What really causes obesity? Touching on the controversial subject of food as an addiction, Dr. Pretow investigates the childhood obesity epidemic (and provides solutions) in his book, “Overweight: What Kids Say.”

We’ve discussed emotional eating and eatertaining here on Live Lighter before but many resist the idea that food can be an addiction. Dr. Robert Pretlow, director of Weigh2Rock.com (an online weight loss resource for kids and teens), presents a strong case for food addiction as the main cause for the childhood obesity epidemic.

The book’s most striking feature: it’s written by kids. At it’s most basic, “Overweight: What Kids Say” is an organized collection of comments from real overweight kids sharing their stories, struggles and successes with their weight challenges on the Weigh2Rock website.

Having been overweight for most of my life, their thoughts and feelings resonated with me, and opened some deep-seated wounds I thought I had healed. (It doesn’t help that I’ve gained 15 pounds since moving to my first house purchase at the end of May, either!)

Overview of the Review

Obesity is a real issue today (for both children and adults), and Dr. Pretlow’s work has the potential of making a positive impact on society. By simply listening to what kids say, his insights and practical solutions hint at:

• more effective health campaigns
• stronger support from parents, teachers, mentors and healthcare professionals
• changes in policies regarding marketing and manufacturing of junk food/fast food
• self-improvement for any addictive or obsessive behaviour

“What Kids Say” is especially powerful by allowing the reader access to the hearts and minds of these children. Whether you once were overweight or always thin, you’ll gain a new level of understanding and compassion for what it’s like to struggle with food and weight issues.

Obviously, if you’re looking for substance and real-life applicability, “Overweight: What Kids Say” has got all this in spades.

While Dr. Pretlow’s argument is sound, the pitfalls of “What Kids Say” are it’s presentation and delivery. The book has a lot of potential, offering us a scrumptious plate of nutritious protein, complex carbs and healthy fats. Just a little more spice, herbs and fixings, and we’ve got a palatable and digestible meal.

What promises does the book make and does it fulfill them?

In the introduction, Dr. Pretlow says:

“What are the lives of overweight kids like? Why do overweight kids continue to overeat, knowing full well that staying overweight damages their lives? Why do they struggle to such a degree to lose weight? What’s really causing the childhood obesity epidemic? What can be done about it? What overweight kids say concerning these questions is what this book is about. It’s the author’s hope that we can learn from their messages and offer strategies that are more in sync with what kids really need to succeed. If we risk new approaches, we can be better partners in helping them to combat the vicious cycles of being overweight.”

The author successfully answers these questions with compelling, real-life data, supporting his theory that food addiction is the root cause of the obesity epidemic. Dr. Pretlow also offers a resolution by sharing the kids’ successes and providing solid, easy-to-apply solutions.

Interesting questions raised or ideas that contribute to an industry debate?

“What Kids Say” directly challenges the “prevailing belief that the childhood obesity epidemic is due to the overabundant food environment and that kids don’t know how to make healthy choices.”

Instead, what these kids actually say is that they turn to food to ease sadness, stress, anger, fatigue, loneliness, and boredom, as well as the pain of being obese itself. Despite all the information they get on healthy living, they are unable to control their `comfort eating’ behaviour.

Dr. Pretlow also points out how food companies understand this addiction and use it to sell their junk food and fast food using slogans like, “Comfort in Every Bar” and “Life Tastes Better with KFC.”

In addition, he questions the effectiveness of current weight loss programs and suggests other ways to help control the obesity epidemic, like taxing and regulating foods kids say they have the most problem resisting.

How topical or important is the book?

If you haven’t noticed, obesity rates are rising all over the world (perhaps in direct correlation to the spread of western fast food and junk food to other countries?) and “for the first time in history, today’s kids will not live as long as their parents.”

Any pitfalls? Anything I disagree with?

Between my personal experience, industry research and what others are saying (like SexyFoodTherapy), I feel it in my bones that Dr. Pretlow has hit the nail on the head. Emotional eating and the addictive quality of packaged food is definitely at the heart of most, if not all, weight issues people experience.

Where it falls short is the professional touch. I’m no graphic designer but I was immediately put off by the front cover. It might be the colours, font, fuzzy images or maybe it’s just too busy? In any case, this proves you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover.

On the other hand, the inside needs a professional touch, too. Currently, it’s perfect for healthcare professionals or people with a scientific, well-educated background. Dr. Pretlow sets out to provide hard evidence for a theory and, although he warns us at the beginning, “this book is not a scientific work,” it reads like one.

“Overweight: What Kids Say” is organized, well-researched, and successfully covers both the issue and solutions from several different angles. But it’s also repetitive and dry at times. Professional editing would make it more appealing to the average reader, help clarify the messages and create even more of an impression.

Why would you want to read it?

If you know someone who is obese or struggling with being overweight, this book would definitely benefit you. It will help you become more comfortable with them, and provide you practical ways in not only broaching the subject, but also effectively supporting them on their journey.

