoy Better Health With A High-fiber, Plant-based Diet (Paperback)

First of all, let me be clear- I know Monica Spiller. I am one of the farmers growing one of the heirloom wheat varieties that she has rescued from oblivion. She painstakingly started it up for us by growing 25 seeds suppliedfrom the wheat seed bank; she then increased the seed year after year and made it available for us to grow. Thanks to her work in the rain and in the heat there are now over 6 of us growing Sonora Wheat, a tasty heirloom variety once lost. There are also a whole lot of people eating it and enjoying it's wonderful flavor as well.

So, I applaud her tangible work devoted to whole grains.

I knew over the years that she was working on a book and I was happy to read it once it was published.

I find that this book is a great resource and I refer to it again and again. Being aware already of most of the reasons why fibers in whole foods are important and healthy, the first two parts were not the sections that I focused on. But for someone not familiar with the subject it should be a good read. The third part is where the treasure is to be found, I think. There were so many very good pieces of information that I had not read anywhere before. One that really sticks in my mind is that okra is a source of glucosamine.

I recommend this book as a reference to keep handy. And I thank the author for her tireless work in all the areas of her work.

Product Description
Fiber is not merely the simple roughage it was once thught to be, and it is not an isolated element in nature. Found in plant foods, fiber is a complex substance, and in whole foods, it is always accompanied by a number of nutrients, including antioxidants, essential oils, minerals, proteins, and vitamins. Fiber occurs in many forms and has very few calories. A diverse diet of whole natural foods can provide all the fiber the body needs to help protect it against health problems., say the authors Gene and Monica Spiller, who go on to warn that a lack of fiber in the diet can lead to degenerative diseses. The current obeisity epidemic in the Western world, for example, is directly related to the lack of plant-based, fiber-filled whole foods that have been larely displaced in today's diets by processed foods, denatured grains, and fiber-free animal products.Part one of "What's with Fiber?" explains what fiber is and how it is naturally contained in whole foods. Part Two outlines the ancestral history of fiber, beginning well before agriculture came into being. It brings fiber into the present "phytochemical era," detailing the ongoing research that is so explosively increasing everyone's knowledge of plant foods and their protective compounds. There is a section on the healthy diets of isolated and non-Western people around the world. The balance of the chapters in Part Two delve into specific diseases and conditions., such as cancer of the colon and rectum,diverticular disease, obesity, heart disease, and high cholesterol, citing studies and detailing fiber's role in helping to ameliorate or prevent thses problems. Part Three discusses specific categories of whole-plant foods, and asks what's with whole grains; beans and legumes; nuts and seeds; fruits; vegetables; seaweeds and fungi (muschroomns); and extracts, juices, and teas. A comprehensive glossary, appendices of explanatory tables and graphs, and a full list of books and refrences are also provided.This concise, focused book is a valuable, timely addition to the ongoing discussion of what constitutes a truly healthy diet.

Click Here to see more reviews about: What's With Fiber: Enjoy Better Health With A High-fiber, Plant-based Diet (Paperback)

3/03/2010

Review of The Stress Effect (Avery Health Guides) (Paperback)

BACKGROUND

I am a Ph.D. chemist.In my free time, I have been on a quest to find an overview on the cause of chronic diseases and how to practically treat them -- especially immune disorders (for example, allergies, arthritis, fibromyalgia) and blood sugar imbalances (for example, hypoglycemia, diabetes).

Here are some of the key books I have found over the past 4 years and where this book fits into that collection.


KEY BOOKS FOR HEALTH

The first book that actually helped was "Enter the Zone" by Ph.D. biochemist Dr. Barry Sears, which first taught me about how diet influences general health from a very scientific perspective and how to design your meals for ideal health.(The easiest way to implement it that I found was the book by nutritionists Gene & Joyce Daoust "The Formula".)This was the first book that provided an overview of how to try to practically control your biochemistry for health (for example, with this I was able to reduce hypoglycemia and chronic fatigue).

Another key book was by physicians Dr. Murray and Dr. Pizzorno "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine" which indicated that organic thymus glandular can help normalize the immune system (for example, decrease the severity of your allergies).

