May
31
Nikkei: Nintendo’s Wii Fit plus coming to make weight loss competitive, Internet fun (Engadget)
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May
30
The Cortisol Connection Why Stress Makes You Fat and Ruins Your Health And What You Can Do About It
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The Cortisol Connection Why Stress Makes You Fat and Ruins Your Health And What You Can Do About It
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Great Book
Very insightful and informative book! Highly recommend it for anyone that wants to get healthier.
5 Stars A Good Book to Relax With
Anxiety and depression run in my family. I also have the added bonus of coping with allergies and asthma, so I’m always on the lookout for books that might help me with any of these issues, which is why I picked up The Cortisol Connection.
This book far surpassed my expectations. I was able to apply some of the nutritional advice before I’d even finished reading the book and immediately felt an improvement in my outlook and mood. This was over the holiday season too, which is normally a very tough time for me.
If you know you are already stressed, you may want to skip the first six chapters and dive right into the advice that starts in chapter seven. Reading those first six chapters that explain what bad cortisol levels can do to you caused me quite a bit of worry, and it took a while to get through all that information. It was good information to have, I just wish I would’ve read the “what you can do about it” part first.
This book gives the most concise and easy to remember nutritional advice I’ve ever read. The supplementation information corroborated with things I’ve read when researching inflammation. In changing my diet and adding some supplementation according to Talbott’s recommendations I’ve been able to reduce my anxiety levels significantly, cut back on how often I need my rescue inhaler and clear up most of my congestion.
My only complaint is the lack of notation. Talbott sites many scientific studies, but never includes notation with those passages to tie them to the appropriate study listed in the appendix. The few times I had the patience to flip to the appendix and try to pin-point the study he was referring to seemed to indicate he’d included all the necessary references, but more specific notation would’ve given me a little more initial confidence in the information.
From the perspective of a lay person with no medical schooling, but who’s spent years reading and researching in an attempt to improve my own health, I find this book invaluable. Several family members have asked to borrow it, but I’ll be buying copies for them so I don’t have to part with mine.
4 Stars The Cortisol Connection
Cortisol. Who knew! Too little, or none.. and you have Addison’s Disease and cannot handle stress without medication. Too much? Weight gain, IBS, joint pain, hair loss, and more.
This book not only outlines the problems caused by stress, which causes too much cortisol to be created by the body, but how to cope with it. Not only will you be informed about what and how much damage can be done to the body by too much stress/cortisol, but there are recommendations on how to change it.
Nutrition, supplements to take or not to take? And of course a healthy diet and exercise are the among the answers.
This is not a gloom and doom book by any means. This is a book that explains a problem, and gives simple and often enjoyable approaches to controlling stress and the overproduction of this hormone. Read a trashy novel, soak in a hot tub, give yourself days off each week..hey, I can do that!
Often books that you think you should read to learn something you feel that you should know about are dry and dull and agonizing to get through. This one has bits of humor ( humans are not zebras!) and it presents information in such a clear and simple way that I was able to zip right through the pages, and make my way through it in 2 sittings.
Even though I have read it cover to cover, you can be sure that this is one that will spend a long time on my nightstand. I want it to be available for quick reference and reminders of what I should be doing and looking for. Not just a good and informative read, but by all means, a keeper!
5 Stars Sensible guide for reducing stress and feeling better
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (9/07)
If you are living in the USA, or really anywhere in the so-called “developed” world, chances are you are stressed beyond belief. While stress used to be taken lightly in the past, there was a lot of research performed on how it affects us and in recent years doctors are calling attention to all of the risks associated with it. If you think your life is not really complicated enough for you to qualify as being under stress, consider this paragraph from “The Cortisol Connection” by Shawn Talbott, Ph.D., which clearly shows that one does not need to be a CEO to be under stress:
“The most direct example of the chronically elevated human stress response can be observed every day in the lives of a large part of the American (and worldwide) population. Those are the folks who are driving a junker car (and hoping it makes it) to their second job. They are hoping that the money from that second paycheck will last until the end of the month when the bills are due. They are not the people whom you see commiseration about their terrible jobs on sitcoms such as Friends. The constant unrelenting stress of making ends meet, job instability, sleep deprivation, poor diet, lack of outlets for stress, and overall lack of control combine to increase the risk of disease by a factor of five to ten!”
