Total Health Makeover

Rating:
Summary: Add me to the chorus of praise, I guess...
Review: I admit it, I bought this book because I like Marilu Henner and saw her on tons of talk shows plugging away--I believe the American public has an obligation to support funny, perky, way-too-enthusiastic-about-everything celebs like her who have turned the once-lowly status of "talk-show-guest" into an art form. Plus, I was looking to change my diet and drop a few pounds, so I decided to give it a try (anything had to be better and easier to follow than _The Zone_). To my absolute surprise, it was not only entertaining reading, but it seemed to make sense. So I tried a few (not all--it will be a while before I can give up all sugar) of her suggestions--namely, ditching meat (not too hard) and dairy products (really hard--adios, butter, cheese, sour cream, ice cream. yogurt, etc.)--and suddenly I was losing weight. I had lost a few pounds before I read the book, but had hit some sort of plateau where it seemed impossible to drop any lower (even though I was exercising and watching my diet). For lack of a better phrase, it seems like Marilu's ideas sort of "jump-started" my metabolism again. I'm dropping weight gradually and safely, I always have the energy for daily exercise (even after work), it seems like a layer of fat has disappeared off my face, and my skin looks and feels pretty darn good. So if you're debating whether or not to get this book, I have to say go ahead and do it--it's not the most scientific tome in the world, but it seems to work, and I have to give it big credit just for that. Plus, rice milk--once you track it down in the nether regions of Kroger--isn't THAT bad, for heaven's sake (three words: smoothies, smoothies, and smoothies).

Rating:
Summary: Negative reviews stem from denial & lack of trying
Review: I purchased this book approx. 3 1/2 weeks ago and gradually started applying the changes in my eating habits along with the overall knowledge that Marilu provides here. I've found the transition to be simple and truly beneficial in how I look & feel. I've lost 11 1/2 lbs in 2 weeks and I don't feel deprived. Someone had commented on the extreme cost - Granted rice and soy milk may be more expensive. However, I no longer purchase all the junk foods and garbage I used to eat which has resulted in a drop in my grocery expenses. If you truly READ this and FOLLOW THROUGH, you will see & feel the results. Buy it and USE IT. "USE IT" being the operative word. I don't think Marilu could have spelled it out any clearer - Yet she does with her book "The 30 day Total Health Makeover" which get's 6 stars!

Rating:
Summary: Make a Life-time change!
Review: LIFESTYLE CHANGE
Apparently after years of fluctuating weight, diets, doctors, therapists, nutritionists, etc., etc., Marilu Henner of "Taxi" fame has compiled a book with an approach to bring health and vitality to a new level and to add years to your life. She intends to get you to rid your old lifestyle habits.

CONVERSATIONAL TONE, HUMOROUS - This book is written in a very casual conversational tone. Included are pictures of herself during various stages of her life. It is like she is addressing you personally because the books lacks the hard core technical mumble jumble that most health books contain. Healthy recipes offering colorful pictures fill many pages.

FOOD COMBINING - GREAT THAT'S ALL WE NEED, ANOTHER CHALLENGE
You can follow much of the requirements such as reexamining your relationship with food, your lifestyle and your health. However, when I read about "food combining" I was taken aback! It isn't easy making drastic changes, but when she tells you too watch what foods you combine, I find this just another difficult step that seems quite a challenge. Food combining is when protein and starches are eaten together, it takes too much energy to digest that meal. This is explained thoroughly. Probably one of the most challenging conquests to better living.

THE COMPLETE SCOOP ON OUR POOP! Henner discusses the digestive process and its disorders, everything you ever wanted to know about poop - but were too embarrassed to ask! Everything is here, from consistency, color, how often, how much, etc.

TEN STEP PROGRAM - The book is laid out to cover Ten Steps to a complete makeover - One Step at A Time starting at a beginner level (easing gradually into changes) to makeover maniac.
1. Chemicals - all about reading ingredients.
2. Caffeine Cutting down on caffeine
3. Sugar - actually working toward eliminating everything sweet
4. Meat - that dreaded meat again!
5. Dairy - Giving up dairy products
6. Food Combining - Oh boy, this isn't going to be easy!
7. Fat - Can't ever leave fat discussions out of healthy lifestyle change
8. Exercise and Stress - Walk, jog, strengthen!
9. Sleep - Notice your sleep pattern
10. Gusto - Just plain gusto!

If you can follow this plan, faithfully, you may just live to be 120 years old. ........MzRizz.

Rating:
Summary: Will change your life--if you are ready
Review: The reason I like this book so much is that it is about getting healthy--not getting thin. You may not agree with everything she says, but if you are willing to try some of the steps, you will feel and look better than you ever have in your life. The weight loss follows the healthy living. The book itself could be written a little better, but she seems to have done her homework. Don't try to do all the steps at once, this is about making over your life, which of course does not happen overnight. This is a refreshing break from the high protein, low carb fad.