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52 Small Changes: One Year to a Happier, Healthier You
Whether as New Year’s resolutions, birthday wishes, or daily promises, most everyone vows at some point to make a major life change. But change is easier said than done, especially when it comes to better managing our wellness amidst the chaos of everyday living. Fortunately, wellness coach and award-winning writer Brett Blumenthal has devised a way to inspire and motivate her readers to live healthier and make positive changes in their lives. Although Blumenthal’s method is not a quick fix, it is a surprisingly simple one: make one small change per week, for fifty-two weeks, and at the end of a year, you’ll be happier and healthier. After all, it is the small changes that are the most realistic, instead of trying to overhaul your lifestyle all at once. 52 Small Changes addresses all areas of wellbeing, including nutrition, exercise, stress management, mental wellness, and even the health of one’s home environment. By guiding readers through these changes at an easy, manageable pace, Blumenthal provides an engaging roadmap to lasting results and “a happier, healthier you.”
380 pages, Paperback
First published December 28, 2011
6490 people are currently reading
2168 people want to read
About the author
Brett Blumenthal
10 books68 followersBrett Blumenthal is co-creator and illustrator of I Wish for You. Prior to becoming a full-time artist, she was the International bestselling author of the wellness book series - 52 Small Changes. Her art career began after giving birth to her son and daring to paint his nursery art. Passionate about wildlife, animals, and the environment, Brett uses her art to raise awareness about the importance of preserving our beautiful planet. You can purchase her artwork directly at www.tinytoesdesign.com.
Brett received her MBA from Johnson at Cornell University, where she graduated as a Park Fellow; she also earned her bachelors degree from Cornell University. She is certified by WELCOA (Wellness Council of America) and AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America).
Brett received her MBA from Johnson at Cornell University, where she graduated as a Park Fellow; she also earned her bachelors degree from Cornell University. She is certified by WELCOA (Wellness Council of America) and AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
February 22, 2012
So I'm going to cheat a bit and review this book before I've completely finished it just because I can't stand the thought of having a title on my "currently reading" shelf for an entire year. But I promise, scout's honor and all that, that I WILL continue to read this book, one chapter every week, for the rest of the year.
Why I like this book: The chapters are short and the changes suggested are clearly explained with tips on how to make the change a lasting one in your lifestyle. So far, the chapter about drinking more water (which happens to be the first one) has been the most effective for me. Some of the changes suggested are things that I already do every day, like taking a multivitamin or sleeping 7 to 8 hours (I prefer 9 to 12) every night. The extra credit options are nice in this case, as it still feels like you can glean something useful from every chapter.
The grain of salt: Like most diet, exercise, fitness, motivational,and self-help titles out there, it's a good idea to really evaluate the messages and suggestions to find out whether they are a good fit for your health, beliefs and lifestyle. Granted, the whole point of this book is to make "52 Small Changes" so that by the end of the year you're pretty much a perfect human being (at least that's what I'm counting on), but there are some chapters that I pretty much just skip over because I flat out refuse to even attempt the change or it goes against my beliefs. Like the chapter about choosing lower fat options when consuming dairy. Anything but whole milk is just plain wrong in my book and the fat content of my cheese is directly proportional to the happiness I feel when eating it. Take my fat, you take my happiness. And the chapter about keeping germs and pollutants outside of the house by taking shoes off and creating a mud room would just be silly in my house. I'm quite sure that my dogs and outdoor cats would be offended if asked to take off their shoes before entering the house.
Why I like this book: The chapters are short and the changes suggested are clearly explained with tips on how to make the change a lasting one in your lifestyle. So far, the chapter about drinking more water (which happens to be the first one) has been the most effective for me. Some of the changes suggested are things that I already do every day, like taking a multivitamin or sleeping 7 to 8 hours (I prefer 9 to 12) every night. The extra credit options are nice in this case, as it still feels like you can glean something useful from every chapter.
