Blog Archives
Reclaiming My Story
The Same 20 is a candid, detailed, and emotionally resonant guide for anyone who is tired of losing and gaining the same 20 pounds over and over, offering readers a buffet of dieting strategies. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Because I lived the cycle, I now help people break.
The Same 20 wasn’t just a concept, it was my reality.
The same 20 pounds lost and regained.
The same 20 promises made every Monday.
The same 20 thoughts of negative self-talk and “I’ll be better tomorrow.”
Writing this book was my way of reclaiming my story and offering others a way off of the diet roller coaster.
I didn’t want to write a “how-to” manual filled with shame and restriction.
I wanted to write a permission slip to eat, to rest, to reset based on your individual needs – without starting over.
This book exists because no one told me that consistency could be gentle.
That is has very little to do with what you put in your mouth and everything to do with mindset.
That results could come without punishment.
And that freedom was possible – without being perfect.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One of the core ideas I wanted to share is this:
You’re not broken – your approach is.
Struggles with food, weight, or habits aren’t about willpower, they’re about mindset.
Most people are stuck in the same all-or-nothing cycle: the same 20 pounds, the same thought loops, the same emotional patterns.
That’s what The Same 20 is really about.
I wrote this book to offer something different- not perfection, but permission:
Permission to show up imperfectly.
To start small.
To make progress without pressure.
To stop chasing discipline and start building self-trust.
Because sustainable change doesn’t come from shame or restriction, it comes from learning to love and care for yourself, even when it’s messy.
I also wanted to challenge the “clean eating” and “grind harder” narratives we’ve been sold. Those extremes don’t teach self-trust, they teach burnout.
This book is about rewriting the script from “I’ll start over Monday” to “I know how to keep going, because I believe I’m worth it.”
That’s the shift that sets you free.
What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
What surprises me most, and moves me every time, is how many people say,
“I felt like you were writing about me.”
They thought they were the only one restarting every Monday, negotiating with food all day, or feeling shame after slipping.
What they respond to first isn’t the strategy, it’s the relief.
The relief of being seen.
The relief that this isn’t just about food, it’s about mindset.
The relief of finally having words for something they’ve carried alone for years.
And most of all, the permission to stop being so hard on themselves.
That reaction always reminds me just how isolating this cycle can feel, and how powerful it is when someone finally realizes they’re not alone. I didn’t expect that kind of emotional connection to be the first thing readers mention, but it tells me this book is doing exactly what I hoped it would: Breaking shame before it breaks us.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from The Same 20?
The Same 20 isn’t about quick fixes.
It’s about mindset & finding a sustainable way of life that works for you.
So many people are sold the idea that they’re broken, that with enough discipline, weight loss, or motivation, they’ll finally be worthy.
But what they actually need is a shift:
From fixing themselves to caring for themselves.
This book is about rewriting the story.
It’s not about a number on the scale, it’s about honoring your body as the vessel for your life.
Progress doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from patterns– small, consistent choices rooted in self-respect, not punishment.
I want readers to walk away knowing this:
You don’t have to earn rest.
You don’t need to undo joy.
You are already worth the effort -even on the messy days.
Because when you shift the question from
“How do I fix myself?” to “How can I take care of myself?” that’s when everything changes.
That’s the real freedom.
And that’s what I hope The Same 20 helps people find.
Author Links: Website | Instagram | YouTube
Dieting is often compared to riding a roller coaster as you gain and lose the same 20 pounds over and over again. If you’re ready to get off the roller coaster and never look back, The Same 20 can help you choose the right diet to achieve that goal.
Registered dietitian nutritionist Michelle Johnson has tried dozens of diets, sparing you the stress of doing so. In The Same 20, Michelle explains why you lose and gain and gain and lose weight and what affect this has on your physical and mental health.
