Vibrant: A Groundbreaking Program to Get Energized, Own Your Health, and Glow

by Stacie Stephenson

Stop thinking of your own well-being as something that's beyond your control.

Today's view of wellness is far too often fragmented, focusing on specific symptoms rather than the whole person. In Vibrant, Dr. Stacie Stephenson introduces readers to a new and empowering way of looking at health. A recognized leader in functional and integrative medicine, Stephenson has helped thousands by focusing not on treating disease, but on creating health-by giving individuals the knowledge, confidence, and inspiration they need to do so for themselves.

By the end of this life-changing book, readers will have the tools to transform their energy, weight, fitness, and general wellness, tackling everything from enhancing sleep quality to building an iron-clad immune system. Beginning with basics such as the truth about the best diet, the critical role of exercise in vitality and longevity, and the importance of human connection, Vibrant also dives deeper to give a holistic picture of health and how to achieve it. With helpful breakdowns on supplements, detoxification, and how to think about disease, this is much more than just another wellness book.

It's also packed with practical, useful features, including:

- Self-assessment tools to aid you in listening to your body
- A foolproof two-week meal plan
- 40 delicious, healthful chef-created recipes
- 30 days of baby steps to start building the habit of health

With Stephenson's candid and conversational voice, Vibrant is like having a friend who also happens to be a leading health authority take you under her wing. Along with practical advice, she shares powerful insights that will change the way you think about everything from exercise to relationships, and sends readers off with an inspirational chapter on how health has a ripple effect that can change your family, your community, and help to create a more vibrant world.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Personal Growth, Food, Self Help

320 pages, Hardcover

First published March 23, 2021

About the author

Dr. Stacie Stephenson is a recognized leader in functional medicine focused on integrative, regenerative, anti-aging, and natural medicine modalities. In addition to her functional medicine and anti-aging board certifications, she is a Certified Nutrition Specialist and Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine. Dr. Stephenson is the founder and CEO of a new health and wellness media venture, VibrantDoc, dedicated to making integrative medicine concepts and optimal wellness accessible to all. She spent close to 15 years in private practice before she was named Chair of Functional Medicine at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. She is also a board member for the American Nutritional Association, an ambassador for the American Heart Association, and the Vice Chair of Gateway for Cancer Research, a non-profit organization dedicated to funding breakthrough cancer research and early stage clinical trials. Dr. Stephenson has always championed a whole-person approach to disease prevention and healing, with an emphasis on healthy lifestyle, natural medicine, and personal empowerment.

Reviews

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is your typical "self help" book. I found it to be well laid out and full of useful tips, tricks, recipes, and plans. The author can get a little "preachy" at times, however, that sort of goes with the territory with this type of book. I am excited to try out some recipes and the meal plan. The extra pages at the end of the book were also a delightful addition!

**ARC Via NetGalley**

[Kimberly]

I like the idea that this book focuses on the vibrancy of one's health and not on number; however, most of the advice is the standard don't eat junk, get rest, meditate, exercise, etc. The author is a chiropractor, not a medical doctor and I thought some of her ideas were unbelievable. For example, she feels that the only reason anyone has gray hair is because of a lack of chi which is a sign of energy leaving the body. I think if it were as simple as living well and taking the right supplements then no one would be gray and that simply isn't the case. I also found it odd that the book includes a multi-page centerfold spread common to biographies. It was filled with large photos of the author doing various things and in various poses more suited to a catalog. Overall, I think there are better nutrition books out there.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Stacie Stephehnson's Vibrant is a practical guide for taking ownership of your health to feel your best. To, as she constantly reminds us in the text, to live your most "vibrant" life. Vibrancy is something we can immediately recognize in a person: her skin glows, her hair is lush and glossy, her body moves fluidly, unencumbered by extra weight and muscle aches.

While I generally enjoyed this book, I'm of two minds about it.

The pros: Dr. Stephenson gives practical, easy tips for being more aware of your heath, with simple checklists for self-assessment and a clear guide for changing your lifestyle. I love the recipes she includes and am eager to try them. I liked her easy tone/voice, which usually didn't shame anyone for their current choices and didn't give off a vibe of "you must make these enormous changes immediately." Likewise, she challenges you to be an active participant in your medical life, to stop viewing your "best self" as something out of your control, and to stop being defined by any medical diagnoses.

The text also makes sense. She doesn't really bring anything new to the table per se, but reiterates what we know to be healthy habits: exercise, eat healthy, get good sleep, practice mindfulness.

