Do you ever feel like there’s not enough time?
That’s how reading was for me for a very long time. It’s something I’ve always loved (since I was a kid), but got too busy to focus on.
But if you’ve been following my journey this year, you know that I’ve been focusing on reading 20 books in 2020 (I’m on book 13!). Which is why I started this nutrition book club. To motivate you and I both to read more and be accountable.
I’ve found it one of the most rewarding things I’ve done in awhile! And I’m hopeful you’ve been enjoying reading more and learning about nutrition too.
There’s something relaxing about reading, but something rewarding about learning.
Nutrition is fundamental to health. Equipping yourself with information and learning to think critically about it is important. Health is a saturated market – and there’s a lot of garbage out there.
That’s why I love this nutrition book club, discussing the questions with you and digging in to what it means. Food is a powerful form of medicine.
So let’s chat about this past month’s nutrition book club selection, and then I’ll announce August’s book.
THE CHINA STUDY – MY THOUGHTS
This book was a fantastic read. It provided clear scientific evidence and important insights into health and diet.
I’ve long known of the struggle to get real, clear nutrition information out to the public. The last two books have given insight into how information is skewed before it’s public. Which makes it so hard to “google” information and know you’re getting honest answers.
I found myself frustrated, again, with how much wrong information is out there. And how the government and scientific community filters what they share to deepen their pockets. But that conversation is for another day!
I highly recommend this book for insight into real evidence, raw science, and the health benefits of eating a plant-based diet.
Here are my answers to the discussion points:
- What’s your initial reaction to this book? Are you excited to read it, nervous, or not interested? Why or why not? I wasn’t super excited about reading the book as the back cover didn’t make it sound too interesting. Hence why I’ve avoided reading it for years. But I ended up loving it!
- What was your favourite quote or passage? “Our health care system costs too much, excludes far too many people, and neither promotes health nor prevents disease.” and “To use a metaphor, a fire is starting in the foundation of our house, and instead of putting the fire out, we are fixated on buying low cost fire retardant for the upstairs bedroom.”
- What’s one new thing you learned? That very close to 100% of heart disease can be prevented or reversed by a healthy diet. That’s information more people need to hear.
- Name one thing you already knew that came as no surprise. The answer to the American (and Canadian!) health crisis is the food that each of us chooses to put in our mouths each day. It’s as simple as that.
- What’s one major takeaway you got from this book that you’re going to apply to your life? That there’s no need for me to apologize or be nervous to suggest a more plant-based lifestyle. The evidence is there and the long-term health impact is worth it!
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this book and discuss it with you. You can email me your answers to the discussion questions and we’ll chat!
THE SECOND BRAIN
By Michael D. Gershon, M.D.
About this book
This book digs deeper into understanding the gut, known as the second brain, and its relationship to your brain. Understanding how intricately they are connected is an important step in health and healing.
It also takes a look at how the gut relates to the nervous system and disorders of the nervous system.
Why I’m reading it
We’re going back to the gut! I’m passionate about gut health and this is my area of expertise. So naturally, I want to learn more.
While the last two books have been a welcome change, I was ready to do more learning, growing, and understanding of the gut. This is the way I continue to grow in my practice and am able to help you better.
Discussion points
- What’s your initial reaction to this book? Are you excited to read it, nervous, or not interested? Why or why not?
- What was your favourite quote or passage?
- What’s one new thing you learned?
- Name one thing you already knew that came as no surprise.
- What’s one major takeaway you got from this book that you’re going to apply to your life?
Disclaimer
The books I recommend may not reflect my beliefs or the way I practice nutrition. This is simply a way for us to open up conversation about what’s out there to discuss it’s validity and truth.
This is not sponsored or promoted and I have no affiliation with the author. Any opinions expressed are my own.
Stay tuned
Next month I’ll be bringing you a whole new book, with a full review of The Second Brain. I’d love to hear your thoughts too!