The grain of salt: Like most diet, exercise, fitness, motivational,and self-help titles out there, it's a good idea to really evaluate the messages and suggestions to find out whether they are a good fit for your health, beliefs and lifestyle. Granted, the whole point of this book is to make "52 Small Changes" so that by the end of the year you're pretty much a perfect human being (at least that's what I'm counting on), but there are some chapters that I pretty much just skip over because I flat out refuse to even attempt the change or it goes against my beliefs. Like the chapter about choosing lower fat options when consuming dairy. Anything but whole milk is just plain wrong in my book and the fat content of my cheese is directly proportional to the happiness I feel when eating it. Take my fat, you take my happiness. And the chapter about keeping germs and pollutants outside of the house by taking shoes off and creating a mud room would just be silly in my house. I'm quite sure that my dogs and outdoor cats would be offended if asked to take off their shoes before entering the house.
June 2, 2023
I borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited back in January; new year, new resolutions, all that. I started out reading it one chapter a week. As the book and plan are designed so you make one change per week, that seemed to make sense. Especially since KU doesn't limit how long you can borrow a book. After a few weeks, I put the book down for a couple of months.
For a start, the title and the blurb are a bit misleading. The changes themselves are a mix of small and major. The idea of implementing them incrementally is probably what inspired the title, and it's a good concept. But many of the actual changes are not small. Blumenthal advocates, among other things, for major dietary changes, and lifestyles changes. For some of the changes a week is not actually long enough but the set up of the book allows for tweaking. I put the book down because some of his suggestions were infuriating.
I strongly disagree with the author's suggestion of buying a dog for the purpose of taking daily walks. You buy a dog because you want one and you are prepared to invest time, emotions, and money in that animal. There's more to owning and caring for a dog than daily walks but he makes no acknowledgement of that, just blithely says "Get a dog". In fact, my main problem with this book is Blumenthal's attitude. She's entitled, judgemental, and pompous. Her attitude is a mix of arrogant, pretentious, and helpful. This person is writing from such a place of privilege and entitlement that chunks of his advice are useless.
For example, there's an entire chapter on the benefits of eating fish and seafood but no acknowledgement that some people are allergic. She does condescend to offer alternatives for people who find it "challenging" to add fish to their diet, but fails to acknowledge there could be medical reasons for not eating fish or other seafood. In fact, all throughout this book she fails, most of the time, to acknowledge little details such as medical issues, religious beliefs (though she does advocate in one chapter for having spirituality), or personal beliefs. Her ideas are the right way to live so you should do it, according to her. She does back up the majority of her claims with research, which I did appreciate. It was her holier than thou attitude I had problems with.
To be fair, some of the suggestions are practical and easily done at home. The book offers nothing radical or even new but it's (mostly) useful information collected all in one place for your convenience. Blumenthal gives examples, cites sources, and offers, at times, practical suggestions for incorporating these changes into your life. There's an extensive bibliography and some chapters have charts or illustrations. In fact, I liked the section where she went into depth on stretches for your body before exercising. There were illustrations for each stretch and clear directions to make incorporating them into your routine easier. The weekly changes are laid in a sensible progression and each chapter has a basic goal and an extender goal. The writing is clear, occasionally dry, but easy to read.
The book's not a bad how-to for making some positive changes to life or your health. You just have to ignore the author's attitude, and pick out the wheat from the chaff. Also, the book is old enough now (nine years), that verifying any health recommendations against current health advice would be a good idea.
For a start, the title and the blurb are a bit misleading. The changes themselves are a mix of small and major. The idea of implementing them incrementally is probably what inspired the title, and it's a good concept. But many of the actual changes are not small. Blumenthal advocates, among other things, for major dietary changes, and lifestyles changes. For some of the changes a week is not actually long enough but the set up of the book allows for tweaking. I put the book down because some of his suggestions were infuriating.
I strongly disagree with the author's suggestion of buying a dog for the purpose of taking daily walks. You buy a dog because you want one and you are prepared to invest time, emotions, and money in that animal. There's more to owning and caring for a dog than daily walks but he makes no acknowledgement of that, just blithely says "Get a dog". In fact, my main problem with this book is Blumenthal's attitude. She's entitled, judgemental, and pompous. Her attitude is a mix of arrogant, pretentious, and helpful. This person is writing from such a place of privilege and entitlement that chunks of his advice are useless.
