Nutrition Books

Reviewed by Vicki Landes for Reader Views (1/08)

What's on your plate these days? Caught up in the New Year's weight-loss-resolution craze? Substituting baked chicken for fried or opting for a healthy salad instead? Author Sandy Powers says it's just not enough! Amid that lower-cholesterol poultry and pile of innocent-looking veggies lurks a terror so offensive, you won't believe it's FDA-approved. Hormones, antibiotics, synthetic pesticides, irradiated components, genetically modified organisms, reprocessed sewage - and you kiss your mother with that mouth?

"Organic for Health" is a jarring look at what we eat everyday, even those fresh foods considered `healthy.' For those already knowledgeable in all things organic, it's a gentle reminder to stay on track. But for people like me, it's a horrifying glimpse into what my body's had to process over the years. Chronic health problems, low immunity, and even that invading cancer battling our systems make much more sense when Powers describes what all we eat in addition to our intended meals. Put down that fork and slowly step away...

Unlike health how-to books that rival the size of medical textbooks, "Organic for Health" is easily ingested in one sitting for quick application. Not only does Powers give you a well-organized down and dirty (literally) of non-organic foods, she starts you off on the right path with a mouth-watering variety of recipes as well as advice on transitioning your grocery shopping habits without breaking the bank. Further, she provides a thorough glossary for quick reference and additional sources for supplementary research.

Sandy Powers notes she is living proof that the switch to organic foods is life-altering. Faced with breast cancer and a required surgery, her situation was further compounded with risky liver problems. Now, she lives cancer-free and her liver is better than ever thanks to an organic lifestyle. With the number of health problems, costs of medical care and prescriptions growing at a staggering rate, most people can no longer avoid taking a serious look at what they eat and would benefit from Powers' example. Even healthy parents will find this book eye-opening. As a mother, I found that the most shocking information in "Organic for Health" is that children have a higher sensitivity to these food additives - measured and packaged with an adult's body in mind.

Genetically-altered additives, pesticides, antibiotics, and reprocessed sewage - and that's just breakfast! "Organic for Health" will convince even the most indifferent eater that organic foods are the way to optimal wellbeing.

Very informative book. Easy to use. You will reconsider the old saying "You are what you eat". This book belongs on every cookbook shelf in America. To better Health! Enjoy!
Michael Fantin

Being a mother of 3, I found this book full of easy tips to ensure my family eats safe, nutritious food. It changed my view of food and how I shop for my family. The recipes were also helpful and delicious. My picky kids ate every last bite! I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to start or improve their organic lifestyle.

This book was full of more than just easy delicious recipes; there are plenty of tidbits about the advantages of organic foods. I was shocked by some of the facts given on convetional foods. I'm now more motivated than ever to eat organic and these recipes make it simple and fun.

Americans are being poisoned every day with food that has been approved by the United States Department of Agriculture. The USDA allows terrifying quantities of poisons and contaminants to remain inside the meat and produce that currently fills supermarket shelves. It is a legal practice, and Americans continue to believe the food supply is safe.

Sandy Powers' amazing recount of her battle with breast cancer is one that every American should take to heart. After the initial diagnosis, Powers was unable to have surgery to remove the tumor because the levels of enzymes in her liver were dangerously high, and surgery could cause total liver failure and death. Various tests could not explain the reason behind her illness. She went ahead with the risky surgery, but continued treatment could not be pursued due to the high levels of enzymes. Eventually, Powers decided to try an experiment on herself to heal her liver. She simply undertook an organic diet. It is probably no surprise that the change in diet restored her liver enzymes to healthy levels and positively affected her cholesterol, enabling her body to more effectively battle the cancer.

Powers' experience is the inspiration behind Organic for Health. As if her own story isn't convincing enough, she spends several chapters explaining how the food supply is processed and the dangerous (and disgusting) amounts of contaminants suppliers are allowed to ignore. She begins with "Hormones, Antibiotics, and E. coli," briefly covers the seafood industry, then provides some startling statistics on fertilizer and pesticides, including the "Dirty Dozen" most dangerous fruits and vegetables. The next few chapters follow a more positive note, listing specific foods that are rich in antioxidants, immune boosters, and phytonutrients (when purchased organically).

