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Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Breezy Weight Loss Boss Offers Realistic Advice From Someone Who's Been There
7:29 AM
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
With the dawning of each new year, I always make the same resolution: lose weight. A frustrating week or so later and I'm scribbling a new goal: forget dieting and embrace my chubbiness 'cause it's obviously not going anywhere anytime soon! It's only when I've taken a middle ground approach that I've actually had success working off some of my unwanted pounds. Willpower and self-motivation not being particular strengths of mine, I've turned to Weight Watchers for help more than once. It works. As long as I stick with the program. Which sounds so easy ...
It was actually at a Weight Watchers meeting that I heard about Weight Loss Boss by David Kirchhoff. Published in 2013, the book chronicles the (former) Weight Watchers CEO's 9-year journey to his goal weight. Using the tools taught to all WW members, Kirchoff lost—and kept off—40 pounds. Although he resigned as CEO in 2013, he continues to use what he learned to keep his weight in check.
As Kirchhoff tells his story, he spills his big secret to success: do not rely on willpower and determination alone. He emphasizes the importance of sticking to healthy routines. By consistently exercising, eating the right foods, and avoiding the wrong ones, we can achieve "medically meaningful" (11) weight loss. As Kirchhoff describes his daily doings, it's easy to see that he practices what he preaches.
You won't find any revolutionary, miracle advice in Weight Loss Boss, but what you will get is realistic, no-nonsense tips from someone who's been there. Kirchhoff is funny, compassionate and, above all, authentic. If you want a quick, inspiring read that will jumpstart your desire to work on your own weight loss goals, definitely give this one a go.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs) and very vague references to sex
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Friday, May 03, 2013
Want to Live Longer? Try Living Like A Mormon.
3:37 PM
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
If the general population knows anything about Mormons, it's that we avoid certain substances: coffee, tea, tobacco, drugs, alcohol, caffeine, etc. It's an avoidance that definitely sets us apart, not to mention helps us live longer.* Many people probably don't know the specifics behind why members of the LDS Church adhere to such a strict health code. Scott A. Johnson, an LDS naturopathist living in Utah, would like that to change. If non-Mormons followed the counsel given by the Lord to the prophet Joseph Smith (which is set forth in the 89th section of the Doctrine & Covenants) and Mormons paid stricter heed to it, he believes, all would benefit. Anyone who's been through Primary knows that the so-called "Word of Wisdom" is a principle with a promise to all who follow it. Johnson reiterates just what those promises are—good health, knowledge, energy, and the spiritual blessings that accompany obedience.
Johnson doesn't expect readers (especially those who are not Mormon) to just take it on faith. Not at all. In his new book, The Word of Wisdom: Discovering the LDS Code of Health, he goes through the Word of Wisdom with a fine-tooth comb, giving scientific evidence to support the principles within. He elaborates on many of the topics, including the dangers of eating too many animal products (including milk!) and the advantage of using herbal remedies to encourage the body's natural healing processes. While Johnson focuses on parts of the revelation which aren't usually emphasized (herbs, for instance), he backs up what he's saying with science, scripture, and personal experience. Still, Johnson's approach will no doubt feel a little radical to most of us. While I think nothing of abstaining from coffee, tobacco and alcohol (which I've done all my life, with no ill effects), I balk a little at the idea of shunning convenience foods in favor of organic ones. While I know it would be beneficial health-wise, it feels a little too granola girl for practical, uncomplicated me!
Still, Johnson brings up some great points, which definitely make his case for eating more naturally. What I feel is missing from his book, though, is practical solutions for busy individuals and families. To me, the information he presented felt overwhelming instead of encouraging. Plus, the book's written in a rather clinical way that makes it both very dense and a bit dull for the average reader. Even though The Word of Wisdom: Discovering the LDS Code of Health is less than 100 pages (not including Appendices), my attention wandered every time Johnson slipped into scientist-speak (which was often). Sometimes it felt like I was reading a Nutrition textbook, when what I really wanted was more of a handbook, with both basic information and ideas to help implement more healthful living into my daily life.
Overall, I think the book is helpful, well-written and full of sound principles. I just felt overloaded with information and under-armed with real-life solutions. In other words, I believe in what Dr. Johnson is saying (especially since he's reiterating what was said in a revelation I believe came from God), I just don't know how to do it, if that makes any sense. The book definitely made me think, though, and that's always a good thing.
