Savor: Mindful Eating Mindful Life, by Thich Nhat Hanh and Dr. Lilian Cheung, presents the Buddhist perspective on weight control. Before telling you what to eat, the authors focus on how you can become mindful. Mindful of your eating, moving, and living in general. The second half of the book presents action plans that you can follow.
I’m going to be honest: I’m kind of bored with health books that tell you what to eat and how to exercise. It’s too simple and straight forward. And it assumes that the same meals and movements will be the solution for everyone.
Nope, sorry, not that easy. Life is full of too many crazy emotions. People are SO different physically and mentally. What works for my BFF may not work for me.
And this is why I really liked reading Savor! The book focuses on the courage you need to look inside yourself, find and befriend your inner demons keeping you from losing weight, and then move forward from there. (It’s also great to apply to other areas of your life. I’m not looking to lose weight but I have some issues I want to work on and Savor will help!) While looking inside yourself, the authors warn you not to be harsh on yourself. You’re not here to judge, but simply to understand. When you’re mindful, you can examine yourself in a calm, detached way.
Rather than trying to forget about personal issues with food and weigh, Savor wants you to embrace them. It would be impossible to change negative behaviors by choosing to acknowledge them. I read this book with a highlighter in my hand. Not simply because I knew I had to write this review, but because I kept finding gems of information and inspiring advice.
“As long as you are heading in the right direction, you are making progress. Be patient with yourself. Even if you change one unhealthy habit a week, you will be making twenty-six changes in six months and fifty-two changes in one year. Act with determination. Practice diligently. Take one moment at a time.” -Savor
So to sum things up, I agreed to review Savor and was graciously given a copy. I’m so surprised and happy at how much I loved it. Easy read, empowering messages with the underlying calmness from the Buddhist practices mentioned throughout, and a great read for anyone looking to really lose weight and make life changes!
COMMENTS
12 Comments
1. Emily
April 23rd, 2010 09:57 AM
Thanks for the thoughtful review. I agree – I’m getting burnt out on “eat like this, exercise like this” books. This sounds like a great alternative.
2. Julie
April 23rd, 2010 10:00 AM
Wow, I like the sound of this book…mind if I borrow it??
3. Lisa (I'm an Okie)
April 23rd, 2010 10:08 AM
I’ve never heard of the book—Im gonna put it on a must read list for the summer! thanks!
4. Daisy
April 23rd, 2010 10:15 AM
amazing review melissa! love the quote you chose
5. Melinda
April 23rd, 2010 10:56 AM
Thanks for the review. That sounds really interesting. I usually avoid books like that because I am a RD and so many people who write those books have no idea what they are talking about and people spend money based on marketing and best sellers lists without ever looking into the authors credentials, background and research. This actually sounds like it is worth reading. What I simple idea that dates back years based on Buddhist belief.
6. Tina
April 23rd, 2010 01:31 PM
This book sounds like it would be something right up my alley. I love things that help teach you to focus on the positive to help overcome the negatives you are facing.
7. Savor Sangha
April 23rd, 2010 01:34 PM
We’re so lad to hear you enjoy Savor as much as we do! We have started a Savor community so we Savor readers can share questions, experiences, recipes and stories.
We invite you to come take a look at our community. Visit http://www.savorthebook.com and click the community tab. The Savor website also includes free meditations and resources in their resources tab. A wonderful sharing tool !
8. Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly
April 23rd, 2010 01:56 PM
Sounds like an awesome book!!!
9. Melissa S.
April 23rd, 2010 02:03 PM
That book sounds like something I need to read! need to get on that!
10. Katie @ Health for the Whole Self
April 23rd, 2010 02:44 PM
I saw this book reviewed in a magazine and have been wanting to read it ever since! I am passionate about the mindfulness approach, both in terms of food/eating and life in general. Thanks for your review!
11. Jillian Michaels – I’m Not Giving Up My Red Wine | Burn Belly Fat … | Fat Fat Belly Fat
April 24th, 2010 07:03 AM
[...] Crunches for Cupcakes » Savor book review [...]
12. trish
April 28th, 2010 10:43 AM
I’m so glad you liked the book! It’s refreshing to hear a book talk about treating yourself with kindness. We’re harder on ourselves than we are on anyone else. And I also am intrigued that the principles this book gives can be used in other areas of your life. Who couldn’t use that?
Anyway, thanks for being on the tour!