The Beginning of it All

When I started to think about self-education, I realized that there is one foundation that we all have to have, and that is our health. So my first two recommendations are books about nutrition and fitness. I guess I need to have a disclaimer: I am not a doctor or a nutritionist. The opinions expressed are soley my own and what works for me. Consult your doctor before starting any nutrition or exercise program, etc. etc.

*Think Responsibly*

My new favorite nutrition book is The Eat-Clean Diet by Tosca Reno. It is about sensible eating of good foods - fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. I would hesitate to call it a 'diet' book; it is more of a healthy eating plan, though the publisher (who happens to be Reno's husband and publisher of Oxygen magazine) seems to emphasize fat loss for marketing purposes.

Anyone who has seen Oxygen magazine probably thinks it is for hard-core women bodybuilders. I read it for the recipes, healthy eating tips and fitness plans. Like most things I read and write about, I take what I need and forget the rest.

One of my favorite fitness books is Core Performance Essentials: The Revolutionary Nutrition and Exercise Plan Adapted for Everyday Use by Mark Verstegen. This is the everyman's version of his pro athlete-focused The Core Performance: The Revolutionary Workout Program to Transform Your Body & Your Life. The Essentials book centers around a 30-minute 3X/week homebased program for improved strength, flexibility and overall health. The exercises help strengthen your core so you stand up straighter and have better balance.

The 30 minutes a day is sometimes hard for me to find when the kids are around, but I'm focusing on it. I think everyone feels better when they get some exercise and sunlight. I really notice a good difference in the kids when they play outside a lot. I'd be happy to hear what others have to say about their favorite fitness or nutrition books or programs.

Time management and goal setting is another of my passions, and you'll be hearing about that soon. Thanks for reading!