What a year it has been! Can I just say that again a bit louder…What A Year It Has Been!
As I write we’ve been in lockdown here in California for over nine months. Yes, we had a very short, 10-day reprieve, in July but closed soon after. It’s been rough on so many levels, understatement of 2020. One thing that has totally supported me in this tumultuous time is keeping my brain busy with books and continuing education.
I completed several online courses from anatomy to health coaching and a host of nutrition courses in between. I also dove head first into a bunch of books that were sitting on my wish list. Here’s a short overview of the 2020 hit list from our house. These are not in any preferential order, as I think they all have something special to offer.
You will see there is a theme, drum roll, health and nutrition. Something connecting all of the books is the crucial role of metabolic health. As the virus has demonstrated if your immune system is compromised, you’re at greater risk for the virus and increased chances for severe complications. The key role that insulin plays in determining metabolic health is outlined in several books and vital to overall metabolic health.
We all know the bad news that as a nation our health is failing, F grade from the teacher. That said, there is SO MUCH you can do. One key point throughout the diverse books, is a sense of hope. Hope garnished with reality. Hope needs action. Action particularly in nourishment that fuels your body and brain, optimally and consistently.
Why We Get Sick–Benjamin Bikman, PhD
This has to be the most comprehensive book on insulin resistance and metabolic health around. Bikman does a phenomenal job dissecting the evidence of how insulin resistance is a root cause of many of our underlying chronic diseases. Currently 88% of the US population has poor metabolic health, one could easily say, this book should be required reading for everyone.
Bikman not only outlines the issues but he also offers an effective prevention plan. He calls it: Putting Research into Action. You can find practical information on diet, exercise and of course on what to do to lower your insulin and thus make your body more metabolically fit.
The Alzheimer’s Antidote–Amy Berger, MS, CNS, NTP
Ms. Berger presents a nutritional and lifestyle approach to combating Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). She meticulously looks at the metabolic origins of AD and complications that arise in the brain when there is a fuel shortage problem. She unpacks insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia and the consequent negative impacts on cognitive function.
Her book presents clear nutrition strategies for repair as well as prevention. Berger’s concise and comprehensive research demonstrates there is much you can do right now for your brain. Whether AD is in your family or not, understanding ways to mitigate cognitive decline is definitely worthy of investigation.
Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art–James Nestor
I was attracted to this book for numerous reasons. One angle as a Health Coach and Fitness/Pilates instructor I often witness the struggle certain individuals have in breathing. There are all kinds of issues, from poor posture that inhibits the breath, to increased tension and stress in the muscles, to simply just a lack of awareness and attention to the breath.
Nestor takes you through all of the above and even more quirky angles. He himself was dealing with poor health and constant breathing complications that lead him down this investigative rabbit hole. Its’ a journey of gurus, yogis, surgeons, researchers and assorted characters all in search of how-to breath efficiently.
His personal journey of experimenting with various breathing techniques is revealing and sometimes even painful. Hint, let’s just say I won’t be taping up my mouth at night to experience breathing only in the nose, just reading about it was hard enough!
On the other hand, the book is filled with the poetic and regenerating forces that devoted attention to your breath can bring. It definitely made me want to shake off the cobwebs of a meditation practice.
Sacred Cow: The Case for (Better) Meat–Diana Rodgers, RD and Robb Wolf
“Diana Rodgers and Robb Wolf fully understand the problem and the solution: we must change our diets and regenerate our soils, and well-managed grazing animals are critical to this transition.”
~Allan Savory, president of Savory Institute
I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Savory but also with the authors. Wolf and Rodgers leave no stone uncovered in their research into ‘why well-raised meat is good for you and good for the planet.’ They explore the nutritional, environmental and ethical cases for better meat.
As a recovering vegetarian this definitely resonated with me. You can find my story Why I Eat Meat, here. As meat, particularly red meat, has taken decades of negative press it is important to be able to make your own critical assessment of what works best for YOU. Doing this requires investigation away from mainstream media headlines. This book is a great place to start your journey.
“If our food system (1) makes people so sick that their health-care costs bankrupt global economies, and (2) destroys our topsoil such that we can effectively no longer produce food, then it is, by definition, unsustainable.”
Diana Rodgers & Robb Wolf-Sacred Cow
I love this simple piece of advice that Rodgers and Wolf offer:
“By far, the single greatest thing you can do for your health is to change your diet, preparing real food in your own home.”
In addition to the book, they’ve made a beautiful documentary film which can be found at Sacredcow.info.
The last two books I want to highlight are food orientated. They contain actually recipes and meal plans as well as general guidelines for following a LCHF/KETO lifestyle.
Eat Rich Life Long by Ivor Cummins and Dr. Jeffry Gerber
I’ve had this book on my wish list for some time and can’t believe it took me so long to get around to devouring it. That said what a powerhouse of a book it is. Full of very tasty Keto recipes and a wealth of scientific information on the benefits of following a LCHF/KETO lifestyle. If this is your path, a ‘must have’ in your collection.
In addition, Ivor Cummins (aka the Fat Emperor) is one of the most prolific podcasters out there. I appreciate his meticulous work, Ivor’s background as an engineer solving complex problems is a unique perspective in analyzing scientific information. Topics range from heart disease, causes and solutions, to various nutrition and health related science. Definitely worth checking out his website and downloading some interviews.
Banting Pocket Guide by Professor Tim Noakes, Bridgette Allan and Bernadine Douglas, in cooperation with the Noakes Foundation.
While this is the last of the highlights for 2020 it is by no means the least. However, it is the smallest in size but packs a good punch! This tiny pocket guide has all you need to get started on the LCHF/KETO path.
It has meal plans, recipes, food lists and trouble-shooting tips. The guide offers a concise overview of Why Do We Get Fat in layman’s terms. Simply laying out the impact carbohydrates and sugar have on your blood glucose and insulin, thus, on your body’s ability to either store or use fat. A very inexpensive addition to your personal health library.
In closing, may you have lots of books on your shelves for the coming year and journey many miles in those stories. Thanks for reading my posts and onward to 2021!
P.S. If interested in our 1 on 1 Health Coaching Series or our 21-Day Kickstarter Group program, see overview here or even better drop us a line!
Here’s what clients are saying:
This workshop was a great way to reboot my eating habits without feeling like I was depriving myself of anything. Sugar and carbs are my go-to for stress eating and I feel like I have much more control over my cravings now. Krisna’s straight-forward approach is great and really worked well for me.
Loved this workshop-learned so much am much more aware of the food choices I make-still in process changing habits. Have noticed my belly is getting flatter!
Really pleased that I signed up for this program. I had been increasingly adding in carbs for comfort eating during Covid, starting to crave sugar, and just generally not feeling my best. Really opened my eyes as to the importance of metabolic health and insulin sensitivity. Increasing my intake of protein and healthy fats has eliminated the urge for sugar and helped to keep me satisfied between meals. Thank you Krisna!
It was a great course I learned so much!
