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One Simple Change: Surprisingly Easy Ways to Transform Your Life

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Small changes add up!

We all want to look and feel better, and One Simple Change shows us how. In this wellness guide, Healthy Green Kitchen blogger Winnie Abramson compiles 50 small changes that readers can easily make to improve their everyday well-being. Abramson—who has a doctorate in naturopathic medicine—throws fad diets out the door in favor of age-old culinary wisdom, green living tips, cutting-edge nutrition information, and 15 simple and easy recipes. Readers can work through the tips week by week or dip in and out of the book at will. Packaged in a handsome paperback, this game-changing guide will be treasured by anyone hoping to look and feel healthier, younger, and happier.

176 pages, Paperback

First published December 3, 2013

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Winnie Abramson

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5 stars
35 (16%)
4 stars
59 (28%)
3 stars
64 (31%)
2 stars
35 (16%)
1 star
13 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Kazen.
1,475 reviews313 followers
February 4, 2014
"One Simple Change" a week, Abramson says, and you'll be on your way to healthy living. While some of the early tips could be implemented in a week and make complete sense ("Stop Dieting", "Get a Good Night's Sleep", "Move Your Body") they get much harder (go gluten free) as the book goes on. "Cook More", she says, but doesn't give many tips other than to... cook more. Oh, and a recipe for stock. Um, thanks.

It's clear that if you are eating anything other than organic, grass-fed, pastured, BPA-free meat and veg you're doing it wrong. Having these things available is natural, easy, and obvious, if the text is to be believed. But what about us normal people with budgets and non-gourmet supermarkets? That can't ask their neighbor for eggs from their chicken coop, and have no local butcher that fed the cows himself? There are no halfway measures here, it's organic all or nothing.

Many scientific sounding facts and numbers are bandied about but they aren't sourced or footnoted. And then some parts are just plain misleading. The chapter on water says not to worry about getting the full eight glasses a day if it's too much trouble, after all "you can, indeed, drink too much water... seizures, coma, and eventually death can result".

Do you know how hard it is to die from drinking too much water?? You need to drink gallons within hours, or run a marathon and hydrate improperly. And she thinks it's okay to scare readers with this "too much water" talk when they're trying for a mere eight cups? Really?

Passages like the below are also common:

"A deficiency in omega-3s is connected with everything from type-2 diabetes to heart disease and cancer. Not eating enough omega-3s can also lead to... depression."

No footnote, no sourcing, so I can't double check her facts. If someone has diabetes or heart disease I'm willing to bet there's more going on than a simple omega-3 deficiency. And don't even get me started with the depression.

One more thing that really pissed me off (I have so many to choose from, too): Abramson says she's considered cutting out fish completely because of evil mercury and contaminants, but alas, they're a wonderful source of omega-3s, and her local fishermen could use the boost. In a rare case of footnoted information she lists all kinds of fish that the NRDC says have the least mercury - 28 species in total including crab, clams, crayfish, haddock, herring, mackerel, oysters, salmon, shrimp, trout... just about any kind of fish you'd expect most people to eat. Five fish are on the moderate mercury list, and these should be limited to "no more than six servings per month". What American do you know, outside of a tuna fish sandwich or sushi fiend, that eats fish more than six times a month? And then, eats one of those five moderate mercury fish that often? She's doing a disservice by downplaying the awesomeness of fish - we should be eating more of it. (Her favorite fish is salmon, wild from Alaska, flash-frozen next to the pristine waters it was fished from, of course.)

I could rant much more, which is amazing considering I only got 46% through the book. If you have lots of organic, grass-fed food near you and lots of money to burn you might get something out of this, but there's nothing of use for the rest of us real people.
Profile Image for Robert Beveridge.
2,402 reviews198 followers
January 23, 2016
Winnie Abramson, One Simple Change: Surprisingly Easy Ways to Transform Your Life (Chronicle, 2013)

I keep picking up books along these lines and being disappointed by them. You'd think by now I would know better, but I still suffer from what seems to be a fundamental illness—believing that it is possible to write a self-help book that doesn't come from the same sources. A sane one, in other words. There's also the problem that I keep listening to the media and the public when it comes to self-help books, and why would anyone who likes self-help books be promoting one that went against the grain like that? But still, I drank the Kool-Aid(TM) with this one (something Winnie Abramson would frown on, obviously) and grabbed a copy of One Simple Change from the library after dozens of positive reviews and recommendations. What I discovered was part what I expected and part absolutely terrifying.