The next book with practical advice that works (although I question the scientific validity of some of his explanations) is the book by physician Dr. Jordan Rubin "Heal Thyself" -- someone who brought himself back from the brink of death by following the information that he shares in this book.The major item mentioned that helped was the protocol with the RM-10 product (a mixture of Shiitake mushrooms, etc.) to try to restore blood sugar and immune balance (and helped decrease arthritis, along with taurine, glucosamine, and MSM).

The next great overview book was by physician Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum "From Fatigued to Fantastic", which provided comprehensive and specific information on how to treat fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue but from a big picture overview.


THIS BOOK: BEST COMPLETE RATIONAL EXPLANATION FOR CHRONIC ILLNESS

Perhaps the greatest of all of the books I found so far was this book.

Not only does it give a detailed link between stress and chronic disease but also provides concrete details on how to approach treating the disease.

In this book (that was well-researched in both the clinic and library in collaboration with conventional physicians and scientists), he managed to tie together several different key subjects -- stress, metabolism, natural medicine and chronic illness, creating a rational underlying explanation for chronic illnesses.(For example, he shows how stress can produce a hypothryoid condition.)

I should also say that I have been trying on and off in my free time for the past 4 years or so to do the same thing and had not yet been able to do so.This book successfully answers my key questions about the connection between stress and chronic illness.

I am grateful to Dr. Weinstein for sharing his years of experience in the clinic with the world at large.I now have a framework for understanding and trying to approach treating my own health issues.

In my opinion, if you have ANY kind of chronic illness (even those for which mainstream medicine claims there are no treatments), you should read this book.Properly implementing his suggestions should improve your health -- no matter how deteriorated it currently is.

Product Description
A guide to eliminating stress and regaining your health.

Long-term stress can lead to numerous health problems, including intestinal inflammation, which only exacerbates the situation. The Stress Effect helps readers understand the connection between their chronic stress and illness, and provides effective programs for correcting imbalances and repairing the intestinal tract lining. It also offers suggestions for managing psychological stress; a commonsense diet that promotes balance; and a resource guide that directs the reader to doctors who are familiar with the range of therapies recommended.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Stress Effect (Avery Health Guides) (Paperback)

3/02/2010

Review of The Healthiest Diet in the World (Paperback)

For 47 of my 57 years I have struggled with beingoverweight. I read about "The Healthiest Diet In The World" in the vegetarian times mag. I got the book and went on their very easy to follow program not tolose weight but for the health of it and so far I have lost 17 pounds. Thetips about combining a protein with a carbo has really changed my life. Forthe first time I do not crave sweets and I am eating more than I did when Iwas on a DIET.The recipies are great! I love tofu and they really havesome great recipies using it. I don't know how to begin to thank theauthors of this book. I have recomended the program to everyone I know andwhen people mention my weight loss I always give them the name of the book.



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2/23/2010

Review of Outwit Your Weight Journal: Lose Weight and Keep It Off with this Personalized Weight-Loss Diary (Paperback)

The book "Outwit Your Weight" by Cathy Nonas, R.D. was so jam packed with easy to follow new tips and ideas for managing weight I picked up her companion book, the "Outwit Your Weight Journal".
Studies show that the best tool for weight loss success is journaling. In one study it was shown that people gain as much as 500% more weight during the holiday season than during non-holiday weeks. But a few folks actually lost weight during the holidays. Who were these lucky people? The folks who kept journals.Another study showed that folks who kept food journals for 15 weeks lost 64% more weight than those who didn't!
Journaling can be key to a successful weight loss journey. Knowing how important this tool is Cathy developed the "Outwit Your Weight Journal". This is very different from your traditional journals. In this book Cathy works with you to customize a journal style that will meet your needs and that you will actually "do" to meet your weight loss goals.
Some journals focus on calorie counting, others on exercise or fat grams. Cathy's book focuses on what YOU need.
The book begins with a simple self assessment of your diet danger zones. Do you nibble to much. Eat when you are lonely or bored. Eat when you read or eat due to medications?
And what is your weight loss personality?Are you a restrained eater with periods of extreme eating styles? Are you an ostrich -in denial about what you eat?
Once you have identified your eating personality, Cathy introduces 6 different types fo journals that may suit your needs. She gives charts to fill in for the different styles.
You can stick to one type of journal or switch as your needs change.
Cathy also gives a lot of other information in the book. She includes "smart strategies" to make the best use of journaling. A full section is devoted to developing goals. Guidelines are given for exercise.
The one drawback to this softcover book is that it doesn't lay flat so writing in it can be awkward. But I think the author intends for it to be used as a stepping stone. That you try out different journal styles (or find one instantly) and use that style in a blank book or copy the pages.
By personalizing a journal to suit your needs and finding the journal style you are comfortable with you are more likely to use journaling which has led so many to weight loss success!

