Really debated between a 4 and 5 star rating. This book is important. Do I think everyone should read it? yes!
This book is written in the most basic, easy to understand way, of any health-related book I have ever read. Throughout the years I have struggled with diet, mental health issues (anxiety), and lack of motivation to exercise. This book gives ways to conquer these things, and the reasons for why it is so important to get these things under control. It is done in a way that does not sound "preachy", or condescending, or impossible to attain. I really appreciated the linked articles within the articles, and will confess that I went down the rabbit hole more than once exploring the new things that I was learning as I read.
So, why the four stars, you may ask? Well, Dr. Hansen has another book called "Triumph Over Trauma: Psychedelic Medicines are Helping People Heal Their Trauma, Change Their Lives, and Grow Their Spirituality" and I am certain it is an equally well written book, based solely on this one. However, the suggestions to use psychedelic drugs in this book simply rubbed me the wrong way because it is illegal in 48 out of 50 states. Having never done illegal drugs of any kind in my life, this rule-following gal could simply not get on board with this. I totally agree about everything said regarding the government and pharmaceutical outlines in the USA, but having mind-altering drugs is simply not going to do it for me. It's enough for me to be under anesthesia for dental or colonoscopy procedures to know this. I do not take any prescribed medications at this time, and my mindset for staying off meds is on track for staying that way, if I can simply make myself exercise more, which I felt this book may have helped me in that aspect. Had there only been one chapter about psychedelic drugs, I probably could have just read over it, and five stars would have been an easy rating, but it seemed a little overplayed for me. But, regardless of how you feel about those, read the book, because it is a wealth of information. Is it stuff you may have already heard before? probably, if you've been trying and failing with weight loss or anxiety of some kind for many years. But, I'm telling you, this book hits different for some reason, and I think it's simply the kind, bedside manner, that the author gives us as he gives us advice on how to overcome the obstacles.