Let's get the terrifying part out of the way first, and it depresses me mightily that I am saying the same damn thing twice in the space of three years [http://www.amazon.com/review/RA20EM3L...]. This is another book written by someone who quotes Fereydoon Batmanghelidj as an authority on why human beings need to drink more water. I will say it as explicitly as possible: if you are reading a book and you find that its author recommends you read, or listen to, Fereydoon Batmanghelidj, everything else in that book should be suspect, and you should independently confirm anything that author says before following any of that author's advice. Why is this? Because Fereydoon Batmanghelidj was a complete and utter whack job who believed, among other insanities, that the cause of AIDS is human beings not drinking enough water and getting enough sea salt [http://www.watercures.org/dr-batmangh...]. The second I see Batmanghelidj's name in a book being quoted as an authority on anything, I dismiss the book immediately. One Simple Change has some other problems (I have previously held forth about what I have come to call “the ideological coloring of the unproven” [http://www.amazon.com/review/RE7GJXUM...], for example, which Abramson has jumped into with both feet shod in concrete blocks), but they all pale in comparison to that one.

The “what I expected” part—which I should be fair and tell you covers most of what's here—is far less damaging, but if you've read two or three other nutrition-based self-help books before, there's probably nothing in here you haven't seen. You may not have seen it in this combination—I think this is the first time (no more than the second) I have encountered an author who is simultaneously this anti-GMO who is okay with eating meat (though of course it must all be organic, etc. etc.)—but it's still nothing new. Normally, I would give Abramson a break for not including copious footnotes, since she goes out of her way a number of times to say “I don't have research on this, but...”, but unfortunately, her quoting of Batmanghelidj, and worse her inclusion of Your Body's Many Cries for Water in the Recommended Reading section at the end of the book (the last chapter of Your Body's Many Cries for Water was where Batmanghelidj introduced his idea that water can cure AIDS, as well as postulating the hypothesis, common at the time it was written, that AIDS was god's plague on homosexuals), is a prime example of how going with your gut about things like this can lead you way, way down the wrong road. Pass this one up. * ½
Profile Image for Michele Knierim.
187 reviews
December 23, 2016
Maybe I should've looked at this more closely before reading, but it was not at all what I expected. First of all, it was not One Simple Change, it was like 30-some different changes, some of them not so simple. It was mostly about eating healthy, organic, raw foods. Got it after the first 3 times, and didn't need it 17 more. Advice from someone who has her own chickens and bees and works from home - not very easy to extrapolate to this dual working family in a city. I believe the Subtitle should have been "Surprisingly easy ways to transform your health", not your life.
Profile Image for VvTired (Lauren).
114 reviews1 follower
October 20, 2024
This book is an orthorexia diagnosis waiting to happen.

The author uses the term “real foods” to describe non processed foods that “our ancestors” would have eaten. I don’t see why she couldn’t have just said whole foods but I have a feeling it’s because calling them “real” makes it seem morally superior. She talks a lot about the benefits of eating raw dairy products but what the data on this topic actually shows is that the risk of contracting a disease from dairy is significantly higher when consuming unpasteurized vs pasteurized dairy. Sorry but “our ancestors” eating raw dairy didn’t protect them from dying of listeria.

The author talks a lot about what humans evolved to eat and positions that as why we should or should not eat certain foods. This is not an argument backed by significant data and in reality just because humans did something for a long time doesn’t mean it’s the best or only way to live.