Product Description
The ultimate weight-loss tool is not a barbell. It's not a food scale. It's a pen!

Countless studies have proven that using a food journal is the most effective method of shedding pounds-- and keeping them off. Weight-loss expert Cathy Nonas, R.D., has created a revolutionary tool that's actually six journals in one, each designed to help you reach your goal quickly and easily. Discover your unique diet personality and learn which journal is right for you. Choose from:

* The Calorie-Counting Journal
* The Food-Mood Journal
* The Portion-Control Journal
* The Overeating Journal
* The Social-Butterfly Journal
* The Fullness Journal

Pick one, mix and match, or try them all!

Sprinkled throughout the book, you'll also find:

* More than 50 clever and practical weight-loss tips, tools, and techniques
* Clear advice on how to set and meet your weight-loss goals
* Calorie burn information for 250 exercises and common activities
* Fat, fiber, and calorie values for more than 500 of your favorite foods

Use this journal to make the most of the book Outwit Your Weight or any other diet system-- or even use it all on its own. This simple, customizable program will motivate and enable you to reach your ultimate goal-- a happier, healthier, fitter you!


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1/19/2010

Review of The Thyroid Sourcebook (5th Edition) (Sourcebooks) (Paperback)

I was diagnosed with thyroid disease early 1999. Trying to deal with the daily medications is one thing, but changing my lifestyle to adjust to the disease is another hassle. A friend gave me this book to read hoping that Icould educate myself further on what the doctors always seem to fail toinform you. Wow, the things one learns... such as how to eat and how muchto eat, the risks involved with thyroid disorders, and how to work toovercome any future troubles. I will continue to pass it on to others whoalso have been diagnosed with this strange, yet more commondisorder. Thisis The Tyroid Bible.

Product Description

The classic reference guide forliving with thyroid disorder--now completely revised and updated


The New York Times called this book "an excellent source of information." The Thyroid Sourcebook features patient narratives; information on the complications of hypo- and hyperthyroidism, such as depression, weight gain, thyroid, eyedisease, and sleep disorders; the latest on complimentary medicine; and much more.



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12/19/2009

Review of The Craving Cure: Break the Hold Carbs and Sweets Have on Your Life (Paperback)

Like most people, I've been on the merry go round with dieting for all my life.And - you guessed it - some things have worked but not for long.

In retrospect, there is a very good reason why this has happened.
This book is absolutely life changing.It puts the whole picture together and has you draw on your "wise self" to make decisions about food, exercise and your sense of well being.What's more important, is Rena teaches you step by step how to do this in a systematic way.

Working with her material has been a phenomenal experience for me.
In terms of effects, things have changed very steadily.The first thing I noticed was that I could sleep through the night.Then, the aches and pains started diminishing.Then, my energy came back and before you know it, I'm looking forward to walking my dog every night (and I used to hate being outside) doing Power Yoga and meditating.

They are no longer a struggle for me but instead have become an integral part of my daily life.Not to mention, I've been losing weight slowly and steadily. I highly recommend this book.

I have all the rest of her materials as well including her other book and CD set.Having all these tools at my disposal is amazing - I feel so supported and I don't even know her!

Thank you Rena.You've changed my life. . . . for the better!!

Product Description

"The Craving Cure is a wonderful resource for personal insight and transformation."
--Caroline Myss, Ph.D.
Author of Entering the Castleand Anatomy of the Spirit



Free yourself from food addictions!


Excessive consumption of sugar in all its forms--including simple carbohydrates, caffeine, alcohol--can lead to weight problems, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and other mental and physical disorders. Whatever you are craving weakness, this book will give you the knowledge and techniques you need to overcome it.


The Craving Cure will help you

  • Understand the psychological and physical basis of food addictions
  • Use affirmations, imagery, and relaxation techniques to overcome your addictions
  • Develop a healthier, more satisfying lifestyle--without feeling deprived--through the author's two-week detox program


Click Here to see more reviews about: The Craving Cure: Break the Hold Carbs and Sweets Have on Your Life (Paperback)