A factor of five to ten is scarily high, so getting stress and the risks under control would certainly be a good idea. “The Cortisol Connection” is an extremely helpful guide in this process, clearly explaining the risk factors, possible effects of those factors and ways and means of controlling stress and taking control of your life. The proposed solution, called the SENSE Lifestyle Program, is more than a diet, since it incorporates several key elements; such as stress management, exercise, nutrition and supplements. Although the book is very detailed and in parts quite “technical,” the overall program seems to be eminently sensible and not impossible to follow.
While I have no experience in the medical field and cannot evaluate the book from that perspective, I was clearly impressed by the amount of research that went into this book, as is evident from the extremely extensive “References” section. I found the language easy-to-follow and easily understandable. While an average reader might not care for all the medical references and explanations, I believe most anybody could and should follow the recommendations of the SENSE Lifestyle Program, especially since it was extensively researched and tested.
I would highly recommend “The Cortisol Connection” to any reader who wants to take responsibility for his or her own health and well-being and actually do something about it.
1 Star Some science and lots of baloney
Current scientific understanding of cortisol’s role in stress, disease, weight gain and so on is useful general information, even if it doesn’t tell specifically how to endure and surmount the stress of modern life. However, this information is conveyed much more effectively in other books such as Sapolsky’s _Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers._
The distinctive feature of _The Cortisol Connection_ is that it tells you what to do about excessive cortisol secretion. Unfortunately, what it tells you do to is complete baloney. A few of the many nutritional supplements he recommends — magnesium, for example, might be mildly helpful for a few people who have bad eating habits and don’t take conventional vitamins and minerals.
All the other recommendations for nutritional supplements lack scientific foundation. Any author can just make this stuff up. Then another author cites the first author, a third author cites the second, and a fourth author cites the first, in a round robin of nonsense. Then other authors claim that these multiple citations prove that the value of such supplements is well-recognzied. This kind of pseudoscience stinks to high heaven, and it makes modern life more stressful than it must be.
May
30
21 Pounds in 21 Days The Marthas Vineyard Diet Detox
Detox diets are making news as the quickest, easiest way to shed pounds, boost your energy, and get yourself on a wellness track. Popular in the 1970s, cleansing fasts are again all the rage among celebrities like Gisele Bundchen, Gwyneth Paltrow, Stella McCartney, and Madonna.
One of the key advocates of the health benefits of cleansing detoxes is Roni DeLuz, ND, a licensed naturopathic and health practitioner at Martha’s Vineyard Holistic Retreat, part of the renowned Martha’s Vineyard Inn. The idea behind DeLuz’s new detox plan is the belief that the foods we eat (along with the coffee, tea, and alcohol we drink and the air we breathe) contain harmful and toxic substances that accumulate in our bodies and need to be removed in some way. In 21 Pounds in 21 Days, DeLuz offers three different detox programs, including the original and most effective 21-day “MasterFast,” which promises a 21-pound weight loss in just three weeks and focuses on detoxification through antioxidants, fasting, stress reduction, and lifestyle changes. Also included in the book are:
- Maintenance plans
- Dozens of easy, delicious recipes
- Real-life tips
- An extensive glossary of terms
- A guide to supplements
Meals consist of supplement-laden drinks, herbal teas, thick, delicious vegetable purees, and “live” juices, along with nutritional supplements, vitamins, and enzymes designed to keep the body’s systems stable and its cells nourished while harmful toxins are flushed out. 21 Pounds in 21 Days isn’t just for those looking to lose weight; everyone can benefit from this revolutionary detox diet that results in a clean, refreshed system that functions at its best.
