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Sexy by Nature: The Whole Foods Solution to Radiant Health, Life-Long Sex Appeal, and Soaring Confidence
In "Sexy by Nature", female health expert Stefani Ruper outlines five easy-to-follow steps that heal you and make it impossible not to love the skin you're in. This book is a must-have for any woman who wants to be healthy, sexy, and free.
Women's health is more complicated than men's health. How often is this important fact given adequate attention in the health and fitness world? Almost never. To the joy and empowerment of women everywhere, Stefani Ruper's "Sexy by Nature" finally delivers what they've needed all along to achieve their health and weight-loss goals.
Modern culture insists that the only way around female health problems like acne, PMS, and stubborn excess weight is to wage war against them with gym memberships, calorie counting, and restrictive diets. But it doesn't have to be hard, frustrating, or an uphill battle. It can be the easiest, most fun, and most exciting journey of your life. How? By letting nature do the work for you. As a product of nature, the female body has specific needs. When those needs are not met, health problems ensue. When they are met, the body heals, energizes, and becomes sexy on its own. "Sexy by Nature" provides the tools and inspiration you need to meet those needs, to overcome health challenges, and to become the radiant, confident woman you were born to be.
Women's health is more complicated than men's health. How often is this important fact given adequate attention in the health and fitness world? Almost never. To the joy and empowerment of women everywhere, Stefani Ruper's "Sexy by Nature" finally delivers what they've needed all along to achieve their health and weight-loss goals.
Modern culture insists that the only way around female health problems like acne, PMS, and stubborn excess weight is to wage war against them with gym memberships, calorie counting, and restrictive diets. But it doesn't have to be hard, frustrating, or an uphill battle. It can be the easiest, most fun, and most exciting journey of your life. How? By letting nature do the work for you. As a product of nature, the female body has specific needs. When those needs are not met, health problems ensue. When they are met, the body heals, energizes, and becomes sexy on its own. "Sexy by Nature" provides the tools and inspiration you need to meet those needs, to overcome health challenges, and to become the radiant, confident woman you were born to be.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2014
40 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 11, 2015
Women's health involves hormonal balance yet this is not adequately addressed in Western medicine or health education. Women's bodies are different than men's and you cannot necessarily follow the same health advice. Learning about your body is empowering. Stephaine Ruper re-educates about how the female reproductive system, how hormones work, and how the impact women. She attacks women's health from a wholistic perspective and has some great advice from how to look at food (fix your broken metabolism versus count calories, nourish your body versus restrict/diet or else it will rebel) to the eliminating the factors that can cause endocrine disruption (take a look at your cosmetics, bedding, etc), to how you talk to yourself (LOVE yourself ladies), to how to move your bodies (reconceptualizing how to look at exercise). She draws from Paleo but tailors it women and educates about the female reproductive system and female hormones. This book gave me some much needed and valuable information about women's health.
May 23, 2014
This is a very special book - not only because it explains a 'whole food, real food' eating lifestyle in a very different and unique way, it is philosophical!
Can you imagine the amazingness? I only found out that Stefani was also a philosopher towards the end of the book - but I had an inkling that something like that was the case - her book is so refreshing!
Stefani does such a great job explaining the science! I have a background in Biochemistry and have read so many Paleo Diet Books explaining the science of eating whole foods, but never have I read such a unique and crystal clear explanation such as Stefani does in this book! SO REFRESHINGLY UNIQUE!
And easy to understand - all about leaky guts and hormones....etc. I was reading her Leaky Gut section and I found myself exclaiming and connecting things even though I have read about the leaky gut a million times before - "But of course! I never thought about this in this way!"
It was also because of this book that I decided to get a standing desk. After reading her 'standing' section I became intrigued about the subject and did more research - my metabolism and work efficiency have changed so much ever since I started standing to work.
But this is not all.
THE BEST section of the book comes at the end. Such inspiration and deep and amazing words that touch right to the heart - this is where Stefani talks about the REAL work of being a sexy woman: being sexy comes from inside of us.
I wish I had read such a book when I was a teenager.