For those who are overweight themselves or struggling with an addiction (even an obsession), “What Kids Say” can offer you insight into your own behaviour, and ideas in how you can start helping yourself.

Conclusion

Although it’s a little rough around the edges and hard to read at times, it’s fascinating and helpful to hear what kids say about being overweight with explicit honesty. Dr. Pretlow adds to it with a sensible, workable theory of the real cause behind obesity, and practical suggestions in how we can improve it.

I’m impressed with Dr. Pretlow’s work and can only imagine what it would have taken to go through and organize over 134, 000 anonymous messages from his open-access website for overweight kids. The information is worth it’s weight in gold but it would reach more people by activating a few more of the reader’s senses.

About the author

Dr. Robert Pretlow graduated with honors from Princeton University. He received his MD from the University of Virginia Medical School, where he also did his internship and residency in pediatrics. He is board certified in pediatrics and is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He has a Master of Science in electrical engineering from Old Dominion University.

Dr. Pretlow has published 13 articles, has been awarded 5 U.S. patents, and has presented 41 abstracts, keynotes, plenaries, panels, and tutorials at national and international conferences. He lectures frequently on overweight in children and teens and use of the Internet in medicine.

Dr. Pretlow is founder and director of Weigh2Rock, an online weight loss system for teens and preteens, used by clinics, schools, private practitioners, hospitals, community centers, and health clubs, worldwide.

He has two children, a boy and a girl.

Disclosure: An advanced copy of “Overweight: What Kids Say” was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Do you struggle with weight issues? Do you feel that emotional eating and/or the addictive quality of junk food contributes to it?

Would you like to help make the world a better place and become healthier in the process? What if you could learn how to do it with the power of your mind, heart and a little fun?

If you subscribe to the belief that perception creates reality, and you’d like to learn how to control your thoughts and feelings better, then “How to Thrive in Changing Times” may be the workbook for you. It’s chocked full of fun, practical exercises you can do by yourself or with others to increase awareness and energetic vibration!

About the book

“How to Thrive in Changing Times” is the new book by acclaimed author, teacher and shamanic researcher, Sandra Ingerman. Subtitled “simple tools to create true health, wealth, peace and joy for yourself and the earth,” Ingerman’s seventh book combines the ancient wisdom of shamanic ceremony with modern psychological practice.

An excerpt from the book, entitled “The Magic of Words,” is available at http://tinyurl.com/yh4zo7m. It discusses the power of words to manifest reality, such as the word “abracadabra,” which translates to “I create as I speak.”

The book shows how individual and group practice can manifest global transformation. As such, it is a call to action for those who feel powerless to change their own situation or heal the Earth.

Review

Written mainly for the spiritually-inclined, you must have an open mind and willingness to try new methods (and ancient ways) of changing to benefit from this book. And, as the author Sandra Ingerman warns, this spiritual work takes dedication and repetition as these changes are not fast or permanent.

Thank goodness she makes it fun! Some of the spiritual tools include working with nature, identifying your self-limiting beliefs and type of intuition, and what truly makes you happy. They also promise to replace self-defeating beliefs, teach us how to tap into our intuitive abilities and use our creative abilities to create a reality we want.

One of the best aspects of this book is that Ms. Ingerman isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. She stresses how important, how healthy, it is to acknowledge and experience our negative thoughts, feelings and observations about ourselves and the world, and to develop practices which help us transform these into positive energy.

For example, she speaks on the feeling of gratitude:

Being grateful does not mean we have to deny that suffering is in the world. But as we focus on the joy, the successes, the beauty of life, our energy and perceptions change. When we spend our time obsessing on what isn’t working, our energy feeds defeatist results, thus creating more suffering and hopelessness. When we focus on joy and beauty, the energy ripples throughout the web of life, creating the possibility of change.

Between the meditation practices and nature ceremonies, Ms. Ingerman shows us how we can be part of the healing rather than the bombardment of negative energy so rampant these days. Here’s a quote I feel really encapsulates the philosophy that permeates throughout book:

The key to good health is to flow with the river of life and to learn how to respond to changes with a good attitude and a maintained focus on our destination.

Now, doesn’t that sound right? How to Thrive in Changing Times is full of positive concepts and advice like this. Ms. Ingerman reminds us that we are powerful co-creators and through our thoughts and actions, we decide if we’ll limit or empower ourselves and those around us.

About the author

Sandra Ingerman, MA, is a teacher, shamanic researcher, licensed therapist and acclaimed author. She’s written numerous books including How to Heal Toxic Thoughts, Soul Retrieval, and Medicine for the Earth: How to Transform Personal and Environmental Toxins.

Conclusion

I’ve read this compact 5×7 handbook (167 pages) twice now and performed only about 5 exercises out of several dozen so far. I’m raring to do more but it’s heavy work, these spiritual practices! You really have to set aside some time to get your head out of the daily grind and into yourself (and the Universe).

This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review and while I’m personally getting a lot out of it, it might not be for everyone. However, if you’re fighting with negative thoughts, emotions and beliefs, then if nothing else, How to Thrive in Changing Times helps you look at the world in a positive light and just makes you feel good.

