Customer Reviews

Mind Over Body: The Key to Lasting Weight Loss Is All in Your Head

5 star:		(15)
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3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

A self-help mind body spirit weight loss and fitness book by former Mr. France and Mr. Universe, Nordine Zouareg, Mind Over Body looks at the interconnection between what we believe and how we become. Zouareg is the fitness coach at the exclusive Miraval Life in Balance spa and resort in Arizona.

Zouareg describes how everyone can learn and implement his method for mental motivation--what he calls our `core desire'--and then learn how to master the tools (visualization, meditation, affirmation) to keep on track with weight-loss goals. After readers understand and practice these tools, they learn some of the basics about nutrition and the Miraval way of healthy living. The book comes with an exercise plan developed by the author to shed unwanted pounds. According to Mr. Zouareg, consistent use of the mind body spirit method will keep the additional weight off forever.

But to truly test any self-help weight loss book, I knew that I had to bring it into my own life. I started with the creative visualization, then the meditation, and finally the affirmations. I admit that I felt more than a little silly saying the affirmations. Being a writer, I found I did best by saying them, and then writing them down in a journal.

I then read about the basics of nutrition and the 40/40/20×5 fat loss plan, and tried some of the sample recipes that were actually quite tasty. The vegetable omelet was a big hit in my household.

On to the exercise....I'm more of a couch potato, but oddly enough I enjoyed the stretching exercises, even found them relaxing. The more strenuous exercises...well, I'm still working on those. I see this more as a slow progression, one that will hopefully develop into a good habit. So, how much weight have I lost? 4.5 pounds in ten days. Not bad for a former junk food eating couch potato.

Other links and resources are in the index.

I highly recommend this book if you are truly ready to change your life and willing to try a more holistic approach to weight loss and healthy living.

Armchair Interviews says: More than just a diet book, this combines the mind, body and spirit for weight-loss success.

Nordine Zouareg is a former Mr. Universe who has been able to translate his outstanding accomplishments into a plan that has helped thousands of athletes and non-athletes achieve their fitness goals. This book offers a simple and doable fitness plan for real people with real lives.

The diet suggestions are easy to prepare and use everyday ingredients. Helpful nutrition information is included so that we can all understand how to make the best food choices and become empowered to create meals that will support our fitness and health. On this diet you are allowed to eat regular meals and snacks and even to cheat! The exercise plan is a balanced program that takes just 24 minutes a day 5 days a week and includes cardio and strength training. The program is realistic for busy people.

As great as the diet and exercise plans are, the real strength of the program is in the mind. Nordine skillfully shows how it takes more than just a good plan to be successful. Becoming aware of our undermining thought patterns is the first step to changing them. Nordine demonstrates how to increase awareness, how to get out of negative thinking that focusses on what we don't want and turn instead to our core desires to develop positive motivation to get what we do want. Drawing on the wisdom of positive thinking and spiritual awareness, Nordine describes a mental fitness plan for success in attaining a desired weight, a healthy body or success in any area of life.

If you are tired of all the gimmicks that promise you the body you want PLEASE read this book because it is a fantastic tool to take along with you on your journey. We all have had our struggles with our body weight, but this book helps you develop your core desire to change and if you want it, Nordine shows you just how to cultivate the process to becoming your core desire. This simple but successful approach to weight loss answers so many questions that we all have. As an exercise physiologist I am constantly bombarded by questions pertaining to the topics covered in Nordine's book and what Nordine has to say runs parrellel to the advice that these people need. It is everything that I always try to say. Nordine helps you to identify your goals, believe in yourself, and shows you the way. While the first part of this book helps to restructure your thinking patterns about weightloss, the second half of the book gives you no nonsense diet and exercise intruction. I have referred this book to a number of different people really working hard to find lasting weightloss, but were missing the mental training to do so. The few hours your spend reading this book will change your life in so many ways. There are so many people out their that offer weight loss advice, but it is time that people start listening to what Nordine is saying. He is a man who has lived the process of changing his life/physique and has helped hundred of people realize their dream and core desire of lasting weightloss. His book and life story are amazing, inspirational, and motivational. Exactly what you need if you are looking to really lose weight.