The cons: Though on the whole I liked the tone of the book, there were parts that came across as very privileged/preachy. This mostly came out during food discussions, in particular the section about obstacles to eating healthy/organic foods being due largely to a lack of educating oneself. Yes, stores like Walmart and Trader Joe's have made this option more wallet friendly, but there are still barriers for people who are food insecure, even after they've "done their research." You cannot preach that people just need to do their homework to find cheap healthy foods and then provide recipes that call for things like grass fed organic elk (a protein I have never seen in any of my local grocery stores, never mind people who live in food deserts) and butterfly pea powder (looks great! But as the books notes, you have to find it online and it's going to cost you about twenty dollars). So while I did like the overall message, be careful to take it with a grain of salt: the author is married to the multimillionaire founder of the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. It's very easy to put the suggested practices into play when you have every financial resource to do so.

Thank you to NetGalley and BenBella Books for making this advance copy available for review.

[Tessa Ramos · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cute, but super judgemental. I automatically distrust anyone who goes on about the horrors of western medicine.

To put it simply: the chaotic ramblings of a hopped up new ageist. Her ideas are silly, at best. At worst, downright hateful. Blaming people for their allergies and graying hair? Please, stop pretending to be a medical doctor, baby.

I'll avoid mentioning how much women absolutely need to hear that having fat cells, gray hair, and wrinkles means that they're dying.

[Jade Melody]

DNF @ 11%

As someone who is not at the peak of physical health but feels great mentally, I feel as though this is not the book for me. I'm not interested in hearing all the things that are wrong with my lifestyle and the subjective things that make my lifestyle worthy of being vibrant. If I feel vibrant in the way I'm living right now and am confident in the way I am choosing to improve my health, that do not coincide with what this author is telling me, then I can still be and feel vibrant.

[Kylie Sammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm baffled by the reviews on this book. I'll preface with saying I'm a certified nutrition coach and personal trainer, and married to a practicing doctor. So as I've been reading and discussing with my husband, we've had perspectives from both sides of the spectrum.

One review states she's not a medical doctor but a chiropractor. Dr. Stephenson went to medical school. Not only does she state this in the book, but a google search can show you that. She ALSO went to chiropractor school.

Also, people complain about how unrealistic it is to follow or afford. Chapter One states this is NOT an all or nothing process, and you can take and leave whatever you feel works for you. She even says organic food from Walmart is a better choice to avoid chemicals.

We are in a day and age where more and more trained doctors (i.e. Dr. Stacie Stephenson and Dr. Peter Attia) are stepping away from their indoctrination to share about how our food, air, and water are killing us. People in other countries feel bad for us. Why are we not questioning why?

Rant over, onto my actual review. I personally thought this book was fantastic. I honestly found it browsing through the library and picked it up because the cover reminded me of Untamed by Glennon Doyle. I skimmed through it and thought it seemed worth a shot to read as my health has declined in the past few years.

I already knew many of the things in this book from my own research and credentials, but there were some new valuable pieces I picked up as well, like actual answers about WHY gluten affects my body the way it does and more resources I plan to dive into.

This book is wonderful. Although for someone who is brand new to the thought process of starting a healthier lifestyle, it may be too much to chew. If you've been working out or eating healthier for a while, this is a great book to expand your research.

In conclusion, I think many people still struggle to face the truth that better health doesn't come in pill form. It's HARD work. At 17, I weighed 286 lbs and lost almost 100 lbs from YEARS of exercising and eating healthier and doing much research. It's not easy or fast, but living a sick life is much harder. If you don't resonate with the book, that's completely fine, but poking at the authors competency isn't it, fam.

[Maira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the ultimate health pep talk! She talks about the importance of living a vibrant life, with more energy & glow. After reading this book, I am now taking daily vitamins, doing one hour exercises, & making sure that my body is hydrated! Dr. Stacy Stephenson offers 30 vibrant habits & 40 recipes at the end of her book. My book club has taken on this challenge & it’s been so encouraging & fun!

[Nina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good and inspiring book, but sounds like the repeat of information from the internet. Basic summary of the book: sleep enough hours, exercise, drink water manage stress, and you will live a happy life. That's all. Skipped bunch of pages to bypass the water and get to the point.

[Brooke Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Studied this like a Bible.

[Valerie Ott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Essence: remove all the stimulants that don’t allow you to listen to your body. Once those are removed, practice paying attention to what your body tells you.

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 5 out of 5]

"To be vibrant is to have the motivation to do whatever it is you want to do everyday, as unencumbered by fatigue and pain as you can possibly be. It means waking up ready to embrace whatever's coming with passion and optimism."

This review I'll admit may be an injustice to the depth of information and action points in this book. The author takes an in-depth look into health and wellness going beyond what we eat, and how we eat to why we eat and what happens to our bodies at all these times- yes, very few books delve into hormones and which ones are affected by which foods and which emotions coupled with inactivity.

I love something explored here in trying to lose bad habits: Rule of halves which advises that you cut your habit in half and I am trying it when it comes to dairy and dairy products. Instead of 4 cups of milk tea a day, I had only 2 today and it's something I want to embrace until I am comfortable having black tea as much as I am with black coffee.

