Helen writes to help others learn what she discovered through trial and error to help her lose 82 pounds. Improving her health gave her a new purpose to help others. She became a Spinning instructor, personal trainer and began writing again, something she had given up. Previously, at 5 feet tall, 198 pounds and a size 20, she could not walk very far, keep up with her two children and was extremely unhealthy and unhappy. She’s honest enough to say that losing the weight does not bring about instant happiness. However, for her, it did give her a new lease on life and the courage and ability to do so many things she had been missing. Like all of us, she faces challenges every day to stay on track. In fact, as a result of her weight loss and lifestyle changes, she went through a divorce that caused a 15 pound weight gain from stress eating.
She fought hard and ended up back on top, re-learning the healthy habits she shares in her book.
The format follows a 21 day journey. It takes 21 days to form a new habit, so you can take a habit a day (or stick with that habit a few days before moving on!) Each chapter represents a day. I love that each day she gives a habit for the head and a habit for the body. We all know most of the unhealthy stuff we do to ourselves is from the head . . . and the body is just the result! She also begins each chapter (or day) with a great motivational quote. I love these and am such a sucker for them! She also includes tools to help you tackle whatever might come up to derail you. She has a list of healthy snacks, help for cravings, sound nutritional advice, science behind foods and exercises, and the understanding that sometimes we just “mess up”, sleep in, skip a workout, or eat too much junk. She even tells you what to do when that happens.
I did not read this book in 21 days. I read it in two. It’s a really quick, well written book full of honesty and knowledge, along with a bit of “buck up” and no-nonsense that we all need, but in a most encouraging way. It is one I will go back to again and again. I, for one, can’t hear this stuff enough! I love getting a new tip or boost with every page!
Thumbs up!
21 Days to Change Your Body by Helen M. Ryan can be found on Amazon.com
Have a great Monday!
Thanks for the review, Marla-Deen. I love that you “grasped my concept” right off the bat, took the time to read the book and that you liked it. This is why I wrote the book – to make weight loss “doable” for people, and to help them realize they are not alone. We all here the cookies calling to us every now and then! ~Helen