She then reveals how nine popular diets can lead to weight loss. Do you like the idea of eating what you want, but don’t feel the need to eat around the clock? Try intermittent fasting. Want to eat well and help the planet at the same time? Maybe a flexitarian diet or vegetarian lifestyle is for you. Need to cut bad stuff out of your diet? Try the no-sugar or alkaline diet for better health.
The Same 20 offers menus, pros and cons, special considerations, and grocery lists for each diet. You’ll also get encouragement and advice for choosing a diet you can maintain over time to get the weight off and, most importantly, keep it off while still meeting your health and wellness goals, having fun, and enjoying the journey.
In The Same 20, you discover
* How you wind up on the dieting roller coaster and the impact it has on your body
* How to identify your personal motivation, also known as your “why”
* How to decode diets, enabling you to select the best nutrition path for your life and weight goals
* How to get off the diet roller coaster and stay off
The Same 20 is all about personalizing your diet journey and providing you with the confidence to rip up your ticket to the weight-loss roller coaster once and for all!
The Imperfect Vegan: Making a difference on a (mostly) plant-based diet
In an age where understanding varied perspectives is paramount, Cat White’s The Imperfect Vegan delves deep into her personal transition to veganism. The book meticulously outlines her motivations, particularly highlighting the environmental repercussions of the animal industry. White emphasizes the essentiality of consumer decisions in our ongoing battle against climate change, suggesting that opting for a vegan or plant-based diet can substantially diminish the demand for animal products. Furthermore, she reassures readers that while the quest for sustainability is desirable, absolute perfection isn’t the goal—every effort plays a part in sculpting a greener future.
White’s narrative is immediately captivating with its accessible and conversational style. Readers are swiftly drawn into her world through anecdotes and reflections, establishing a genuine connection. Despite broaching intricate subjects like the ramifications of climate change and the extensive footprint of the animal industry, she crafts her message in a digestible format suitable for a broad readership. Factual data supports her articulate delivery, ensuring a firm grounding for her perspectives. Organized thoughtfully into distinctive sections, readers can easily trace the evolution of White’s insights.
Interspersed with humor and self-aware commentary, the book successfully balances gravity with levity. White’s candid admission of her own vegan journey’s imperfections strikes a chord, especially with those grappling with their own challenges and aspirations within veganism.
The Imperfect Vegan is an indispensable guide, weaving together personal anecdotes, ecological consciousness, and actionable advice. It’s an ideal read for those curious about embracing veganism both for planetary health and personal wellness. Rather than prescribing perfection, White encourages meaningful contributions and practical steps toward a sustainable lifestyle. Topics, including making informed food selections, deciphering scientific data, and transitioning smoothly to a plant-based diet, equip readers with tools for change.
Recognizing the pressing need to address our climate’s precarious state, White’s narrative serves as a clarion call for action. She amplifies each individual’s pivotal role in reducing the appetite for animal-derived products and champions the collective pursuit of mitigating climate change effects. The Imperfect Vegan is both enlightening and empowering, reinforcing the mantra that every small step matters in this global endeavor.
Pages: 306 | ASIN : B0CKLG3PBK
Reclaim The Rebel
Reclaim The Rebel is a no-nonsense self-help book that will leave you feeling energized as the author’s charisma and advice leaves you feeling like change is possible. This enlightening book contains a lot of great information, but what I like most is how it’s all backed up by science and the authors personal experiences. This is all designed to help readers achieve the best version of themself. In this book author Lizzy Cangro zooms in on the problems that keep us away from loving our body unconditionally. She writes with so much honesty and kindness that it’s heartening and infectious. Her writing is simple and easy to understand, and more importantly it is so relatable. Congro lays out each topic perfectly – as readers you don’t feel lost and can keep track of everything.
This book is a fantastic resource for anyone that is struggling with self-acceptance. It will give you the tools you need to reclaim your power and live an authentic life with confidence. Cangro uses simple yet powerful words and quickly gets to the core of each topic without unnecessary filler. As a reader who is more interested in enhancing the quality of life both physically and mentally, I am impressed with Cangro’s reader-centric approach to writing.
