Sugar Savvy Solution

I've always been interested in new "diet" books. This has resonated with me for some time now so when I saw it at the library I had to pick it up. 

 It all makes great sense and it only encourages me more to continue this path of no added sugars. (except what occurs naturally)

It also encourages more fluids, so I'm concentrating on that. Cucumber and lemon make it much more fresh. What do you like to add in your water to liven it up?

Book Review- The Daniel Plan

I've had this read for awhile and am just now finding time to write a review. Everything the book recommends, I agree with!

The premise of the book is based on the 5 F's-
*Faith*Food*Fitness*Focus*Friends*

Written by Pastor Rick Warren he admits it wasn't a very spiritual thought when he was baptizing and realized how large his congregation was, including him. (and we are talking girth size not members!) He enlisted some experts and put the Daniel Plan into action.

For me this sums up the book,
" Real food has the power to give you your life back and more fully engage in the purpose of your life. To be able to live with purpose, to love, serve, connect and celebrate the gifts God has given you."

How can you celebrate life and its gifts if you are lethargic, overweight and sick? You can't!

A few quotes from the book I jotted down while reading:

"Everyone wants to be healthy, but very few people choose to be healthy. It's a lifetime of choices, but begins with a decision."

"People rarely change until the pain exceeds the fear of change."

"We are good at planning lots of things but most of of us rarely plan for our health."

Referring to chronic diet related symptoms and diseases:
"If a horse has been standing on your foot your whole life, then you may not know how bad it feels until he gets off your foot. "

"Learn how to use your grocery store as a FARMacy. "

"Our social circles influence our health more than our DNA." (quit blaming your overweight grandmother!)

"When you are feeling good, eating right, life becomes an adventure with an unending list of opportunities to explore."


I like that the book encourages accountability in a group setting. If you've been reading my blog long you know I'm all about accountability. If you need a partner to help I'm all in! Let me know.

It Starts with Food

Read more HERE

I just finished this book. It's called Whole 30 because the authors want you to give it a try for 30 days. Not a half ass try but an all out DO IT for 30 days.  Here it is in a nutshell:

• Eat foods that make you more healthy- meat, seafood and eggs, lots of vegetables, some fruit, and plenty of healthy fats.
• Do not consume any added sugar, alcohol, grains, legumes or dairy.
• Do not attempt to recreate junk foods or desserts by using "approved" ingredients.
• Do not step on the scale for the entirety of the program.

The premise is it can change your life. It can change the way you think about food, it can change your tastes, it can change your habits and your cravings. 

I'm always a little hesitant to believe the "scientific" evidence that are provided in these type of books. It seems you can find studies to back up whatever you believe. That's why the authors say, "Don't take our word for it, try it yourself!" I appreciate that.

One other aspect I appreciate is they address people who smoke. Quitting smoking should be the top priority over taking the 30 day challenge. Their words, "Ditch the smokes, then take on Whole 30."

There may be a time when I may want to try this for 30 days and see how I feel. Not right at this time. If you've done this program I'd love to hear about your results.

I started a small facebook group for January accountability and I loved it! If you set a January goal, how did it go?

Hands Down- Best Book

I finished reading this and it is by far the best food book I've read. Some books tell you things to scare you; I didn't feel like that at all with this book. The facts, sometimes more scientific than my brain could get around, were laid out.
Did you know that you can get a degree in Food Science and become a food scientist? As long as people demand convenient and fast food we will continue to make it available. I'd prefer to read labels and eat as much real food as possible.

Here's a few quotes from the book that stuck with me.

"Just because it is edible doesn't mean it is good for you."

"And just because something is low in calories, this doesn't mean it is healthy, just as taking out artificial ingredients, while commendable, doesn't make a food good for us, only less bad."

From a TV ad about easy, convenient food: "Just sit at home and chew. I do love the leisure life."


I'm reading labels more closely then ever these days. Are you a label reader?