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Wellness

Seven inspiring new health books getting us fit for fall

From breaking a sugar addiction to eating like a French woman, we asked the Chatelaine staff to share the health books they're currently reading, and why they love them.
Andrea Mills poses at Barreworks on Queen West meditating and doing yoga (Photo by Erik Putz. Shot on location at Barreworks in Toronto on Queen West.)

1. The Sugar Detox, by Brooke Alpert and Patricia Farris Want to drop a dress size, revitalize dull and damaged skin and defend against disease? Say goodbye to excess sugar and hello to a host of health and beauty benefits with the latest detox diet from nutritionist and dermatologist tag team Brooke Alpert and Patricia Farris.

Why we love it: This dynamic duo’s awesome all-in-one approach to health and wellness packs a powerful punch. From the three-day sugar detox to the latest in antioxidant-infused skincare regimes, exercise routines and a 31-day meal plan, their comprehensive guide to kicking your sugar habit is a must-have for any fitness first-timer with a stubborn sweet tooth. Jenna Wallace

2. The Parisian Diet: How to Reach Your Right Weight and Stay There, by Dr. Jean-Michel Cohen The newest book from Dr. Jean-Michel Cohen, France’s foremost nutrition expert, shares a diet plan designed to help you reach your ideal weight and stay there. A positive, practical approach to slimming down, The Parisian Diet encourages developing a healthy relationship with good food (rather than heavily advertised supermarket short-cuts and fast foods).

Why we love it: Dr. Cohen identifies the common habits and emotional or physical triggers that influence weight gain. Including a complete three-phase diet plan with café, bistro and gourmet menus, advice on snack cravings, dining out and post-diet rules, his plan supports the transition to eating well and maintaining your weight long-term. Cohen’s diet is “not a revolutionary diet or a trendy one, but a simple process of learning — or relearning — how and what to eat that allows you to achieve a new healthy balance in your life.” –Heather MacMullin

3. The Sweetness of a Simple Life: Tips for Healthier, Happier and Kinder Living Gleaned from the Science and Wisdom of Nature, by Diana Beresford-Kroeger When Chatelaine first met Diana Beresford-Kroeger two years ago, we were amazed by the botanist/medical biochemist.” Her decades’ worth of vast knowledge of plants and their healing properties was astounding and instantly, we wanted to know how to live more like her. Now, thanks to her new book, we can!

Why we love it: From tips on sleeping better to getting the perfect lawn, there’s nothing this guru doesn’t touch on in her all-encompassing guide to life. The most useful tip I discovered? Baking soda is the answer to everything, from household cleaning to dental hygiene!

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My favourite quote in the book: “Smile. Keep that smile for everybody you meet during the day. It is the first offering of the heart to family and strangers alike. The afterglow of a smile will remain with the people you have met. It is a good thing to do, and likely the cheapest way to improve your well-being.” –Lora Grady

4. Small Changes, Big Results, by Ellie Krieger with Kelly James-Enger Find it difficult transitioning into a healthier lifestyle? Don't worry, you're not alone — and this latest book by best-selling cookbook author and Food Network's Healthy Appetite host Ellie Krieger might just be for you.

Why we love it: Small Changes, Big Results offers a 12-week plan to help ease even the most stubborn of us into better eating habits and a sustainable wellness routine. Meals aren't elaborate (15-minute dinners anyone?) and simple, mindful techniques (think five-minute meditations), make the progression into better living effortless. Loaded with exercise ideas, stress-busting tips and more than 65 recipes, including lists for the best cuts of meat and the healthiest fish, this guide is perfect for anyone looking for a complete lifestyle overhaul in easy, digestible doses.

Bonus: It includes website recommendations to help keep you on track! –Janet Ho

5. The Thing You Think You Cannot Do, by Dr. Gordon Livingston Most of us are too preoccupied with our busy lives to step back, see the big picture and ponder what life means. We seldom ask ourselves how we can live it better and what we need to focus on. That's where Gordon Livingston comes in.

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Why we love it: Determined to change the way we think, Livingston identifies 30 truisms we all subconsciously adhere to, that he feels are lacking. Interwoven with personal anecdotes and real life examples, he demonstrates why we all need to look at our lives critically, learning to be courageous where it counts and to shirk the anxiety we all welcome with open arms — that actually does us no favours at all. This is an enlightening read that makes you feel refreshed and ready to change the world — starting with yourself. –Anna Redman

6. Kitchen Cures, by Peggy Kotsopoulos Did you know that almonds can ease stress? Or that tart cherry juice can help you get a better night’s sleep? This go-to guide by holistic nutritionist Peggy Kotsopoulos recommends food solutions for everything from low energy to excess belly fat. Get recipes for beauty products (think cellulite scrubs and face masks) and yummy treats (like a brain-boosting smoothie!).

Why we love it: Taken from scientific studies and naturopathic tradition, the tips in this book are a great supplementary treatment for all sorts of body woes. Think of it as the ultimate Do Diet! –Jillian Bell

7. Stop Breast Cancer Before it Starts, by Samuel S Epstein, MD We're all invested in the cure (come October, any marketable item turns pink), but what about the prevention? Concerned about the lack of change in breast cancer statistics despite all the awareness, Samuel S. Epstein, MD, takes a step behind the headlines and asks, "What are the things we're doing every day that may be causing breast cancer?"

Why we love it: Epstein, the chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition in the U.S., offers a new way of looking at the products we use every day (birth control pills, shampoos, foods) and assessing the media reports, in hopes of increasing dialogue about the current state of breast cancer awareness, research and PR in North America. Whether you agree with his main message or not (that there's a lot of money to be made from breast cancer awareness and treatment), this book will surely create great debate among any group of health-conscious friends.

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Click here for more from the Chatelaine Book Club. Tell us the healthy books you're reading right now in the comment section below.

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