Losing It! An LDS Guide to Healthy Living

by Melanie Douglass

In any other facet of our lives, “losing it” can be a bad thing. But when it comes to better health, the “losing it” mindset is nothing but good. It may mean losing weight, losing excess body fat, losing bad eating habits, or losing negative thoughts about the way our bodies look. In this practical and encouraging book, author Melanie Douglass (in association with ICON Health & Fitness) suggests that good health is more about the way we live day-to-day than about a number on the scale. Using the Word of Wisdom as a guide, she recommends lifestyle changes that support a sound mind, body, and spirit. The “5 Keys to Successful Weigh Loss” provide a no-cost, health-oriented plan that can be approached one step at a time or used together for maximum benefit. With tools for customizing a personal diet and exercise plan that will fit your life and schedule this proven program will help you increase your energy level, sleep better, reduce muscle and joint pain, and boost your metabolism. In the end, regardless of how many pounds you lose, your reward will be the personal discovery of vital, life-enhancing health.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction

227 pages, Paperback

First published August 19, 2005

Reviews

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would never have bought this book because it is about "LOSING WEIGHT" which i do not need to do, but the author of this book came and spoke at our church and was incredibly knowledgeable. I cannot rave more about this book. It is all about living a healthy lifestyle according to the word of wisdom. I would say that is more about eating healthy than losing weight ( although they go hand in hand.) There are quotes from prophets, tons of great information and an entire meal plan, workout program in the second half. I would reccomend this book to ANY and EVERYONE! loved it!

[Kristen MacGregor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book that spells out the simple steps to following the Word of Wisdom as part of the LDS doctrine- but even non-LDS people can pull great tips from this. It changes the focus from losing weight to becoming healthy [don't worry, if you're eating healthy and exercising, you'll naturally lose weight!:]

Great tips to start toward eating healthy as prescribed by the food pyramid- instead of just trying to change all your habits from eating 1 fruit per day to 4 fruits, take small steps! Every improvement is good and eventually if you stick it out you'll get up to the recommended.

[Janell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well written, easy to understand book. Although the title infers that it is mainly about losing weight, I felt the emphasis was really about improving your health. The information was practical and certainly things I already knew, but the presentation was excellent as well as motivating without the guilt.

[Karisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Everything it taught coincides with what I've learned doing my undergrad. Also, she not only uses medical evidence but she also has scriptural reasoning behind everything too. I loved it.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thi is a great weight loss book. It is not a fad diet. It is a change your lifestyle with Word of Wisdom guidelines. I loved it.

[Amberly Keeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a lot of great ideas for losing weight and keeping it off. I'm planning to try some of them out!

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have spent a lot of time studying nutrition-- This is one of the best books I have read!

The basics of nutrition are sound principles and the way Melanie presents them will help you fully understand.

We have developed into a 'super-size' world in more ways than one so I was really hit with the idea of reading labels and knowing portion sizes-- even my husband was shocked with how small a portion size truly is.

The other "key to success" that struck me was about exercise and our need to change our attitudes towards it-- there are more benefits than just weight loss.

While the author does touch on some scripture references and quotes from LDS prophets this book is great for people of all faiths.

Grab a copy of this book and let it help you "think healthy, not skinny."

[Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book from the clearance table at a local book store. It was a good read, but not anything new. The author discusses health in terms of following the Word of Wisdom. All of her points are very simple and practical. She has a fun, casual writing style and I found myself chuckling quite a bit. I agree with virtually all that she said and am glad to have the resource at home (especially since it was on the clearance table - cheap!) There are many, many charts and pictures that list appropriate serving sizes, nutritional value of many foods, calories burned in several activites, good (or at least better) choices for ordering at restaurants, etc. Also included are many healthful recipes. I intend to refer to this book a lot Still, it didn't neccesarliy motivate me. Of course, I'm 34 weeks pregnant so maybe that has something to do with it.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly common sense weight loss and healthy eating principles with some insight into the Word of Wisdom thrown in. I wasn't a big fan of the included strength training regimen either, mainly because there was no guidance on how to make it fit different exercise programs (such as 30 minutes 3 times a week or 60 minutes every day). Interesting and fast read but nothing earth-shattering, no moment of "Aha! That's what I've been missing!" that I was hoping for.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Re-reading this was helpful with my new healthier mind-set :). I didn't like it as much this time as the first time, but it still has some great gospel-centered/Word of Wisdom based ideas for losing weight and being healthier. Lots of great quotes from Brigham Young throughout too.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved all of the practical advise on exercising and cutting calories to achieve weight loss and feel your best. The 8-week core exercises program was also helpful for someone like me who wants to increase strength, but who hasn't seen a weight bench in quite some time.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great basic info with humorous insight and ideas. Unfortunately it fell apart at the end. The strength training plan looked like a bad scan. It listed the same recipe for salsa 3-4 times. I guess I expected a better "get out there and do it" ending.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a great introduction to healthy lifestyles with a little scripture thrown in. It's pretty basic but motivational.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

My number one weight loss book recommendation. Because if the religious nature though I can't recommend it professionally.

[Angi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helped a lot to understand portion sizes. If I went by the book though I think I would starve to death and die. Lots of good information eating right by following the word of wisdom.

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information, although not really anything new.
I like the "Flexible Meal Planner" and her no-nonsense writing.
Good motivation -- just do it!

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A diet book that incorporates the Word of Wisdom. I really liked it.