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20 Years Younger: Look Younger, Feel Younger, Be Younger!
It's time to turn back the clock! In 20 Years Younger , Bob Greene offers readers a practical, science-based plan for looking and feeling their best as they age. The cutting-edge program details easy and effective steps we can all take to rebuild the foundation of youth and enjoy better health, improved energy, and a positive outlook on life. The four cornerstones of the program an exercise regimen for fighting muscle and bone loss, a longevity-focused diet, sleep rejuvenation, and wrinkle-fighting skin care. Woven throughout the text is practical advice on changing appearances, controlling stress, staying mentally sharp, navigating medical tests, and much more.
Readers will walk away with a greater understanding of how the body ages and what they can do to feel-and look-20 years younger.
Readers will walk away with a greater understanding of how the body ages and what they can do to feel-and look-20 years younger.
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 13, 2011
89 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Bob Greene
85 books14 followersBob Greene is a personal trainer who writes on health and weight loss. He works and writes with Oprah Winfrey.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 11, 2014
An easy-to-follow book with nothing extraordinary (in a good way I suppose because it comes across sensible and doable) as opposed to fad-like.
The book did remind me that I did not have a good and consistent face/neck-cleansing routine and it, along with a bunch of other nutrition books I've read recently, has also prompted me to eat a more varied diet. Things that might be relatively calorific but actually have quite a lot of goodness like avocados, beans and nuts.
"Cooking meat, poultry and fish at very high heat (frying, grilling and broiling) creates heterocyclic amines (HCAs), which are known to promote cancer."
The author then goes on to talk about AGEs (advanced glycation end products) that speed up the aging process. "When AGEs hit a critical mass they can cause inflammation, clogged arteries, cataracts, wrinkles and sagging skin, and kidney and nervous system damage." "...foods of animal origin such as meat, poultry, fish and cheese are highest (in AGEs), particularly when they're cooked at high heat. AGE levels rise when foods are cooked and the higher the cooking temperature, the more AGEs produced."
High heat is my predominant method of cooking as I like the effect of the Mailliard reaction, food taste so much better with a nice caramelised crust. I should probably investigate the above claim further to see there is significant evidence supporting it. (I hope not!)
The book did remind me that I did not have a good and consistent face/neck-cleansing routine and it, along with a bunch of other nutrition books I've read recently, has also prompted me to eat a more varied diet. Things that might be relatively calorific but actually have quite a lot of goodness like avocados, beans and nuts.
"Cooking meat, poultry and fish at very high heat (frying, grilling and broiling) creates heterocyclic amines (HCAs), which are known to promote cancer."
The author then goes on to talk about AGEs (advanced glycation end products) that speed up the aging process. "When AGEs hit a critical mass they can cause inflammation, clogged arteries, cataracts, wrinkles and sagging skin, and kidney and nervous system damage." "...foods of animal origin such as meat, poultry, fish and cheese are highest (in AGEs), particularly when they're cooked at high heat. AGE levels rise when foods are cooked and the higher the cooking temperature, the more AGEs produced."
High heat is my predominant method of cooking as I like the effect of the Mailliard reaction, food taste so much better with a nice caramelised crust. I should probably investigate the above claim further to see there is significant evidence supporting it. (I hope not!)
May 22, 2011
I had a major birthday this year and hate to look in the mirror. I have noticed my skin sagging and just generally not looking as good as it once did along with sleep issues and that feeling of malaise. I have now tried some of the suggestions in this book for the last three week and I am amazed. Just be changing eating habits that really should be common sense to all and a few exercises that most people can do, you will be amazed that such little things can add up to a lot of change. There is a chapter that also helps you schedule a way to incorporate all of this in an easy to follow guide. I am really happy about the change in sleep since I now actually stay asleep rather than constantly wake up.
May 26, 2011
This book is about everything that you've heard and learned with more, all wrapped up in a nice book. There is really some great advice here. I enjoyed reading this book. You're never too young or too old to start doing any of his tips or techniques. I’m find that it's particularly important, at this stage in my life, to pay attention to my exercise, eating, skin and sleep habits!
March 8, 2017
This is a great self-help book. Rather than focusing on one single area, it actually covers every aspect that contributes to how to one can look and feel younger. The book is very detailed, each information provided are backed up by reliable sources. The nutrient guides and exercise plan are extensive and break up to different levels to accommodate people with different lifestyles. One of the thing that I really appreciate from this book is how unbiased it is. It states the pros and cons of everything. It also debunked some health myths. You'll learn so much from this book. However, since the book is so detailed and contained so much information, it can feel a bit like reading a textbook from a high school health class.
May 17, 2023
Loved all of it, especially the sections on skin care and attitudes about aging. Also helped me to realize that I need to be more than a one-trick pony when it comes to exercise. This is a book to come back to over and over for refreshers and encouragement.
December 19, 2017
Excellent source of realistic methods to maintain or regain vitality, with enough information to inform without overwhelming.
February 4, 2024
Lots of good tips. I wish it dove a little deeper in some areas, but overall a helpful read. I especially learned a lot on the chapter about skin health.