For example, there's an entire chapter on the benefits of eating fish and seafood but no acknowledgement that some people are allergic. She does condescend to offer alternatives for people who find it "challenging" to add fish to their diet, but fails to acknowledge there could be medical reasons for not eating fish or other seafood. In fact, all throughout this book she fails, most of the time, to acknowledge little details such as medical issues, religious beliefs (though she does advocate in one chapter for having spirituality), or personal beliefs. Her ideas are the right way to live so you should do it, according to her. She does back up the majority of her claims with research, which I did appreciate. It was her holier than thou attitude I had problems with.
To be fair, some of the suggestions are practical and easily done at home. The book offers nothing radical or even new but it's (mostly) useful information collected all in one place for your convenience. Blumenthal gives examples, cites sources, and offers, at times, practical suggestions for incorporating these changes into your life. There's an extensive bibliography and some chapters have charts or illustrations. In fact, I liked the section where she went into depth on stretches for your body before exercising. There were illustrations for each stretch and clear directions to make incorporating them into your routine easier. The weekly changes are laid in a sensible progression and each chapter has a basic goal and an extender goal. The writing is clear, occasionally dry, but easy to read.
The book's not a bad how-to for making some positive changes to life or your health. You just have to ignore the author's attitude, and pick out the wheat from the chaff. Also, the book is old enough now (nine years), that verifying any health recommendations against current health advice would be a good idea.
May 21, 2023
Excellent!
I’ve read this 4 times now and each time I add more and more of the items onto the list of things that I do regularly. Still not up to all 52!
I’ve read this 4 times now and each time I add more and more of the items onto the list of things that I do regularly. Still not up to all 52!
January 12, 2013
Got this in the Kindle sale, since I'm doing something similar off my own bat, to see if there were any ideas. It's pretty USA-centric, and pretty predictable -- get enough sleep, cut out saturated fats, manage your budget, etc, all the usual suggestions for avoiding stress and living a healthier life -- but it does come with handy charts and stuff, and if you need a good structure, it should help. Some of the 'extra credit' suggestions were handy.
June 27, 2018
I lost interest in this.
May 2, 2012
Composed like a third-grade workbook, complete with clip-art, this book reads like a blend of Lifehacker and The Happiness Project. If you read/follow those blogs, you probably know & do most of this already.
January 10, 2019
A very simple good book to start a new year. 52 weeks of changes that can make life better and healthier. This year i want to continue doing work i love, but change the rest - improve the way i eat, train and sleep. Still some things i found obsolete like 5 meals per day, i believe in 16/8 system.
June 16, 2019
Concise and valuable information.
Concise information for people like me that love to read about health and fitness.
Great tips and this is one of those books one would keep referring to. Special mention for the chapter "Purpose of life" just what I needed to read
Concise information for people like me that love to read about health and fitness.
Great tips and this is one of those books one would keep referring to. Special mention for the chapter "Purpose of life" just what I needed to read
January 25, 2013
To be fully honest, I did not read every word in this book. Yet over two days I read quite a bit, and skimmed everything. I get the idea. The idea is, improving yourself should happen slowly, over time. New Year's Resolutions roll around, and if we try to do too much at once, or take on too much of a commitment, we ultimately feel overwhelmed and give up. This book offers you the changes in small doses, just one thing every week, for an entire year. Several different categories are addressed, including diet, fitness, and mental health.
I found this book through an Amazon list of "resolution" type titles. I am always seeking to improve myself, so I was drawn to the book's premise. For the chapter format, each week's change is stated, and then the reasons to commit to that change are discussed. Ways to achieve the change are also mentioned, as well as next steps for those that feel they have already met that particular goal. The layout is well done, the language is accessible, and the changes offered make a lot of sense.
So why did I only mostly skim instead of fully absorb each word for a book I gave four stars to? It's because, I am so very, very happy to say, I am already regularly practicing most of the suggested changes. I went through the first many, and I was doing ALL of them. It took until week 14 that I found a change I don't currently practice---using only all-natural cleaning products. I live with three males, and I am not sure that vinegar in my toilet bowl will do the trick, but I understand and appreciate the suggestion.
