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How To Be Well: The 6 Keys to a Happy and Healthy Life
In How to Be Well , best-selling author and leading health expert Dr. Frank Lipman shares his formula for lifelong vitality—the Good Medicine Mandala. Illustrated by a circular system of six rings, the Good Medicine Mandala contains more than 100 simple steps to what really works to improve and strengthen your resilience, functioning, and overall health. In this invaluable book, you will learn how
master the very building blocks of life—food
reprioritize and restore one of your most fundamental needs
ensure the body moves in all the ways that nature intended it to
mitigate and prevent the invisible assaults of everyday toxins
consciously switch off to allow for complete mental and physiological reprieve
awaken and enhance a sense of belonging and meaning
How to Be Well is a unique handbook with everyday habits and practices you can deploy to live your best, healthiest, and happiest life.
master the very building blocks of life—food
reprioritize and restore one of your most fundamental needs
ensure the body moves in all the ways that nature intended it to
mitigate and prevent the invisible assaults of everyday toxins
consciously switch off to allow for complete mental and physiological reprieve
awaken and enhance a sense of belonging and meaning
How to Be Well is a unique handbook with everyday habits and practices you can deploy to live your best, healthiest, and happiest life.
256 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2019
743 people are currently reading
1758 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
August 25, 2018
Maybe I've read too many health and self help books but I found this to be too basic to finish reading. I didn't get any new information, just a mashup of various schools of thought about nutrition and self-care.
*Amending this review because I did finish the book. Lipman does offer interesting information in a number of areas, but I'm leery about any advice that only cites "some" studies. Especially when I'm being told not to EVER hold my cell phone against my head or rest my iPad in my lap. That aside, this is one of those books that is best used as a reference tool- scan the table of contents and read sections that look relevant.
*Amending this review because I did finish the book. Lipman does offer interesting information in a number of areas, but I'm leery about any advice that only cites "some" studies. Especially when I'm being told not to EVER hold my cell phone against my head or rest my iPad in my lap. That aside, this is one of those books that is best used as a reference tool- scan the table of contents and read sections that look relevant.
August 4, 2018
I have to say this book definitely goes in my Top 3 books of the year. And, I would probably even say it’s the most influential book I’ve read all year.
This book really spoke to me in ways that many other health/wellness books only touch on here and there.
I will certainly be suggesting this book to all my clients, friends, family and loved ones as a great way to learn “How To Be Well”.
Honestly, thank you for this experience!!
Josh
This book really spoke to me in ways that many other health/wellness books only touch on here and there.
I will certainly be suggesting this book to all my clients, friends, family and loved ones as a great way to learn “How To Be Well”.
Honestly, thank you for this experience!!
Josh
July 30, 2018
This offers much more than "six keys" - each "key" has bunches of individual tips. Got a bit overwhelming. Also, the layout and design is colorful & creative however sometimes the font is in a color that was difficult to read.
All that being said - I'm sure anyone and everyone can find at least one or two tips to inspire better health. I particularly liked the section on better sleep.
All that being said - I'm sure anyone and everyone can find at least one or two tips to inspire better health. I particularly liked the section on better sleep.
Read
October 9, 2024informative & interesting! i’ve enjoyed slowly implementing parts of this book into my life over the year :)
January 18, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I think the introduction starts the book off well because the author explains health isn't a one size fits all, it's not a race, and it's not linear. We can work on our health and happiness at our own pace and what works for you probably won't work for somebody else.
That being said, I enjoyed the content from the different sections of the book. The nutrition and movement sections felt very compact but informative. I felt like a lot of this information was stuff I had already researched, but I liked the way that it was framed here: these are all reputable methods of improving health, various diets, fasting, types of movement, but you don't have to follow any of them. If it works for you and your lifestyle great, if not try something else.
It was also just a really great cheat sheet for basic food planning/cooking advice for those who, for example, might not understand cooking oils vs. pouring oils and why they're given that categorization.
