Why Dr. Mark Hyman’s New Cookbook Transcends Generations
I have reviewed a few cookbooks on this blog – most recently Kris Carr’s Crazy, Sexy, Kitchen – and I didn’t anticipate featuring another anytime soon. Then, I ended up with a copy of Dr. Mark Hyman‘s newest effort, The Blood-Sugar Solution Cookbookand I had a change of heart.
Why? Because this book transcends generations.
I found it informative for myself and my own family, and it allowed me to spark a conversation with my Baby Boomer parents about their health as well.
Until I received a copy of this book I didn’t know much about Dr. Hyman, nor did I know a thing about The Blood Sugar Solution, his New York Times #1 Bestseller. Dr. Hyman gets down to business immediately in the Introduction, sharing eye-opening statistics (“in 1900 only 2% of meals were eaten outside of the home; today that number is over 50%”), and stating his thoughts about our need for a “Cooking Revolution.”
Thus far – the BSSC was unfolding like a compelling documentary. (Note: I found it VERY interesting that Europeans spend 20% of their incomes on food, while Americans spend only 9%! I am sure that Canada’s numbers are similar, and we all complain about high prices.)
As I continued on with the book, I began to wonder if it would be relevant to my personal situation. After all, I’m 29 – no diabetes, no high blood pressure, a pretty good diet – but Dr. Hyman summed it up best when he said, “The Blood Sugar Solution is all about the root cause of chronic disease…” And the reality is, now is the time for prevention.
The book covers a wide range of important subjects – how to stock your fridge and pantry, how to eat mindfully, details about the Glycemic Index, why you should cut out gluten and dairy. A very comprehensive guide to making a major lifestyle change.
When I hit the recipe section I was excited (and relieved) to see that generally, I cook my meals aligned with the principles he discusses in the book – meaning that my family is on a good path of prevention.
I cooked up Dr. Hymans Chinese Fried Quinoa and the Lemony Greek Pan-Roasted Chickpeas the first night I received the book, and as suspected, they were a hit. Super easy, super healthy, and super affordable.
I’m looking forward to diving in to The Blood Sugar Solution Cookbook further, and believe this is a truly good option for any age group. As I mentioned, I was able to speak with my parents about their health thanks to this book, and I’m sure it would help you do the same if you have some concerns.
You can visit Dr. Hyman’s site here to learn more about The Blood Sugar Solution Cookbook.
Disclosure: I was provided a copy of the cookbook from Dr. Hyman, and as always, the thoughts and opinions shared on this post are my own.
Conscious Reads ~ Thoughts on One Hot Mama by Erin Cox
It isn’t very often you will find me writing reviews on Parenting/Mothering books. In the past I have featured Milton’s Secret by Eckhart Tolle, and The 10 Spiritual Laws for Parents by Deepak Chopra; two of my faves.
When approached by my favorite publisher Hay House about a possible review of the new book One Hot Mama, The Guide to Getting Your Mind and Body Back After Baby, I was intrigued. Why? Well – I had a baby 10 weeks ago. Also, I knew there would likely be a Mind/Body/Spirit theme to the book; which is what I’m all about here on The Conscious Perspective.
I received a copy and was excited to dive in. I had some correspondence with author Erin Cox and knew that she was lovely, and I was certain that the tone of her book would be no different. It is like a friend is giving you advice – a friend that you trust.
One Hot Mama is broken down into three sections; Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3. Then Erin breaks the months down to weeks with a special focus for each week. Some of the subjects include, “New Normalcy,” “The Power of Motherhood,” and “Soul Searching”. She really does cover everything a woman may experience postpartum, and I was surprised to find that although I had been through the postpartum process twice before, I really needed this refresher.
Additionally, Erin includes the most wonderful workout schedules at the end of each Month and actually provides images of how to properly do specific exercises, which I find really helpful since I haven’t spent much time in a gym.
Overall, my favorite part of One Hot Mama is the tips and insights into everything from learning about the different types of fats, to ways to communicate most effectively with your spouse. In detail. I learned so much that I didn’t know before, and I find myself referencing it often.
