Book Review – Master Your Metabolism
Jillian Michaels' Diet Secrets to Balance Hormones and Lose Weight
May 6, 2009
In Master Your Metabolism, Michaels outlines for the reader all of the chemical toxins in the environment that must be avoided in order to naturally balance hormones. According to Michaels, avoiding these toxins will help one lose weight, especially those who have struggled with losing the same 5 to 20 pounds over and over. Michaels also insists that these environmental toxins are the root cause of obesity and obesity-related ailments and she tries to explain why.
Endocrine System, Hormone Imbalance and Metabolism
Michaels uses Master Your Metabolism to state her theory of why obesity and health issues related to obesity have become such a huge issue. According to Michaels, all of the chemical toxins in the environment, such as those in pesticides, certain plastics, various household cleaners, and food additives damage the endocrine system and throws hormones out of balance with obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypothyroidism, PCOS, PMS, and a host of other ailments the result of these toxins overloading the endocrine system.
Getting Rid of Toxins
In Master Your Metabolism, Michaels suggests in order to achieve hormonal balance and lose weight easily, one must avoid environmental toxins, which are many. Just a few of the suggestions provided by Michaels are:
- Get rid of household cleaners
- Do not eat processed foods
- Do not use non-stick cookware
- Do not use anything but natural cosmetics
- Only use certain types of plastic
- Do not use weed killer on the lawn
- Do not use pest-control shampoos on pets or lice shampoo on children
- Both kids and adults should use only organic bedding and clothing
- Buy 10 specific foods only in organic form, while certain other foods should be bought in organic form only sometimes
Most concerning is Michaels' suggestion that those who want to lose weight should work with their doctor to stop taking all over-the-counter and prescription drugs, especially the antis – antidepressants, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatories – because these pharmaceuticals "work against the body's natural biochemistry." According to Michaels, most ailments can be reduced or cured with diet and lifestyle changes alone. While there are side effects with many over-the-counter and prescription medications, oftentimes the benefits of taking prescribed medication outweigh the risks and one should consult with their physician before stopping any prescribed medication, something which is not stressed by Michaels in Master Your Metabolism.
The Master Your Metabolism Diet Plan
Michaels does offer some typical nutritional advice, although there are obviously many restrictions, some of which may overwhelm new dieters. Michaels suggests:
- Combining quality proteins, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats at every meal and snack
- Eat every four hours
- Control portions and calories
- Balance macronutrients with a ratio of 40 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent protein, and 30 percent fat, adjusting as needed
- Do not eat carbohydrates at night before bed
- Do not eat after 9:00 p.m.
- Eat whole, minimally processed foods
- Reduce intake of starchy vegetables, dried and canned fruits, excess soy, excess alcohol, full-fat dairy and fatty meats, canned foods, and caffeine.
Overall, Master Your Metabolism, is well-written and Michaels does provide those animal and human studies which she believes backs up her theory. However, some of the suggestions Michaels makes are questionable at best, could be overwhelming for new dieters, and anyone looking for an inexpensive way to lose weight will not find what they seek in Master Your Metabolism.
Who is Jillian Michaels
A New York Times best-selling author, Michaels is best known for her role as a trainer and life coach for the NBC hit series The Biggest Loser. Michaels is considered one of the leading health and wellness experts in the U.S. and has created DVDs, video games, and an online meal plan centered around her diets. In her spare time, she enjoys working with charitable organizations and is the ambassador for the American Cancer Society.
Book Stats
Master Your Metabolism by Jillian Michaels
ISBN# 978-0-307-45073-9
Crown Publishers, 2009
Hardcover, 288 pages