To find out more about Sandra Ingerman and read her blog, check her out at www.sandraingerman.com.

Most Live Lighter readers know there’s something fishy with conventional medicine and so they’ve turned to natural health alternatives. Now with Gary Null’s newest book, Death By Medicine, we have solid proof that today’s medical world needs drastic change.

The title of the book says it all. It instantly activated my gut feelings towards today’s healthcare system, and considering I loved Dr. Null’s Ultimate Anti-Aging Program, I jumped at the chance to provide an honest review in exchange for a copy.

For those of you who don’t know Dr. Gary Null, PhD, he’s been “one of the foremost advocates of alternative medicine and natural healing for over three decades. An award-winning journalist and New York Times best-selling author, Dr. Null has written over 70 books on nutrition, self-empowerment, and public health issues. His syndicated public radio show, “Natural Living with Gary Null,” is the longest-running, continuously aired health program in America.”

Death By Medicine boldly claims that conventional medicine is America’s number one killer. It is both frighteningly fascinating and incredibly dry. Although it’s a short book (238 pages), it took me awhile to read because it backs up this claim with a massive amount of scientific evidence from healthcare research studies (47 pages make up the reference section).

“Never before have complete statistics on the multiple causes of iatrogenesis [definition: inadvertent and preventable introduction of disease or complications by the medical treatment or procedures by a physician or surgeon] been combined in one book… every count in this indictment of US medicine is validated by published, peer-reviewed scientific studies. The startling findings from this meticulous study indicate that conventional medicine is the leading cause of death in the United States.”

The authors (Dr. Gary Null, Dr. Martin Feldman, Dr. Debora Rasio and DR. Carolyn Dean) state in the introduction that they wrote this book as a wake-up call for medical practitioners. It provides real numbers for just how many deaths are occurring within the medical industry and a call for courageous doctors to take action for reform. It also asks them to take natural medicine a little more seriously.

For the average reader (like me), you may find you’ll need to be in a certain mood to read Death By Medicine. Nevertheless, I also feel it’s a necessary read for those who care about their health and who use mainstream healthcare.

Did you know…

…the number of people who die each day because of medical errors – physician mistakes, hospital-related illness, and reactions to FDA-approved medications – is the equivalent of six jumbo jets falling out of the sky?

These are the results from the research reviewed in Death By Medicine!

And yet, the authors remind us the compilation of facts in the book document that:

“those who seek to abolish consumer access to natural therapies are misleading the public. Nearly 800,000 Americans die each year at the hands of government-sanctioned medicine, while the FDA and other government agencies pretend to protect the public by harassing those who offer safe alternatives.”

One of the aspects about the book that really impressed me was as they revealed faults in the healthcare system, they never directly blamed doctors for deaths. The authors suggested that the unacceptable numbers of iatrogenesis (see definition above) were the unfortunate result of a system designed by greedy pharmaceutical companies and governments.

A taste of the contents

So what are some of the leading causes of death by medicine? The research in Death By Medicine covers a wide range, including:

• Problems with drugs – such as, medication errors, adverse drug reactions, medicating our feelings, problems with advertising drugs to consumers and how they pollute our water supply.
• Problems with specific classes of drugs – antibiotics, NSAIDS and cancer chemotherapy.
• An honest look at the failures of American healthcare – such as, unnecessary surgical procedures, x-rays and hospitalization; surgical errors and infections from hospitals.
• Women’s experience in medicine – which suggested women have been unnecessarily treated for hysteria, hysterectomy and cesarean section.
• Poor care of the elderly – bedsores, malnutrition in nursing homes, warehousing our elders and overmedicating seniors.
• Medical ethics and conflicts of interest in scientific medicine

Did any of this information change my mind? Most of it I knew already – although I had no idea about the magnitude of the situation! – but what really impacted me was the information on chemotherapy. I’ve decided after reading this book that if I should ever have to… I would choose natural medicine to help me heal from cancer.

Conclusion

All the various means of death caused by traditional medicine covered by Dr. Null has been talked about before, especially among natural health practitioners. And all the research and information in the book is not new, either.

But seeing it presented all together and the numbers analyzed, well, one could describe Death By Medicine as a real-life horror story! For another review on this book, check out this one by PositiveHealth.com which highlights some of the book’s findings and numbers.

Have you read Death By Medicine yet? What did you think of it? How has it affected your beliefs and trust in the healthcare system?

What if… the old adages, “Good guys always finish last” and “Money is the root of all evil” were myths? What if success could be achieved through good intentions, and monetary wealth was one of many natural by-products of that success?

I thought I changed those negative beliefs a long time ago but I think I needed proof. I found it in “Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose” by Tony Hsieh (pronounced “Shay”), CEO of Zappos.com!

This past week we’ve been talking about how personal development increases health and how successful people inspire action. Well, Tony Hsieh ties this week’s discussions together and provides an inspiring success story for the rest of us in “Delivering Happiness” – just launched this week.

