I rarely read non-fiction, but when I do it tends to be health/fitness related type. I’m always interested to see what new ways I can make myself healthy. I pick and choose the advice and ideas that I believe work best for me. I’m not into major workout or dietary changes. Down Size by Ted Spiker was in my library’s “New Book” section so I thought I’d give it a try. Dr. Oz wrote the introduction, and I like his ideas on healthy eating. And Ted Spiker writes for Men’s Health and Runner’s World. I like both magazines so why not give it a shot?
Down Size is different, though, and it took me awhile to adjust my paradigm for fitness books. What Spiker does is to make each chapter one aspect of healthy living. Within the chapter he gives his experience, experience of others, and some expert advice. Spiker’s experience was quite shocking. I assumed that all writer’s who wrote for health magazines would be well-Adonises. Apparently it’s true what happens when you assume; some writers, like Spiker, are normal people like you and me. They struggle with eating healthy and working out. This made Spiker very relatable and I didn’t think that the advice he gave at the end of each chapter was patronizing. In fact, the way he delivers advice is very focused on not creating a right/wrong dicotomy. He shares what’s worked for him and other options available out there for each individual to try out. I like that. I think that living healthy is very individualized. Each of our bodies are unique so it’s way too generalized to think that one book can solve everyone’s health problems. Sure, there are general rules that we can all live by, but beyond those I think that we all have the responsibility to seek out that which works for us.
Down Size is a great healthy-living book that I highly recommend. Especially if you’ve not read many books about health. The principles that he discusses are good to think on and develop your reactions and options to. From there, it’ll be easier to know what works for you and where you can go in your search for better health.