May 20, 2011
A well balanced easily readable detailed focus on the most important and effective steps to health and longevity.
I found 20 Years Younger to contain the latest most user-friendly useful information I have read on health and longevity. All the information is easy to read and the exercise and nutrition guides are easy to follow. For me the most informative part of this book is the information on nutrition. Greene explains how poultry and fish is fine in ones diet as long as there is moderation, however red meat should be eliminated. This is something I have been wrestling with for quite some time now. Coming from a Hispanic background it has been so difficult to eliminate poultry and seafood from my diet which I like very much. I don't crave red meat so this works well for me. I learned about the dangers of grilling foods at high temperatures. Something I had heard about, but now have the full-details on. Greene's exercise plans are easy to follow and are categorized by how many calories you would like to burn or how much exercise you would like to do. A well organized approach making it simple to understand for anyone, whether you are just trying to maintain your weight, slightly overweight or obese. When it comes to nutrition 20 Years Younger contains a great guide on servings and the calories in each serving. The back of the book contains a balanced amount of recipes that can be whipped up in 20 minutes or less. I found every section of this book including those on skin care and sleep in perfect balance, which keeps the information from being overwhelming. Eliminating the main reason people find books on weight loss or exercise, discouraging, which keeps people from implementing it in their lives, even if is sounds good for them. You don't have that with 20 Years Younger. Another plus for this book is that the information in this book does not require purchasing anything from the 20 Years Younger website, just gives you ideas on what your body needs, which you can implement on your own.
I found 20 Years Younger to contain the latest most user-friendly useful information I have read on health and longevity. All the information is easy to read and the exercise and nutrition guides are easy to follow. For me the most informative part of this book is the information on nutrition. Greene explains how poultry and fish is fine in ones diet as long as there is moderation, however red meat should be eliminated. This is something I have been wrestling with for quite some time now. Coming from a Hispanic background it has been so difficult to eliminate poultry and seafood from my diet which I like very much. I don't crave red meat so this works well for me. I learned about the dangers of grilling foods at high temperatures. Something I had heard about, but now have the full-details on. Greene's exercise plans are easy to follow and are categorized by how many calories you would like to burn or how much exercise you would like to do. A well organized approach making it simple to understand for anyone, whether you are just trying to maintain your weight, slightly overweight or obese. When it comes to nutrition 20 Years Younger contains a great guide on servings and the calories in each serving. The back of the book contains a balanced amount of recipes that can be whipped up in 20 minutes or less. I found every section of this book including those on skin care and sleep in perfect balance, which keeps the information from being overwhelming. Eliminating the main reason people find books on weight loss or exercise, discouraging, which keeps people from implementing it in their lives, even if is sounds good for them. You don't have that with 20 Years Younger. Another plus for this book is that the information in this book does not require purchasing anything from the 20 Years Younger website, just gives you ideas on what your body needs, which you can implement on your own.
July 28, 2014
Fight the effects of aging:
Exercise, Nutrition, Skin Care, Restorative Sleep, Stress Control, Positive Thinking.
"And yet lining a more engaged life can really pay off when it comes to longevity and vitality. If people are engaged in life, they're more likely to maintain their cognitive skills."
"The truth is, many people passively let physical and psychological decline invade their lives as they grow older. When you put in the time and energy to stay strong, healthy, and enthusiastic, it can transform you in profound physical and emotional ways. When your body is strong and you feel your best, you become more engaged in the world and appreciative of the people around you. Life simple seems more beautiful."
"If you make the decision to keep your body and mind in the best possible shape, it's going to help ensure that your time on this earth is not only long but, most important, well lived."
Exercise, Nutrition, Skin Care, Restorative Sleep, Stress Control, Positive Thinking.
"And yet lining a more engaged life can really pay off when it comes to longevity and vitality. If people are engaged in life, they're more likely to maintain their cognitive skills."
"The truth is, many people passively let physical and psychological decline invade their lives as they grow older. When you put in the time and energy to stay strong, healthy, and enthusiastic, it can transform you in profound physical and emotional ways. When your body is strong and you feel your best, you become more engaged in the world and appreciative of the people around you. Life simple seems more beautiful."
"If you make the decision to keep your body and mind in the best possible shape, it's going to help ensure that your time on this earth is not only long but, most important, well lived."
June 9, 2014
Glad I got this at the Dollar Tree - nothing new, and poorly executed. I would have enjoyed a two page magazine article with some of this information instead. The reason I gave it 2 stars instead of 1 is that tHe information given is current and accurate.
Here it is in a nutshell: exercise slows the aging process (50 pages), eating well helps you feel good and live longer (55 pages), taking care of your skin ultimately involves 4 things: exfoliating, cleansing, nourishing, and protecting (the best 50 pages in the book), and getting 7-8 hours of sleep important for your well being (19 pages). The remaining 125 pages aren't worth even summarizing. Sometimes you get what you pay for!
Here it is in a nutshell: exercise slows the aging process (50 pages), eating well helps you feel good and live longer (55 pages), taking care of your skin ultimately involves 4 things: exfoliating, cleansing, nourishing, and protecting (the best 50 pages in the book), and getting 7-8 hours of sleep important for your well being (19 pages). The remaining 125 pages aren't worth even summarizing. Sometimes you get what you pay for!