Short ‘n Sweet Book Review Summary

“Delivering Happiness” is not only a must-read for any budding or established business owner looking for a long-term success “how-to” book, it’s a great story for anyone pursuing happiness. Tony takes us on his life journey and the lessons he’s learned, the most important being: profits don’t mean a thing without passion and purpose.

About the Author

Tony Hsieh is a light-hearted, slightly quirky young man who’s become an online celebrity of sorts. He is the CEO of Zappos, a company that Amazon acquired in 2009 for just over $1 billion. Tony is no stranger to financial success, either: he co-founded and sold LinkExchange to Microsoft for $265 million in 1999.

Why You Might Want to Read this Book (more in-depth review)

Like the title suggests, this book is about happiness.

What’s the #1 complaint you and most people have about any company (and person or employer, for that matter)? That’s right, they dropped the ball on customer service: they leave you feeling as if they don’t care about you.

On the other hand, when a company (person or employer) dazzles you, they leave you feeling important and respected. In other words, happy.

In a conversational tone, Tony explains how he and Zappos are achieving ultimate success and happiness by delivering happiness to others. Through personal stories, his own as well as those from Zappos customers, employees, vendors and partners, Tony illustrates how the company focuses on building and maintaining relationships.

“Delivering Happiness” is divided in 3 sections:

1. The first is mainly autobiographical in nature where Tony lets us into his life as he grows up and learns about the pursuit of financial gain.
2. In the second section, he shares with us the ups and downs of building Zappos as they clarify their values and passion.
3. The third section introduces purpose into the equation for a more sustainable approach to success and happiness, in both business and life.

The Science of Happiness

“Delivering Happiness” is definitely a page-turner for those interested in business but for those who aren’t, I guarantee it’s still worth the read. You’ll find many insights throughout the book you can directly apply to your life.

Especially the last chapter where Tony mentions his research into the science of happiness and how he’s applied it to Zappos. (Check out the excellent book review by Positive Psychology News which focuses on this particular aspect of the book.)

Basically, this science has determined that everyone is in the pursuit of the same thing: happiness.

I wanted to write this book… to contribute to a happiness movement to help make the world a better place.

My hope is that through this book, established businesses will look to change the way they are doing things, and entrepreneurs will be inspired to start new companies with happiness at the core of their business models, taking with them some of the lessons I’ve learned personally as well as the lessons that we’ve collectively learned at Zappos. My hope is that more and more companies will start to apply some of the findings coming out of the research in the science of happiness field to make their business better and their customers and employees happier.

My hope is this will bring you happiness, but also enable you to bring other people more happiness.

If happiness is everyone’s ultimate goal, wouldn’t it be great if we could change the world and get everyone and every business thinking in that context and that framework?

Conclusion

I loved this book and not because I received a free, advanced copy in exchange for an honest review; I loved this book because it gave me hope and proof. A company (or person) does NOT have to sell their soul for success!

“Delivering Happiness” showed me that where most people and companies take the easy path to success by making selfish decisions, there are others who have the fortitude and wits to create a win-win situation despite the difficulties of doing so.

Have you any examples of successful people or companies who refused to compromise on their values just to make a buck? There’s got to be more! Please share them in the comments below.

How would you like to learn how to grow your career and a vegetable garden all in one place? If you’re looking for tips to make good use of your spring time and prepare for the summer, www.TheBeehive.org might be the site for you.

This online resource just launched it’s latest campaign, “Spring into Summer,” a special program designed to help families create a healthy and fun summer by providing them with helpful vacation budgeting tips, resources on healthy living and suggestions for activities.

Having just moved into my first home where I actually have a backyard to play in, I really appreciated reading The Beehive’s get-started article, “10 Tips to Grow a Vegetable Garden.” I also loved their happy home section where they provide excellent resources for spring cleaning (including check lists!) and improving the air quality of your home.

You’ll find a scads of basic information on TheBeehive.org covering a wide variety of topics on money, health, jobs, school and housing that will certainly improve your life and those of your family.

But who’s running this site and why?

One Economy is a global non-profit whose mission is to ensure that every person, regardless of income and location, can maximize the power of technology to improve the quality of his or her life and enter the economic mainstream. Since One Economy launched The Beehive in 2001, they have helped over 18 million people worldwide connect to educational tools and services to inform and empower people to improve their lives.

I invite you to check out The Beehive and come back to let us know what you think!

Are you tired of spending money on health tools only to have them fail for you? It’s because what works for one person doesn’t always work for another. However, after several months of trying out my M2 personal health coach, MyTrak may just have the solution!

It’s been 2 months now since I’ve had my M2 and although I feel it’s still a bit early for a complete review, a few readers have requested I post something on it.

Short on time? Here’s my overall rating on the M2 so far: ***½~ (3.5/5)

My rating factors:

1. Effectiveness – Does it do what it promises to do?
2. Versatility – Will it work for most people?
3. Product Support – How willing is the company to help when it’s most needed?
4. Added Features – What’s really exceptional about this product?
5. Ease of Use – How easy is it to reap the benefits of the product?

