Customer Reviews

Complete Idiot's Guide to Looking and Feeling Younger

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I picked up this book while waiting for a friend to decide on a gift for her mother. I was skeptical: You can't do anything to stop aging, so why bother? Imagine my surprise when I found something interesting, informative and, most importantly, inspiring on EVERY page. I bought two copies-one for myself and the other for my sister-and then I convinced my friend to buy it for her mom! Thank you!

This book has some common-sense advice on looking and feeling younger: eat healthy, maintain a sensible weight, exercise regularly, and have a positive frame of mind. That shouldn't be new or surprising for anyone whose been concerned about the subject. It had a few ideas that may or may not be worthwhile, such as not drinking fluids (except for some wine) with dinner, doing stretches in bed, and updating your home decor. But I was turned off my the more bogus ideas the authors promoted, such as standing 8 feet away from the microwave every time you use it and not combining rice and beans (or any protein with a starchy vegetable) in a single meal. Worst of all, while it listed affirmations (twice!!) that you could repeat to yourself to make yourself feel better about being older, it didn't mention the one of the best ways to remain youthful (IMHO): remain socially active with positive friends, and find a spiritual practice that works for you. (Yoga and meditation are mentioned in passing, but not for their spiritual value.) The one-size-fits-all aspect was also a disappointment: the authors say walking isn't sufficiently weight-bearing, which is probably true for someone who's already fit and active. But for someone who's out of shape or obese, walking for exercise could be the best option, with the idea of leading into a more "serious" exercise program later. I gave it two stars because the title isn't misleading. If you are a complete idiot about health, it can give you the inspiration to cut down on junk food, get active, and think positive. But if you know that much already, you don't need this book.

Here is an easy-to-read collection of advice on feeling, looking, acting younger. Some of the advice is fresh and seems sound (do you brush your skin?). Some of the advice is good, and you know it, but you don't do it. Some, particularly the home remedies, I just don't buy. But it is all a quick read and may get you off the couch.

I enjoyed this book! At first I thought they were crazy with their "brushing the face" idea, but right after that I was reading the advice in national magazines. Their advice on skin care is what was most interesting to me but what I also liked was their positive upbeat tone, reminding me to knock off the negative thoughts about my body image or what other people will think. As far as the other review that mentions that it doesn't talk about friends or spirituality as a way of feeling and looking younger, well, those are valid points. But my take on this book is that it is more of a mental/physical changer. Spiritual issues could have been mentioned, in my opinion, but since we tend to gravitate towards people who are like us, if we are trying to change our image of ourselves, our friends may not be a good way to look younger.