One Hot Mama is the complete package. The perfect gift to yourself when you are expecting.
Check out author Erin Cox on her website here, or connect with her via Twitter here. And say hi, you’ll love her. Erin is also offering a 3-week online course Reclaim Your Hot Mama Mojo: Three Weeks to a Happier, Healthier, and Hotter Life! starting January 15th. You can learn more about the course and sign up here.
Disclosure: Hay House provided me a copy of this book for review. As usual, thoughts and opinions expressed are completely my own.
A Few of My Favorite Things… From 2012
One of my favorite things about this time of year is reading all of my favorite bloggers share their ‘favorites’ from the past year. Whether it be written work or material goods – a nice round-up always causes me to reflect and think of what I truly enjoyed from the past year.
Today I wanted to share my favorite resources of 2012 that will help you to feel nourished in mind, body, and spirit.
Enjoy – and feel free to share yours below!
I am not a vegetarian, or vegan – but I often cook like one. I love love love Crazy Sexy Kitchen by Kris Carr.
You can read up on it here.
One book I go back to again and again for inspiration is The Fire Starter Sessions by Danielle LaPorte.
She has a very unique style of writing – almost like prose – that motivates me. She is actually helping me write my book too. You will love it.
This will probably be on my list every year. Or perhaps I will teeter back & forth between this and The Power of Now.
Most relevant, eye-opening books I have ever read.
(Not to be confused with Fierce Grace, the Ram Dass documentary)
I watched Fierce Light on Netflix a long while back. It is about something I often ponder – that intersection between Spirituality and Activism.
Do you receive Gabrielle Bernstein‘s weekly newsletter? She is well-known for her Vlogging, which is always very relevant and features some timely lessons. I recommend signing up. (photo source via Gabby’s newsletter)
I have been following Tara Sophia Mohr‘s work for some time. She was even one of the lovely women I interviewed for the Women Who Inspire series in January.
She is still continuing on doling out the inspiration, helping women to face their fears and Play Big. She is amazing.
Crazy Sexy Kitchen by Kris Carr ~ A Review & Giveaway
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I can’t pinpoint when I first heard about Kris Carr. I do remember being a bit perplexed by the name of her documentary – Crazy Sexy Cancer.
It all quickly made sense to me though, when I heard her story. Carr was diagnosed with an incurable form of Stage 4 cancer nine years ago. Her first stop after learning the diagnosis was to Whole Foods Market. She changed her life by nourishing her mind, body, and spirit, and has been thriving with cancer ever since.
Not only is she thriving, but she’s changed the lives of many others by sharing her story and the details of her plant-based diet and spiritual growth on her blog and in her books. (I was honored to write a piece for her site just this year!)
Her most recent effort Crazy Sexy Kitchen was just released, and lucky me, my favorite book publisher Hay House recently sent me a copy of the gorgeous new cookbook to review.
Carr, along with Chef Chad Sarno and others loaded Crazy Sexy Kitchen with with plant-based recipes that are a bit more indulgent than previous efforts. The recipes are easy to make, delicious and STILL healthy. You will also find a good dose of juices and smoothie recipes for good measure. It is officially my new favorite cookbook.
Carr is very much about prevention, her work is not just for those who have cancer. I think that Crazy Sexy Kitchen clearly represents this and that this cookbook is a great gift option. Anyone from a foodie to those who perhaps need a some guidance with making healthy food choices will enjoy it. Below is the a video of “the making of Crazy Sexy Kitchen“.
Since the holiday season is upon us, Hay House & I have an incredible giveaway to offer THREE lucky readers. Here are the details:
A copy of Crazy Sexy Kitchen by Kris Carr which includes over 150 delicious plant-based recipes! AND Crazy Sexy Cooking Classes which will provide you with 12 videos and over an hour and a half of footage with Kris Carr and her cheffy-in-crime Chad Sarno filmed at Whole Foods Market Culinary Center in New York City.
CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
1. Share your favorite plant-based dish with us in the comment section.
2. You can also sign up for my newsletter, like TCP on Facebook, follow me on Twitter or Tweet about this giveaway for additional entries. (Please leave a comment for every additional entry).
Contest closes on December 9th, 2012 at midnight.
Winners will be selected using Random.org and will be announced the morning of December 10th.
CONGRATS TO WINNERS ASHLEY, NANCY M., AND MEG W.!!
“Your Body is a Temple” February Edition ~ 5 Easy Ways to Clean Up Your Diet
I meet a lot of people who want to clean up their diets. Maybe they know they’re unhealthy eaters, or they eat too many processed foods. Maybe they have the winter blues and want to switch things up a little. Maybe they’ve finally realized that it’s time to do something about the bloating and tummy discomfort that comes with most of their meals.
Regardless, we could all stand to freshen up our plates a little.
Well, now’s the time. If you start tomorrow, and commit to it, you’ll be feeling fabulous come Springtime. I promise!
5 Easy Ways to Clean Up Your Diet
1. Limit your sugar intake. Look for sugar listed in everything you buy that comes in a package or a jar. Tomato sauces and salsas don’t need to have sugar in them. Make your own salad dressings and use stevia or less refined sugars like maple syrup or honey.
Try this recipe for homemade salad dressing using stevia as the sweetener.
2. Eat more raw fruits and vegetables. Try a green smoothie. Dark leafy greens are ridiculously full of vitamins and minerals. I throw kale, romaine, or spinach into my smoothies, and then I try to have one big salad every couple of days. You can get loads of cancer-fighting antioxidants from raw fruits and veggies.
Try this recipe for the beginner’s green smoothie.
3. If you’re a meat-eater, consider using it as a condiment instead of letting it take up your whole plate. Talk to your local butcher about where he gets his meat. Does he know the farmer who raises the cattle? Are the animals grass-fed? Hormone-free? You want the answers to these questions to be a resounding YES!
Try this recipe for Veggie Burgers for your next Meatless Monday meal.
4. Limit your dairy intake. Processed and pasteurized dairy is inflammatory and can clog up our bodies. This makes it harder for us to heal, easier for us to get colds, and it can drag us down. Try to buy local and organic dairy whenever possible.
Try this recipe for Homemade Nut Milk.
5. Start eating more power foods NOW. Last month I talked about the incredible nutritional benefits of dark leafy greens, eating a variety of colorful fruits and veggies, using ground chia seeds or flax seeds, eating dates when you need a sugar-fix, and the all-powerful coconut oil. Find a way to fit these foods into your diet today!
Photo source via Maggie Savage
Meatless Monday ~ A Variety of Quinoa Dishes
Adzuki Bean & Quinoa Burgers ~ She Let Them Eat Cake
Last week we introduced a new feature, and a new writer – “Your Body is a Temple” written by my personal health guru Maggie Savage from She Let Them Eat Cake & the newly launched The Balanced Platter. Maggie shared her Top 5 Power Foods, which include dark leafy greens and coconut oil. “Your Body is a Temple” will return in February with another inspiring post which will help you on your journey to optimum health.
Today we return to Meatless Monday after a bit of a hiatus, and Quinoa is the star of the show. I admit, I am not in love with quinoa like so many are. I understand the health benefits – the fact that it is a complete protein for instance – however, it is still a bit of a struggle for me to enjoy it (and I am not a picky eater).
The recipes included look great, and many use the quinoa in clever ways. I plan to give one of them a try tonight!
What are your thoughts on quinoa? Do you love it?
Lentil & Quinoa Vegetable Soup ~ Weekend Notes
Quinoa with Roasted Root Vegetables ~ What Would Cathy Eat?
Andean Bean Stew with Squash & Quinoa ~ Kate in the Kitchen
Creamy Chipotle Sweet Potato & Quinoa Casserole ~ Mary Makes Dinner
(A few adjustments and could be dairy-free!)
Spaghetti Squash Quinoa Bake ~ Artsy-Foodie
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