Possibly the most helpful chapter is one entitled "Useful Information," in which Powers provides the reader with tips for storing produce to ensure it gets used, given that organically grown food is often costly. The bulk of the book is made up of delicious recipes. The key to these recipes is that Powers has been able to find most of the ingredients in their organic forms, and most likely, the reader will be able to do the same. For those that may be intimidated by the whole process, the recipes are very simple, usually with only a few ingredients. This is truly back to basics cooking, proving we've strayed away from the wisdom of our ancestors with our current lifestyles.

The book closes with tips for growing fruits and vegetables, meditation, and a glossary of terms. There is a list of additional resources, but none of the organizations have websites listed--just addresses and phone numbers. Websites would have been helpful, because most people prefer email over snail mail these days. Regardless, Organic for Health provides an important introduction to the benefits of organic food.

Sandy Powers has created the type of book that will change lives. She approaches the subject matter from a basic, introductory standpoint. This allows any reader to ease into the idea of major dietary changes, progressing at a comfortable pace. If there was any doubt the US government allows profit to prevail over general well-being, Organic for Health will eliminate that doubt.

I've never been a fan of diet plans. Honestly, when it comes to losing weight I think that proper eating and exercise are highly underrated. But The Park Avenue Diet actually approaches your life in a holistic and practical way that even I could relate to.
No glamorous promises, no impossible goals. Park Avenue delivers a diet plan that is truly original in a way that sets it aside from every other "diet". You just won't find the same approach elsewhere.
Get a full life makeover!

I enjoyed reading this book. Got some excellent recipes and good self confidence advice. Regarding the fitness/exercise tips, it is best suited for someone just starting to exercise (still helpful though). Wardrobe advice was basic but also helpful. Overall I would recommend this book to a family member or friend.

Wouldn't you love to be rich enough to be able to consult not just one specialist to help you with health/weight/image/confidence issues, but a whole team? This is the idea underlying this book. Fischer brought together a handful of specialists few of us could afford to hire ourselves to give their insights on the multi-faceted reality of bringing discipline to our mind/body relationship. As a psychologist, I'm most familiar with Stanley Krippner's stellar reputation, but each member of the team Fischer assembled is a luminary in his/her field. If you're looking for something beyond just another diet book, this comprehensive approach could be what you have in mind.

PARK AVENUE DIET is much more than a diet. It's a way of life, complete with advice on eating, fitness, personal growth, how you look, how you relate to others, and more. I bought this book and went out and got my hair cut! Just the right thing. Sensible advice,from a panel of experts it would be hard to assemble, never mind hear all at once, offering this valuable plan. Here is a CREATIVE as well a holistic, approach to self-improvement. I say this as editor of EVERYDAY CREATIVITY AND NEW VIEWS OF HUMAN NATURE (2007), to which one of this book's illustrious authors contributed! That's what sent me this way. And how glad I am.
Ruth Richards, M.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Fischer's approach to weight loss is replete with common sense, practical advice, humor, and tantalizing recipes. I especially liked the psychological contributions of Dr. Stanley Krippner on how to develop self-confidence and replace negative beliefs about one's eating habits with positive, constructive beliefs. Additional contributions by specialist in exercise, interpersonal relationships, and personal appearance bring a holistic approach to dieting that I have never seen in similar books.

As a 3 day a week exerciser, I found this book to be of great help! In particular, it helped me to correct some bad exercising habits/techniques that I had developed. I've noticed a marked reduction in lower back pain as a result of incorporating the workout tips into my regular routine. The book also helped to dispell some common exercise myths. I would recommend this book to anyone -- from the weekend workout warrior to the professional athlete -- who is interested in reaping all the healthy benefits of exercising. There's something in this book for everyone whatever your fitness level!