The following is a breakdown of my M2 experience (so far).

Effectiveness ½ (0.5/1)

The M2 measures your overall health, energy expenditure levels and heart healthy minutes. It does this by tracking your hip movements and jumping motions. As a stand-alone product, the one area where the M2 fails to properly measure is the heart healthy minutes. For instance, if you’re weight-training, it will fail to measure your increased heart rate because you’re not moving or jumping around much, if at all.

You will need a specially coded heart rate belt in order to get full credits for your heart healthy activity. Without the heart rate belt, MyTrak says they credit you more heart healthy minutes by increasing either the intensity or time of your activities.

For myself, there’s only so much time I can squeeze out in a day for physical activity (typically 30 – 90 minutes for me). I took their advice to do more intense activity but even on the days that I’m sweating, breathing hard and know my heart rate is up there, I’m still getting yellow and sometimes red (the goal is to “Go For Green!”).

I already have a heart rate belt and I’m reluctant to invest in another for the benefit of meeting my M2 goals. Additionally, MyTrak has yet to release a water proof version of the M2 so if you like water activities, you won’t be credited for them and the results of your health efforts will be skewed.

Versatility * (1/1)

The MyTrak M2 rocks this category. When you set up your personal goals, you have the choice between a weight loss or fitness program.

I haven’t had the opportunity to check out the weight loss version yet but as for the possible fitness lifestyle goals, here are the various levels:

• Inactive
• Light
• Moderate
• Active
• Intense
• Extreme
• Competitive

I have yet to come across a health tool that offers so many personal health goal options!

Product Support ½ (0.5/1)

Although I only gave them a half a star here, MyTrak is well on its way to owning this product rating factor.

In the 2 months since registering, I’ve had 2 calls from customer support to see if I had any questions or concerns with my M2. I’ve also been contacted via email by one of the health coaches just to let me know that I’ve been consistently behind in hitting my heart healthy minutes. This health coach explained how my M2 measured my heart healthy minutes, offered suggestions in how I can achieve my goals more consistently and encouraged me to do so.

The reason I only gave the M2 a half a star here is because there wasn’t much information provided at the onset about exactly how and what the M2 measures. The 3 health aspects (health, energy & heart) make up the ring on the device but I wasn’t given a full explanation. Knowledge is power, right?

The online tracking and analysis tool is a bit confusing at first, too, and took awhile to even partially understand. (Note: the information is available but you have to hunt for it in the message board.)

On the upside, they’ve recently added regular webinars which explain the M2 functionality and dashboard results (i.e. tracking statistics) and sheds some light on questions. However, the webinars are only about 30 minutes and the presenters speak fast to get it all in. I’ll need to hop into another one of these webinars so that I can absorb all the information.

Another reason for only a half a star in product support is that MyTrak’s responsiveness is a bit slow and sometimes lacking. For instance, back on January 26th I asked a question about what the stars mean that show up next to my profile pic. I haven’t received an answer yet but I found it in the community message board this week.

It’s obvious that there’s a lot going on with the online portion of the product and they’re still working out a few bugs.

Added Features * (1/1)

Besides the social networking component online, MyTrak offers a comprehensive amount of nutritional, fitness, health and supplement information via published content on the site, and now webinars. Some of the webinar topics include:

• Exercise, Myths, Misconceptions and Lies
• Break the Weight Loss Plateau
• All Stressed Up and No Where To Go
• Walk This Way

They have an Announcements section to keep everyone up-to-date on what’s going on with events, the M2 and additions to the team of health coaches. For fun and motivation, they’ve created groups where you can join other like-minded individuals in activities, challenges and events. You can also create your own groups!

The online tracking statistics are phenomenal, too. You can analyze your daily, weekly and monthly results in all 3 areas of health (overall health, energy and heart health). You can track your meals (calorie & nutrition intake), your goals (and adjust them if you’ve chosen overly aggressive goals) and choose specific activities that suit you personally. In addition to these activities, MyTrak will tell you how long you have to perform your fav activities in order to hit your goal that day.

What about even more personalized support? MyTrak kicks butt here. In the “My Body” section of the online tool, you can create personalized plans for nutrition, fitness, health and supplements. They also offer support via personal coaching! Use the community board to post a question or befriend one of the coaches to privately request support.

You also have your own personal blog and message board to post whatever you want there. Friends and coaches can see what you post so they can respond.

Ease of Use ½ (0.5/1)

MyTrak makes the M2 sound really easy, just “wear, sync and succeed”. I’ve found that it’s a bit more complicated than that, though.

There’s definitely a learning curve with all that they offer. I’m certain I’m not using all the online statistics to my advantage. But it’s been difficult so far to manage life and pursue my health goals while getting to know all I need to know in order to use the M2 and its community effectively.

The webinars are really helping to reduce this learning curve, though. I’m confident that within the month I’ll have a routine down where I can actively achieve my fitness goals, log into the online portion regularly and participate more fully in the community. I’m aiming to take the MyTrak opportunity for personal health coaching soon, too!