Reclaim the Rebel is filled with actionable information, real life examples and exercises for readers to quiet their inner negative self-talk while practicing self-love. Everyone talks about self-love these days, however reading this book feels different and empowering. There were times throughout the book that I felt like Cangro was telling my story and guiding me personally. I had so many aha moments! Another positive aspect of this book is the length of each chapter. Each chapter is concise yet fulfilling, there are no long diatribes on how to life your life, just real advice for real readers trying to live a real life.
Reclaim The Rebel: 12 Rebellious Acts to Achieve Unconditional Love for Your Body is relatable, empowering and filled with pragmatic advice that readers can put to use right away to balance their physical health and mental health. This book has the potential to change your life, and is certainly one of the most engaging self-help books I’ve read this year.
Pages: 127 | ASIN: B09KB62YYX
We “Flipped The Script”
Food As A Prescription is a handbook for those that wish to alter their diet due to food allergies or for anti-inflammatory health benefits. Why was this an important book for you to write?
When you go through a traumatic experience and come out better on the other side it is quite significant. It makes you want to shout about that experience from the rooftops so others who are suffering in similar ways know they are not alone and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. That said, changing something as fundamental as your diet can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Food As A Prescription eliminates the confusion and guesswork of evolving into a “restrictive” diet. We wrote this book to enlighten and empower others, as well as ensure they find a path to success as they embark on their own journey.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about food allergies?
The most common misconception is that nothing will ever taste good again and that it will be impossible to go out and enjoy life the way you did prior to changing your diet. While there are always challenges in life, nothing could be further from the truth. We have personally found all sorts of new ways to approach food that not only allow us to eat within our parameters, but also introduced us to wonderful new things to enjoy. People typically concentrate on what they can NOT eat, but we “flipped the script” to concentrate on what we CAN eat. These common misconceptions eventually led us to create LOCA Foods Inc, where we provide foods free from gluten, dairy, soy, and corn, yet they are still amazing in flavor and texture. Our company motto is “All We Do is Delicious”!
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
Mindset matters! While modern medicine is great at setting bones, it still takes a predominantly generalized approach to most health and wellness. If you are struggling to be heard, some of our best advice is to never give up and always be your own advocate.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Our next book, All We Do is Delicious, is a cookbook which will focus on delicious recipes free from gluten, soy, corn, and/or dairy. At the moment we are currently focused on getting our online bakery up and running smoothly. We plan for All We Do is Delicious to be available before the end of 2023. You can follow us online via Facebook and Instagram (@LOCAFoodinc), where we will announce updates for the book, or visit our website, LOCAfoodsinc.com, to get a handful of our favorite recipes for free right now.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Have you or a loved one been prescribed a dietary change because of autoimmune issues, skin irritations, or digestive complications? Or, do you simply want to live an anti-inflammatory lifestyle?
Making changes in something as fundamental and important as your diet can be overwhelming, but it does NOT have to be!
Food As A Prescription is THE perfect guide for those who need to change their diet for a healthier life! This best-selling handbook will enlighten, empower, and support you on your gluten-free, soy-free, corn-free, and/or dairy-free journey. Filled with tips, tricks, recipes, and recommendations. Food As A Prescription, will help you focus on what you’ll gain in life and help you eliminate the stress of living with modern-day food allergies.
Food As A Prescription
Food As A Prescription is an essential book for anyone conscious about what they consume. Authors Anthony and Staci Lo Cascio write in-depth about food and how we should consume it to work effectively in our bodies. In the book, the authors go into detail about the nutrients each food provides. This handbook will help readers make the change to an anti-inflammatory diet, be it for medical reasons or just a desire to be healthier.
In this educational book, readers will learn about healthy eating habits, allergies, food intolerances, and much more. The authors provide crucial knowledge about food consumption and the impact it has on the body. The authors speak from research and experience, giving readers their life-changing advice on how to gradually improve their health while still being able to enjoy their favorite foods.