Over this past year, I have had several set backs starting a fitness routine resulting in injuries. As a working professional and mother of two, it's challenging to carve time out for fitness. I am looking for optimal results with limited time. Peak Perfmance Fitness is a great resource for developing a solid fitness foundation. Jennifer Rhodes has a gift for providing practical, simple explanations for how to prevent injury and develop an effective fitness plan. The diagrams and step-by-step instructions are a real value add!

I love this book! Maintaining proper alignment, and therefore helping to prevent injuries, and chronic pain, is so much more important than mere aesthetics. Anyone who has suffered an injury that affects one's mobility can attest to this. This book will show you how to keep your body healthy and well-aligned, for long-term health. She writes in an exceptionally clear fashion as well, and the way she explains how your body is supposed to move is brilliant easy to understand. Fantastic. I hope she writes another book, she's very dynamic.

As a female approaching 60, I have attempted many fitness programs only to be interrupted by an injury. I was intrigued by Jennifer Rhodes' book, Peak Performane Fitness, because she emphasizes fitness without injury or strain. After reading through Jennifer's book, I now understand why my attempts to improve my health through exercise have failed. I have developed a beginners program using the guidelines in her book. My focus is on improving my overall posture, along with cardiovascular exercise. In partiular, I highly recommend the foam roll referred to in Chapter 4 for spinal alignment. Jennifer has the knowledge and experience to provide good tools for exercise without injury and the suggested exercises with illustrations make it simple for one to follow. I am now looking forward to an ACTIVE retirement.

I am a 32 year old guy. I've been playing soccer, tennis, and golf almost all of my life. Over the past three years though, I've been plagued by recurring injuries to my knees and shoulders. I assumed my body was simply weakening with age, and couldn't take the blows like it used to. Luckily, I found Peak Performance Fitness before I put myself out to pasture! This easy to read book explained how my pain was actually due to years of "microtrauma"- continual irritations caused by poor alignment of my body causing me to torque and stress my muscles and joints in ways they just weren't meant to take. Clear illustrations gave me an understanding of how my body can and should work in harmony, with small changes in my lifestyle and exercise regimen. The book stepped me through the crafting of a workout, custom made to strengthen and realign my trouble spots. Within a few weeks, I could already feel my power and confidence improving. Ms Rhodes's book is an essential read for anyone who wants to keep their body working efficiently and looking and feeling great.

This book is an outstanding review of the health, ecological, and moral reasons for refraining from eating animal products. Having said that, it is neither "preachy" nor sanctimonious but rather downright entertaining. I loved it. It made a vegetarian out ofme.

I bought this book for my boyfriend right after we discussed going vegetarian. I thought it was a cookbook to help ease us into a meatless diet, which we were considering primarily because he wanted to lose weight. Instead, it changed my boyfriend's life -- addicted, he kept coming into the room to read me sections. It gave us permission to be vegetarians (year and a half now) for ALL the right reasons -- love of animals, the environmental and hunger problems perpetrated by the meat industry, all-around health, etc. -- although he did lose 30 pounds without getting hungry! This is a perfect antidote for all the stupid Adkins/Zone/high-protein diets that are so unhealthy -- and are only excuses for people to keep eating too much meat (which is *any*, now that we've read this book). And it's so funny and light-hearted that you'll be an avowed vegetarian before you know what hit you. Give a copy to everyone you know! We're sold.

I found this book to be very helpful and fun to read but,I haven't picked it up again since my first read through. I think this would be a great gift to a new vegatarian or a lender to a person interested in learning more about the specifics. Informative and fun....just not a whole lot of new info for this long-time reader and veggie eater!