“YOU are the one who determines how sexy you are. It is not your boyfriend. It is not your friends. It is not the crowd of people in the supermarket. Sure, they judge you. They are human beings — they can’t help it. But their judgment has nothing to do with how you feel about and relate to yourself. Moreover, the woman they see is predicated on what you present to them. Sex appeal lives in the space between you and the people around you. But it starts with you. It HAS to.” Stefani Ruper
Can you imagine the amazingness? I only found out that Stefani was also a philosopher towards the end of the book - but I had an inkling that something like that was the case - her book is so refreshing!
Stefani does such a great job explaining the science! I have a background in Biochemistry and have read so many Paleo Diet Books explaining the science of eating whole foods, but never have I read such a unique and crystal clear explanation such as Stefani does in this book! SO REFRESHINGLY UNIQUE!
And easy to understand - all about leaky guts and hormones....etc. I was reading her Leaky Gut section and I found myself exclaiming and connecting things even though I have read about the leaky gut a million times before - "But of course! I never thought about this in this way!"
It was also because of this book that I decided to get a standing desk. After reading her 'standing' section I became intrigued about the subject and did more research - my metabolism and work efficiency have changed so much ever since I started standing to work.
But this is not all.
THE BEST section of the book comes at the end. Such inspiration and deep and amazing words that touch right to the heart - this is where Stefani talks about the REAL work of being a sexy woman: being sexy comes from inside of us.
I wish I had read such a book when I was a teenager.
“YOU are the one who determines how sexy you are. It is not your boyfriend. It is not your friends. It is not the crowd of people in the supermarket. Sure, they judge you. They are human beings — they can’t help it. But their judgment has nothing to do with how you feel about and relate to yourself. Moreover, the woman they see is predicated on what you present to them. Sex appeal lives in the space between you and the people around you. But it starts with you. It HAS to.” Stefani Ruper
February 5, 2015
I wanted to like this book. But I still don't exactly know what the Sexy by Nature diet is even though she is constantly bringing it up. I mean, how is it different, at all, from a traditional whole foods diet, like Weston A. Price, or Mark Sisson's Primal Diet? There is nothing new there. And the diet itself doesn't apply in any specific way to women. I'm not saying that a whole foods diet doesn't work/won't make you feel better because I'm living proof that it does - there just isn't anything different in what she is proposing.
I was also hoping for a bit more about health concerns facing women, but that section is short and more times than should ever be said in a book, she says, "I don't have the time/space to address that here." Um. That's what the title of book led me to believe that you were going to be doing. That's why I picked this book up!
Further, this book just seems a bit, insincere/contrived/silly. There are much better books available for eating a whole foods diet (paleo/primal type) and there are books that address health concerns in a more complete and knowledgeable way.
Very disappointing.
I was also hoping for a bit more about health concerns facing women, but that section is short and more times than should ever be said in a book, she says, "I don't have the time/space to address that here." Um. That's what the title of book led me to believe that you were going to be doing. That's why I picked this book up!
Further, this book just seems a bit, insincere/contrived/silly. There are much better books available for eating a whole foods diet (paleo/primal type) and there are books that address health concerns in a more complete and knowledgeable way.
Very disappointing.
February 27, 2021
I gave it four stars because I think the fact that it is geared toward women only should have been mentioned on the cover, or in the friggin' title, and not just on the inside cover, and the comment that she made in the book that all of her friends are feminists was unnecessary and very off-putting (and would technically be inaccurate if she considered me a friend?). Other than that, a very excellent book based on excellent research! Go Stef!
January 13, 2018
This book is incredible. I am immediately starting it over and plan to read it over and over again to soak it all in, just 5 minutes a day at a time. It’s changing my life! Highly recommend doesn’t begin to cover it.
January 27, 2015
In many ways women are different from men. Their nutritional requirements are different, many of the exercises that strengthen and support are different. It was only natural that a book addressing these differences in women should be written. Stefani Ruper, a New York Times best-selling author, an Ivy League chemist and nationally renowned eating disorder counselor has put together all the things we need to know to achieve radiant health, clear skin, a slim waistline and lifelong youthfulness and an off the charts libido. In writing thusly, she also sums up perfectly what it means to be a real, sexy woman (not what you think!).