Of course, nobody is going to be able to follow every single suggestion in the book or may not care to, but that's not really the point. The point is to offer up options for every kind of person. I think this book does a really good job of offering a smorgasbord of advice, so you'll find something that works for you.
I personally liked how there were also simple how-to instructions in the different sections like recipes or how to do breathing exercises. I feel like it broke up the text from being entirely too dense. He also gave a lot of outside resources to help you look more into depth at various topics.
What I enjoyed so much about this book as well is how much this book was about the mindset. Take each part of your health and well-being one day at a time until it becomes easy, even if it takes weeks or months for a habit to form.
That being said, I enjoyed the content from the different sections of the book. The nutrition and movement sections felt very compact but informative. I felt like a lot of this information was stuff I had already researched, but I liked the way that it was framed here: these are all reputable methods of improving health, various diets, fasting, types of movement, but you don't have to follow any of them. If it works for you and your lifestyle great, if not try something else.
It was also just a really great cheat sheet for basic food planning/cooking advice for those who, for example, might not understand cooking oils vs. pouring oils and why they're given that categorization.
Of course, nobody is going to be able to follow every single suggestion in the book or may not care to, but that's not really the point. The point is to offer up options for every kind of person. I think this book does a really good job of offering a smorgasbord of advice, so you'll find something that works for you.
I personally liked how there were also simple how-to instructions in the different sections like recipes or how to do breathing exercises. I feel like it broke up the text from being entirely too dense. He also gave a lot of outside resources to help you look more into depth at various topics.
What I enjoyed so much about this book as well is how much this book was about the mindset. Take each part of your health and well-being one day at a time until it becomes easy, even if it takes weeks or months for a habit to form.
August 17, 2019
Nothing groundbreaking. But a good reminder of foundational habits for health.
The degree to which Lipman's wellness guidance is only relevant to individuals is pretty depressing, though. The central message of the book is that you are the only person that can control your health -- you can't rely on the gov't/regulatory bodies, doctors, the food industry, etc.
While this individualist approach may be the easiest and most immediately effective one in our contemporary late capitalist hellscape, I wish Lipman would have tried a little bit to imagine a world in which we advocate for and build structures that take care of us. Like, instead of just resigning ourselves to the fact that our tap water is toxic and buying filters for our home, can we imagine collective action that would make fresh and clean water available to everyone?
The degree to which Lipman's wellness guidance is only relevant to individuals is pretty depressing, though. The central message of the book is that you are the only person that can control your health -- you can't rely on the gov't/regulatory bodies, doctors, the food industry, etc.
While this individualist approach may be the easiest and most immediately effective one in our contemporary late capitalist hellscape, I wish Lipman would have tried a little bit to imagine a world in which we advocate for and build structures that take care of us. Like, instead of just resigning ourselves to the fact that our tap water is toxic and buying filters for our home, can we imagine collective action that would make fresh and clean water available to everyone?
January 23, 2021
Its lack of citations for the claims it included wore on me. I finally abandoned it halfway through when its claims about GMOs had no research referenced. I'm not a fan of GMOs, but it's based on my gut feeling, which isn't worth a dang. If I were an MD hawking supplements, I'd better have some research to back it up.
April 13, 2019
Almost bordering on too much information and too many tips. But wonderfully comprehensive and really beautiful visual data representation. Great concrete tips for living a more wholistic, sustainable lifestyle.
December 27, 2023
It’s a fine overall of health. Now Dr. Lipman doesn’t do a really thorough job because he has a lot of ground to cover. I really liked his discussion on the dangers of sugar and the importance of healthy fat like those found in 🥑 🍫 and 🌰 🥜. However, I feel like the great hatred of seed oils and GMO’s is unwarranted. I am not a medical professional, but I’ve heard medical professionals say that you can you seed oils in a rotation with other oils, such as avocado or extra-virgin olive oil. Then he goes on to say how bad gluten is and EMFs. there are some controversial opinions here. however, I really like the emphasis on healthy, eating and sugar avoidance. If only I would avoid sugar ha ha.