As an avid reader of "scads" of books related to vegetarianism/veganism - and as a vegetarian of nine years, vegan of one - I've got to say this is by far THE MOST ENTERTAINING BOOK I've read on this topic! I've gasped, winced and even cried reading non-fiction portraying the ghasly side of human behavior and how we treat animals, but I've never laughed out loud - until now! (My cats think these seemingly unprovoked outbursts indicate that I've finally gone insane.) Definitely not just for the flesh-eater, as the title may lead one to conclude, this book is jam-packed with facts and the author's insightful observations. Reinhardt, perhaps the only ethical attorney in existence, asks you to question your behaviors, consider the alternatives and make the kindest, most logical alterations in your lifestyle for your physical health, your conscience, the planet and of course, the animals. Don't pass this one up - buy it used, contact the author, track down an unsuspecting vegan in the tofu department and beg to borrow it! I love this book and am buying copies for all of my redneck, backwoods relatives who still can't pronounce "what it is exactly that I am." (Veee-gun, Aunt Edna.) This one is fun and informative - get a copy and enjoy!

This is a fantastic book. After a difficult holiday with relatives I picked up this book and wished I had had it with me before the holiday had started. Since then I bought 8 more copies and have given them to friends and relatives alike. Information on the benefits of being vegetarian is presented in a non-emotional way with excellent facts to support the information. It covers issues ranging from nutrition to environment to factory farms. There are scenarios for dating, a whole chapter on dealing with relatives, and tips on how to be vegetarian during the holidays without going hungry. There's no meat-eater bashing in here. In fact, a lot of the writing is pretty funny. Its just a very straightforward presentation of information and armed with non-emotional information makes it so much easier to have a conversation with people who try to challenge your choices. I highly recommend this for anyone who is vegetarian/vegan as well as for anyone who loves/knows someone who has made such a choice and you want to understand why. Its absolutely one of the best books I've read and has helped me immensely. Plus there are some really funny parts. Enjoyable and quick to read

I can't believe this book has such a low price. Fitness and nutrition is an area where you can easily spend a lot of money (coachs, nutritionist, gyms, special diets, equipment).

On the other side of the coin you can also spend a lot of money if you don't have a healthy lifestyle (doctors to treat diabetes, hypertension, heart disease).

Well, here is a guide that might very well save you tons of money and change your life for the better.

Just the first chapter of the book is worth its price, by far. In that chapter the author gives a general description of what an average guy would eat through out a complete day. As she describes this hypotetic guy's diet she explains what happens to your body at each stage, she explains all the mistakes we commonly make when eating.

In the second part of the first chapter she tells you what you could do instead during a complete day, she explains what you should eat, at what time, in what amounts and why.

Her explanation of the glygemic index and its relation to glucose levels opened a new world for me. I finally have come to understand why I was having terrible lows of energy during the day.

I believe those explanations would be enough to get you on the right track and start seeing results. With results I mean, more energy, less fat, better feeling in general.

She builds from there and each chapter is devoted to understanding what you need to do to achieve specific results. The last chapter is as good as the first one. It has a lot of tips on what you can do to improve your diet and how it can become part of the life of a very busy guy.

The advice in this book is thorough and most of the time she is on the right track. The only aspects I did't like was how she promoted milk, eggs, and soy. But I really don't blame her for that, since there is much controversy around dairy and soy.

There are books like The China Study that constitute a serious analysis of why certain very common foods are actually the cause for many of the health problems in the western world. So, basically when it comes to dairy and soy you should read both sides of the debate and make up your mind as what you think might be good for you.

Other than that, the book is just amazing, and I did't really mind much about her mention of dairy since she really doesn't talk too much about it.

It is clear to me that the author knows a lot about the scientific aspect of food, and some of her explanations go in that direction, still you don't feel it like a heavy read. So, I believe the tone of the book is perfect for an average guy who just wants to know what he should really eat, when, how, and in what amount.

The best book on nutrition I have seen so far!

I think if you read this one and The China Study, you will have almost all information needed to make a sound decision when thinking about your diet and your goals!

By the way there are tons of menus you can use. I really really liked that, because the books on nutrition I have seen have very poor menus or ideas to get you started.

