Mind Over Body

April 16, 2007
Born in Algeria to illiterate Bedouin parents, Zouareg entered the world in the back of a French army truck, weighing little more than two pounds. At age 19 and 108 pounds, he found what he calls an "anchor"—his core desire—and went on to become, simultaneously, Mr. France, Mr. Europe, Mr. World and Mr. Universe. Here, he shares strategies he uses with clients at Miraval spa in Tucson, Ariz., where he is a fitness coach. Zouareg's program contains few "shoulds" and "should nots," but it does require unflagging commitment to a core desire. To help readers identify this desire, he devotes much of the book to developing self-awareness and mental strength for surmounting inevitable obstacles and sustaining change. Central to Zouareg's plan are practices he learned while working with Dharma Singh Khalsa (Brain Longevity
): meditation, visualization and affirmation. With them, Zouareg promises, readers can discover their core desire, tap into the power of intention and find the energy needed to achieve goals in every area of their lives. Advice and tips on food selection, meal frequency, portion size and exercise routines are peppered with good news: no hunger or daily weigh-ins, sanctioned "cheat days" and shorter workouts. Zouareg is an effective coach, and readers will likely find themselves returning to his words when they need support and encouragement.

May 15, 2007
A former Mr. Universe, Mr. World, Mr. Europe, and Mr. France, Zouareg is currently the fitness coach at Miraval Life in Balance spa and resort in Tucson, AZ. In his first book, he shares his personal experiences and enthusiastically guides individuals toward embarking on changing their outlooks, expectations, and habits in order to achieve a higher level of wellness and functioning. Based on discovering one's "core desire," his program is not just about weight lossit's about transforming one's beliefs and attitudes "to go from knowing to doing." Zouarag takes readers through a series of exercises to identify the roadblocks in their weight loss and fitness endeavors. He examines the body, mind, and spirit interconnection and recommends a holistic approach to reclaim the good health that is one's birthright. Filled with practical advicee.g., useful, positive affirmations, what to look for in a personal trainer, a fat-loss plan including recipes, and a workout with detailed illustrationsZouareg's heartening book will be a welcome addition in all public libraries.Mary Grace Flaherty, Sidney Memorial P.L., NY

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.