Stay tuned for additional reviews as I become more accustomed to the M2 and its online tracking/analysis capabilities, the growing online community and as I successfully meet my first fitness goal!

Healthy food doesn’t have to be bland and Bindu Grandhi proves it in Spice Up Your Life: The Flexitarian Way. If you’re still looking for the perfect gift for your health nut or to add an incredible item to your wish list, this recipe book might be it!

You may be wondering, like myself, what’s a flexitarian?

High in nutrition and fiber, and low in saturated fat, a flexitarian dietary approach focuses primarily on plant-based foods composed of grains, nuts, legumes, vegetables and fruits, and occasionally includes protein from lean meat, fish, poultry or dairy.

Ms. Grandhi points out in the introduction that the health benefits of this diet are unrivaled: studies show that people using this approach generally weigh less and reduce their risk of hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and prostate and breast cancer. (Primary source: CNN)

So far I’ve tried 6 out of more than 100 healthy, tasty recipes in Spice Up Your Life. Every one of them has been absolutely delectable!

I LOVE spice, however, my Honey is a little sensitive to the burn. But he’s always willing to try new meals and he went absolutely ga-ga over Bindu’s sweet and zingy (his words) “Sauteed Plantains”!

Indian-inspired, these are unusual recipes (for me, at least) and extremely flavourful. Among the others we’ve tried:

• Seasoned Kale
• Bell Pepper and Potatoes (fried and very yummy)
• Broccoli Soup (made with garlic, ginger & jalapeno peppers)
• Rice Pilaf with Red Lentils
• Salmon with Cashew Red Pepper Sauce (this nutty, sweet sauce is to die for!)
• Mango Swirl Smoothie (lovely and light)

By the way, if you have an aversion to green chilies or dried red chili peppers (or red chili pepper) because of sensitivities or health reasons, the author says you can omit them and promises that the finished dish will still be delicious.

I will try creating some of these recipes without the spice later and report back to you but for now, I love spicing up our lives!

With Spice Up Your Life, you’ll always have an interesting recipe for any occasion:

1. Appetizers
2. Side dishes
3. Chutneys, sauces, dips and raitas
4. Breads
5. Vegetarian dishes
6. Chicken dishes
7. Seafood dishes
8. Drinks
9. Desserts

The complimentary chapters are a bonus! In “Tips, Tools, and Techniques,” Bindu explains how to select fresh ingredients and provides lists for spices and kitchen companions. My favourite, as well as Mama Granhi’s, is the chapter on “What’s Good For You” which promotes the health benefits of the ingredients found in the book.

I especially love that Ms. Grandhi uses a variety of fresh herbs and Indian spices throughout as a basis for most of the recipes. This means, if you have the other fresh ingredients on hand, you can change your mind last minute and try another recipe that’s caught your eye!

At a very affordable price of less than $15, Spice Up Your Life is available online or  in stores like Barnes and Noble, Borders and other independent bookstores.

What do you think, Readers? Are you ready to Spice Up Your Life (or the life of your favourite health nut)?

Have you ever been impulsive? The emotions surge and we make a snap decision. Sometimes it works out but most times… not so much. This post was inspired by our lovely holiday Bowflex tree and the lessons I reflected on while decorating it.

Now, as much as I appreciate the beauty of our Bowflex tree, I understand that there’s something (maybe a few things) desperately wrong with this picture.

Lesson #1: Try Before You Buy (especially big ticket items)

We’ve had our Bowflex machine for over 2 years now and it’s been used about a dozen times between myself and my hubby.

1st issue: Lack of space. (Hence, a Bowflex tree and not a Christmas tree). This machine is much larger than it looked on The Shopping Channel.

2nd issue: Does not suit our taste or needs. I tried. I really did. I watched the DVD that came with it. I installed and used it’s progress tracking software. Even had a routine but none of it stuck.

Now, the hot Bowflex granny says it worked for her so it may also for you (that’s what I was hoping when we ordered it).  But if our Bowflex taught us just one lesson, it’s to make sure your purchase suits you before investing a chunk of money into it.

By the way, what DID work for me was old-fashioned, accessible (and highly economical) floor work and easy-to-store free weights!

Lesson #2: Beware of Unbelievable Deals

The Home Shopping Network is notorious for it’s remarkable deals. Our Bowflex came with loads of extras, including believable and inspiring testimonials and sharp-talking sales reps.

What really cinched the deal for us was the promise of weight-loss and fit, healthy bodies. The advertising tickled our emotions and desires. We thought that if it worked for these people, it would work for us.

Besides, if we were investing this much money into equipment, surely it would motivate us towards a healthy routine! (We didn’t know at the time that change comes from within, not in `things’ outside ourselves.)

Lesson #3: Respect the Energy of Money

The energy of money is like the energy of food. For health, we want the most nutritious calories because it’s the empty (and less satisfying) calories that adds to our weight and drains us of long-lasting energy.