I have to make something clear. I liked the China Study more for what it promotes than for what it forbides. According to the study you should eat tons of plants, fruits, vegetables. And even though the author of the China study promotes the elimination of animal protein from diet, he actually compromises and says if you want to eat animal protein, do it but still try to focus on eating a lot more vegetables. So, before anyone start a long debate here, I have to say I do eat dairy! Just that not in the amounts I used to! Which is by the way the advice given by the author of The Powerfood Nutrition Plan to lactose intolerant, to eat yougrth in small amounts.

This book is flawless. I'm a personal trainer and it has been an invaluable resource in dealing with my clients' nutrition needs. Sometimes they need a little convincing when it comes to breaking some of their bad habits and this book explains it all in plain english, and the meal plans are fantastic.

Aimed at men, this huge reference book tells it all about diet for optimum health. Includes meal plans.

This book is working better than i have expected i have lost a little more than what i personally thought in twenty-eight days and i have cheated a little lol but i am doing great i give this book a 5 star rating

Great book. I wanted information to help me know what kinds of food I should eat. I enjoyed reading this book and the diet plans were very helpful. I wish that the book had more information that was applicable for women so that my wife and I could both benefit.

I have workers that love this book in spanish. I have the english version to figure out problems and then find the spanish equal to explain.

Yo traduje al español el libro "Recetas nutritivas que curan" y, por lo tanto, conozco a fondo su contenido. Este libro cuenta con sólidos fundamentos científicos, y versa sobre cerca de trescientas dolencias y la manera de prevenirlas y tratarlas a base de una nutrición balanceada y de suplementos naturales que se consiguen prácticamente en cualquier "health food store". La sencillez y claridad del idioma hacen de su lectura una experiencia interesante y grata. Recomiendo altamente este libro, que sin duda será de gran utilidad para la población de habla hispana de Estados Unidos.

Excellent that there is a health remedy book originally written in English and translated for Spanish-speaker use. GREAT book!

This is certainly the best book on nutritional healing that we have found in Spanish. I own all four editions of this book on nutritional healing and we have successfully used all of them over the years. Now our friends who only read and speak Spanish can benefit from the sound advice found in them with this translation of the second edition. We anxiously await the translation of the latest edition. A few names of herbs and nutritional supplements are still in English. A little annoying, but we help our friends with their questions in Mexico where we live.

Al leer las primeras paginas quede encantado con su sencillez, organización y excelente información. De verdad ayuda a quienes nos dedicamos a sanar con medicina natural y claro para sus pacientes. Primero da una explicación de cada padecimiento, en segundo lugar los nutrientes estan divididos como "esenciales, importantes y provechosos", tambien recomienda hierbas de diversas tradiciones americana, china y ayurvedica y por ultimo menciona recomendaciones para tener en cuenta. Es un tesoro indispensable.
Algunos nombres de plantas permanecen en ingles tal como primero se edito el libro, así que adquiera un buen diccionario Ingles/Español por si acaso.
Sería bueno traducir los otros libros de estos autores.

I'm so glad that someone, other than Ellen G. White, is stepping up to the plate and teaching about proper health. Being a Seventh-day Adventist, former nurse, and cookbook author, I am very knowledgeable about the proper diet. I wish I could say that I have always praticed what I preached- no, I have gotten ill because of diary products and blood pressure problems because of the outrageous sodium in packaged foods. Now, happily, I am back to my Adventist vegan diet and feel much better. If anyone wants to know what God wanted us to eat, read the Bible( taking note that all clean meat is to be KOSHER), Ellen G. White's Ministries of Health book, or buy this book. Lastly, I will be doing my own cooking show on television soon, its in the worksd, and you better belive it will all be Adventist food- healthier viewers all around!
Sicily Yoder aka Teresa Phillips
Author of, "Amish Cooking with Sicily Yoder", and, "Leaving Lancaster County."

If you like healthful eating, this is a good book to have in your kitchen. It combines the spiritual well being with the physical well being.
God as our creator, gave us an abundance of certain types of foods to eat. The authors have provided great recipes. I have tried some of them with great results.