The book is divided into five sections, the first (TRAILBLAZE) being Stefani’s set of New Rules to replace the old thinking and its Old Rules. Basically, a debunking conventional wisdom and replacing it with ancestral health and its ensuing wisdom.
Section Two (NOURISH) shows the amazing results gained from eating proper foods—the foods that are aligned with ancestral diet and how they benefit the female body.
Sections three (LIVE) and four (OVERCOME) are all about lifestyle changes beyond nutrition with useful information on overcoming specific hormonal problems such as PMS and even family planning.
The last section is all about self-love. Ruper believes that to heal yourself, you must have psychological healing in addition to physical healing. This section is labeled STRUT and is about empowerment. Throughout the book, Stefani explains the concepts and actions to overcome the problems we face, but she puts the power in our hands after providing the tools.
Sexy by Nature is an interesting journey from the shackles of conventional thinking to the empowerment of breaking free from the ways we often enslave ourselves. Very thought-provoking and a fascinating read.
The book is divided into five sections, the first (TRAILBLAZE) being Stefani’s set of New Rules to replace the old thinking and its Old Rules. Basically, a debunking conventional wisdom and replacing it with ancestral health and its ensuing wisdom.
Section Two (NOURISH) shows the amazing results gained from eating proper foods—the foods that are aligned with ancestral diet and how they benefit the female body.
Sections three (LIVE) and four (OVERCOME) are all about lifestyle changes beyond nutrition with useful information on overcoming specific hormonal problems such as PMS and even family planning.
The last section is all about self-love. Ruper believes that to heal yourself, you must have psychological healing in addition to physical healing. This section is labeled STRUT and is about empowerment. Throughout the book, Stefani explains the concepts and actions to overcome the problems we face, but she puts the power in our hands after providing the tools.
Sexy by Nature is an interesting journey from the shackles of conventional thinking to the empowerment of breaking free from the ways we often enslave ourselves. Very thought-provoking and a fascinating read.
January 25, 2016
Awesome detailed diet and lifestyle advice for all women
I loved the diet and lifestyle advice in this book. The author provided just the right amount of detail so that you knew what to do and why, but not so much detail that you felt overwhelmed or bored. I plan to reread the advice in the future because it really was great and in-line with many other things I've read.
A few minor complaints are a) the book would refer to "Step 2" or "Step 3" and there was no easy way to understand exactly what this was referring to, at least not without losing my place in the book and b) I didn't like how it referred to the author's way of eating as the "Sexy by Nature" diet. Really, it was just a whole foods diet with a focus on not eating foods that can mess with hormones, which has been advocated by others as well. It seemed unnecessary to push it as a special diet as if no one else was suggesting it, and also honestly the pushing of the name made it seem less legit.
I also glossed over the sections on self-love, being fearless, etc. I found some of the info I read in these sections worth consideration, but as a follower of Christ I found it necessary to temper this information with what I believe about my worth based on the Bible.
Still, despite my minor complaints above, I loved the diet and lifestyle and hormone information and would highly recommend the book to other women.
I loved the diet and lifestyle advice in this book. The author provided just the right amount of detail so that you knew what to do and why, but not so much detail that you felt overwhelmed or bored. I plan to reread the advice in the future because it really was great and in-line with many other things I've read.
A few minor complaints are a) the book would refer to "Step 2" or "Step 3" and there was no easy way to understand exactly what this was referring to, at least not without losing my place in the book and b) I didn't like how it referred to the author's way of eating as the "Sexy by Nature" diet. Really, it was just a whole foods diet with a focus on not eating foods that can mess with hormones, which has been advocated by others as well. It seemed unnecessary to push it as a special diet as if no one else was suggesting it, and also honestly the pushing of the name made it seem less legit.
I also glossed over the sections on self-love, being fearless, etc. I found some of the info I read in these sections worth consideration, but as a follower of Christ I found it necessary to temper this information with what I believe about my worth based on the Bible.
Still, despite my minor complaints above, I loved the diet and lifestyle and hormone information and would highly recommend the book to other women.