I went through some personal growth not too long ago, and for anyone that is struggling, or looking to get their groove back, or just wants some direction, this book will offer the tips that could indirectly lead you to the place you want to be. I think my favorite part is at the very end:
"Have a generous spirit--one that is forgiving, nonjudgmental, unprejudiced, kind, open, honest, and accepting. This quality is important in connecting with others and the greater world around you. See the good in people. Be open to new individuals and relationships. Be helpful to those in need."
Sounds so simple, but it will make a huge difference in your life. You rock, Brett Blumenthal!
I found this book through an Amazon list of "resolution" type titles. I am always seeking to improve myself, so I was drawn to the book's premise. For the chapter format, each week's change is stated, and then the reasons to commit to that change are discussed. Ways to achieve the change are also mentioned, as well as next steps for those that feel they have already met that particular goal. The layout is well done, the language is accessible, and the changes offered make a lot of sense.
So why did I only mostly skim instead of fully absorb each word for a book I gave four stars to? It's because, I am so very, very happy to say, I am already regularly practicing most of the suggested changes. I went through the first many, and I was doing ALL of them. It took until week 14 that I found a change I don't currently practice---using only all-natural cleaning products. I live with three males, and I am not sure that vinegar in my toilet bowl will do the trick, but I understand and appreciate the suggestion.
I went through some personal growth not too long ago, and for anyone that is struggling, or looking to get their groove back, or just wants some direction, this book will offer the tips that could indirectly lead you to the place you want to be. I think my favorite part is at the very end:
"Have a generous spirit--one that is forgiving, nonjudgmental, unprejudiced, kind, open, honest, and accepting. This quality is important in connecting with others and the greater world around you. See the good in people. Be open to new individuals and relationships. Be helpful to those in need."
Sounds so simple, but it will make a huge difference in your life. You rock, Brett Blumenthal!
January 7, 2012
MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT
For anyone who has struggled to have a healthier new year and failed, this is the book for you! I fell off the wagon in my own health situation and I have high hopes for following this simple plan to get back on track. All of the ideas in this book are easy to put to use and very inexpensive. The first thing the author discusses is the importance of water. Water is pretty much a miracle for any dieter and those who really want to be in better health. The second thing that really caught my attention was the simple act of walking. Just by walking a little bit each day and increasing it weekly, you can easily get become more flexible, lower your cholesterol and lose a bit of weight.
Each chapter builds on the previous and you can add each step or take your time with each step. I think for those of us truly motivated, you can get all through each of the weeks a lot faster than a year. There is even "extra credit" when you feel especially determined. I did have to laugh at the part about getting a dog to aid in making you walk. I had an Australian Shepherd, who without fail and no matter the weather, would wake me at 5am to go for a walk. I now have a dachshund that prefers to sleep in, hates cold and rain, and would like to chase things rather than walk. I guess this plan will have to make her more active as well.
One thing that might be a challenge for some people is the chapter on food, where the author recommends organic and natural things only. Once you start substituting fruit and vegetables for processed food, you will gradually start to feel better. I know personally that organic products cost more and for a lot of people this in itself is something of a deal breaker, but these days there is a lot more choice and the prices are coming down on a lot of these products. Overall, this is one of the best books about changing yourself and your health situation I have seen in a long time.
LOVED IT
For anyone who has struggled to have a healthier new year and failed, this is the book for you! I fell off the wagon in my own health situation and I have high hopes for following this simple plan to get back on track. All of the ideas in this book are easy to put to use and very inexpensive. The first thing the author discusses is the importance of water. Water is pretty much a miracle for any dieter and those who really want to be in better health. The second thing that really caught my attention was the simple act of walking. Just by walking a little bit each day and increasing it weekly, you can easily get become more flexible, lower your cholesterol and lose a bit of weight.
