Ultra-Metabolism

Ultrametabolism: The Simple Plan for Automatic Weight Loss by Mark Hyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well, as it turns out Hyman's plan isn't so simple, but his book does give some good advice.

He repeatedly reminds the reader that health isn't synonymous with weight and that weight loss isn't always just about calories in vs. calories out. For example, if you are thin and eating crappy processed foods you are often depriving your body of important nutrients and as a result your health may suffer. Furthermore, if you are overweight and struggling to lose weight, it may have nothing to do with a lack of willpower or even your approach but more to do with an underlying medical condition.

Much of the advice is pretty straight forward. Eat lots of fruits and veggies, emphasize whole foods, and limit processed foods. Also engage in routine and daily exercise. And if you're inclined to do so, taking a supplement may be helpful in achieving your goals, particularly if there is an underlying health condition.

I found the discussion on how diet impacts the body and disease to be worthwhile.

The book is loaded with examples of how an underlying health problem or imbalance can affect a person's health and their attempt to shed unwanted pounds. The book also highlights how a healthy diet (one based on whole foods as opposed to processed foods) can impact disease.

That said, there is nothing revolutionary here. And that's not a weakness of the book. It's simply a fact. Eating healthy, exercise, adequate sleep and stress management are all factors that can impact our health. It isn't sexy. It isn't earth-shattering. And in some respects, it is simple in theory if not always easy to put into practice.

As a health coach, I work closely with clients to help them put what we already know (what they may already know) into practice. What I have found is that the one-size-fits-all approach to dieting, weight-loss, and even exercise has failed a lot of people. This book advocates for a more personalized approach to health and wellness and that is perhaps its greatest strength.