Chia Vitality

February 3, 2014
The diet category is full of 30-day fix-it books that make lofty promises about just how much change can be achieved in a month. Hoffman, founder and CEO of Mamma Chia, the original chia seed beverage, offers another such title but with a new twist: her path to perfection is liberally sprinkled with chia seeds—rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fiber, calcium, and antioxidants. Hoffman extols the virtues of chia with an infomercial level of enthusiasm. Her diet is a variation on the ubiquitous low-cal, gluten-free, low-sugar diet that avoids red meat. The 30-day plan, with chia-sprinkled recipes (for example, soft fish tacos with chia pico de gallo; chia Caesar dressing) is enhanced by her recommendations regarding exercise, pleasure, meditation, and ways to expand one’s sense of belonging and community. Granted, following this integrative approach should result in positive change with or without consuming chia. That the author believes that chia is the source of all things good is clear; whether the reader will swallow the story, or the seeds, is another question. Agent: Bonnie Solow, Solow Literary Enterprises.

April 1, 2014

Focusing entirely on the chia seed, this title offers enough individuality to stand apart from other nutritional supplement health books while employing the recent popularity of juice diets and green smoothie trends. Hoffman, founder of Mamma Chia, an organic chia-based food purveyor, begins with an overview of the seeds, including their uses in ancient American Indian, Mexican, and South American medicine, and a summary of their nutritional value and healthful properties. The majority of the work includes various ways to incorporate chia into your normal routine and supplies an integrated 30-day meal plan to jump-start vitality levels. The author even offers detailed breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack recipes. Accompanying the text are dozens of charts, tables, and constructive "Seeds of Wisdom" sections; particularly helpful is an ingredients list of kitchen staples to utilize with the diet. As a whole, this book succeeds as a motivational wellness tool laying the groundwork for the benefits of salvia hispanica and provides supportive instruction for embracing a vitality lifestyle. VERDICT Hoffman's holistic approach to mixing chia into one's everyday life is recommended for consumer health and fitness readers and natural-living advocates.--Carolann Curry, Mercer Univ. Lib., Macon, GA

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