The Cure for Everything, book by Timothy Caulfied

This is a book everyone should read, It covers the whole world of weigh loss myths and facts, as well as what it really takes to be fit, and how important it is for our health.


Myth #1 Exercise makes you lose weight......not true, you have to consume less calories than you burn,....eating less makes you lose weight
Myth #2  Having sexy Abs means you are fit.......not everyone can have those abs, but everyone can be fit if they work hard!


I love information based on facts, and this author went to great lengths to get us the facts.


Mr Caulfield not only interviewed experts, he quotes many scientific articles (which you may have to skim over as there is so many it can get hard to absorb it all), and he also goes on a diet, takes on a serious fitness challenge,  has genetic testing and visits alternative medical practitioners.  It is all quite interesting and often funny.


I will give you the conclusion as it doesn't really ruin the story:

• There are no miracle cures
• Ignore the hype, promises to Detoxify, Cleanse, enhance or boost metabolism, energize or revitalize, ...none of it works ......Don't waste your money
• Don't get fooled by new scientific break-thrus, they rarely happen .......Don't waste your money

The steps to maximum health are Easy, but it is hard work:

1. exercise often and with intensity(interval training works best) include resistance training  (even 80 year olds need muscle, you will benefit more from having strong muscles, than taking that run around the block)
2. eat small portion sizes, no junk food and make sure 50% of what you eat is fruit or vegetable.
3. try your best to maintain a healthy weight (yes this is tough, a life time battle, but worth trying)
4. Do not smoke and drink only moderate amounts of alcohol 
5. take simple injury prevention measures, wear a helmet, and a seatbelt, etc.

There are some things in this book that I didn't like, but the whole point of the book was to present the facts, what can actually be proven and what hasn't been proven.  It talks alot about the twisted messages we get from advertisers, and stresses we should not get caught up in it.  
Huge pharmaceutical companies advertise on Tv and thru your doctor, the Fitness industry is always trying to get you to join a gym or by a new product, it's how they make their money and how you lose yours!


Getting fit does not require alot of equipment.  Losing weight may require support.  Spend your money on a trainer, or a dietitian or a weight loss program that gives you support.


The other great thing about this book is that it is Canadian, and written in 2012!


Who is the Author you ask:
   Timothy Caulfield is a "Tier I Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy and a Professor in the Faculty of Law and the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta."  Here is a link to more about him.
https://heals.sitecore.ualberta.ca/People/Timothy_Caulfield.aspx