Too bad Mrs. Chris Rucker hasn't published many more books like this to the mainstream public. A lot of her books and health workshops are published by smaller companies. However, if you can find them, they are great and a must have also with this book.

In this book, she basically tells you about the diet of the healthiest people on the planet, worldwide of Seventh-Day Adventists. It's no secret! And she gives you a to-the-point overview of health, diet, and fabulously deliciously healthy cooking recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for real wellness. This book is easily 5 stars!

In 4 months I have lost 75 lbs. I still have a hundred to go, but have no doubt that I will get there. The simple weight loss plan put it all together for me. I know that by the time another 8 or 9 months go by I will never be fat again.

Though this book is written in large part by a Seventh Day Adventist, there is nothing about this book that promotes anything but a healthier lifestyle. I bought this book when it first was published, and it was an answer to a longtime desire to find a book that addressed pure eating- whole grains, raw vegetables, fruit-sweeteners- not just low-fat or low-sugar eating. The chapters are not only informative, but the recipes are easy and so tasty. This book was a great introduction to the world of the health food store, with even a glossary in the back defining various foods foreign to the average supermarket shopper, and the names and addresses of common health food brands. I highly recommend this resource for those ready to take the plunge into new eating habits.

Our 4 year old son has multiple food allergies. We started cooking dairy, egg and peanut free 10 months ago and we recently had to add wheat and gluten to the list of banned foods. This is the only cookbook that I could find that provided recipes that are wheat, gluten, egg and dairy free. Don't worry, if you can eggs and/or dairy this is still the cookbook for you. The recipes are given with and without eggs and dairy. I have used the dessert section extensively and some of the breads and breakfast recipes.

This book has been a lifesaver for our family. Anyone with a small child knows that they still want bread, pancakes, chocolate chip cookies, birthday cakes, and brownies. Everyone in the family enjoys the food we cook using this book - even our 2-1/2 year old.

The only thing I would caution new users on is to thoroughly read the recipes before starting and you may not want too many little helpers in the kitchen the first time. My first try at pancakes had to be disposed of!

This is more than a cookbook. Special Diet Celebrations has helpful information on Celiac Disease and the gluten-free diet. Every recipe I have tried so far in "Special Diet Celebrations" is delicious. This is a "must have" cookbook for anyone on a gluten-free diet.

This book was a tremendous help to me when I had to cook for weekend guests - since I was gluten intolerant and didn't want to make two different meals, this book contains recipes on how to make "normal" meals that everybody can enjoy, yet be gluten-free. What is especially helpful is the menu plans for special occasions - no more pulling my hair out trying to figure out what to serve. And when my birthday came up, I was thrilled to see all the different cake recipes I can use. The cake and muffin recipes I tried were light, fluffy and scrumptuous. My guests had no idea they were gluten-free. And there are even several cake shapes and decorating ideas that would be especially fun for children. I highly recommend this book for anyone that is gluten-intolerant or has food sensitivities.

If you thought that you have to miss out on special treats because of food allergies or intolerances, think again! With recipes for everything from Cookies to Wedding Cakes, this book is just what you need. It is a complete guide to cooking special foods for those with food allergies or intolerances. Dr. Fenster writes from her own experience as a culinary professional and as an individual with wheat intolerance. In addition to original recipes, the book contains directions on how to make substitutions in other recipes and where to buy special products such as wheat-free flours. Her list of hidden sources of wheat, gluten, eggs, milk, corn and soy is an invaluable resource for those who need to avoid even small amounts of those foods. This book could help make cooking easy and eating enjoyable again!

Since I have checked this book out from our local library about five times, I guess it's time I bought one! I just baked the scones and I could not believe they did not use wheat flour, and I was the one who baked them! This book is wonderful and I honestly don't think I could stay gluten-free without it!