September 14, 2018
This is a fairly comprehensive, yet beginner's guide to health and wellness. Not all of his ideas were my cup of tea. For the most part, Lipman's advice is based on "some studies" but also on common sense behavior's we've forgotten about. I like how well rounded the book is. Its not only about physical wellness, but mental and emotional wellness as well. I rarely see that combination in these types of books. Its a pretty heavy tome as well. A good reference book. Just scan the table of contents and find the section that you need a refresher on. I am interested in trying some of the meals and recipes mentioned in the first portion of the book.
September 28, 2019
There is a ton of good stuff in this book to help your overall wellness. I liked that it focused on all aspects of health and not just diet and exercise. It's a beautifully designed and laid out book so reading it is a visual feast. I can't say I agree with everything in it and there are some really far out suggestions like going to cuddle parties but Frank lipman is a doctor and I am not.
December 11, 2019
I really enjoy Dr Lipman. This is a great reference book touching upon all things wellness.
June 16, 2024
The six rings:
Eat
sleep
move
protect
unwind
Connect
Gluten is the first thing to get rid of. Give it three months before you try adding any of it back and then you might be able to tolerate it better.Then lectins.
Pressure cookers significantly reduced lectin in beans
Broth. Spike it with coconut oil other oil or ghee. Froth it. (Brodo a bone broth cookbook)
Chocolate energy smoothie: one scoop vanilla protein powder, three-quarter cup unsweetened coconut milk, quarter cup brewed coffee, 1 to 2 tablespoons raw cacao, 1/4 avocado, 1 tablespoon almond butter, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1 tablespoon flax hamp or chia, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 6 to 8 ice cubes are half a cup room temperature water
Golden milk smoothie: 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk, 1 teaspoon ground turmeric, quarter teaspoon ground ginger, half orange peeled seeded and chopped, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, one serving vanilla protein powder, a few ice cubes.
Make movement a healthy by product of other things. Get out of the boxes of work car house.
Do the following rotation five times each day at the beginning, each pose for 30 seconds. Hang, squat, bear crawl, handstand against wall, loaded walk with weighted vest, 10% of your weight.
Month 2: add barbell dead lift.
Month 3: 25-28# kettle bell 100/day to shoulder or chest
Write: I feel, I need, I want
How to make friends: start with the clear intention, it won’t happen unless you want it.Take a friendship making step each week (following up with the friendship that is failing, starting a conversation, go to an event, online friend dating like the BFF feature of bumble). Be proactive and invite. Follow up, go with the momentum. Say yes if somebody invites you. Avoid small talk (what do you care about instead of what do you do.). Become a stellar listener. Go on adventures together. Find a shared interest or community. Get creative. Don’t take things personally.
Bone broth: 2 to 4 pounds of bones from poultry or fish or beef. 100% certified pastor in our grass fed meat is best. Neck is good. A whole chicken carcasses good. 1 gallon water are enough to cover them bones by a few inches. 3 to 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. ETA 12 quart pot. Mesh strainer. Carrot garlic onion sea salt and herbs. Kunz can go halfway up the pot and cover with water to an inch from the top. Add vinegar and let sit for 30 to 60 minutes. Bring to a boil then turn down to a simmer.
Cook and wait. You can skim off the scum at the top if you want. Cook at least six hours or overnight. A few hours before it’s done throw in the vegetables and sea salt and herbs if you are using them. Remove from the heat and let cool. Take out the bones and throw them away. Then strain it through a sieve. When cool ladle into glass mason jars. You can leave the fat on the top until you use it at which time you take it off. If you want to freeze it leave two inches open at the top or freeze without lids and then add them once frozen.
When cool it should wiggle like jelly.
Season a piece of salmon Salt pepper lemon zest and a lot of EVOO. Folded into a parchment pouch with tarragon dill and basil. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes in 350° oven. Dressing: 2/3 cup full fat yogurt, one grated garlic clove, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, cracked pepper sea salt and fresh herbs to taste. Pour it over the salmon. This is enough dressing to serve three or four people.