One of my favorite parts of this informative book is that the authors share different foods you can eat so as not to have a bland diet. They show that living healthy is not boring and provide delicious recipes in the book. The recipes are simple, straightforward, require few ingredients, are healthy, and taste good. Readers will gain the confidence they need to make meals from scratch. My favorite section was how to make staples for your pantries like All-Purpose Flour Mixture, pancakes, homemade dressing, dry rubs, and even chocolate chip cookies. In other chapters, readers will find helpful information such as food diary examples, safely eating out, and what a change in lifestyle can do for your health.
One important tip from the book is on reading the ingredients of everything. The authors advise that if you are not able to pronounce an ingredient, Google it or don’t buy. The authors are honest and upfront about why they chose this lifestyle and what made them decide to write this book, and I found their view to be refreshing.
Food As A Prescription: A Handbook for Those Currently On or Prescribed a Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Corn-Free and/or Dairy-Free Diet is an illuminating book for those that are faced with making drastic dietary changes in their life. This book offers information on how food impacts your health and teaches readers how to integrate changes into their life without feeling the loss of a food group, leading to longer and more lasting health changes.
Pages: 79 | ASIN : B092312HHT
How to Reduce Your Child’s Sugar Intake
![How to Reduce Your Child's Sugar Intake: A Quick and Easy Guide to Improving Your Family's Health by [Val Wilson]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41puZVz5ZuS.jpg)
More than 500 million people in the world are living with diabetes. This number is expected to double within the next three decades. This is an alarming statistic in a world that is also riddled with other debilitating illnesses and an ever-increasing cost of medical treatment. This book is a guide toward living a healthier lifestyle. One way to do that is by teaching children so that future generations will be healthier. Dr. Val Wilson has written an educational how-to book for all.
Dr. Val Wilson takes a methodical and pragmatic approach to the subject. The author acknowledges that sugar is easily accessible and available. Dr. Wilson also acknowledges that reducing sugar will not be easy especially for the rest of the family. She proceeds to identify the different types of sugars as well as some ingredients that you would never guess were sugar-based. Then, she outlines the effects of sugar on human health and life. As it turns out, diabetes is not the only adverse effect of sugar.
Dr. Val Wilson writes from a place of experience. She has lived with Type 1 Diabetes for four decades and that personal experience shows in this book. This book is incredibly well researched, comprehensive, and every chapter is full of educational details. Dr. Wilson does not inundate the book with scientific terms though. She makes it simple enough for anyone to read. The author inspires you to change the quality of your family’s diet and therefore health. She is looking to raise awareness especially for the hidden sugars in everyday meals and snacks. Her writing is honest and her methods are practical.
The book provides a variety of recipes that are both healthy and delicious. What I loved most about these recipes is that the ingredients are easily accessible.
The title may suggest that the book is directed towards improving the eating habits of children. However, I think that the methods in the book can benefit anyone. Teaching children how to develop good eating habits is the responsibility of the parents. This illuminating guide helps parents develop a keen sense for what to shop for at the market and what to avoid. This book gives parents the tools they need to make informed decisions that will have a large impact on the rest of their child’s life. This book goes beyond telling us that we need to eat healthy and gets into the details of how to accomplish that every day with actionable advice that I found to be practical and easy to implement.
How to Reduce Your Child’s Sugar Intake is an insightful account of how sugar makes its way into diets. It is a menu of sustainable methods for consistently reducing the amount of sugar intake. I would recommend this book to parents especially, but really anyone interested in eating and living better can benefit from this book.
Pages: 264 | ASIN: B08B6DJSYS
How to Manage Food, Booze, Stress, Sex, Sleep, and Exercise on Campus
The Greatest College Health Guide You Never Knew You Needed provides readers with health tips and information they’ll need to manage the obstacles they face in college. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Taking care of yourself in college can be difficult because there’s no training for it! Most students are better prepared to pick their major or talk to strangers than they are to put themselves on a sleep schedule or navigate the dining hall three times a day. We both struggled with our health in college because we had no idea what to expect, which meant we couldn’t be proactive and didn’t know what to do when things got hard. Furthermore, the bad habits we developed in the early years of college were difficult to break! After a group of my senior runners (I’m a HS XC coach) expressed concern about the survival of their current good habits in the campus setting, Dave and I felt compelled to help them prepare.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about their health?