I do actually already follow a lot of the dietary advice given in this book but would never write about it in such a tone def way. Like yea making more well rounded meals at home and eating less ultra processed fast foods does generally make you feel better, but this book moralizes food in such a toxic way.
The author clearly has a lot of time to invest in her personal garden, raising bees, and also has the funds to buy all organic & non GMO produce, but her lifestyle is just extremely unrealistic for the average person.

Extremely disappointed in this book, and I really hope no one with a history of or who is vulnerable to developing an ED reads her advice.
46 reviews
December 20, 2020
I personally am not a hardcore healthy person, but I would for sure like to adjust my lifestyle to be a little more healthy. This book is titled “One simple change - Surprisingly easy ways to transform your life”. However, I found it to be quite opposite. The title said “one Simple change” yet the book came with 50 different changes. Though I can understand that the author said we can do one change a week, the changes she mention are not either easy or simple. I have a very little knowledge about health and wellness, but the steps are too hard to follow. For example, cutting grains, wheats, and almost everything that is not “organic”. I am not saying that going all organic is bad, but I don’t think it is practical, at least for me, and it’s not simple to instantly do so. After reading this book, I feel like I have committed a crime to my body by living such an unethical lifestyle and eating such unethical foods. I think it is too extreme because she said to cut off nearly every food group and only eat food that are local/organic or grow it yourself. However, I respect her for her being able to do all the steps she wrote in this book. I’ll try to live a more healthy lifestyle, but I just really think that steps in this book is way too extreme (This is just my personal opinion).
1 review
June 6, 2022
I like how the author breaks it down to specific actionable behavioural changes but I have to say, it is not simple. There are a few suggestions in the book that I have started doing for myself but to be able to take it to the next level or pick out a few other changes that I would like to make in my life, will still take a bit of research. Also, there is no way that I can make one change every week. If I can just pick one and sustain it for the next 6 months, I'll consider that a success!

It's an inspiring book though. I've been struggling with eczema issues for pretty much my whole adulthood till about 5 years ago when I started seeing a naturopathic doctor. So I have experienced first-hand what a natural and holistic healing can do. For that, I'm grateful to the author for sharing her knowledge and experience in creating better health for myself.
Profile Image for Diah .
632 reviews6 followers
May 29, 2018
3 stars

This book could be summed up as a condensed, but complete, guides for a healthier lifestyle from all the 'gurus' that you've seen/read. Also an easy read for someone who doesn't want to complicate their life, but wanting to be healthier (read: me). I believe not all advices will resonate with all readers at first, and few things are harder to do. Things such as eating locals and making your home eco-friendly will work if you already halfway to a cleaner environment. Nonetheless, still a good read.
Profile Image for Annette Rowena.
43 reviews2 followers
August 16, 2019
An alright book with ultra short chapters and bite-sized info, some of which you might already know. I wanted a super light read and I got it.
3 reviews
January 26, 2020
Quick Read

Easy to read. Some of the ideas are simple and some are easier said than done. Good read for the beginning of the new year.
13 reviews
April 7, 2020
Stopped reading it because it was all about health changes and didn't find it fun to read.
Profile Image for Riasmagenta.
6 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2020
Light, good, and inspiring book to read. It contains general information to slowly change our mindset that good lifestyle is a must
Profile Image for Allison .
399 reviews2 followers
June 13, 2014
I really enjoyed this book a lot. I spotted it on a display shelf of "New Books" at my favorite library. I've read quite a few books and articles along this line before and as a result I was skeptical that the contents would be "simple" or "easy" or even "transformative".

Well, after reading Winnie Abramson's book, I can say with utmost confidence that the changes recommended in One Simple Change: Surprisingly Easy Ways to Transform Your Life are actually simple, easy and would be transformative in practice.

I found her writing style to be easy and laid back. I never felt like she was being self-righteous or demanding that her way was THE way. She explained the hows and whys of the individual changes she suggests and also provides references to the materials she consulted in arriving at her opinions. In addition, in the back of the book there is not only an Index but also a general Selected Biography and there are Selected References divided up by chapters.