Each chapter builds on the previous and you can add each step or take your time with each step. I think for those of us truly motivated, you can get all through each of the weeks a lot faster than a year. There is even "extra credit" when you feel especially determined. I did have to laugh at the part about getting a dog to aid in making you walk. I had an Australian Shepherd, who without fail and no matter the weather, would wake me at 5am to go for a walk. I now have a dachshund that prefers to sleep in, hates cold and rain, and would like to chase things rather than walk. I guess this plan will have to make her more active as well.
One thing that might be a challenge for some people is the chapter on food, where the author recommends organic and natural things only. Once you start substituting fruit and vegetables for processed food, you will gradually start to feel better. I know personally that organic products cost more and for a lot of people this in itself is something of a deal breaker, but these days there is a lot more choice and the prices are coming down on a lot of these products. Overall, this is one of the best books about changing yourself and your health situation I have seen in a long time.
August 4, 2017
I read the first few sections, thought "It can't really all be this basic, can it?" and skimmed the rest. It's not that the changes themselves are basic, it's their presentation. Many of these ideas will take much longer than a week to integrate into your life.
Take decluttering, for example. There are shelves of books on the subject, but we're supposed to just do it as one week's change. Not likely in my experience!
I'm sure there's an audience out there for whom this book is very useful, but I'm not it.
Take decluttering, for example. There are shelves of books on the subject, but we're supposed to just do it as one week's change. Not likely in my experience!
I'm sure there's an audience out there for whom this book is very useful, but I'm not it.
September 29, 2019
2.5 Stars
January 29, 2018
This book is an absolutely brilliant tool for self-improvement. With 52 different 'changes' you can make to your life, one for each week of the year, by the end of the year you'll like a vastly improved version of your original self! The tips are great, with really sound advice largely based on scientific reason rather than just airy-fairy life tips. At the end of each chapter is a checklist to show you which changes you have already adopted, and they are split into characters - diet and nutrition, activity, and so on. This is a great reminder to keep up with the changes that you've already made. When it comes to self-help books, this is one of the most effective and practical ones I've read to date.
July 8, 2020
There is nothing groundbreaking in this book, but the most boring and obvious advice about health tends to work the best. It's the stuff that everyone knows but most people ignore. If you really work your way through the changes described in the book, it can do wonders for your health. Minus 1 star for paranoia about parabens and whole-fat milk.
did-not-finish
August 30, 2022This is me acknowledging that I bought this book and am never going to read it because I am not the person I was when I bought it. If that changes at some date in the future, I can always fish it out of my kindle library assuming that kindle libraries still exist at that point in the future.
October 5, 2020
If you already have fairly healthy habits this isn't the book for you.
Currently reading
January 9, 2021I am really liking this book. Although I am obviously not very far being it's 52 weeks in a year, it's just simple changes you can make to make a difference in your life. It's hard not to read ahead.
August 10, 2021
Набор из 52 банальных советов
February 3, 2021
I liked the way this was set up - one change a week for 52 weeks - but I didn't find anything here that I didn't already know.
June 14, 2023
simplistic for me
Maybe this book is just not for someone whose been self developing for a long time. I didn’t find anything really new for me. But good reference in the table of contents
Maybe this book is just not for someone whose been self developing for a long time. I didn’t find anything really new for me. But good reference in the table of contents
August 14, 2016
New Year's resolutions, a healthy goal, commitments to do better.... almost everyone at one time or another has made a vow to make positive changes in their habits. Of course, this is easier said than done, especially in today's hectic world of too many time commitments, jobs, meetings, kids events...
What wellness coach Brett Blumenthal presents in this book is a way to motivate readers in the right direction by making one small change a week. The changes are realistic from healthy eating habits, to stress relief, mental wellness, and even your home environment. 52 Small Changes is a step by step road map to a happier, healthier you.
I am as guilty as the next person when it comes to the New Year and "new me" promises. This year, I started it with Team Kickin It and plan to be consistent in what I am doing to hopefully motivate others - as well as their input motivating me. Is it easy? No. Some days I am a rock star... other days I am looking at the empty Burger King bag wondering why did I just do that?
What I really like about 52 Small Changes is that each week is that not only is the change a small tweak in the way you do life already... but the chapter goes on to tell you the benefits of this change, how to do it, options and keeping it real....