Thanks Netgalley for the eARC. This is a holitic action based approach to health, vitality and wellness and would recommend it to anyone who wants to be healthy, uphold energy and eat well.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kind of sloppy. Chicken Kale recipe on page 293 forgot to include any kale. Sold us on B12 but forgot to add if you are over 40 you MUST take sublingually or via shot because digestive enzymes can no longer digest the pills. Eh. The photos were entertaining. I may try a few of the recipes.

[Ron Frampton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Health comes from our lifestyle not from doctors and drugs.

[Tina Humphrey Boogren · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Some good, solid reminders but very much written from a place of privilege with some questionable claims.

[Whitney Pergram · Rating 5 out of 5]

A BIG THANK YOU to BenBella Books and NetGalley for the ARC of Vibrant: A Groundbreaking Program to Get Energized, Own Your Health, and Glow by Dr. Stacie Stephenson. Vibrant offers a refreshing and relaxed step-by-step guide for optimizing overall health, maintaining health, and preventing disease. Parting with the "name-it, blame-it, give-it-a-pill" philosophy of Western medicine, this guide delves into deep breathing techniques, gentle yogic postures, principles of Ayurveda, and proper hydration and diet. The "diet" proposed is not trendy or extreme and essentially boils down to a low-carb Mediterranean selection of organic whole foods, paired with a short list of suggested supplements. The author repeatedly encourages independent research. Although much of this information is widely available online through independent research, having a plan for better health mapped out in advance and itemized into sections of self-assessment certainly makes the process that much more simple and rewarding. I love testing out new recipes and look forward to trying all 40 recipes included, along with the two-week meal plan. Although there seem to be many budget-friendly recipes listed, there are others with ingredients that are not budget-friendly or easily sourced from local markets. An updated version with more budget-friendly alternatives would certainly be a welcome addition in the future, but Vibrant provides an excellent starting point for any wellness journey. ★★★★★

From the publisher: Today's view of wellness is far too often fragmented, focusing on specific symptoms rather than the whole person. In Vibrant, Dr. Stacie Stephenson introduces readers to a new and empowering way of looking at health. A recognized leader in functional and integrative medicine, Stephenson has helped thousands by focusing not on treating disease, but on creating health-by giving individuals the knowledge, confidence, and inspiration they need to do so for themselves.

By the end of this life-changing book, readers will have the tools to transform their energy, weight, fitness, and general wellness, tackling everything from enhancing sleep quality to building an iron-clad immune system. Beginning with basics such as the truth about the best diet, the critical role of exercise in vitality and longevity, and the importance of human connection, Vibrant also dives deeper to give a holistic picture of health and how to achieve it. With helpful breakdowns on supplements, detoxification, and how to think about disease, this is much more than just another wellness book.

It's also packed with practical, useful features, including:

- Self-assessment tools to aid you in listening to your body
- A foolproof two-week meal plan
- 40 delicious, healthful chef-created recipes
- 30 days of baby steps to start building the habit of health

With Stephenson's candid and conversational voice, Vibrant is like having a friend who also happens to be a leading health authority take you under her wing. Along with practical advice, she shares powerful insights that will change the way you think about everything from exercise to relationships, and sends readers off with an inspirational chapter on how health has a ripple effect that can change your family, your community, and help to create a more vibrant world.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 23 Mar 2021
#Vibrant #NetGalley

[Tara Tetzlaff · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I appreciate the integrative/functional medicine approach; the author clearly seems to come from a life of privilege divorced from the realities of ordinary life. She discounts the notion of “food deserts” but then goes on to make recommendations and insist on foods and supplements that are nearly impossible to come by outside of wealthy areas. In my current small-town rural midwestern setting just finding organic fresh fruits and vegetables can be a challenge…even finding “non-dairy” yogurt is nearly impossible in this rural area in the dairy state of Wisconsin (the two packages I did find were filled with added sugar). Additionally, while I appreciate the approach of looking at causes of disease, it seems irresponsible to imply that people’s lifestyle choices are to blame without acknowledging the great expense of many of the tests, supplements, and therapies she advocates (most of which are not covered by insurance and would be difficult to come by outside of wealthier communities) to prevent or lessen the likelihood of such diseases.

[Ashley Elliott Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. I LOVED it and I feel like I got so much out of it. As much as I am attempting to make healthy eating choices for myself, sometimes I fall back into my old ways. This book does an amazing job at pointing out why certain food choices could be better than others. My next step is to make some notes for myself about the topics in this book and to give a try to cutting out some possible triggering foods from my diet.

The chapter about mental health and the food you eat was especially fascinating. I loved that the author included recipes and a meal plan, and each chapter has "to-do" items related to the topics that she talked about. This is most like a workbook than just a book to read.

I feel like I'll be using some of the ideas and plans from this book moving forward to think about some different choices to make. Loved this book!

[Markie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vibrant challenges the reader to embrace a healthier lifestyle by adopting essential habits like meditation, exercise, and eating healthy food. There isn’t anything earth shattering in this book; much of the advice is simple. Personally I enjoyed her recipes — easy and delicious. I also liked the 30-day challenge towards the end of the book where she invites the reader to try a different healthy habit discussed in the book. I genuinely attempted each day and I felt like it made a positive impact. There is a section where the author lampoon the use of gluten and lactose… even for people without allergies or sensitivities— I believe in moderation both are fine… I don’t believe each ingredient is as demonic on our bodies as the author indicates.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've only read the first part of the book so far. That being said, I will update as I get more into it and/or finish it.

Thus far, I love it! It is highly enjoyable and has practical advice. It aligns with the corruption of the Big Pharma and may open minds so that people realize that there are different ways to help improve one's quality of life.

I read the Introductions of books and I am glad I read this one as it connects you to the author and gives you a sense of their personality. I feel the Stacie Stephenson is a good person with a vibrant, altruistic personality that seeks to spread love and knowledge through the book! Excited to read more!

[Sky · Rating 3 out of 5]

A practical guide on how to take control of your health and live your best life.

Dr Stacie Stephenson offers you a step by step guide on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and prevent disease in your body using a straightforward holistic approach. Full of useful tips, tools and plans that are easy to follow. This book is a must read for anyone wanting to dive a little deeper into both their physical and mental health and heal their body from the inside out.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Victoria A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic, as somebody who is I’m very much in the health and wellness industry this book is a great purchase. This book is for anyone who is wanting to makeRealistic improvements in their life. Dr. Stacy gives the best advice that is very attainable to everyone. The wonderful pictures, recipes and a wonderful way to check into your mental health is wonderful and this book is a must have. There is so much info in here that you will not want to put this book down. If you are into the holistic approach in health, is this book is most definitely for you and I highly recommend it.

[Tina Milledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

A absolutely love this book. It’s full of advice and ideas to try to feel more vibrant, from how you move and rest to how you eat and think. I thought the 30 day sheets at the end of the book for trying out her ideas is a useful addition. I came away feeling that there’s something for everyone in the book. Start small, feel increasingly better. A book to revisit often. 5/5 stars from me and gratitude to Netgalley, BenBella and author for the digital copy in exchange for my review.

[Sarah Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated the candidness about how doctors are trained to help sick people and not to prevent sickness, which isn't talked about enough. I also really enjoyed the rule of halves and the emphasis that small steps are still steps in the right direction. The message about moving more, eating better, and maintaining good relationships for health is the same because it is what people need to do, and the suggestions to accomplishing this were good.

[Mallory Carvalho · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book when you need a self-help book that talks about literally everything... and if you are ready to integrate it into your life. Dr. Stephenson talked about the correct exercise to the right kinds of vitamins to... sex! I enjoyed reading it and definitely dog-eared specific parts of the book to revisit, like recipes.

[Zana · Rating 2 out of 5]

widać że amerykańskie gówno 😭 jeśli dla kogoś rzeczą "ok" i należąca do zdrowych nawyków jest picie nie więcej niż jeden napój alkoholowy (co)dziennie to ma łeb zryty XDD naczytalam sie za duzo ksiazek o uzdrawianiu holistycznym zeby nie zlapac sie za glowne juz przy pierwszych stronach, a te diety prędzej doprowadzą do jakiś ubytków i ed a nie zdrowia XDDDDDDDD

[bohemianrhapsodyreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes a holistic approach to living and healing. The main point of the book is that stress isn’t some thing that happens to us without our control.

I just reviewed Vibrant by Dr. Stacie Stephenson. #Vibrant #NetGalley

[Sharon Naylor Toris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to BenBella Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my review.
I always see terrific value in books that remind you of common sense self-care that you might forget while going through a pressured time. This book provided excellent 'basics' on nutrition and healthy choices, tapping into the insights we might already have tucked away in our self-care arsenals. At the same time, the author embeds gems of fresh insight for us to discover. This is a book for your journaling, capturing those reminders and fresh thoughts for when you need them most.

[Karen Ralston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this self help book more than I have enjoyed any of the others I have read! There were a few things I just didn’t agree with in here but that’s just me and why I gave it a four star.

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a therapist, I was excited to read this book. I love the idea of vibrancy, energy, and vitality as markers of health. There is some solid information here to explore while other parts might miss the mark a bit. Thank you to BenBella Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Denise Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! So informative, explained the science behind what we eat and how different foods affect us. The section on movement was extremely motivating (read it while training for a Tinman triathlon). For me this was further emphasis on the importance of clean eating, as well as physical activity and personal connections. The triad.