"Mind Over Body" by Nordine Zouareg is a great book!! It is well organized and easy to read and understand yet profound in its implication. Mr. Zouareg's challenges began the moment he was prematurely born to illiterate Bedouin parents in an army truck in the Sahara Desert. His immediate disadvantages in life were daunting, yet today he has the honor of being a two-time Mr. Universe title holder, celebrity fitness coach, and author.

I asked myself what many will probably ask, and that is, HOW? Well, "Mind Over Body" describes in detail what Mr. Zouareg implemented in order to achieve all that he desired.

The key to being, having, and doing all that you desire starts with training the mind via positive self talk, visualization, and affirmation. Only when the mind is prepared can one truly manifest their core desire(s). After reading this fabulous book, I realized that it was not only about retraining the subconscious mind in order to become fitness, but becoming all that you truly desire to be.

Applying the steps and principals in "Mind Over Body" has changed the way I attack goals in my life. Most of us, if not all of us, have goals and aspirations that constantly resurface. These goals may or may not be true core desires and hence the "reburial" of these said goals. "Mind Over Body" explains how one should feel if these goals and aspirations are true core desires or just fleeting interests and gives you the steps and tools needed to manifest your desire. I will never feel or be the same again.

"Mind Over Body" is fantastically empowering, I strongly suggest the purchase of this book to all.

This book comes from years of watching and teaching people how to finally get in great physical and mental health. I met Nordine a few years ago when he was head of fitness at Miraval and my wife and I were there for a week of spa treatments. He had people from all over the world flock to him like the pied piper. What he taught there and what is in this book is pure genius anyone can apply.My wife and I love it.

"Mind Over Body..." should be read by everyone looking to elevate all aspects of their health and fitness. Reading this book feels like I'm in a one-on-one coaching session at Miraval with Nordine Zouareg, Mr. Universe.

In Part One, Nordine provides several thought exercises and techniques that guide you to identify your core desire(s), to tap into your internal power of intention through visualization and positive affirmations, to create an action plan that you will really stick with and to stay motivated. I found his "Voluntary Agreement With Myself" to be a very powerful exercise. It is a commitment that Nordine asks us to make to ourselves...for ourselves.

Part Two contains guidance on how to "eat well and exercise right with out giving up your life". The recipes were easy to make and very tasty. His workout plans contain detailed exercise descriptions and photos which I found very helpful in highlighting proper form and technique.

Nordine's holistic approach to fitness is unlike any other. It's incredibly empowering. I feel stronger, smarter, healthier and happier than ever before.

Nordine Zouareg has written a very practical and useful book. It is not only about fitness, diet, exercise but it shows me how I can improve on the areas of my life that I feel need some working on with insight and wisdom. His personal story is fascinating and deserves more attention. I have purchased about six copies and given them to family and friends.

I loved this book! Nordine's story of his childhood was an inspiration to anyone who wasn't born with all the advantages life has to offer. It's hard to make excuses about not being able to do this when you look a how far Nordine has come.

This is the first time I truly understood the negative effect of the things I tell myself. I am reconditioning my mental tapes and following the priciples in Nordine's book and I feel great. I know that the things I am able to accomplish are all possible if I set my mind to it and reinforce myself with positive feedback.

Thank you Nordine for taking the time to write this book so that those of us unable to make it to Mirival can still benefit from you.

This book is long over due. No more life spent at the gym, no more starvation and no more gimmick! Nordine Zouareg has poured his heart and soul by giving all of us the key to unlocking the door to perfect health and fitness. I gave it 5 stars because it was the max, I could give it six stars without hesitation. Mind Over Body starts from where every one else has failed: the mind; with four easy steps to follow, then the nutritional plan packed with gourmet foods and the super fast and easy exercise plan that you could do anywhere and that lasts less than 30 minutes. Beleive me, this book is for more than what I expected it to be.

Nordine Zouareg captures the essence of the Body-Mind connection with his easy to read and follow Mind Over Body book. It becomes a way of life. It is my bible that is next to my bed for some late night reading. I have personally cut down on my exercise and have lost more weight and toned my body. It is easy to realize that life is not a struggle. Mindful meditation and body work can produce results. There are no more excuses not be be healthy. It is the perfect gift for friends and family of all ages.
Jenni Lipa, Spa Trek Travel, New York City.