For instance chapter one is called Drink Up! Water is one we are all suppose to be doing, but few of us get the amount of water we really need daily. It goes on to give you a road map to success, assessing your needs, how to remind yourself, and keeping it real. While you might think this is a no brainer, actaully reading the chapter gave me tips to getting my water intake in each day as well as back up substitutes (like tea) or adding things to make it taste better - like fruit or cucumber slices.
Moving on, chapter 2 is about getting enough sleep, chapter 3 is about getting off the couch, and chapter 4 is about keeping a food journal, etc... etc...
I like that each chapter is doable, you stay on it for a week, then add a second one and so on.
What wellness coach Brett Blumenthal presents in this book is a way to motivate readers in the right direction by making one small change a week. The changes are realistic from healthy eating habits, to stress relief, mental wellness, and even your home environment. 52 Small Changes is a step by step road map to a happier, healthier you.
I am as guilty as the next person when it comes to the New Year and "new me" promises. This year, I started it with Team Kickin It and plan to be consistent in what I am doing to hopefully motivate others - as well as their input motivating me. Is it easy? No. Some days I am a rock star... other days I am looking at the empty Burger King bag wondering why did I just do that?
What I really like about 52 Small Changes is that each week is that not only is the change a small tweak in the way you do life already... but the chapter goes on to tell you the benefits of this change, how to do it, options and keeping it real....
For instance chapter one is called Drink Up! Water is one we are all suppose to be doing, but few of us get the amount of water we really need daily. It goes on to give you a road map to success, assessing your needs, how to remind yourself, and keeping it real. While you might think this is a no brainer, actaully reading the chapter gave me tips to getting my water intake in each day as well as back up substitutes (like tea) or adding things to make it taste better - like fruit or cucumber slices.
Moving on, chapter 2 is about getting enough sleep, chapter 3 is about getting off the couch, and chapter 4 is about keeping a food journal, etc... etc...
I like that each chapter is doable, you stay on it for a week, then add a second one and so on.
December 31, 2016
I really like the idea of this book: make one small change per week, every week, and by the end of the year you've made 52 small changes all of which you've now incorporated into your every day life and contribute to helping you be the person you want to be. Each week's change comes with a several page explanation of what to do and why it's good for you.
I wasn't successful with following the program. The biggest hurdle was trying to remember every week to read the next chapter, and I eventually just gave up. Some of the tasks were things I definitely wanted to put into my life, like "hydrate with water," and "stretch 20 minutes 3x/week." But what made it hard to follow the program was when that week's task was something I was already successful at doing (e.g. "laugh often," "get 7-8 hours of sleep," "have an optimistic outlook") or something I didn't want to incorporate into my life (e.g. "use nontoxic cleaning products," "buy organic food").
I wish I had been able to pick and choose which of the things I was going to do and stick with them, but that's more on me, than on the book.
I wasn't successful with following the program. The biggest hurdle was trying to remember every week to read the next chapter, and I eventually just gave up. Some of the tasks were things I definitely wanted to put into my life, like "hydrate with water," and "stretch 20 minutes 3x/week." But what made it hard to follow the program was when that week's task was something I was already successful at doing (e.g. "laugh often," "get 7-8 hours of sleep," "have an optimistic outlook") or something I didn't want to incorporate into my life (e.g. "use nontoxic cleaning products," "buy organic food").
I wish I had been able to pick and choose which of the things I was going to do and stick with them, but that's more on me, than on the book.
December 31, 2014
I picked this up because, around New Year, it seemed appropriate. However, I nearly threw it across the room when budgeting came in at week 48. If that is an issue for you and you wait until you are almost through the next year, it is not going to be much use.
I had a number of problems with this book. Let's start with "small changes" because several of these are NOT small -- not to me, and not to many others -- and yet some are things that I feel like every adult should know by the time they have their first apartment (for example, being able to read and understand a nutrition label). I actually couldn't figure out who the ideal audience was for this book as it mixes exercise, nutrition, finance, and things that ought to be common sense in a frustrating cumulative list of changes.