10 habits of successful vegetable eater:
Make a layer of greens or mixed vegetables the foundation of each plate.
Shop then prep. (wash, trim, slice)
Roast for the week.
Make soup
Replace pasta with spirals from zucchini and sweet potato. Replace rice with cauliflower.
Add vegetables to everything. Add spinach to all soups and sauces order a side of greens or salad every time you eat out.
Master the meal hack: broth with frozen vegetables and whisk in an egg. Add a dash of liquid aminos
Stack the freezer with vegetables.
Eat in technicolor.
Follow good #: Will frolic for food. Sweet potatoToast instead of grains. Oh she glows.
Mindful eating: slow down, sit down, breathe, look at your food, take it all in, smell it, bless it, breathe, look at your food, take a bite, too slowly, taste it, relish it, sip small sips not gulps, keep tasting your food, check in midway, am I still hungry? Stop 80% full. Notice how you feel
Snack mindfully: ask am I hungry or is it something else? Boredom discomfort, longing, drink a glass of water, wait two minutes. Ask again am I hungry? If so, eat and enjoy.
Eat
sleep
move
protect
unwind
Connect
Gluten is the first thing to get rid of. Give it three months before you try adding any of it back and then you might be able to tolerate it better.Then lectins.
Pressure cookers significantly reduced lectin in beans
Broth. Spike it with coconut oil other oil or ghee. Froth it. (Brodo a bone broth cookbook)
Chocolate energy smoothie: one scoop vanilla protein powder, three-quarter cup unsweetened coconut milk, quarter cup brewed coffee, 1 to 2 tablespoons raw cacao, 1/4 avocado, 1 tablespoon almond butter, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1 tablespoon flax hamp or chia, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 6 to 8 ice cubes are half a cup room temperature water
Golden milk smoothie: 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk, 1 teaspoon ground turmeric, quarter teaspoon ground ginger, half orange peeled seeded and chopped, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, one serving vanilla protein powder, a few ice cubes.
Make movement a healthy by product of other things. Get out of the boxes of work car house.
Do the following rotation five times each day at the beginning, each pose for 30 seconds. Hang, squat, bear crawl, handstand against wall, loaded walk with weighted vest, 10% of your weight.
Month 2: add barbell dead lift.
Month 3: 25-28# kettle bell 100/day to shoulder or chest
Write: I feel, I need, I want
How to make friends: start with the clear intention, it won’t happen unless you want it.Take a friendship making step each week (following up with the friendship that is failing, starting a conversation, go to an event, online friend dating like the BFF feature of bumble). Be proactive and invite. Follow up, go with the momentum. Say yes if somebody invites you. Avoid small talk (what do you care about instead of what do you do.). Become a stellar listener. Go on adventures together. Find a shared interest or community. Get creative. Don’t take things personally.
Bone broth: 2 to 4 pounds of bones from poultry or fish or beef. 100% certified pastor in our grass fed meat is best. Neck is good. A whole chicken carcasses good. 1 gallon water are enough to cover them bones by a few inches. 3 to 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. ETA 12 quart pot. Mesh strainer. Carrot garlic onion sea salt and herbs. Kunz can go halfway up the pot and cover with water to an inch from the top. Add vinegar and let sit for 30 to 60 minutes. Bring to a boil then turn down to a simmer.
Cook and wait. You can skim off the scum at the top if you want. Cook at least six hours or overnight. A few hours before it’s done throw in the vegetables and sea salt and herbs if you are using them. Remove from the heat and let cool. Take out the bones and throw them away. Then strain it through a sieve. When cool ladle into glass mason jars. You can leave the fat on the top until you use it at which time you take it off. If you want to freeze it leave two inches open at the top or freeze without lids and then add them once frozen.
When cool it should wiggle like jelly.
Season a piece of salmon Salt pepper lemon zest and a lot of EVOO. Folded into a parchment pouch with tarragon dill and basil. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes in 350° oven. Dressing: 2/3 cup full fat yogurt, one grated garlic clove, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, cracked pepper sea salt and fresh herbs to taste. Pour it over the salmon. This is enough dressing to serve three or four people.
