informative medium-paced
morchels's profile picture

morchels's review

3.0
informative medium-paced

Sciencewise it was pretty interesting but recipe wise much less so. The recipes were mostly smoothies and soups and I'm not looking for an all liquid diet. I might try a few things but I'm not sure it is really groundbreaking info. 
informative medium-paced

This was one of those books that I really enjoyed but there were things that I didn’t like. There was a big push for eating your vegetables and being vegetarian or vegan. The rest of the book does have some valuable information and a guided process for introducing you to intermittent fasting. 

Just note that while eating during your fasting window isn’t the biggest deal, it will kick you out of ketosis and start the digestive system again. This will also mean you are resetting your fasting and starting over. You do have to fast 16+ hours to get into autophagy. There are not as many benefits to short term fasting but with longer fast (work up to them) you will see more benefits and sooner. 

I do like how she changes things up. Our bodies become like machines on autopilot when we do the same thing over and over again. This is when you will start losing the benefits. Changing things up will keep your body guessing and make it work at it’s optimal. 

Overall, this was a well-written book that I definitely want to add to my physical collection. However, there is not much new information. This could be helpful to someone who is new to the world of fasting and dieting that doesn’t know much. 

lc_allen's review

3.0
informative slow-paced
annejsize's profile picture

annejsize's review

3.0
informative inspiring medium-paced

thebevinsclan's review

4.0

This book is really well written and also laid out well. I'm happy to see that the meal plan is 90% plant based. Since I'm currently breastfeeding, I'm not a candidate to follow the plan and fast but I do plan to try some of the recipes that are fully plant based since I am vegan.

kdjohnson's review

1.0
informative slow-paced

britneymann's review

4.0
informative medium-paced

leafy_kunoichi's review

2.0

First, let me make it clear that I do not view self-help health books as gospel. I read with the reminder that the authors of these books have their own interests in people following the guidlines/diets they talk about. Dr. Shah is no exception to this. In the book she states supplements are not the answer to this issue, beware people who claim they are, you don't need supplements. Lo and behold, guess what she sells on her website. Yup, supplements that help if "you suffer from low energy, chronic brain fog, or out-of-control hormones, Balance + Restore is designed to bring you back to optimal health."

The book itself is easy to read and does have a lot of good information. This is information I made note of and will be discussing with my doctor. Some of the recipes included are tasty and all are healthy. The beginning of the book is a good primer on biology and topics such as hormones. Good info just take it all in with a questioning eye.

llax11's review

3.0

“Bottom line: Our chemistry and biology impact our moods, thoughts, and emotions, which in turn all play a major role in influencing our stress, energy levels, and overall physical health.”

While I found the overall premise of the book interesting, I caution the reader to do your own research. Several of the topics discussed in the book remain unfounded by rigorous scientific research. The author mentions several times, “the research remains up in the air.” So please, do your research, consult your own medical professional. That being said, the topics of gut health and hormones interconnectedness with mood and affect are fascinating and this book has sparked an interest in a topic that I will continue to research.

A substantial portion of the book discusses intermittent fasting, power foods, and various recipes to reduce sugar and increase consumption of foods that aid in anti-inflammation.

Sincere thanks to NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin for access to an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.