50 reasons…

I few weeks ago…I came home to a UPS sticky note on my door. Missed delivery it said. Hmmmmm….what oh what could it be? (‘What have you bought now?’, asks my husband…’nothing’, I replied). At this point, I wasn’t exactly sure what it was…but was ecstatic that is was something other than bills. HA!  So…the next day (on my way home from work), I stopped in at the UPS store. With anticipation, I scooted home quickly…and opened up the package, like an excited child on Christmas morning.  As I slid my car keys down the middle of the taped box to open it up, I came to realize that I was graciously treated to an advance copy of Dallas & Melissa Hartwig’s new book ~ IT STARTS WITH FOOD. (#ISWF)

I was flattered…speechless really, and totally honoured that they thought of me as someone to review their book. Without really thinking about it…’Fifty Shades of Grey’ was put on hold…*GASP* (I haven’t even finished the 1st one and can’t stand reading books simultaneously) so…I decided to dive right in to this wee bad boy instead. After all…who doesn’t think science is sexy…right?!? Fully intrigued by ISWF right from the first chapter…I literally couldn’t put the book down. A total page turner. Eyes glued for 1.5 days…and done.  Completely satisfied…but the love affair is far from over. I am basically telling anyone who will listen, that this book is honestly a MUST read. Don’t think twice about it. If you eat food and give a shit about your health…than this book is for you.

50 reasons to put down ‘Shades of Grey’ (don’t worry ~ you can go back to it after!)…and pick up ‘IT STARTS WITH FOOD’…

Here is why you will fall in love: (*in no specific order)

1. It starts off exploring the psychological effects of food (often overlooked, but critical insights on cravings, habits & patterns)
2. Tons of super helpful descriptions of scientific processes using analogies (homeostasis in your body = think furnace in your house)
3. Includes science to back up their claims/views (loads of references at the back of the book & insights/support from Mat Lalonde)
4. Sleek page layout (makes it easy on the eyes)
5. Multiple explanations (they take the time to present and re-word concepts in different ways…so you will ‘get it’)
6. Handy dandy chapter summaries (at the end of each chapter there is a concise & logical review of the ‘Science-y Stuff’ that was just covered)
7. Really purty diagrams & charts (for the visual learner (moi) ~ clear & simple)
8. Powerful one-liners throughout the entire book (‘The food you eat either makes you more or less healthy.  Those are your options’)
9. Some witty writing (you will most def LOL for reals…multiple times as you read this book)
10. Includes a comprehensive meal map (ANIMAL PROTEIN + LOTS OF VEGETABLES + HIGH QUALITY FAT + SEASONINGS)
11. It will make you think! (guaranteed you will re-evaluate WHAT and HOW you are eating)
12. Goes back to the basics (eat REAL FOOD…not Franken-food)
13. They re-enforce the notion of individuality (encourage self-experimentation to see what works for you)
14. Yummy chunks of info (includes manageable & digestible bites of information ~ pun intended…but doesn’t make your head spin!)
15. Full-on run down on the Whole30/45/60 elimination program and how it works (‘It’s only 30 days’)
16. Strategies for re-introduction of certain foods (very insightful, as this phase if often less ‘talked’ about)
17. Cleverly crafted (no explanation needed)
18. Includes visual guidelines on how to ‘build your plate’ (helps you to picture reasonable amounts of carbs, protein & fats…but ditches the notion of counting calories and weighing/measuring food)
19. Offers fine-tuning tips for ‘special populations (diabetics, autoimmune, vegetarians, vegans, pregnant & breastfeeding women etc…)
20. Gorgeous recipes (a section with a variety of coloured photos ~ cannot wait to try some of these!)
21. Real-life testimonials (each chapter begins with words straight from their clients’ mouths)
22. They tell it like it is (no nonsense approach)
23. Super inclusive (I honestly feel like everyone could benefit from reading this book ~ no one is left out)
24. Highlights the importance of how to eat (focus meaningful dining experiences that should be cherished ~ this really resonated with me)
25. Helpful resource list (towards the end of the book, they include various recommended sites, books and related movies)
26. Master references (21 pages of scientific studies & papers that were used to support their work ~ if you are a super nerd you can go and read on further if you so desire)
27. Tips on how and where to source good food (web links are provided)
28. A cool cover design (makes you want to grab it…open it up and start reading)
29. Guaranteed to make you go back and read it a second time (bring a highlighter and pencil for the second go-around)
30. Great energy (as you read you will find that Melissa & Dallas’ personalities really shine through)
31. It will make you want to get rid of all the ‘junk’ in your kitchen (you will feel the urge to go shopping to stock up on nutritious food instead)
32. Highly relatable (you will likely experience moments of ~ ‘yep that sounds like me’ as you go along)
33. The total package (a great gift for anyone in your family or circle of friends/loved ones)
34. It costs less than $25 (but worth so much more!)
35. Exudes passion and a zest for living (you will want to take better care of yourself)
36. Clearly about changing your lifestyle (not a diet book)
37. A nice balance between the practical side & the scientific side (you feel like you are getting enough of both)
38. Includes info about additional downloadable guides (ISWF ‘Quick Start Guide, shopping list & more ~ they are FREE!)
39. It won’t just sit on your bookshelf (you will revisit again and again and use it as a resourceful tool)
40. You will want to share it (maybe haha ~ or just convince others to buy their own copy or buy one for them instead!)
41. It’s a 2-way conversation (engaging and they make you feel like you as a reader are part of the experience ~ very non-preachy)
42. Accessibility to a variety of readers (regardless of previous background knowledge or entry level)
43. Applicable (you are sure to find answers and will be stoked to make changes)
44. Honest (you may hear things that you don’t necessarily want to hear, but NEED to hear)
45. It will make you feel smart (you to be able to explain things like hormones & inflammation with ease to anyone…anytime!)
46. Inspiring (you will want to take charge)
47. Will leave you will no valid excuses (but rather the will to just give it a go!)
48. It will change your life (if you let it)
49. Or it will change someone else’s that you love (XO <3)
50. It is on sale NOW….HERE (CDN) or HERE (US) ~ (SOOOOO…what are you waiting for? GO BUY IT!!!)

PS – I am now reading it through for a second time.  This time, highlighter in hand and a rainbow of my favourite pens at the ready to mark it up and make my own notes.  (Yes…I know…such a teacher ~ LOL!)  ENJOY!!!

PSS – THANK-YOU again to Dallas & Melissa for creating something SO special…a total gem! (Already looking forward to your next book ;))