The same holds true for money. When we exchange our hard-earned money for something we truly value and appreciate, we respect ourselves and the energy of money. When we do this, we invite more quality and money into our lives.

In this case, exercise equipment has fulfilled it’s purpose and added real benefit to our lives when we use it on a regular basis to gain muscle and health. Not as an $1,100 pseudo-Christmas tree.

Moral of the Story

While it’s always recommended to make the most out of every situation (see photo), it’s in our best interest to perform due diligence before purchasing and avoid emotion-based impulses so that we use our resources wisely and consciously.

Have you ever used an impulse buy for something it wasn’t meant to be used for just to appease your guilt for being impulsive? I’d really like to hear your stories so our Bowflex tree doesn’t seem so lame! 

By the way, if you’re in the Toronto area and you think a Bowflex machine will suit you, contact me (stephanie [at] livelighter [dot] ca) and we’ll talk shop.

Feeling a bit off or even a lot off? it’s most likely your hormones! Everyone’s got them and they are fascinating, intricate chemicals that require balance or you’ll feel it. Dr. Natasha Turner demystifies hormones, how their imbalances affect our health and teaches us how to regain control of them in The Hormone Diet.

Warning! Before you read further, I feel that it’s my obligation to warn you that between the personable style in which The Hormone Diet is written AND my incredible Hormone Diet results, Dr. Turner has won me over! This may influence the following critique.

Why listen to the author? From her bio:

“Dr. Natasha Turner is one of Canada’s leading naturopathic doctors and natural health consultants. She is Clinic Director and Founder of Clear Medicine – a wellness boutique in Toronto. As an expert in nutrition and natural health, she is regularly featured in print and on television. [I saw her on Breakfast Television!] Her experience has contributed to the design and development of two commercial weight loss programs, which have helped to transform an abundance of lives. She also frequently lectures to both the public and health care providers on topics related to healthy hormonal balance.”

What does the book promise?

The book promises a “6 week health fix” and a “proven method for weight loss”. Dr. Turner has used her approach outlined in The Hormone Diet to “successfully treat thousands of patients with a broad spectrum of health goals.” She has helped people gain much-needed muscle, get healthier skin, cure headaches, improve sleep, ease digestive issues, gain more energy, improve fertility and/or sharpen memory.

Are there are questionable ideas or suggestions in the book?

Dr. Turner raises several interesting current debates in the health industry. In the book, she eloquently, logically and persuasively explains her choices and why they have been included in her program:

1. Cardio kills. Of course, these are not the author’s words, they have been widely used to create hype around this health debate. Doc Turner suggests cardio is needed only once a week while weight training is optimal at 3 times a week for men AND women.
2. Nutritional supplements are necessary. We’ve discussed this debate several times on Live Lighter (and I’m sure we’re not done). Dr. Turner is one health professional out of many who believe that nutritional supplementation is necessary.
3. Detoxing. Yet another hot debate discussed here on Live Lighter. Doc. Turner’s program includes detoxing the body using an anti-inflammatory diet and herbs, detoxing our environment (especially our cupboards for `hormone hampering’ foods) and detoxing our hearts and minds through stress-reduction methods, like meditation.

The Hormone Diet is a holistic, natural program that “promotes healthily bodily function from head to toe, inside and out.” While written with a slant towards weight-loss, Dr. Turner makes it clear that one must be healthy to lose weight. Her program offers a complete wellness plan for long-term health and weight-loss results.

How topical is The Hormone Diet?

In a world where degenerative (i.e. preventable) diseases take thousands of lives every day, where children are being diagnosed with `adult’ health issues (like obesity), The Hormone Diet shares important knowledge that can translate into a very real solution to our current state of health care.

We are less likely to go to our doctors with the signs of imbalance: fatigue, memory loss, low libido, poor concentration or difficulty managing weight. But ignoring these signs lead to more serious conditions, like high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, cancer, arthritis and heart disease. Everything you need to know to regain balance for a better life now and later, is in The Hormone Diet book.

Do I disagree with any part of The Hormone Diet?

Every overall idea about healthy, balanced living presented in The Hormone Diet has been reviewed and discussed at varying lengths here on Live Lighter. Dr. Turner and I are aligned with the health concepts included in her program.

The only aspect that I found irksome was that much of it (at least in the beginning) was written for those focusing on weight loss. However, this is completely understandable considering most people are far more concerned about the side-effects of ill-health: weight. It is these types of readers who are going to benefit the most from The Hormone Diet!

Why read the book and try the program? How is it different from others?

Although she promises results in 6 weeks, Dr. Turner’s program has the potential for life-long results and is a long-term solution to health and balance. Her first step is knowledge. With wisdom comes power and she empowers us through explaining the “interconnectedness of hormones, their wide ranging effects on the body and how hormones are influenced by outside factors”.

The book is filled with steps, tips and clear instructions in how to regain hormonal balance (and our lives) through food, supplementation and lifestyle. Through practical advice, we can easily co-ordinate the Doc’s suggestions into our stressful lives.

