Book Review: Body Cognition - The Method

I’ve had poor posture and suffered from migraines and other aches for some time. I’ve always believed that good posture is important to health and looking good. I’ve  sought exercises and ways to improve my posture and get rid of my rounded shoulders. I recently read Body Cognition— The Method by Josepha Michaeli looking for ideas to help.

Body Cognition is a combination of education and training in exercises to use our body correctly. The body is a tool, with proper use being important. Poor posture and incorrect use of our body can affect our health, causing pain and much more. This book is at attempt to explain and display its practical implementation. It is written by Josepha Michaeli, an acclaimed Israeli physiotherapist and physical education teacher. More information about the author and Body Cognition can be found on the Body Cognition's website.

The Amazon description states that the book is target towards “all those interested in their body and health and want to delve deeper into the body out of personal and intellectual inquisitiveness” and professionals dealing with all the body therapy disciplines.  All readers are supposed to be able to find what they are looking for in accordance with their level of interest and depth.

I had hoped this book would have some practical lessons and exercises one could do to improve their body’s posture and muscular support. As a layperson, found this this book seems to be intended for professionals or those involved with bodywork.  At times, I felt this verbose, jargon filled book was over my head. It reads like a textbook for practitioners or students planning to enter the field. It is packed with information about human anatomy and the body’s functioning. After the first chapter, I realized that the practical exercises, movements, and information about implementing the method that I sought probably would not be found here. The book covers lots of the whys regarding the need for body cognition, but lacks much of the hows. The book did reinforce my belief that the body does work as a machine, and if part of it is off then it doesn’t work at its optimum level. My key problem is that I work at a desk in a sedentary job, and "prolonged immobility" and continuous, monotonous actions are bad.

Body Cognition— The Method is available as an ebook on amazon.com.

In closing, I will say that I was disappointed, as this book was not what I had hoped. I received the book (through a Tomoson.com promotion) in return for providing a review, otherwise I probably would not have continued reading the book past the first chapter, and I would normally not bother with writing a review. It’s not necessarily a bad book, just not a book meant for me.

Book Review - The Georgeously Green Diet Book

A few weeks ago I completed reading the Gorgeously Green Diet Book by Sophie Uliano. The goal of the Gorgeously Green Diet is to help lessen eco-impact and improve health. There is a 6 step pledge to help you define your goals. The author offers 3 different diet plans, to suit different individual needs and personal desires.

I read the book at the perfect time. Last year I made some major changes to my diet. I had been dependent on frozen dinners and fast food. Most of the time I felt exhausted and had little energy. I felt so depleted and knew that something needed to change. I visited a naturopathic doctor, who advised me that I needed to change what I eat. I was never into cooking, and lacked creativity. So this book was a welcome addition to my home, with all the recipes in it.

The are several good points to the book:

• The author urges the reader to consider the eco-impact of the foods you buy - packaging, chemicals, preservatives, genetically modified ingredients, hormone riddled dairy. Also use re-usable shopping bags. Don't use polystyrene cups or "doggy" boxes for take out. One should also carry a re-usable water bottle.
• There are tips for cutting down portion sizes.
• There is a discussion about truth behind labeling. "Natural" doesn't mean much. Label claims such as, "made with whole wheat," "natural," "0 trans fat," and "high in fiber" mean very little. The consumer needs to read the fine print.
• The book urges the use of certified organic produce, dairy, eggs, and meat. The book gives good, detailed reasons why to choose organic. Also urges buying organic/fair trade coffee, tea, and chocolate.
• Lists certain products & food additives to avoid such as, artificial sweeteners and chemical preservatives.
• The book promotes cooking from scratch, rather than buying pre-packaged convenience foods. It saves money and is healthier.
• There are tips for eating out and travelling.
• List of good foods to stock up on.
• Tells how to scout out a grocery store.
• Tips to make your kitchen more energy efficient.
• The book contains 100+ recipes.
• There is a chapter on exercise, with instructions for strengthening exercises and yoga poses.
• discusses supplements
• There is a chapter on the how to's of starting a garden.
• There are some good ideas for non-toxic/eco friendly cleaning
• The book even talks about non-toxic skin care.

I would recommend this book for anyone looking to change their eating habits for the better or anyone looking for some cooking ideas.

Book Review - Gorgeously Green by Sophie Uliano

About a month ago I started reading Gorgeously Green by Sophie Uliano. While I was out perusing books one day with my boys, this book caught my eye.

This book is full of tips & helpful tidbits. The website at http://www.gorgeouslygreen.com/ is also full of information, recipes, and also has givaways.

The book has:

• a green lifestyle checklist to help you see areas in your life that you need improvement


• tips on making your home non-toxic


• healthy eating, with tasty looking recipes, explains organic food, labeling practices, truthfulness in advertising, and covers best fish to chose and which to avoid.


• covers skin care, face care, cleansing, moisturizing, body care, lotion, hair care, and includes product recommendations


• the author recommends sesame oil for body oil with a few drops of essential oil. says that sesame oil penetrates the skin easily, contains antioxidants, and has a reputation for slowing the aging process.


• cosmetic & body care ingredients to avoid - classifies them as red alert & orange alert ingredients


• covers shopping habits & avoiding items manufactured in sweatshops. This section also covers cutting back on buying items that you don't really need. This is not only economical, but it cuts down on consuming stuff, like newspapers, paper cups from the coffee shops, etc.


• exercise - includes yoga poses, arm strengthening, bottom firming & toning, and ab exercises.


• tips on green travel


• tips on green gift giving

This is an excellent book for someone starting to live a green lifestyle. The checklist offered in the book is really good at pointing out weak areas that need improvement. Someone who has already been travelling down the road of greeness may find the book has a lot of information that the reader already knows and a little simplistic. Although a refressher is not a bad idea. At least in my own life I find myself slipping, getting lazy, and falling back on bad habits.



Next up on my reading list is The Gorgeously Green Diet