While it is about dieting and weight loss as an attempt to try to fit in to a world that demand a certain body shape for women, that is not the entire purpose of this book. "Squeezing Your Size 14 Self into a Size 6 World" is about trying to fit yourself into other people's ideas of what you should be. The book is about breaking free from the molds you are trying to squeeze into just to satisfy others. Throughout the book Carrie Smith provides a gentle coaching method to get you to start breaking free and living a life true to yourself.

The book starts out by correcting false conceptions of reality - Barbie is not real, most magazine images are fake, don't base your idea of reality on fantasy, don't compare yourself to other women. Of course it does not end there but goes on into other ways that women tend to try to fit into the molds of others. Examples of these include games like the perfection game, reward and punishment, and head games you use to fool yourself into thinking you are healthier than you really are. All the head games are basically things we do to ourselves or that others do to us in order to alter our perception of reality. She concludes the body size section with a simple, yet profound statement. Don't give yourself away to the marketing hype, your true size is the size you were meant to be - the size your body is most happy with. Instead of striving for a size, strive for well-being.

Other suggestions include getting rid of clutter, both physical and mental. Decide what is important and get on with your life. She then turns back to the striving for well-being and discusses using your eating personality to your advantage, choosing a personal trainer, and myths and misunderstandings about exercise, strength training, etc. This is a recommended book for anyone who wants to proclaim independence from the commercial and social entrapments of life and become who they were meant to be. Will it work? I don't know. For many people it is an intense struggle to try to overcome the constant bombardments of the media trying to force you into a mold that will create a regular stream of monetary income for them. This book shines a light onto the correct path, but it is not an easy walk in our current social environment.

It seems there is no end to diet and self-help books -- with most of them not being worth the paper they are printed on. Then there is Squeezing Your Size 14 Self Into A Size 6 World: A Real Woman's Guide To Food, Fitness And Self-Acceptance by Carrie Myers Smith who draws upon her considerable experience and undeniable expertise to create a truly effective and "user friendly" manual that will enable her readers to successfully deal with the kinds of head games and body games that so often derail simple happiness and ordinary satisfaction with our selves. Carrie delivers the keys to successful self-care; shows how to control stress and not let stress be in control; how wellness means uncluttering our lives; how to overcome obstacles to fitness; figure out a fitness plan specifically appropriate for the reader's particular needs; as well as discovering what "eating personality" is ours and how to use it to advantage. Also very highly recommended is the companion title, Carrie Myers Smith's Squeezing Your Size 14 Self Into A Size 6 World Workbook (1891400967, $18.95) complete with exercises and worksheets to create a truly customized personal wellness plan.

Finally a book that has a realistic approach to who we are and how we feel about ourselves. The author reveals a very realistic and attainable approach to the health and well-being of women. Thank you Carrie for writing this book! I feel better already!

This book should/could be required reading for ALL women throughout the lifespan! The author, in a clever but straightforward manner, de-myths the impossible images and roles women feel compelled to fulfill. Her unique "coaching" approach can teach anyone how to analyze, cast-off, and adopt a love for her own self: body, mind, and spriit.

"...did you know you have a higher chance of dying from being skinny and sedentary than you do from being overweight and active? It's true." ~Carrie Myers Smith

With all the makeover shows on TV, we already realize it takes a lot of effort to look like a model. Since I tend to be one of those tall people who can't fit into petite clothes no matter how much I weigh, I'm always hunting for longer sleeves and wondering why being taller often forces me to buy clothes that are just too big for me. I had also started to disassociate myself from those who wield photo-capturing devices because I rarely liked how my pictures turned out. Is this because I'm comparing my pictures to pictures on the covers of magazines?

As I viewed the most recent Swimsuit Edition, I did wonder if even men were not longing to view some women with hips or a more comfortable shape. The facts are, most of the models we view are tiny or look sickly in reality. If pictures add pounds, imagine how skinny they really are. Many models (size 2-8) say they feel sick all the time. Why do we all want to look like teenage boys? I don't. I'm proud of my hips and feminine curves.

Carrie Myers Smith is also tired of the Media pushing an unrealistic image on the public and presents a realistic view of the fashion industry. Most of us will never be a size 4 or 6 and the facts are that the average American woman is a size 14. So, this book is definitely needed to show us the reality instead of the fantasy.