This is how Dr. Turner differentiates The Hormone Diet from other books in her field:

The innovative aspect is the way I suggest you undertake these steps, the science in which they are rooted and the effects they will have on your body. The intricacies and subtleties behind this wellness plan are vast. My approach doesn’t involve rushing towards an instant cure; it involves gentle preparation, a step-by-step approach and clever refinements. It makes The Hormone Diet perfectly suited to you and everyone you know, regardless of specific health goals.

Did Dr. Turner change my mind about anything?

As mentioned above, Doc Turner and I are on the same page. Including the fact that most 0% fat and low-fat food items are more harmful than helpful as manufacturers usually modify the foods or add fake sugar so they taste better. My general opinion is that natural and unaltered is always the better choice.

However, Dr. Turner has persuaded me to open my mind up to consider low-fat dairy products as a healthier option to full-fat versions. Low-fat dairy products maintain high levels of protein, calcium and other important vitamins and minerals while reducing levels of saturated fat, cholesterol and calories.

I’m also more conscientious of eating before a workout involving weights. Doc. Turner suggests to do cardio on an empty stomach but that weight training requires energy to effectively complete a weight-training session. I give myself an hour to digest but now I make sure to eat a well-rounded meal approximately 2 hours before pumping iron.

New ideas or opinions formed after reading The Hormone Diet

1. Dr. Turner, along with other professionals at about the same time, helped me understand why nutritional supplementation is necessary in today’s age.
2. After completing the anti-inflammatory detox and reviewing how I felt, I now realize the havoc that inflammation plays on our health.
3. The root cause of disease lies in being unbalanced. Hormones are a scientific way of measuring this imbalance and assessing our health as well as our health efforts.

Conclusion

The Hormone Diet is a book well-worth it’s weight in gold. I love it for all the reasons mentioned above but above all else, it’s Dr. Turner’s supportive, understanding and down-to-earth tone. Her style is easy to read which is quite the accomplishment considering the scientific detail and knowledge she shares. I’ve read this book twice and I’m tempted to attach it to my hip as a reference guide! 

Here are a few book inclusions that may have you scrambling for your wallet:

• A hormonal health profile and instructions for a well-rounded health assessment
• Tons of yummy, healthy and versatile recipes (plus extras by request!)
• Full-body strength training exercise program, complete with pictures at the back of the book (and she provides a beginner’s routine on her website!)
• List of supplements, what they do and when you should take them
• A detox shopping list
• A reintroduction plan for after the anti-inflammatory detox is finished so that you can discover food sensitivities
• Sample menu plan for 1 week
• Example of a hormonally balanced day

Have you tried The Hormone Diet or read the book? Please share your opinions in the comments below!

Did you enjoy this review? Get more like it by subscribing to Live Lighter’s RSS feed or via email.

Would you take nutritional supplements made by pizza makers? Probably not. But you might trust scientists who could manufacture penicillin, IF they weren’t so busy in health, nutrition and preventative care!

In part 2 of my 1st USANA product review, Annabeth asked about scientific studies on USANA products by notable Universities. No luck here but I did discover a slew of interesting USANA facts to consider when comparing supplements and supplement companies.

Here are a few of them:

1. Besides the third party confirmation from Consumerlab.com, the NutriSearch Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements™ continues to rank USANA #1 compared with 1500+ other nutritional supplements on the market. The latest edition (4th) even awarded USANA with it’s first Editor’s Choice Award!
2. Several USANA products are listed in the Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR).
3. Voluntarily meets pharmaceutical grade manufacturing standards. This is the difference between pizza and penicillin, an analogy a USANA scientist used to explain the quality of their supplements. Better reiterated in another post, let’s just say that USANA voluntarily exceeds the current supplement industry standards.
4. Athlete approved! Dozens of trained professional athletes (who have to worry about barred substances) have felt the health enhancements from nutritional supplements and trust USANA to provide them. And why not, USANA offers athlete and tour guarantees (millions of dollars!) for assurance that products comply with strict anti-doping standards.
6. Founder’s scientific background which is the basis for the USANA difference in quality, safety, potency, purity and efficacy. Pioneer in the development of human cell culture technology and winner of the Albert Einstein Award for outstanding achievement in the Life Sciences, Dr. Myron Wentz is also a published author and scientist. Here are a few of his selected citations.
7. Supported by Dr. Ray Strand, author and expert on preventative nutritional medicine, and by Dr. Christine Wood, author and pediatrician.
8. Provides an impressive array of resources to the science of nutrition. Meet the USANA in-house experts, Scientific Advisory Council, research partners, and read the latest health information backing up the science behind USANA products.
9. USANA’s got soul, a.k.a. Corporate Social Responsibility. Here’s what the company is doing to be green, giving and charitable.
10. Founder’s story and vision. For those with more time, here’s Dr. Wentz’s story in text. For those who are time-pressed, here is 90 second video:

If you’re ready to try USANA out for yourself, contact stephanie [at] livelighter [dot] org and I can hook you up with a trusted associate.