Book Review: Hungry for Change: Ditch the Diets, Conquer the Cravings, and Eat Your Way to Lifelong Health by James Colquhoun and Laurentine Ten Bosch
Reviewed by Diana Hwang
Change can inspire and motivate us to reshape our lifestyle toward a healthier body and mind. This wisdom is imparted in this new book, a sequel to the authors’ Food Matters (2003) film, inspired by Colquhoun’s father’s struggle with chronic fatigue syndrome. The book informs on the sources of food and how manufacturers try to turn us into “addicts”, the consequences of unhealthy eating and how the right diet can affect weight loss, less stress and improved looks.Reading Hungry for Change is like listening to the voice of a friend as scientific concepts and advice are provided clearly and concisely. Readers are encouraged to make healthy diet changes and eliminate harmful chemicals and destructive eating habits. Tailored for beginners, it also resonates with knowledgeable readers that may need some reminders to continue their healthy pursuits.
The book recommends beginning with an intensive three-day detoxification program including a breakfast super green juice with celery, kale and other ingredients, followed by recipes for healthy snacks, lunches, dinners and desserts. By program’s end, readers should feel mentally lighter and more energetic. Those not able to follow it can simply add more fruits and vegetables to their daily diet.
Hungry for Change sprinkles life-affirming stories on the positive impact of changing eating habits. It cites Kris Carr, New York Times bestselling author of the Crazy Sexy Diet. Diagnosed with an incurable and inoperable form of Stage 4 cancer ten years ago, she changed to a plant-based diet. Her disease has been kept at bay and she is now a motivational speaker and wellness coach. They also describe Joe Cross whose poor lifestyle led to him reaching 310 pounds, a chronic rash resembling hives and steroid use. He detoxed with a juice- and plant-based diet, ceased taking steroids and lost 80 pounds. He directed the documentary film Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead, and founded Reboot Your Life, a socially conscious health and wellness company.
The book’s inspirational stories and simple approaches to healthier diets and lifestyles are ideal for anyone seeking to make the leap themselves. Through Food Matters and now Hungry for Change, the authors strive to help others take charge of their bodies and lead healthier lives.
Available at Amazon.com, BarnesAnd-Noble.com, itunes.apple.com. Local stores: Please ask your local bookstore for this book, December 2012.