10 habits of successful vegetable eater:
Make a layer of greens or mixed vegetables the foundation of each plate.
Shop then prep. (wash, trim, slice)
Roast for the week.
Make soup
Replace pasta with spirals from zucchini and sweet potato. Replace rice with cauliflower.
Add vegetables to everything. Add spinach to all soups and sauces order a side of greens or salad every time you eat out.
Master the meal hack: broth with frozen vegetables and whisk in an egg. Add a dash of liquid aminos
Stack the freezer with vegetables.
Eat in technicolor.
Follow good #: Will frolic for food. Sweet potatoToast instead of grains. Oh she glows.
Mindful eating: slow down, sit down, breathe, look at your food, take it all in, smell it, bless it, breathe, look at your food, take a bite, too slowly, taste it, relish it, sip small sips not gulps, keep tasting your food, check in midway, am I still hungry? Stop 80% full. Notice how you feel
Snack mindfully: ask am I hungry or is it something else? Boredom discomfort, longing, drink a glass of water, wait two minutes. Ask again am I hungry? If so, eat and enjoy.
December 18, 2022
This book was a very mixed bag. I felt that the advice in the sections about Connect, Unwind, Sleep, and Move were all pretty sensible. For Eat and Protect, he takes a somewhat non-standard, conservative approach. He is pretty staunchly pro-organic, anti-GMO, anti-5G, pro-herbal remedies, etc., which is totally his prerogative, but he discusses these as if they're settled science and rarely cites his sources. I found it particularly irresponsible for him to suggest that the rise of GMOs is linked to autism. There are certainly nuggets of wisdom in here, but I feel like there are enough WTF moments that I'm skeptical about recommending this book.
June 25, 2018
If you've done enough research and made enough mistakes and spoken with your doctor (and physical therapists) enough and watched workout videos on YouTube and flipped through magazine articles and books about healthy lifestyles and tried meditation and yoga and foam rolling and assisted stretching and restorative massage, the information in the book is a good collection of all the wisdom you might have collected on your own. And it's nice to look at, with colorful, simple illustrations that resemble info graphs.
November 14, 2018
Though there is great information in here. I found the way it was presented and organized to trigger my anxiety. I honestly have no idea why, and I don't know if anyone else had this issue.
I felt like some of the information was too general while others were too specific.
I have read many nonfiction-health/self-help/dietary etc books... but for some reason I couldn't handle this book more than a book I completely disagreed with.
I felt like some of the information was too general while others were too specific.
I have read many nonfiction-health/self-help/dietary etc books... but for some reason I couldn't handle this book more than a book I completely disagreed with.
January 18, 2019
As other reviewers have said, this is fairly comprehensive, however, I really disliked the colors used in the text. Some text is white on a red background, which is very difficult to read. There was also orange text on a white background. While the colors are attractive, they really reduced the readability. I took away one star for that.
December 2, 2019
He does well with broad recommendations (move more, sleep well) and gets shady with the specifics, which are usually NOT based in science (e.g., discouraging people from eating gluten, fruit, GMOs, "toxins" (whatever that means), and more). Granted, I am immediately suspicious of anyone who talks about eating "clean," but this book really doubles down on that whole culture.
December 27, 2018
I recently finished reading this book, and I was incredibly inspired by the content and the engaging design. It provided practical advice on how to live well in a modern world where stress has become the norm of everyday life.
May 10, 2018
3.5 General advice in all areas of health. A great book for someone who is interested in getting started in investing in a healthy lifestyle.
May 23, 2023
I’d give this book less than one star if I could. How to be well, be rich.
September 1, 2023
2.5 stars rounded down for one main reason:
I can already tell that the entire section in this book about eating/diet/food is going to be triggering for anybody with an eating disorder, and actually gives some very problematic advice. Dare I say dangerous? It tips in that direction.