October 18, 2014
I appreciate that this book is a self-help/health book that actually uses data to back its claims. I believe that the research behind the recommendations is solid and that following its advice truly would help me live longer. The problem is, I'm not willing to put that much effort into it. For instance, I agree that seriously cutting my calorie intake would prolong my life, it would just be a miserable life in which I was always hungry. I'm kidding a little, but I seriously can't give that much time and effort to the lifestyle he prescribes. I am glad I read the book, though because it at least gives me a base knowledge and helps me make more informed decisions regarding my health.
March 30, 2016
I found this book after seeing Bob Greene on Oprah with 20 ladies that had followed the plan for two months.
Everything in this book seems do-able Some of the recipes are unusual and will not be making an appearance on my table.
There is good information about aging and ways to slow the effects from appearing on your face.
Bottom line. The older you get the more important your food choices become and exercise is non-negotiable.
I'm looking forward to following the plan with my husband and seeing if we can look and feel younger.
Everything in this book seems do-able Some of the recipes are unusual and will not be making an appearance on my table.
There is good information about aging and ways to slow the effects from appearing on your face.
Bottom line. The older you get the more important your food choices become and exercise is non-negotiable.
I'm looking forward to following the plan with my husband and seeing if we can look and feel younger.
July 7, 2022
This was a fun book to read. Bob Greene focuses on ways for us to live a good, healthy life and reinforces a lot of great ideas about overall health. He divides the book into sections: an intro, exercise, nutrition, skin, sleep, and overall health. I found the book informative and not preachy. He reminds us we can’t undo the past, but can make positive life changes now. I learned a new ab exercise and another for my rotator cuffs, and feel like I used my time in a productive way. Yes, life is not just the number of days we live, but rather the quality of how we fill our days.
May 14, 2011
Everything you've heard/learned and more, all wrapped up in a nice conversational package. Solid advice I actually enjoyed reading. You're never too young or too old to implement any of his tips or techniques, but I find that it's particularly important, at this stage in my life, to pay attention to my exercise, eating, skin and sleep habits!
July 20, 2011
I suppose this book could be useful to someone who is clueless, but it's the usual advice. The big three: eat cautiously, exercise and take care of your skin on a daily basis: clean, polish, moisturize. The menus seemed too simplistic and boring. He gained his fame through Oprah now he has to market himself to stay viable...and....YOUNG!
May 31, 2012
An easy read - but nothing earth-shattering. Some of the recipes look interesting and I will definitely give them a try. I like the way he detailed the strength exercises. To achieve level III cardiovascular fitness you are supposed to exercise 400-minutes per week (just cardio). That might be tough for anyone to attain.
May 19, 2011
This book is divided into three basic health aspects, two of which are not usually touted that much: sleeping and skin care. The big method for staynig young as you might expect from Bob Greene is physical exercise. Generally helpful, mildly inspiring. Bob is his own best testimony.
June 23, 2011
A good reminder of what our bodies and minds need to function at optimal levels. Covers everything from diet, exercise, skin care, sleep, attitude and over all happiness. Everyone should read this once to understand how to take care of themselves and how to promote vitality throughout life.
July 29, 2011
A great follow up book to read after The Blue Zones and The China Study. This book adds skin care and sleep information and provides an action plan for exercise and a meal plan for following the Mediterranean and Okinawan/rural Chinese diet.
August 1, 2011
skimmed this one might revisit for more specific suggestions but it is basically the exercise (do a variety, not just one) eat well, plenty of sleep and clinch it with a hair dye (not sure if that was stated but it is obvious in his picture on the conver)
January 3, 2012
NOthing new here about fighting the natural effects of aging - regular (daily) exercise, healthy diet with low calorie count, and the usual keep your brain active, take care of your skin, and get lots of sleep. It's a good reminder though!
February 17, 2012
Most of the time it is fun the listen to a book read by the authors. This book though would most likely be better as a written book, since it has many lists...
Enjoyed the first and last disks the best I think.
Enjoyed the first and last disks the best I think.
February 25, 2012
Well rounded look at wellness... With a strong case for fitness. I like the way Green talks about age related illness and how fitness can make a difference. Good recipes. Easy to follow guidance on vitamins (love that my ariix covers me) and skin care.
June 6, 2011
The introduction is promising , although similar to Dr Oz You: staying Young
June 23, 2011
Some really good info.
June 13, 2011
I just don't like the way he writes. He had some good info but just not my style. I had a hard time keeping focused while reading this book.
July 26, 2011
I borrowed this from the library, but I think I have to have my own copy to keep!
July 31, 2011
A great reference guide to good eating, exercise, skin care and sleep. There were many take aways I gained from this book.
November 18, 2011
This is probably one of the better fitness/nutrition books I've read. But they are all really one and the same but if I had to recommend one I think this is a good one.
February 11, 2012
Greene has a nice emphasis on the importance of regular exercise - and lots of it. I've started to work towards a cardio goal after reading this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews