A deep dive into the underlying cellular cause of chronic fatigue, burnout, and brain fog, with a framework for restoring cognitive function, alertness, and an abundance of energy.
Chronic fatigue, burnout, brain fog—no matter what we call it, our constant feeling of being drained affects all that we hold dear.
There are very real culprits of our fatigue, and they don’t lie in our preconceived notions of caffeine intake or adrenal fatigue, nor does the replenishment of our energy lie in overhauling our lifestyle in time-consuming and unrealistic ways. Instead, the core underlying cause lies in our cells, specifically our mitochondrial deficiency, and the solution can be found in simple, straightforward, nutritional strategies that address our body’s biology.
Ari Whitten, functional health practitioner and creator of The Energy Blueprint program, takes you on a deep dive of our cellular energy centers, illuminating the clear nutritional methodologies and specific foods, supplements, and compounds you can use
· Get better sleep · Lower your blood pressure · Help stabilize your blood sugar levels · Lose excess weight · Improve memory and concentration · Increase mental well-being
Get your body out of defense mode and into a state of optimal performance to live at the peak of your energy, brain function, mood, and health.
The author did a great job of interpreting complex data from many studies regarding mitochondrial function and optimization. He also shared in-depth Information on chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia that many may not have heard.
When it came to recommendations for how to optimize them, things started to fall apart and the information became quite murky.
My first impression was that the author didn’t understand that time restricted eating is, by nature, intermittent fasting. Or, that vegetables are in fact carbohydrates as in “eat you vegetables and protein first then your carbohydrates.”
I think that my first impression was incorrect.
I suspect the primary author selected high integrity studies and presented his information well. Then the the second author chose studies, (funded without regard for conflicts of interest) that didn’t conflict too much with the popular “plant-based” narrative of today.
Finally an editor with their eye in the “woke” consumer dollars went over it and added the pandering platitudes such as “it’s not your fault if you have too much fat.”
When I first started the book, I thought I would be buying multiple copies to loan to my clients, but upon completion, even with my notes added, there is too much confusion to recommend this book.
A decent review of information that was mostly familiar to me. I appreciated that the book was heavily researched, and that the authors recommended a step by step approach rather than wholesale change.
I speed-read this on the behalf of my mom, who cannot currently read on account of having a concussion, so this isn't really something I'd normally pick up. It was very clearly written and easy to read, and contained a lot of information. However, most of the information was common-sense to me, and I already knew pretty much everything it mentioned, so I can't say that it's really groundbreaking or extremely enlightening, though for someone who is only just learning about nutrition and health it would be great place to start.
My reviews are all starting to sound the same - I like what I’ve heard from the author on various podcasts, but the book offers nothing new, which is why I’m thankful for my local public library, because I’d be quite unhappy if I’d spent money on all these books that say the same thing.
If this is the first book you’re ever reading to improve your health, you will learn something, the most important changes you can begin with. The recommendations are solid and completely do-able. That’s why I give 3-stars because the author is very encouraging in making small but lasting changes for normal humans who have a real life. Please, anyone looking to improve your health - just start something, even just one small change a day for a month, just start! 💕
Otherwise this is the same old same old, just a different author — Eat whole foods, optimize circadian rhythm, time restrict/intermittent fast, get regular sun and exercise.
Just a general statement — I have to believe there’s no way humans evolved to eat this dizzying array of multiple foods and supplements from all over the globe. Not to mention the grocery cost and frequent trips to the store. No, it must be simpler than this.
The authors are educated and honest, but offer nothing new I’ve not read in other books or heard on the multitude of health related podcasts. I do appreciate the author’s honesty in trying to help people, and although they do offer their own supplements, it’s only mentioned in passing, and not a hard sell.
Comprehensive guide addressing chronic fatigue, burnout, and brain fog, offering an action plan to restore energy levels.
Fatigue is a pervasive issue that affects a significant portion of the workforce, impacting productivity, focus, and decision-making abilities. According to the National Safety Council’s report on Fatigue in the Workplace, a staggering 76% of workers admit to feeling tired while on the job, leading to a decrease in productivity, trouble focusing, and impaired decision-making. This alarming prevalence of fatigue highlights the need for effective solutions to address this issue and restore energy levels in individuals striving to perform at their best.
In light of the widespread impact of fatigue, there comes a beacon of hope in the form of a comprehensive guidebook, aimed at tackling this prevalent problem. This review delves into the book, ‘Eat for Energy,’ authored by Ari Whitten, which promises to shed light on the science-based approach to boost energy levels and combat fatigue.
About the authors
Ari Whitten is a prominent figure in the field of health and wellness, known for his comprehensive program called The Energy Blueprint.
With over two million individuals benefiting from his lifestyle and supplement system, Ari has helped people achieve optimal health, improved performance, and increased energy levels. With more than 25 years of experience in human health science, Ari holds a Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine, a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, and certifications as a Corrective Exercise Specialist and Performance Enhancement Specialist from the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
Alex Leaf M.S., is a nutritionist, researcher, writer, and educator, holding a position at the human nutrition and functional medicine department of the University of Western States.
Additionally, he is associated with The Energy Blueprint as a content creator and research writer.
What is the book about?
In ‘Eat for Energy,’ Ari Whitten, drawing on his extensive experience with numerous clients over the course of a decade, presents a science-based and comprehensive approach to improve energy levels and combat fatigue. The core focus is on addressing the underlying cause of fatigue, which is poor mitochondrial function. The book is structured into two parts, each offering valuable insights and actionable strategies.
Part I examines the critical factors influencing mitochondrial health, such as circadian rhythm dysregulation, sleep issues, body composition, gut and microbiome health, blood sugar imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and disruptions in neurotransmitter and hormone levels. The author highlights the interconnectedness of these stressors and their impact on overall energy levels.
In Part II, the book provides specific recommendations for incorporating certain foods, supplements, and compounds into the foundational nutritional strategies outlined in Part I, with the goal of optimising mitochondrial function and further enhancing energy levels. The approach emphasises nutrition principles, strategies, and tactics that are universally applicable, rather than promoting a specific diet.
Key takeaways from ‘Eat for Energy’
1.Food is a super fuel, propelling you away from fatigue and energising your body
One of the book’s biggest key messages is that nutrition plays a crucial role in combating fatigue, and optimising mitochondrial health can have far-reaching effects on overall well-being. The author highlights that conventional medical practices often overlook nutrition as a tool to address fatigue and energy issues.
By viewing food as ‘super’ fuel, readers are introduced to a variety of superfoods that can boost mitochondrial function and energy levels. The chapter on superfoods provides practical strategies for incorporating these nutrient-rich foods into the diet. Whether targeting specific stressors or seeking broader overall improvements, readers can choose from a range of superfoods grouped into fruits, microalgae, garnishes, nuts and seeds, and fibrous vegetables. Each superfood is backed by evidence of its unique health benefits, from reducing oxidative stress and inflammation to enhancing metabolic health and cognitive function.
By adopting a diet rich in these superfoods, readers can empower their bodies to combat fatigue, improve mitochondrial function, and promote long-term health and vitality. This book serves as a valuable guide for anyone seeking to harness the power of nutrition to optimise energy levels and overall wellness.
2.Energy levels can be suppressed by excess fat mass
The author emphasises that carrying too much fat and having low muscle mass can be harmful to our health and energy. He cites a study that proves that “…when it comes to energy levels, research has found that obesity is associated with a 40 percent greater chance of being fatigued and 7 to 12 percent less vitality than being at a normal weight.” For optimal energy levels, the balance between lean mass (muscle tissue, bones, and water) and fat mass in our bodies plays a crucial role.
The book encourages readers not to be hard on themselves, considering that our modern world makes it challenging to maintain optimal body composition. Instead, it empowers readers with practical nutritional strategies to work towards a healthier body and higher energy levels.
3.Blood sugar swings lead to fatigue
The book also delves into the critical connection between blood sugar levels and overall energy. The human body relies on glucose for energy, and the right balance of blood sugar is essential for proper functioning. Poor glycemic control, affecting 42% of adults in the US, can lead to serious health conditions, including type 2 diabetes. Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, both resulting from blood sugar swings, not only cause fatigue but also damage mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of cells.
Understanding the blood sugar-mitochondria link is crucial in tackling energy-related issues. The book emphasises the importance of stabilising blood sugar levels through practical strategies, potentially preventing or managing prediabetes and diabetes. By adopting a comprehensive approach to address blood sugar swings, readers can unlock the secrets to stable energy and overall well-being.
Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews
Strengths: • Offers comprehensive and accessible information. • Backs recommendations with solid scientific studies and evidence. • Presents step-by-step and achievable action plans for improving health and energy.
Weaknesses: • The information presented, while good, may not offer anything new to those familiar with the field. • Includes pandering platitudes that may diminish the book’s credibility and usefulness.
Best quotes from ‘Eat for Energy’
“In the National Safety Council’s Fatigue in the Workplace report,2 76 percent of workers say they feel tired at work, 53 percent feel less productive, 44 percent have trouble focusing, and 27 percent have trouble making decisions because of fatigue.”
“At the most basic, biological level, fatigue is fundamentally an imbalance between energy supply and energy demand. You have chronically low energy levels when your cells do not get the energy supply they need, or the demands on them are too high – or both. This creates an energy deficit, which results in the symptom of fatigue.”
“Other research has found that 30 to 60 mg of a concentrated maqui berry extract each day increased tear production by roughly 50 percent,43 with follow-up research demonstrating similar effects after just a month, along with reduced eye fatigue.”
Final takeaway
‘Eat for Energy’ by Ari Whitten provides a valuable and science-based approach to combat fatigue and optimise energy levels through nutrition and lifestyle changes. The book offers comprehensive information on mitochondrial health, blood sugar regulation, and overall wellness, providing actionable strategies and step-by-step recommendations.
Readers seeking to enhance their energy levels, combat fatigue, and improve overall health will find valuable insights in this comprehensive guide.
This is one of the oddest books I have read. It is like reading a life coach book, scientific journal, plagiarism, and restating what most of us already know. This made it seem extremely disjointed and hard to follow.
The scientific part felt like the author just lifted words from scientific studies without comprehending what they mean. A full ⅓of the book is words that add mothing to the content," a meta-analysis of blah blah blah" which felt like the words were copy and pasted directly from the article.
As othse have stated, unless this is your first dive into the material, none of this is new. Furthermore, from my personal experience s I me things listed were very inaccurate for me.
If the author wants to continue as a lofe coach and provide support and encouragement to individuals on this topic, fine. But to act as an authoritative expert, not ok.
Rating a hard pass. I would give it zero stars if I could.
FINALLY, after suffering for 35 years, there’s an answer to my chronic fatigue. I’ve told every doctor and naturopath I’ve visited over the years that I was healthy till I started running Track and Cross Country in high school. I went from running our first CC practice three miles uphill fairly easily to severe fatigue two years later.
However, there’s a lot of research here unknown at the time I developed issues.
Still, no one listened to me.
Based upon our modern diet and habits, I cannot believe anyone could benefit somehow from the recommendations and information in this book.
If you are just plain tired all the time, this book is for you! If you are tired from being over-weight, middle-age burnout of energy/hormones, lack of sleep or whatever, the contents of this book will guide you in the direction of where you need to go. I have been watching Ari on Youtube for years, and have listened to his knowledge and wisdom, and it's so helpful. Ari knows his content and he knows it well. Great book!
Educational and not too dry. Whitten does a great job describing how to address different problem areas related to low energy (ex. poor circadian rhythm, leaky gut, brain fatigue), but I wish he would give readers a better guide regarding what may be their problem. And, if they're not sure what their problem is, exactly how to start to know what track to get on. This is especially important because some of his advice (low vs. high carb) can be contradictory.
I felt like I already knew most of the key information in this book, so I skimmed through the chapters. There was a lot of well-researched and well-explained information for someone struggling with sleep, energy, or food issues. I was particularly interested in the blood sugar chapter, but that information has already been explained better by the Glucose Goddess, Jessie Inschauspe. I think she was also the first person who came up with the “hacks” to regulate your blood sugar.
There is a lot of information in this book. I listened all the way through and read the PDF. However, I don't feel this diet is for me. I went through a program to help me shed weight and increase my energy. This book doesn't follow what I learned and works for me. Eating more protein for me wouldn't be good. There were other parts where my intuition was active which for me tells me to look deeper.
It gives good insight about how our body regulate day to day depending on the food we consume. covers good area of topics about how food affects basically everything including mood, physical and mental strength etc. I like author included good list of food items that are good for body, and realistic action items. I don’t know I expected more about human body and book seem to finished so quickly. Food start if you are new to this healthy lifestyle topic.
Excellent handbook on energy improvement and optimization. Very comprehensive, heavily-researched yet accessible and relatively easy to read. Despite the title, the book actually goes a lot beyond what one can do beside making dietary changes. From the information density alone you know that you're getting some good gems from two heavyweights in wellness and health.
I don't often read books of this nature, but I noticed that I struggled with fatigue often. This book gives good advice about ways to improve your diet in a manner that will combat fatigue. I have implemented some of these things and seen positive benefits even though I haven't gone too far into it yet
Excellent overview of how mitochondrial health affects energy levels and wellbeing. Highly recommend if you are struggling with fatigue, autoimmune disease, or chronic illness, and want to understand what is happening in your body. Includes great, simple advice for improving overall health and energy.
I did enjoy and appreciate the content regarding circadian rhythms and sleep. The rest was regurgitation of existing data AND quite frankly exhibited excessive personal opinion. Unfortunately, I recommended this book to several others while I was in the early stages of reading. Going forward - I will not recommend!
Superb science- and evidence-based book that is remarkably approachable on using nutrition as a tool for healing our chronic fatigue issue here in America. A great introduction to food chemistry for dummies! Really enjoyed this one as it greatly motivated me to eat healthier and equipped me with simple strategies to make better long-term food choices.
Very informative and covers a variety of circumstances that could be causing chronic fatigue and how to combat them. Very well researched with 87 pages of evidence-based studies cited to support their claims. I love that they give realistic suggestions on how to begin to make changes, then increasing the “difficulty” as changes are made and become more routine.
What an informative book! This book is a great read, loaded with information and achievable options to improve your health and energy levels. Ari puts a positive spin on how to address people who are challenged on how to change their body composition. Well done Ari, this book is so well written, I loved it and have recommended to all of my family and friends
I really like Ari Whitten. He writes clearly and gives good step by step recommendations that are easy to incorporate into your daily routine. He always backs his suggestions with solid scientific studies. There is a lot of information to absorb though so this maybe a book that I read again.
The author lays out good advice backed by research for jump starting your health journey. The book is easy to read and understand and each section’s action plan is broken down into small achievable steps.
It’s past time to clean up my act! This isn’t the most exciting read, as it’s very scientific. However, it was the kick in the ass I needed to battle this fatigue. A lot of this information I’ve heard before, but never explained on a mitochondrial level and why it’s so important.
One of the best books I have ever read in my life!
This is literally one of the best books you can ever read. This has so much good information when it comes to increasing your energy and cognition with food and supplements and protocols. Get the book!
Boresville, USA. I think it would be hard for anyone to really get a lot out of this book — it’s not too long, but the scientific jargon and many, many, many, many recommendations are overwhelming and even seem contradicting chapter to chapter. Skip it, if you are on a health journey.
Good. Lots of well-researched information on nutrition, supplements and other health info to increase energy and feel better. Read nicely by the author in the Audible version.