Here's the deal, if you're going to write a self-help book for health please do not contradict yourself from page to page. I'm begging you. Three meals a day to intermediate fasting to sugar is a mortal sin to salt is okay to use what works for you but also cut foods cold turkey out of your diet is not tracking.
I like the commentary on how modern society has really messed up natural human rhythms, but if I'm going to have dieting advice poured down my throat, I don't want it from a book touting ways to also make you happier
I can already tell that the entire section in this book about eating/diet/food is going to be triggering for anybody with an eating disorder, and actually gives some very problematic advice. Dare I say dangerous? It tips in that direction.
Here's the deal, if you're going to write a self-help book for health please do not contradict yourself from page to page. I'm begging you. Three meals a day to intermediate fasting to sugar is a mortal sin to salt is okay to use what works for you but also cut foods cold turkey out of your diet is not tracking.
I like the commentary on how modern society has really messed up natural human rhythms, but if I'm going to have dieting advice poured down my throat, I don't want it from a book touting ways to also make you happier
March 22, 2020
This is not only a positive book with all kinds of random health tips, but also in line with many other authors such as Dr. Dispenza. This book covers so many parts of your life on how to live better. I listened to the audiobook from the library, but I am actually considering buying the book because it is like a handbook on how to make good choices for a happy and healthy life. The author is very informative, but I was laughing out loud at some word choices and some funny information the author provides. I gave it to my friend to listen to it because I loved it so much.
January 7, 2021
Not great- this book is very specific in the nutrition part (anti carbs and sugar- pro vegan and keto diets). I didn’t find the kind of nutritional info I was hoping to- this book focuses more on all aspects of healthy living like getting more sleep, having a healthy sex life, and meditating. If you’re into the most recent take on nutrition, that part will work really well for you. I feel like in ten years the nutrition part will be inaccurate 😂 but there are some valuable ideas in here about health and wellness and how many areas of our lives affect it.
July 22, 2018
In a world of extreme diets, this book (though it sounds a little keto leaning) lays out pretty attainable, reasonable steps for wholistic health - from diet to mental health to excercise to environment. Definitely useful information, even if I will not likely incorporate every possible thing in my life.
Was good as an audiobook, however some bits were probably better to read in the print book (recipes and medical protocols).
Was good as an audiobook, however some bits were probably better to read in the print book (recipes and medical protocols).
March 25, 2019
3.5 Сначала мне было очень интересно читать, но к середине запал угас и пошло медленнее т.к. Фрэнк использует захватывающие главные идеи и заголовки, но само содержание параграфов никак не поражает полезностью советов. Тем не менее, общее впечатление хорошее. а глава Protect меня поразила информацией про химикаты в овсяной каше и про влияние электромагнитных волн от гаджетов - я никогда про это не задумывалась.
December 28, 2023
This book is fairly big, with colorful pages and pictures and a decent amount of information on a diverse range of topics. For those of us who have read a lot of health books, this doesn't offer any new information, however, it does condense a lot of ideas down nicely and would be a nice version for someone who hasn't read all the books on this field and wants to gain knowledge of health in general a bit more succinctly.
September 18, 2024
This book is full of nonsense goop health advice and fear mongering hidden within pages of over-simplified, common sense health strategies everyone already knows about. Clearly not a trustworthy source of information. The author even throws in a few conspiracy theories like *your city water isn’t safe to drink so you need a filter* and *the medical community doesn’t actually tell you all of the possible side effects of medication* which are WILD things to say.
April 28, 2019
Although this one doesn't have much research cited to back up its claims, it did give me some food for thought as to how to improve different aspects of my overall wellness. There were things I agreed with, and other things I didn't. As long as you go into this one with some caution, I think you can glean some good nuggets of advice for yourself.
October 8, 2019
Genuine holistic guide to understanding & building your own health. Not a fad or a quick self help book, but rather a nuanced approach to building small habits that will affect your mind, body, & spirit. The big pieces of this puzzle are how we eat, sleep, move, protect, unwind, & connect. This is a book you come back to. A meditation & daily practice rather than a 30 day sprint.
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