Thrive: A Guide to Optimal Health & Performance Through Plant-Based Whole Foods
04/13/2009 In Book Club Reviews by bien-être
One doesn’t usually think of vegan when the word triathlete is mentioned, but the author of this book happens to be both and wants to prove that a diet rich in animal protein is necessary or even ideal in some cases. Brendan writes that the muscles need to be exercised (or stressed) and then rested and properly fed. When it comes to the menu: he varies from the traditional food pyramid. Beans, nuts and tofu all contain protein, but did you know that protein is also found in broccoli, spinach, and hemp? The human body needs protein to function at its best…but how much…and from what sources?? Read this book to find out more – and be inspired by a truly thriving athlete!
Buy this book here.
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Rosacea: Your Self-Help Guide
04/08/2009 In Book Club Reviews by bien-être

I love this book because it’s meant as a resource for support and insight. The author doesn’t pretend to know all the answers but does make some truly wonderful observations and suggestions for those that live with this skin condition. Although the cause of Rosacea is still unknown, there’s more than enough research to suggest that it’s linked to inflammation and genetics. That being said, every case is different and what works for one doesn’t necessarily work for another. The focus of this book is to define the symptoms of Rosacea and discus practical solutions for keeping flare-ups at bay. The fact that the author is also a doctor living with Rosacea gives the book even more credit as a reliable source.
Buy Rosacea: Your Self-Help Guide
by Arlen Brownstein M.S., N.D. and Donna Shoemaker C.N.
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The Truth About Beauty by Kat James
03/31/2009 In Book Club Reviews by bien-être
The Truth About Beauty by Kat James
Our skin is an organ and functions at its best when treated like one instead of being treated like a cosmetic covering. The rest of our organs also need proper nutrition in order for us to look and feel our best. Kat James, a former celebrity stylist, knows a thing or two about this first hand. She found herself overweight and unhappy with the way her skin was aging and decided to overhaul her beauty and diet regime to something much simpler and cleaner. By doing this she began to lose excess body fat, and look younger and healthier. Kat writes about this beauty transformation and makes several great points. She encourages the reader to make “under” their skincare regime (giving the skin some much needed breathing room), and focusing on a healthy, balanced diet supplemented with antioxidants and vitamins. For those of you who tend to get a bit overwhelmed by diet trends and skincare products, take note: the truth about beauty is…beauty is actually quite easy to achieve when it comes from health.
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In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto by Michael Pollan
03/30/2009 In Book Club Reviews by bien-être
In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto by Michael Pollan
Well, I loved The Omnivore’s Dilemma so much that as soon a I returned from my beach Honeymoon, I went to purchase the sequel: In Defense of Food. While it helps to have read the first book prior to this great one, its not mandatory for getting the gist of Michael’s message. He asks the reader, “what is food?” The answer should be painfully obvious, but after a quick jaunt through the supermarket aisles, he realizes that this word “food” has quite possibly been bastardized with all kinds of partially hydrogenated, fat-free, sugar-free, vitamin-fortified ’special’ ingredients. After reading this book, I asked myself another question: “How long does the ingredient list have to be until a deliciously flavored cracker, soup, cheese, or frozen meal is no longer recognized by my body as ‘food’?” You will crave a nice big salad after this one!
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Ayurveda Wisdom by Cybele Tomlinson
03/27/2009 In Book Club Reviews by bien-être
Ayurveda Wisdom by Cybele Tomlinson
Cybele Tomlinson, a new mom with a desire to create health, peace and vitality in her life, writes about the philosophy and practical uses of Ayurveda and Yoga from her own personal experience. Most books on this topic delve way too far into the history and different aspects of auyrveda, that it can seem overwhelming just reading them. Cybele makes a point to mention that this is not that kind of book. Instead the 163 pages are filled with straightforward explanations as well as everyday tips and routines. For those of you interested in ‘dipping your toes’ into this ancient way of life and many of the benefits it has to offer, start here!

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