The Core Balance Diet: 4 Weeks to Boost Your Metabolism and Lose Weight for Good

by Marcelle Pick, Genevieve Morgan (Contributor)

Is your weight gain making you miserable? Have you noticed that you’re packing on pounds in unpleasant new places? Or is the scale—and the way you feel about yourself— just stuck, no matter how much you diet and exercise? If you’ve struggled without success to lose weight and keep it off, there’s always a reason, and—surprise!—it probably has little to do with how hard you’re trying or how many calories you’re counting. Now a pioneering practitioner of women’s health care shows why willpower doesn’t work in the long run and, finally, gives you a solution that does. Marcelle Pick, co-founder of Women to Women—one of the first clinics in the country devoted to providing health care for women by women—draws upon decades of experience, her patients’ and her own, to solve the mystery of the stubborn weight gain. Explaining the science of the body with uncommon clarity, she describes the complex web of connections—between organs and systems, hormones and other biochemicals—that keep your physiology in balance and your metabolism functioning well. Because when it isn’t, your body reacts by packing on protection in the form of pounds that won’t budge, an excess that can be so harmful and intractable that Pick has named it “toxic weight.” Bringing your body back into Core Balance is the only way to heal your metabolism, soothe your body, and lose the weight for good. The Core Balance Diet is a breakthrough plan designed to restore your body’s equilibrium and return you to a healthy, sustainable weight. With her engaging style, Pick explains six common biochemical imbalances—digestive, hormonal, adrenal, neurotransmitter, inflammation, and detoxification—and helps you determine which is affecting you most. In the first two weeks, she teaches the simple lifestyle changes and smart nutrition choices that will show you how to tune into your body and identify your fundamental obstacles to weight loss. Then Pick guides you through a customized two-week program geared to restoring your Core Balance and shedding those toxic pounds once and for all. Far from depriving yourself on this program, you’ll eat— often and well—enjoying delicious recipes made from whole foods that give your body the support it needs to heal. At the same time, you’ll start to explore underlying issues and emotional patterns that may be getting in your way, as Pick connects self-care with self-knowledge to show you the way to lasting wellness. By picking up this book, you’re about to toss out the old way of thinking about yourself and your weight. The Core Balance Diet heralds a whole new chapter in weight loss, proving how easy it is to work with your body and the right foods—not against them—to rid yourself of weight and unhealthy habits for good. Within a month, you’ll be on your way to a lean, fit, and balanced body that is ready to support you—and look great—for the rest of your life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Cooking

417 pages, Hardcover

First published April 14, 2009

Reviews

[Lindsay · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt the information and meal plans were very interesting, it seemed balanced and healthy to me, so I tried them. My hunger was satisfied and overall I felt good, however, I did NOT lose weight following the recommended plan. I did have weight to lose, but the scale didn't budge (yes, I was exercising too). There is some good information, I enjoyed the recipes in the book, and I did feel better and healthy following the plan, but since I saw no change in the scale I don't think it works for everyone.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a functional nutritionist and will admit to only skimming this book since I am quite familiar with the principles which are solid and can help most anyone. I do not focus on weight loss in my practice, and encourage clients to measure their success by biomarkers in their labs and most importantly how they feel. This book uses a quiz of questions for women to identify which category their symptoms prioritize for them between digestive, hormonal, adrenal, neurotransmitter, inflammatory, or detoxification. She then has a section for each imbalance where she identifies food, menu, tests, supplements, and lifestyle changes to address. Recipes are included in the back. I think most women struggling with their health will find something that resonates with them in this book. Working with a functional practitioner, nutritionist, or health coach may help readers tailor the principles to their unique circumstances and can provide the accountability to make sustainable changes. It is pretty important to rule out underlying conditions that could be preventing you from reaching your goals, but starting with this basic diet and lifestyle advice can only help. If you have any history of disordered eating, work with a professional and avoid restrictive diet plans.

[Vivian Adram · Rating 3 out of 5]

Personally, I needed to go through this. Mostly the same message as most self help books but this one spoke to me like a friend with suggestions and facts.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for information for those dealing with ongoing issues with different areas of your body.

[Shannon]

Your health puzzle has four corners, four essential elements of your self that take part in your internal conversation. They are: your physical body, everything from your DNA to your nutrition; your instincts, including your spiritual impulses and your reactions to pain and pleasure; your emotions, all your feelings, moods, and memories; and your intellect, your thinking self. p21

If stress is unremitting, one of the ways your body compensates is to go into self-protection mode by switching metabolic gears (a trait stemming from our feast-or famine past). Like laying in a lot of wood in anticipation of a cold winter, your body protects itself from long-term stress by storing potential energy as fat instead of burning it. This weight is protective, insulating weight meant to carry you through tough times. p23

Remember, restoring your Core Balance means entering into a whole new relationship with your body--one based on dialogue. Your body speaks a primitive language--the language of physical symptoms--and your wellness depends on your ability to understand what it's telling you. p24

[a_tiffyfit · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn't a simple little laundry list and POOF! you'll be thin. I liked how the author gets you involved by talking to you directly, with a check list at the beginning of assessing how you feel and what your goals are.

I don't think this is anything NEW, in the dietary world. Eat right, eliminate white, processed foods (breads, pastas, marshmallows :P ), add color (leafy greens, bright fruits and veggies), and exercise. 5 small meals a day to keep your metabolism going, etc.

This is another e-book I received from the publishers for an honest review. And it's another one that I would want in physical form so that I could take notes and reference it easily.

I'm finding it harder to review books such as these where it is a very personal interaction. There isn't a story, other than the story of you and your new way of eating.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another diet book, but had some interesting thoughts on the issue, along with nutrition tips, food tips, and self-care tips with emotional and physical.
"The five T’s
1) Tune into your wisest teacher, your body
2) Turn down physical and emotional stress, both of which make it harder for your body to feel safe enough to let go of extra weight.
3) Treat yourself to deliciously yummy food and supplements that will ensure you are getting optimal nutrition and restore balance and health to your physiology and help you lose weight.
4) Tune out negativity in the form of self-sabotaging thoughts and actions
5) Take care of yourself on every level: body, mind and spirit"

[Bear · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing too new. Eat well, sleep enough, drink tea. Basic "good sense" and you'll be healthy kind of thing. She does, however, go into the emotional reasons behind why women have "weight problems" whether it be mental, physical or truly emotional. Not a miracle answer book by any means, but worth a glance or two.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an information packed book... and it tells you how to ACT. I checked it out from the library and may have to purchase my own copy.

Highly recommend this to any woman who feels out of balance.

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This goes hand in hand with the Natural Hormone Makeover. Its not as comprehensive as NHM but has lots of recipes and good advice. Not so much a diet but a new way of looking at eating and health.

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This diet works for me! The recipes are outstanding.

[Mindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I am not at a point in my life where I can follow through and do this. It is just not very practical with a family.

[Bobbie Fredericks · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hitting home with me...

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much more than just a diet! It's more of a how-to-live guide. Yummy recipes and amazing advice.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative! Easy to read, supportive discussion about adrenal fatigue. I found eating/ menu advice especially helpful - the recipes are yummy and easy to make!

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book will give you alot of great ideas, with easy to follow guidelines. I tried some of the ideas and it seems to be working for me.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting idea but nothing really new.

[Cheryl Hobensack]

Just downloaded the Kindle edition after seeing her on PBS. Anxious to view her snack ideas and how to cut out sugar.

[Emily Kestrel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good content, but a lot of this book consists of eating plans and recipes, and the recipes just don't appeal to me.

[Ruth]

Stopped at pg 6