Living Well

December 3, 2007
When television host Williams was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999, he started researching the links between food and exercise and health, to discover how he could feel less pain and have more positive energy. He firmly believes that everyone, whether they're suffering a chronic disease or not, should quit eating junk food and start eating more fruits and vegetables and exercising daily. So he's organized a week-by-week program for readers, featuring food and activity diaries to record everything that's eaten, the exercise done each day and a list of specific plans for how to live well. While his basic advice is not surprising, his chef's recipes are curious. Many include an alarming amount of salt, while others painstakingly avoid meat or dairy, like the pasta-free, cheese-free Green Squash Lasagna, even though Williams himself says he's a “flexitarian” who occasionally enjoys a “good juicy cheeseburger.” In addition to an illustrated guide to exercising, Williams has packed the book with statements from experts reiterating the health benefits of improved diet and exercise. Williams is a charismatic cheerleader—and his book will likely inspire fans—but even that may not be enough to sell “Green Drinks” or “salmon right out of the can” for breakfast.

December 15, 2007
Talk-show host Williams wrote about his battle with multiple sclerosis in his 2005 "New York Times" best seller, "Climbing Higher". In this title, he describes the lifestyle changes he's made that enable him to function normally, and he recommends the same program for anyone who wants to feel better and be healthier. His sensible eating plan concentrates on fresh vegetables, especially those that are high in antioxidants; avoids highly refined foods; and incorporates a wide variety of whole grains (recipes are included). His exercise routine combines aerobics, flexibility, and strength training and promotes power walking because, as Williams points out, exercise is a potent antioxidant itself. Fans and anyone who wants to look better, feel better, and live longer will definitely want this excellent lifestyle makeover manual; highly recommended for public libraries.Susan B. Hagloch, formerly with Tuscarawas Cty. P.L., New Philadelphia, OH

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.