Discover Your Optimal Health: The Guide to Taking Control of Your Weight, Your Vitality, Your Life

I recommend

I title this "Potentially Life Changing" because it boils down to the reader and their application of what Dr A is telling us here. (& someone already took Game Changer) But I digress. Dr A truly gets to the crux of mindset & motivation. Anyone that reads this and isn't affected by it, namely moved to take action to "Discover their optimal health" is essentially allowing their old habits brought on by initial concepts/mindset to keep them in their current state of habits of sickness. Therefore it's "potentially" life changing. The reader needs to seize this with an open mind and run with it. That is the goal behind this beautifully worded, articulated, illustrated novel.Dr A has a way with words that simplifies understanding habits of overall health to his "listeners". I've been a health coach for 3 years, mastering my craft which comes with a desire to have the ability to explain things the way Dr A does. There have been many times when interacting with people, I wished I could snap my fingers & have him appear. To be able to put him in my pocket and take him with me so he can articulate things the way he does (especially when talking to one's in the depths of sickness)... Well that would have been the bee's knees. Dr A "bottled" his knack for cutting to the chase in this fabulous book. So a dream has come true. I CAN put him in my pocket & take him with me everywhere I go and encourage others to acquire this part of his knowledge that can change their lives indefinitely. (Note the book is not that small but you get my drift.)I appreciate how well he condensed some of the essentials of his Habits of Health (HOH) book for people who are busy. The HOH book is essential for our health library. I refer to it as my "Health Bible". And like the Holy Bible, can be overwhelming to delve into. Many people need help to break things down in bite size pieces in both instances. Especially in such a rushed/diseased world. Even though I have been coaching for 3 years, I found this beneficial in simplifying some of the explanations I found difficult to wrap my head around. That's just another aspect of many packed into this fabulous book. This is a "Game Changer" and if you're anything like me you'll find that this is a page turning, incredibly informative quick read. People can't afford not to read this.We all have different perspectives, concepts & mindsets. Sadly in many cases these are what hold people back from ultimately achieving their dreams. Discover Your Optimal Health is already helping people to take the steps needed to break those barriers. Of course, only those that apply the contents of what has become a favorite amongst my literary collection. Thank you Dr A! You rock!

This book is a FAST read and a quick introduction to his Habits of Health system which is described in detail in his book and workbook. This book is the WHY with a quick basics intro to the principles that drive the HOW. It is meant to help people get in touch with their own inner desire to achieve their best - healthy in body, mind and lightly touches on finances. He goes into the HOW at a very high summary level in this book, though there IS enough there that if you were to apply it without using the vehicle of Take Shape For Life fueled by the Medifast portion controlled meal replacements you could do it. It just might take you longer and would require more effort and time, which for most people is what prevents them from doing it "on their own". This book is a GREAT first look into the program for those considering it, and a GREAT set of principles to apply in your life even if you are NOT looking to lose weight now. Odds are - if you don't apply these principles - you will be needing to lose weight at some point.Take Shape For Life truly IS a game changer in the Health industry since it surrounds you with a network of support that keeps you on focus, on purpose, and moving forward in Discovering and Obtaining your Optimal Health. Since Dec 2012 my husband and I have gone from being overweight/obese to having healthy BMI (I lost 25lbs my husband lost 60lbs), to integrating non exercise activity, to now adding exercise (simple weight lifting and cardio at home), and we are happier, healthier, and more energetic than we've been since our 20's. (we are now in our 50's) We are also taking steps to take control of our finances by applying Dave Ramsey's principles, and have dramatically increased our income as TSFL Certified Health Coaches in just a few short months. I don't know any of you reading this and I am NOT looking to sign anyone up via this review. I AM just telling you OUR experience and our journey. I recommend Dr. A's books and the TSFL program without ANY reservations. Your results may vary - but ours have been nothing short of phenomenal. Cheers!

This book really scared me at first, because it highlighted exactly how unhealthy I was. Sure, organic and natural foods are great, which was my entire focus before reading this book. But organic full-fat butter, bacon, hamburgers and natural sausages had conspired to make me 280 pounds with a BMI of >35. I knew I was overweight, but didn't realize just how at-risk I was for an early death.I decided to go on the program Dr Andersen talks about in this book, and after just a few months, I had dropped almost 100 pounds, my BMI was in the healthy region, and most importantly I felt as if I was taking control of my own health, instead of leaving it in the hands of the food industry. I also learned that health is more than just about being at a reasonable weight. It is physical activity in my daily life, drinking lots of water, eating 6 smaller meals a day instead of 2 or 3 massive gut-bombs, and reducing the stress in my life by sleeping well and meditating. I have never felt better in my entire adult life.And oh yeah. About the sleep thing. I had been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea before I lost my weight, but there was no way I was going to wear one of those asphyxiating sleep masks. So, I was at risk of all of the negative health risks of apnea. I'm happy to report that my apnea has completely disappeared - much to the joy of my wife!I highly recommend this book.