* According to demographic research referenced in the book (resource listed on Page 117), LDS males in Utah live 7.3 years longer than their non-LDS counterparts, while LDS females live 5.8 years longer than non-member females in Utah.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade: B-
If this were a movie, it would be rated: G for nothing offensive
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of The Word of Wisdom: Discovering the LDS Code of Health from the generous folks at Cedar Fort via the author, Scott Johnson. Thank you!
Monday, January 21, 2013
Finishing and Following Through: How One Woman Changed Her Life By Doing Just That (You Can, Too!)
8:06 AM
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Every January, a new crop of weight loss books pops up. Some promise do-it-quick diets, others fast, fat-blasting exercises—all assure would-be "losers" that they can be skinny, without spending too much time, money or energy. Uh huh. Finished Being Fat, a new inspirational memoir by Betsy Schow, isn't like that. Yes, it's about a 30-year-old woman who loses 75 pounds in a year. Yes, it chronicles her journey from couch potato to marathon runner. But, no, it's not a how-to book. It's not a diet book. It's a book about changing your life through hard work, determination and a staunch refusal to give up on a goal—no matter what.
As a chubby child, Schow endured ridicule from her peers, pressure from her parents and loathing from herself. She tried every diet in the book. Nothing worked—at least not for long. By the time she reached 30, Schow was still overweight, still depressed, still convinced that a worthless person like her shouldn't even bother trying because she would never succeed. She simply was not a finisher. She was someone who talked big, planned big and failed big. Following through just wasn't in her DNA, apparently.
Then, Schow had an epiphany: what if she did finish something? Like, say, a marathon? Determined to prove she could do the impossible, the stay-at-home mom got off the couch and started training. Replacing negative self-talk with positive affirmations, she kept running through inclement weather, injury, exhaustion, and every other kind of roadblock. But as the marathon date approached, Schow balked—could she really, truly cross the finish line? Run 26 miles? Impossible. Or was it?
While Schow's regimen seemed a little extreme to me, I still found her story inspirational and motivating. She writes with warmth, humor, and a down-to-Earth sensibility that will speak to anyone who's ever dreamed of doing the impossible. Her advice on finishing is spot-on. While I enjoyed just about everything about Finished Being Fat, the poor copy editing drove me nuts. Typos always jolt me out of a narrative, spoiling the experience for me. Overall, though, I found the book both compelling and convincing.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't really think of anything. Can you?)
Grade: B-
If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG for nothing offensive, just themes more suitable for teens/adults
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of Finished Being Fat from the generous folks at Cedar Fort. Thank you!
Wednesday, September 05, 2012
The One Where I Talk About ... That
1:00 AM
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Let's just get this out of the way right off the bat: I'm a huge prude. I don't think that's a bad thing in this tell-all (and on Facebook, no less!) world. I don't even think I'm that unique, especially not among Mormon women. Really, I can't be the only girl out there who doesn't like to talk about ... well ... you know ... that. So, you can imagine my response when I received an email asking me to review a book titled Real Intimacy: A Couple's Guide to Healthy, Genuine Sexuality. It was that last word that got me (*blush*). I thought, no way do I want to read about that, let alone write about that. Then, I paused. After all, the book was written by three family therapists specifically for married Mormon couples. Maybe, I could learn something. So, I read it (I admit to placing a Post-It note over the subtitle so I wouldn't get any curious kiddos asking me what the book was about) and now I'm going to review it. The blush is already creeping up my cheeks ...
Like I mentioned, Real Intimacy was written by three family therapists (Kristin B. Hodson, Alisha B. Worthington and Thomas G. Harrison), all of whom are LDS and practice in Utah. Their aim? To speak to married couples (the advice they give is directed toward Mormon couples, but is applicable to couples of any religion) candidly about sexuality. This isn't something that happens a lot in most LDS households, which pretty much ensures that young brides and grooms are completely clueless about sex until their wedding nights (and, often, for a long time afterward). Thus, the authors seek to not just explain the basics, but also to help couples achieve the kind of healthy, nurturing intimacy that makes marriages strong.
