1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Physical and Spiritual Vitality, October 12, 2004
This review is from: The Healthy Balance for Body & Soul (LifeBalance) (Paperback)
Prevention is so much better than healing because it saves the labor of being sick. ~Thomas Adams
Cynthia Culp Allen and Charity Allen Winters have written a book about their love for God and their love for spiritual renewal through a reenergizing of the mind and body. While most books seem to put an emphasis on exercise routines and eating plans, the authors have added a new level of spirituality. The authors shed new light on Proverbs 31 and yes, there are many references to Christianity throughout the text.
"Both Charity and I want to become beautiful, healthy, balanced women of God, both in body and soul." ~Cynthia
The authors both struggled with various illnesses and spiritual temptations and show how an overemphasis on spirituality and an imbalanced attitude in regards to food can be detrimental. The authors make the point that you can go to church and yet totally neglect your body. Is your body not the temple of God? Cynthia and Charity describe how they struggled with their own illnesses to the point where they knew a change was needed.
Both authors seem to have read many health books and while their focus is on health, they also are concerned with the cancer of the soul and why we should all be concerned with our spiritual health. They also discuss things like gossip, forgiveness and commitment to spiritual principles. In the midst of all this, they also discuss aromatherapy, journaling, exercise routines, herbal teas and supplements for health.
To say this book is overflowing with ideas is an understatement. The authors also talk about future books they are planning or writing.
I think this book will be most appreciated by women who love God and who want to live a holy life dedicated to improving body, soul and spirit. Not only are the authors trying to live a life in accordance to Biblical principles, they are trying to encourage more women to also live a similar lifestyle.
If you are not interested in the spiritual part of this book, there is still much to learn and I found I was even more motivated to buy a Vita-Mix than ever before. I know I feel better when I eat a lot of salads and my energy level soars when I avoid certain foods, but I was not aware of why this was the case.
Throughout this book I found many helpful solutions. If you are interested in a low-salt diet, then there are ideas for a variety of salt substitutes. If you have yet to discover the benefits of Grapefruit Seed Extract, Green Tea or a number of antioxidants, then this book will show you why these items are essential to your health.
Are you struggling with depression, low energy levels, complete fatigue, weight problems or illnesses you know you have but doctors don't seem to understand? Then this book can be helpful in many regards. If you love to cook, you will find a few recipes. Although, I must say I hope the authors write a detailed cookbook for all of us who enjoy step-by-step instructions.
While the authors do at times border on spiritual exuberance (upbeat x 10) in their writing, this book could give many women hope. At times it is good to indulge in a little positive thought even if you are feeling slightly grouchy at the time. It can at least awaken our hearts to the possibility of joy.
For any woman struggling with PMS, bladder infections, abdominal pain or intense sugar cravings, this book can provide some insight into how you can wage a battle against candidiasis. The authors provide lists of medications and show you how simple lifestyle changes can improve your health.
I was actually surprised the author recommended artificial anything, including sweeteners. I find Stevia to be much more tasty than anything artificial. Even after reading this book, I'm not convinced that fat is the enemy, I still think it is carbohydrates in too high a quantity. I've also read that fructose is more damaging than sucrose. You might want to read The Metabolic Plan for more information.
Here are some ideas for your shopping list for health. I had all these supplements before reading this book. See individual reviews (with my own research) or research the following online:
All One Nutrition Totally Fiber - powerful herbal extracts and cleansing
GeniSoy Soy Protein Shake - Delicious and nutritious, protein your body needs
All One Powder Multiple Vitamins and Minerals Dietary Supplement - High Potency
Emer'gen-C Lite with MSN - mix into fruit juice or blend with aloe juice and orange juice
Nordic Natural's Complete Omega - Needed for proper brain function and overall health
Olive Leaf Extract - ancient remedy
Uva Ursi - cleansing
Nutrition Now PB8 Pro-Biotic Acidophilus For Life - Contains FOS
Grape Seed Extract - Antioxidant
North American Herb & Spice Oregamax - Oregano for health. This is the ancient Hyssop spoken of in the Bible.
Women's Phase II Candidastat Dietary Supplement - Contains Oregon Grape Root, Milk Thistle and Grapefruit Seed Extract.
Solaray CranActin Cranberry Extract - helpful for healthy urinary tract
Dr. Michael Pinkus Nu-Zymes - Concentrated Multiple Food Enzyme Supplement
This book can be an inspirational guide to health
or even encourage you to reach for high spiritual goals.
To Your Health,
~The Rebecca Review
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