The biggest health concern many college students have before they get to campus is the “Freshman 15.” While weight gain can be a byproduct of unhealthy habits, taking care of yourself is so much larger than a number on a scale. A variety of factors can negatively affect the way we feel – stress, stagnation, lack of sleep, toxic relationships, overconsumption of alcohol – and it’s too limiting to assess how you’re faring in the college (or any) setting based simply on whether or not you can still fit into the pants you packed when you left home. Rather than focusing on how to change a number on the scale, students should be focusing instead on figuring out what routines and practices make them feel good physically, mentally and emotionally.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
We wanted to make it clear that “being healthy” isn’t a level you reach in life. Feeling good is fluid. Sometimes you’ll be able to prioritize yourself and other times you won’t. At various points and for various reasons, your health will get put on the backburner. And that’s OK! It’s NORMAL. We argue that getting off track and feeling physically, mentally, or emotionally terrible at some point is to be expected, but that also it’s also completely possible to turn things around when you’re there. It’s even easier when you have the tools. We wanted to offer college students tips for getting back back on track while also communicating the idea that starting again is nothing to be disappointed about or surprised by. In fact, learning how to course correct can help build your self-esteem and will ultimately become easier over time.
What was the writing collaboration process like with author Dave Henry?
Writing this book together definitely added a new dynamic to our marriage. To start, we have very different work styles. Dave is a creative right-brained thinker who likes to see the big picture before proceeding. I’m an A-type left-brainer all the way, so I work best on a rigid schedule. We struggled at times because of those differences, but the final product benefited tremendously from our respective strengths. For instance, Dave’s ability to patiently finesse sections improved the writing in many areas, and I made sure that we stayed on schedule and covered all of our talking points as we went. While we are opposites in a lot of ways, we are similar in that we both tend to bring an enormous amount of passion and energy to everything that we do – we met coaching sports after all! When we’re fired up, it’s hard to stop the train. This project was fueled by our love for the material and for the students who inspired it. It’s been life-changing getting to work together. Every exciting new development is ours to celebrate, and every disappointment is an excuse to eat ice cream and get over it. And frankly, whatever happens from here is just a bonus. We both feel like we’ve already won – we’re so proud of this book and are thrilled to have finished this race together.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Every fall, around eight million young adults crash into college fired up for the best four years of their lives, ready to experience campus life, take classes about things they’re interested in, and meet people from all over the world. Most students, however, are better prepared to pick their major or talk to strangers than they are to take care of themselves in the college setting. College students today are more depressed, anxious, and stressed than previous waves of students; they’re also more sedentary, not really exercising, and living in a meal-plan limbo supplemented with ramen and coffee.
In this comprehensive field guild, high school coaches Jill and Dave Henry break down the facts and deliver doable, no-BS strategies for managing physical and mental health on campus. In addition to helpful, interactive graphics, the coaches share their relatable true stories—ranging from the ridiculous to the serious—to discuss the five biggest health obstacles students face in college. On top of research-backed tips, The Greatest College Health Guide You Never Knew You Needed also features raw and personal advice from current students on college campuses across the country.
While simply figuring out what to eat and how to exercise can be completely overwhelming, this guide goes beyond a basic crash course on how to be healthy. Jill and Dave cover everything from crucial time-management skills to the complex sensitivity of self-doubt, sexual assault, and depression with humor, humility, and heart. The Greatest College Health Guide You Never Knew You Needed is a complete road map for how to take care of your mind and body that will not only set students up to crush the next four years, but will also provide a foundation they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.
LITERARY TITAN 