HDL Blog Book Review: "It Starts With Food: Discover the Whole30 and Change Your Life in Unexpected Ways" by Dallas & Melissa Hartwig

Premise of the BookIt Starts With Food (ISWF) explains the Whole30 concept, in which one eliminates grains, dairy, legumes, and alcohol for 30 days with no slips or cheats. Only foods that satisfy the four "Food Standards" are permitted: Does the food you eat....Promote a healthy psychological response?Promote a healthy hormonal response?Support a healthy gut?Support immune function and minimize inflammation? Permitted foods include foods with natural/healthy fats, protein, all non-starchy vegetables, and reasonable amounts of fruit. The Whole30 approach discourages you from attempting to recreate standard American diet ("SAD") foods like cakes, cookies, and breads, even if made from approved ingredients. Even natural sugars like honey are off limits because the authors believe they reinforce our dependence on sugar and baked goods for pleasure. Bottom Line & My Two CentsYou need to read ISWF if you have ever thought, "I can't stop craving sweets," or "Once I start eating it...I can't stop." With plenty of humor and dash of tough love, this book presents the Whole30 concept in a way that's rational, organized, consistent, and easy to understand. I liked that you don't have to be a clinician to understand the science behind it.I have made personal, permanent changes to my diet as a result of their book. Was it hard? Yes. Plus, it takes lots of planning. The authors' response? "It is not hard. Don't you dare tell us this is hard. ... Beating cancer is hard. Drinking your coffee black. Is. Not. Hard." Touché!- HDL, Inc. Clinical Health Consultant Stacie Wheatley, MA, RD, LDFor more information on nutrition for exercise and other lifestyle tips, contact Client Services at 877.443.5227 to set up an appointment with a Health Diagnostic Laboratory, Inc. Clinical Health Consultant today!-----All HDL, Inc. materials are provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on contents of this information. Readers should always consult the appropriate health professional on any matters related to their health.