Born To Run Review

2010-05-09T03:54:29Z

Born To Run by Christopher McDougall

Book Review by Ruth Heidrich, Ph.D.

It's not often that after finishing a book that I immediately want to turn back to Page 1 and start all over again. Born to Run is just such a book! Even after my second reading, I still find myself referring back to different sections. The information in this book is THAT good!

McDougall details some very fascinating runners - so fascinating that I had to remind myself that this was not fiction. I also knew some of them because I'd been to see the Tarahumara, the running people of the Copper Canyons of Mexico.

Some of the tips for runners described by both Tarahumara and gringo runners are:

*Since we are born to run, relax and enjoy it.

*The best nutrition for runners is lots of carbs -- a vegan diet.

*Maybe we should look at more barefoot running.

*Run on the balls of your feet.

*Take smaller strides, especially on hills and rough terrain.

*Run more erectly with back straight.

*Don't fight the terrain--go with what it gives you.

*Think "Easy, light, and smooth."

*Run for enjoyment - not to finish or set a PR.

McDougall describes two tribes of runners of the Copper Canyons. One has little exposure to Western food, cars, and lifestyle while the other eats lots of meat, drinks sodas, and rides everywhere. Guess which ones are the best runners!

And, as if to prove we are born to run, McDougall describes what evolutionary biologists have found when comparing running animals such as horses and dogs, with walking animals such as cows and pigs. We runners have Achilles tendons, arched feet, short toes, large glutes - and a nuchal ligament, the purpose of which is to stabilize our large, counter-balancing head. Walking animals have none of the above.

We are born runners!

Review of The Perfect Formula Diet

2010-01-22T00:59:53Z

The Perfect Formula Diet just another "diet" book? Not by a long shot!

This book presents just the facts, but in a way that is so convincing that you have to wonder why anyone would put up with anything less than the best possible health.

Janice Stanger, with a doctorate in Human Development & Aging from the prestigious University of California San Francisco, is well qualified to show everyone how to eat bowls and plates full of satisfying, yet slimming plant foods. This eating plan, based on six kinds of whole foods, can prevent or reverse the health problems that are threatening to bankrupt this country.

This book busts many common nutrition myths that may be blocking you from your perfect weight and health. For example, you don't need a specially identified source of protein in your diet any more than you need a special source of oxygen when you breathe. Animal protein is nothing but recycled plant protein. Calcium has little to do with the strength and durability of your bones. Supplements with unnaturally high levels of vital nutrients can damage your health.

Dr. Stanger pulls together over 1,000 scientific studies with a jargon-free and readable style. All the scientific evidence is there for those inclined to want to see for themselves how the conclusions are reached. For those who just want to see the results, look to the author herself and and the quick summary at the end of each chapter. Pioneering researchers T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D. and Drs. John McDougall, Joel Fuhrman, and Neal Barnard have all strongly endorsed The Perfect Formula Diet.

And, as one who was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer 28 years ago and not only survived that but went on to prove that this diet supports even marathons and the Ironman Triathlon, I can tell you that this program works! We need to get this book in everybody's hands -- NOW!

Learn more about this book now on AMAZON.COM

Ruth E. Heidrich, Ph.D., Ironman Triathlete
www.RuthHeidrich.com
Author of *A Race For Life," "CHEF" & "Senior Fitness"
Win your race with daily exercise & a vegan diet.

Ruth Heidrich PhD's Blog

Born To Run Review

Review of The Perfect Formula Diet