Yes, most of these are great ideas for many people but the levels are so uneven that it just frustrated me.
I had a number of problems with this book. Let's start with "small changes" because several of these are NOT small -- not to me, and not to many others -- and yet some are things that I feel like every adult should know by the time they have their first apartment (for example, being able to read and understand a nutrition label). I actually couldn't figure out who the ideal audience was for this book as it mixes exercise, nutrition, finance, and things that ought to be common sense in a frustrating cumulative list of changes.
Yes, most of these are great ideas for many people but the levels are so uneven that it just frustrated me.
December 6, 2012
Thx to Erin and Susie - both your reviews prompted me to try this book. I love making new goals and reflecting on past goals, so this type of book is right up my alley. It was good to be reminded of some past successful goals of mine such as drink more water, clean your house with non-toxic cleaners, just say No, and control the clutter. But to take the book literally and add these changes every week, well I agree with Erin -- these are not "small" changes and implementing all of them in one year would be overwhelming, even for a goal junkie like myself.
So I chose 3 changes (goals) from the entire book that jumped out to me personally. I'll add these to my 2013 goal list -- spend more time in nature, strengthen my spirituality, breathe deeply.
Goals rock! And for those of you who hate new year's resolutions, remember "You miss 100% of the shots you never take."
So I chose 3 changes (goals) from the entire book that jumped out to me personally. I'll add these to my 2013 goal list -- spend more time in nature, strengthen my spirituality, breathe deeply.
Goals rock! And for those of you who hate new year's resolutions, remember "You miss 100% of the shots you never take."
August 26, 2020
Really old school thinking considering it was published in 2011. I think some changes mentioned are absolutely life altering and important (sleep, alone time, breathing, get outside) but most are outdated views on nutrition for both longevity (re:cancer) and overall health. We can all argue that eating less processed foods is a good habit but suggesting fat free dairy instead of regular full fat is then counter suggestive when most fat free products are processed and instead laden with chemicals and sugar. It is an antiquated view on nutrition in the year 2020. The more social and spiritual habitual changes aren’t quantifiable and therefore no actual habitual change can be completed within the week. Good idea in general but I think poorly executed, incomplete and outdated book overall.
January 7, 2017
I read this book from cover to cover to see what kinds of small changes the author suggested in order to live a healthier life. I thought there were some pretty good changes in there.
The book itself has a really good layout as it gives an introduction and then explains the change for that week and then gives some helpful resources and methods to try and make the change for yourself.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and found it has some helpful tips. I think it gives some good advice about making small changes for living a well balanced healthy lifestyle.
The book itself has a really good layout as it gives an introduction and then explains the change for that week and then gives some helpful resources and methods to try and make the change for yourself.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and found it has some helpful tips. I think it gives some good advice about making small changes for living a well balanced healthy lifestyle.
June 27, 2023
If someone actually did all these "small changes" they wouldn't have time for anything else in life. Also they would have to be doing things that directly contradict each other. For example in one of the fat is bad chapters it says to pick reduced fat or fat free versions of foods, in the sugar is bad chapter it says to pick full fat over reduced or fat free & in another one is says people should eat more canola oil & includes suggestions on how to add additional fats (that they think are healthy) to a diet.
Read
January 20, 2022So, I have read the journal through and made copies and have set up my own personal journal. I want to see how I do with this.
But it is NOT 52 small changes. It should just be called 52 Changes Toward a Healthier You. Because giving this much attention to everything you eat, drink, or do every day, well that is pretty huge!
But it is NOT 52 small changes. It should just be called 52 Changes Toward a Healthier You. Because giving this much attention to everything you eat, drink, or do every day, well that is pretty huge!
Want to read
June 2, 2013I'll come back to this; it's really a sweet little book. It's just that my 'self-improvement' is limited to Trying To Not Be Depressed at the moment. I'm afraid I don't really give a toss about food additives.
October 10, 2017
There’s really nothing life-changing in this book—its all common sense. Exercise, eat your vegetables...honestly, you’d be better off taking the evaluation online and using that as your guide to the changes you need to make and skip this book.
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