There is the fantasy body image and then there is reality. You can be healthy and not be a size 6. If you are tired of quick-fix theories and want to be who you are, then you can read about what is "eating you" instead of what to eat. Topics Include:

Why Diets Don't Work
Living Life on Purpose - Not by Accident
Stress-Savers
Self-Care or Self-Nurturing
Games Other People Play


Carrie talks about the much-needed topic of "Healthy Living Saboteurs." As my husband said, "Those are people who are purposely trying to sabotage your diet." To him I say: "Honey, stop bringing home those boxes of cookies and giant tubs of cashew nuts." OK, I can't eat either of those items, but still I think after reading this book I realized he does tend to bring home all the food I would never buy.

There is also a spiral-bound version of this book or you can download a workbook from the books' site. Each chapter has "Stepping Stones" points for reflection.

Do you need to:

De-clutter your life? Donate Items to Charity?
Develop healthy habits?
Be happier with your body type?
Set realistic goals?
Hire a personal trainer?

So, can you enjoy a few Leonidas chocolate squares and not feel guilty about it? Sure the author isn't presenting a diet plan. She is presenting an "Indi-Fit-ual" Plan. What are you trying to accomplish? There are many ideas for how you can multitask to fit in exercise. I've found I can fold laundry while doing the Walk Away the Pounds workouts, but you could also listen to motivational CDs while on your treadmill or take your pet out for a walk. I was thinking I couldn't go walking with my pets, but then I found a pet stroller for my cats.

Carrie Myers Smith has decided that no one and absolutely nothing is going to get in the way of her self-esteem. So, reading this book gives you a good helping of personal power and creative ideas for implementing her ideas. I loved her "Bringing the Spa Home" section where she talks about creating a sanctuary. Can I just say: "Er'go candles!"

This book could take any woman from tired and frazzled to self-nurturing and in control. It is amazing how much information this book provides in 250 pages. A must-read for every woman in our society who is fed up with being told she has to look like she is starving to death. While I know I'll never be a size 6 I have nothing against airbrushing a picture. I sure hope someone airbrushes the pictures from my last photo shoot. Hee..hee...

Buy this book and then go sit out in the sun, read this book and enjoy life. Life is far too short to worry about being a size 6 when you may always be a size 14. Look into Yoga, Pilates and a walking routine, it helps with the stress of life.

~The Rebecca Review

I was suprised by how much valuable information this book has. I happened across it while helping my Mother-in-Law clean out her shelves one day. I've only recently become aware of the garbage we eat in America today, and wanted to change for the health of my family, but wasn't sure where to start. This book was a huge help in that pursuit. I would highly recommend it to anyone trying to eat organically, or "as God intended" as I like to call it. Our bodies aren't made to run on all the unpronounceable man-made chemicals in the food in most grocery stores (& most homes today). It's unfortunate that most people aren't aware of how destroying their bodies from the inside out they are, this book will show you a natural approach to eating and fighting disease. It's great.

My copy is nearly falling apart.I bought it in 1981 and have referred to it over and over since then. I love it and use it often. Not just for recipes though, as a matter of fact, I think I have gone to it more often for general nutritional information about a particular food item. I realize that some of the information in this book might be a bit outdated but I still find it very helpful.

This book, which I've used for years, contains menus, recipes, and very helpful information about vitamins and minerals (including in which foods we can find them). Under the "Vegetable" section, we are shown ways to prepare 97 different vegetables. I am ordering one as a gift.

This book, while overpriced for the condition and binding,was indeed very helpful in our quest for natural healthy food. A lot of good recipes as well as information on grains, fruits, vegetables and other ingredients.

This book, which I've used for years, contains menus, recipes, and very helpful information about vitamins and minerals (including in which foods we can find them). Under the "Vegetable" section, we are shown ways to prepare 97 different vegetables. I am ordering one as a gift.