In my mind, this kind of notated writing invites the reader to obtain more information in such a way that they can reach decisions about life changes of their own accord rather than just blindly following a personality who either already is a 'guru-esque' figure or seems to want to become one. I came away with a real sense that the author was motivated to share her experiences and opinions to genuinely help others rather than to just promote herself and/or her own product line.

There's another point about this book that I'd like to make that I usually don't comment on: the binding. This edition I read is an over-sized paperback that has a very sturdy cover which is folded in on both the front and back of the book. The folded-in part is about two thirds the width of the cover. This provides a handy and very durable bookmark for the user - particularly if one is actually using it over the period of a year as the author suggests.

All in all, I'd say this book is really great and I rank it high enough to be motivated to purchase a copy for myself (something I rarely do anymore).
Profile Image for Dave Buie.
188 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2023
"One Simple Change: Surprisingly Easy Ways to Transform Your Life" by Winnie Abramson offers a decent entry point into holistic wellness and personal transformation. While it provides valuable insights and practical tips for improving one's life, it falls short of being a standout self-help book.

The book's premise is promising - the idea that small, manageable changes can lead to significant improvements in overall well-being is appealing. Abramson presents a variety of such modifications, from dietary adjustments to lifestyle tweaks, making it accessible to a broad audience.

However, its lack of depth keeps this book from earning a higher rating. The suggested changes are simple, but they sometimes come across as superficial. Readers seeking more comprehensive guidance or scientific explanations may find themselves wanting more.

Furthermore, the writing style and organization of the book could use improvement. It occasionally feels disjointed, making following the author's train of thought challenging. Additionally, some sections need more supporting evidence, which may leave readers skeptical.

Despite these shortcomings, "One Simple Change" has its merits. It's a quick read and may serve as a helpful starting point for those new to the self-improvement genre. The book successfully promotes mindfulness and encourages readers to think more critically about their daily choices.

"One Simple Change" by Winnie Abramson is an average self-help book offering valuable insights and practical tips. Still, it needs more depth and organization to make it stand out in its genre. It's worth a read if you're looking for some light inspiration, but those seeking a more comprehensive and evidence-based approach to personal transformation may want to look elsewhere.
Profile Image for Online Eccentric Librarian.
3,391 reviews5 followers
October 1, 2013
One Simple Change is a very friendly and easy to digest set of suggestions on how to make your life healthier. As with many heath and fitness books, their strength for me really lies on whether the author is making suggestions based on a small experience set or if they have done their homework on the latest research and findings. I was very gratified when reading this to find that there are pages and pages of references from which she draws her conclusions and recommendations. It made me comfortable with her points and less worried that it was another 'fad' motivational book.

The book compiles 50 easy to digest change suggestions, most of them diet/exercise related. She recommends one a week and most of the changes are easy, as described. A lot of it deals with removing yourself from toxic type of products and getting back toward more natural ways of eating. Almost all of the suggestions are drawn directly from the latest research, from eating less wheat products to the value of finding organic raw ingredients for your cooking.

I found that she really made some good points and observations. I liked her tone throughout the book - upbeat but friendly. Best of all, unlike so many diet type books, we aren't directly to websites to buy any of the author's homemade products or systems.

I think this is a really good wake up call for those who want to feel better, look better, and just enjoy life more - get out of the toxic part of the modern environment. For that reason especially, I recommend this book.

Received as an ARC from the publisher.
Profile Image for Barbara   Mahoney.
1,010 reviews
December 1, 2015
It's a nice review of simple changes a person can make to improve their overall health. It's a quick easy read. A nice book to read a little bit at a time - a chapter or two a day - for some tips! Each chapter contains tips on a different subject and healthy changes you can make: nutrition, healthy products to use to cleaning your house and clothes, healthy makeup/cosmetics, drinking water, exercising, mindfulness, etc.