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars Worth every penny
Just finished with my cleanse. I feel wonderful! I have so much energy, it’s amazing. I followed the instructions, customizing a few things and have nothing bad to say. If you need to drop some weight, have more energy or just want to kick start a new you, this book will help you achieve all of your goals.
5 Stars 21 pounds in 21 days Vineyard Diet Detox
This book is an excellent source for detoxification. The instructions were easy to follow and adhere to. After 5 days I had more energy and felt good inside and out.
5 Stars it does work
the first week I lost 12 lbs, u have to stick to it and exercise and u will lose more than 21 pounds. After this experience i have not eaten meat and i feel light and not bulky. i love it
1 Star Thanks for the heads up!
I was going to look further into this program. I read an article in the November 2008 issue of Essence magazine. I then checked out the price of the book and kit but was told to read the reviews first. I’d like to thank those of you that gave an honest opinion and kept me from wasting my money.
4 Stars you can’t give a bad review if you didn’t try it!!!
I bought the book first & once I was mentally ready I bought the plan from Ebay (much cheaper than from the actual site.) I stuck with it for 21 days & I lost 15 lb. It has been 1 month, today, since my 21st day & I am maintaining & I have lost more on my own. This book/plan altered my lifestyle. I cleansed my body, mind, closet, fridge & pantry. I am a procrastinator too - go figure.
My friend just finished & lost 16 lb. If you are ready you will succeed. I didn’t do any enemas, colonics, etc. I did what I could afford & had time for. I treated myself w/something ea week. I did the detox bath (very inexpensive) & I had 2 massages. I didn’t juice anything either. I just drank what I bought..I did make the pureed soups during week two. I just boiled and used my food processor.
I also think the book is pretty straight forward - meaning the author knows that most people can not follow nor afford the plan like those people that actually go to Martha’s Vineyard Detox Center & have all of the resources provided to them. Maybe going to MVineyard would have helped me lose the extra 6 lbs??? Who cares, I lost 15 and I got past the plateau. I am working out (yes, I actually dusted off an exercise dvd & haven’t stopped since 8/2).
May
29
7 Secrets The Weight Loss Industry Will Never Tell You
For more than 20 years, Graham Park followed the advice of every weight loss ‘expert’ and company he could find. He spent thousands of dollars and lost lots of weight, over and over again. During that same time he managed to add more than 66 pounds of extra fat to his already overweight body. Traditional ‘solutions’ from weight loss companies simply do not work. They merely trap us on a treadmill of ‘Yo Yo’ diets and potentially dangerous medical treatments that sap both our wallet and our self esteem. Working with an experienced team of health professionals from outside the traditional weight loss industry, Graham was able to lose more than 95 pounds in just 23 weeks and keep the weight off! To lose the weight, Graham learned how to reactivate his body’s natural fat burning hormones WITHOUT: • doing any serious exercise; • counting calories; • drinking diet shakes or eating “meal replacements”; HOWEVER, he did eat and enjoy a balanced, healthy range of “normal” foods. Graham and his team have since helped thousands of people successfully lose weight (and keep it off) using this simple & highly successful formula. Now this book shares how you can also achieve this same level of success.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Biggest Winners need only apply!
As the weight loss epidemic explodes across the globe, it’s great to see that someone is finally exposing the truth - Good on you Graham. As you so rightly say, “Losing weight isn’t about shakes, potions and gimmicks, and it’s certainly not about crash diets or crazy exercise routines.”
This book is a breath of fresh air, in an industry that is rank with liars and con-artists. I personally will be implementing your strategies, and taking full advantage of all those tools, recipes, tips, articles and other stuff that’s on the book’s complementary website. It’s safe to say, that armed with a book like this, anyone wanting to finally win the battle of the bulge is a Biggest Winner!
5 Stars 7 Secrets
This book is amazing. As a college student, I am faced with so many new diet fads and ideas every day. It’s great to finally look at weight loss from a different angle. Who knew you could be happy and healthy?!