What I like most about the book is the authors' definition of intimacy. They believe that true intimacy isn't just about sex, but about closeness in four areas—physical, sexual, emotional and spiritual. Only when all of these are in balance, they say, can we create true oneness. The authors spend most of the book talking about how couples can find this balance. They discuss issues that are unique to LDS couples (and others raised in strict religious settings), as well as those that can be found in marriages of all type (pornography, infidelity, sexual abuse, etc.). Using case studies, they talk about how real couples have confronted and dealt with such issues. In dealing with your own issues, the authors recommend being frank and honest with your spouse, trusting them with your innermost fears, doubts and insecurities. While the book does bring up specific sexual issues, it's mostly about communication with and consideration for the most important person in your life.
Real Intimacy is a quick read (less than 200 pages, not including appendices). Each chapter also includes a "Nuts and Bolts" section which summarizes in about a page what has been talked about in the preceding section. This makes the book an especially fast and easy read. Or, if you want the most valuable information (in my opinion, anyway) just read the "His Approach, Her Approach" chapter. It provides an excellent chart showing how men and women look at things (including sex) in completely different ways.
All in all, I think Real Intimacy provides some excellent information for married couples. It's nothing revolutionary, to be sure, and the writing could definitely use some improvement. I also would have liked more discussion of issues unique to LDS marriages. Still, it's a valuable book that would be useful for any couple, whether they've been married for 5 months or 50 years.
Visit the authors' very informative website by clicking here.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of And They Were Not Ashamed by Laura M. Brotherson)
Grade: B-
If this were a movie, it would be rated: R, only because it talks about sex in a very frank and straightforward way. The book is geared toward married adults, which is the audience for whom it is most suited.
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of Real Intimacy from the generous folks at Cedar Fort via the lovely ladies over at SparkPoint Studio, LLC. Thank you!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Note to Expectant Mothers: Ignore the Experts (Except This One, Of Course)
1:00 AM
Registered nurse Tori Kropp has some words of wisdom for expectant mothers: Stop overwhelming 
yourself with expert advice. It's a funny statement considering she's the expert behind The Joy of Pregnancy, which doles out an awful lot of information and counsel. So, obviously, she's not saying mothers-to-be need to steer clear of the library's Pregnancy/Childbirth section - she's simply advising women to calm down and trust their own instincts to guide them through their pregnancies. And read her book, of course.
yourself with expert advice. It's a funny statement considering she's the expert behind The Joy of Pregnancy, which doles out an awful lot of information and counsel. So, obviously, she's not saying mothers-to-be need to steer clear of the library's Pregnancy/Childbirth section - she's simply advising women to calm down and trust their own instincts to guide them through their pregnancies. And read her book, of course.The Joy of Pregnancy professes to be "The Complete, Candid, and Reassuring Companion for Parents-To-Be," and I think that's an apt description. The book is divided into 10 chapters, one for each month of a typical pregnancy plus one discussing postpartum issues. Each section contains information on how the baby is developing during the given month; the changes the mother's body is undergoing; and other subjects that commonly crop up at that point in pregnancy. Also included are Q & As, advice just for fathers-to-be and helpful illustrations. Kropp does write candidly, and offers plenty of reassurance in the form of statistics, research studies, and stories from her own experience as a nurse and a mother.
While The Joy of Pregnancy offers heaps of helpful information, most of it is geared toward first-time mothers. I did learn a few things I didn't know (even after 3 pregnancies), but most of Kropp's suggestions were ones I had heard before. Although this guide is very thorough, offering more and better information than other manuals, it also lacks the quick, conversational tone that makes books like The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy and the What to Expect volumes so readable. Don't get me wrong - it's an excellent resource, just not my favorite pregnancy guide.
For me, the most engaging part of The Joy of Pregnancy was the introduction when Kropp explains how she decided to write the book. She talks about how often she helped pregnant women who had read so many guides and taken so many childbirth classes that "they were trusting a variety of writers and other 'experts' more than they trusted themselves" (xii). This made them so tense about the experience that Kropp feared women were forgetting to enjoy their pregnancies. Kropp decided to change things in her own practice, advising women to stop reading piles of pregnancy books, and giving them permission to "relax and enjoy pregnancy rather than dissect it and figure it all out" (xiii). I love this idea.
So, while I prefer the What to Expect books more than this one, I still recommend The Joy of Pregnancy as an excellent resource for first-time mothers. It's got tons of great information as well as a relaxed, reassuring focus. Although Tori Kropp likes to trash the experts, I have to say she is one I would suggest listening to.
Grade: B
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