The author has a doctorate in naturopathic medicine and is especially interested in holistic nutrition. I read a lot about holistic nutrition myself and found her advice sound and healthy. I only differ with her on the subject of meat eating. She does advocate eating meat which I do not do. However, I respect the fact that not everyone wants to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle as I have and the author does suggest choosing meats and milk products raised without antibiotics. I do still believe it is better for your health to eat vegetarian and plan to continue to eat this way.

The book contained a number of good healthy recipes.

I have heard a lot of the information before...but like most people, sometimes slip from doing the right things. I find it helpful to read a book like this to regain my focus - especially during the holiday season! I suggest reading a chapter a day!

The author has a Healthy Green Kitchen blog. I plan to check it out!
Profile Image for Vicki.
3 reviews
January 5, 2015
Really simple an straightforward book to get you closer to a healthier lifestyle. She provides suggestions for other books and helpful websites to consult for skincare and cleaning products. She doesn't go into major detail about each topic, which I think is great because it introduces a topic you can look into more yourself. It's a quick read that gives some common sense advice that most people don't follow. Two suggestions I found valuable are live in the moment and the importance of sleeping more. I have strongly been following her recommendations for organic, non GMO, grass fed meat/dairy, and veggies. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who needs reminders for a healthy lifestyle and wants to learn more.
Profile Image for Jenny.
25 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2016
This book is overwhelming to me the way "Simple" magazine is not really simple. I mean, if I even tried to put into action every small change that is enumerated here, my life would be a mess of trying to do them all every day. I would not have time to work, I would not know what to eat, and I would not have enough time with my family, which is the MOST important thing I need to do each day. There's just no way. It's fun to read, but I'd like to hear from someone who actually did all of these and managed to keep it up beyond a week.
Profile Image for Tori .
602 reviews7 followers
January 24, 2014
At first, I felt like I was already doing a lot of the suggestions, and I didn't know if I would keep reading this. I am glad I did. I got many great tips out of it. I also loved the format of the book. I liked how it was presented as one idea at a time. The chapters didn't feel too long or too short, but instead seemed to cover the right amount of info on each topic.
Profile Image for Jessica.
47 reviews4 followers
July 20, 2016
Unfortunately, this book is filled with 40-something tidbits that I already know. If you haven't spent the last 2-3 years reading EVERYTHING you can find about healthy living techniques, then this book could be quite helpful for you.
Profile Image for Sue.
220 reviews3 followers
August 1, 2015
Most of the ideas weren't new, but I liked her recipes and personal views. Like try things and see how your body responds. No everyone needs a gluten free diet or to be vegan. Some people operate better with meat in their diets, like me.
11 reviews
May 28, 2014
A bit simplistic, but good reminders and a few new tips, like dry brushing, who knew?
437 reviews
July 23, 2016
50 things you should be doing (or not doing), like eating less grains, composting, etc etc, each with a short explanation why. Ok, but nothing new or ground-breaking.
Profile Image for Stephanie Johnson .
64 reviews55 followers
March 11, 2015
I thought this book was going to have some new information. This is merely a collection of all the popular advice going around the internet at the moment. Severe disappointment.
8 reviews
October 26, 2014
Great ideas

I really liked this book and all the great ideas it offered to make easy changes for a healthier life

Profile Image for Rachael K.
16 reviews
September 27, 2016
Well written

I enjoyed reading this slice of life health book. I like the little bit of everything approach but it was written on a cohesive manner so one topic flowed to the next.
Profile Image for Gin Tadvick.
253 reviews38 followers
March 22, 2015
Liked the book in general. Took issue with some of her comments about cleaning products. But over gained some new insights and inspiration so worthwhile reading.
7 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2015
I loved this quick little book full of nuggets of wisdom. and supported by data. You don't have to incorporate if all to feel like you've made some positive healthy changes.
Profile Image for Beth.
188 reviews9 followers
May 8, 2015
This would rate much higher if she didn't reference Mercola. Otherwise very good.
Profile Image for Bibiana Rolston.
20 reviews
May 17, 2016
One Simple Change is an easy read that provides you with advice on how to improve your health and enhance your well-being. Each chapter is short, but packed with good advice.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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