5 Stars Proof Positive That It works!
I knew Graham when he was overweight. One day I got an email from him with a before and after photo of himself. It was amazing! I asked what he ad done to lose all that weight and he told me of the system he had. I then asked if he would share it with my dear wife because, after bearing four children she was about 50 pounds heavier than she wanted to be. He did and the rest is history. She, for the first time in 25 years of committed dieting on just about every diet out there, none of which worked past 12 pounds loss, HAS LOST 50 POUNDS! It was so wonderful to finally see my precious, eternal mate, be so happy and see such fantastic results! So many diet programs state in fine print, “Results not typical”. This DOES NOT APPLY to Graham’s way. The results his way of reducing poundage ARE typical because each program is customized to YOUR body’s needs. This is why I could write the forward to this wonderful book. It is the truth and it has integrity! Read it now! Then get on his program. It will work! I did not get paid to state this. I just saw it work with my own eyes so I can, with integrity, endorse thei book and the results Graham’s program gets. Jack Zufelt www.dnaofsuccess.com
5 Stars Read it, used it and love it!
Graham contacted me nearly three years ago with the news of his Adventures in Weight Loss Program and I knew straight away that this was a program I needed. At 150 kg (over 330 lbs) that view was really not in question. I have used his program and have lost over 63 KG (138 lbs)in 12 months (and still going strong with the losses!) with what is incredible ease.
Graham’s book outlines his journey and his discoveries about effective and permanent weight loss as well as debunking the myths that we seekers have been fed by the weight loss industry that have led to failure and despair for those who try them.
I highly recommend this book for it’s wit and wisdom and it’s message of hope for those who really want to change their lives forever. Well done, mate!
5 Stars At Last… the real truth to permanent weight loss.
It seems that whenever I turn on the TV I’m bombarded with the hype and spin of this weight loss marvel, or that amazing fat-burning gimmick. Thank you Graham for finally exposing the truth and giving hope to those who have tried & tried to lose weight and failed. Plus, I also wanted to say thank you. The resources that come with this book are exceptional value, and set it apart from anything else that’s on the market today. In my opinion, anyone who has ever struggled with their weight should buy this book.
May
29
Body for Life Success Journal
Filed Under Book | Leave a Comment
New from #1 New York Times bestselling author Bill Phillips comes Body-for-Life Success Journal.With over three million copies sold and after more than three years on bestseller lists, Body-for-Life is still going strong. People everywhere are discovering that they too have the power to change their body, their mindset, their life. They are discovering that when they make a change, they make a difference — they become an inspiration to others, a positive example of living a healthy style of life. And now, with this new Success Journal, becoming a Body-for-Life success story is within reach for everyone.
More than just a typical log book, this complete Success Journal guides you, day by day, step by step, through the entire 12-week Program. Bill Phillips designed this book to help you stay focused and inspired. Through its pages, he will be with you every step of the way and so will other people who have successfully completed the Program. Each and every day they will support you, encourage you, and help you complete the Program in championship style. When you finish this Success Journal, it will document your success story. However, the real reward will be your new, transformed body and your clear, empowered mindset.
User Ratings and Reviews
1 Star No Happy
The book (Journal) was listed as good, like new, no marks and It already had the first 5 days filled out in ink, disappointed
4 Stars Good way to follow the BFL plan
I suppose you could download the workout plans and some of the other stuff contained in this journal for free but for me it is worth the cash to have it all laid out for you. It definitely helped me follow the BFL plan.
5 Stars Essential to the Body for Life Program
This journal goes with me everywhere! The daily success stories are helpful and inspiring. Having this tool handy to record meals, workouts, and personal thoughts is essential to making this Program easy and trackable.
4 Stars Body for Life Success Journal
It has all of the data required to keep a journal in one book. A lot of positive motivation is also inserted.
4 Stars Great Log Journal
I love this journal, it has been very helpful in keeping with the BFL program. The only thing I wish would have been in the journal was a map of all the muscle groups for reference. But the BFL book has it and I use that when needed.