May 29, 2016
I remember when this book hit the paleo world a number of years ago and the title and [what I thought was the] subject matter didn't interest me at all. Fast forward to this year when The Paleo Women Podcast co-hosted by Stefani Ruper and Noelle Tarr became one of my very favorites and I became more curious about this book consequently. Though Stefani uses the term "sexy" I think she is really talking about confidence, positive self/body image, and an overall mental and emotional state more than anything else. The parts of the book dedicated to this really didn't resonate with me though when Stefani talks about these topics on the podcast I often appreciate what she has to say. Where I think the value of the book lies is in its solid, clear summary of the rationale behind the paleo diet, in Stefani's insights around how women's bodies and nutritional needs are different from men, and in her great summaries of all the hormones in the body (not just sex hormones) and the mechanisms that control them. (Related: she provides a great overview of the hormonal impacts of virtually every type of birth control under the sun.) If I ever recommended this book to someone it would be as a resource around these topics and I'd likely recommend skipping the rest of the book.
March 3, 2016
In-depth information on how the female body works, specifically in regards to hormone imbalances and how to fix them. Basically, eating clean and considering eliminating dairy and grains when certain female health issues are present.. Author highly recommends some supplementation (Vitamin D and Magnesium for most, with doctor approval) daily to help balance hormones, in conjunction with clean eating, HIIT workouts, and strength training. While appearance is talked about in great detail, focus of the book was on becoming empowered, fearless, and leading the confident life you want. I highly recommend this book and will be sharing the information in it with the other women in my life.
January 7, 2015
I picked this one up when there was a Black Friday Paleo book sale and am so glad I did. I don't remember where I heard about it but I love that it tailors paleo to women, over a general this how to do it. I really liked the discussion about self-love and being sexy, as well as the information about all things lady and what goes on in our crazy but beautiful bodies. A definite read for anyone interested in paleo as a lifestyle, it's not just about eating.
March 18, 2014
This book by Stefani Ruper covers it all for me. Health, wellness, spirituality, sexuality, nutrition... Eye opener and fast read with great information! My sticky note covered book is a new treasure for my library. I truly related to her body image journey big time! Great book!
July 14, 2015
Stefani Ruper is the creator of Paleo for Women, one of my all-time favourite sites. In Sexy by Nature she dives into the importance of loving yourself and treating your body right. It is a great primer on how to eat and look after yourself as a woman.
February 13, 2016
I was really unsatisfied with this book. The way the author wrote really bothered me. It was like a really long list and not a book. It also seemed like recycled information. I can see this as a great tool for someone who is new to this info - just wasn't for me.
March 29, 2014
An awesome book with tons of information. Will definitely have to go back and re-read.
June 19, 2014
Highly recommended to all my female friends! Very informative.
Want to read
May 30, 2014I randomly came across this during an amazon book binge and the reviews have me curious. The library doesn't have it though so we'll see when I get to it.
February 4, 2015
Really basic information. Would be good for a younger girl just getting interested in nutrition. Easy to read.
July 13, 2015
Paleo / Primal for those who don't want to get bogged down in scientific details.
February 27, 2016
What a great book full of powerful information! I highly recommend it for every woman out there!
June 14, 2016
Don't be fooled by the title. This is a great book on women's health issues and how to resolve them through diet and lifestyle changes.
January 11, 2020
Super helpful and encouraging.
January 7, 2019
Probably my favorite fitness/nutrition book ever.
March 13, 2018
"The female body doesn't take crap from anybody or anything" (66).
I thoroughly enjoyed this easy-to-read book. Obviously she advocates for the whole foods/Paleo lifestyle, but she doesn't spend too much time discussing the science and health benefits behind it; but rather, how the food can help a person (specifically women or those who identify as women) feel good in her own body. There wasn't too much science involved, so if you're looking for the research and scientific health benefits of certain foods, etc... I'd recommend another text. However, she does discuss the whole body: physically, mentally, emotionally, and how to make it the healthiest that it can be.
I thoroughly enjoyed this easy-to-read book. Obviously she advocates for the whole foods/Paleo lifestyle, but she doesn't spend too much time discussing the science and health benefits behind it; but rather, how the food can help a person (specifically women or those who identify as women) feel good in her own body. There wasn't too much science involved, so if you're looking for the research and scientific health benefits of certain foods, etc... I'd recommend another text. However, she does discuss the whole body: physically, mentally, emotionally, and how to make it the healthiest that it can be.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews