By Melissa Lauren
It is important to continuously evolve and grow. Learning about health and wellness is crucial for becoming your best self. Here are our editor’s picks for healthy reads authored by local experts that can arm you with the knowledge needed for self-improvement and a healthier diet.
Gluten-Free Living
Lose the Gluten, Lose Your Gut. Ditch the Grain, Save Your Brain
Lose the Gluten, Lose Your Gut. Ditch the Grain, Save Your Brain by Drs. Tom and Stephanie Chaney of My Living Health Integrative Medicine in Annapolis explain how gluten and whole grains contribute to obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and other diseases. The book examines the research behind gluten’s impact on the body and how gluten impacts those who don’t have celiac disease. The doctors specialize in a holistic approach to health care. Their guide to gluten-free living teaches readers how to dine out and prepare gluten-free recipes that provide their patients with a natural effective integrative approach to healthcare, which addresses underlying causes of health problems and treats the whole body as opposed to only treating symptoms. Dr. Tom Chaney is a native of Maryland and graduated from the University of Maryland with a major in Kinesiology. He received his doctorate of Chiropractic from the New York Chiropractic College. Dr. Stephanie Chaney graduated from the University of Ottawa with a B.S. in Kinesiology. She attended the New York Chiropractic College and received her doctor of chiropractic degree with honors. Editor's picks for recipes include: Gluten-Free Kale Chips, Bison and Beach Chili, and Flourless Brownies.
Food-Based Detox
Go Clean, Sexy You
Go Clean, Sexy You serves up a collection of delicious recipes offering a holistic approach on how to live a healthier life. Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Lisa Consiglio Ryan provides guidance on how to overcome the obstacles that keep people from losing weight. Her method of using food-based detox plans and gluten-free meal plans has helped people incorporate healthy eating habits into their daily lives. “Go Clean, Sexy You is more than just a book, it’s a movement. The philosophy behind Go Clean, Sexy You is about living a clean lifestyle, not just by eating anti-inflammatory foods but participating in anti-inflammatory behaviors… It’s the whole package that gets you clean from the inside out, which is very sexy indeed,” says the author. Lisa lives in Annapolis and founded Whole Health Designs in 2010, a clean eating lifestyle company, which offers health coaching, detox programs, and juice classes. Editor's picks for recipes include: White Bean, Beet, and Butternut Salad, Brownie Squares, and Portobello and Guac Treats.
Holistic Healing
The Drug-Free Acid Reflux Solution
The Drug-Free Acid Reflux Solution by Dr. Kevin Passero outlines a 30-day plan providing a holistic approach to healing acid reflux. Dr. Passero is a licensed naturopathic doctor specializing in integrative care completing four years of post-graduate medical education at the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Passero explains his philosophy is “focused on the principles of naturopathic medicine, which finds the root cause of illness and facilitates the body’s natural healing mechanisms, rather than just treating symptoms.” He offers a highly detailed Reflux Recovery Diet (RRD) and even provides an RRD shopping list that clearly outlines which foods to absolutely avoid. The book guides readers and teaches them how to control inflammation. It even includes a Reflux Recovery Diet Cookbook. Dr. Passero hosts Essentials of Healthy Living Radio Show on Federal News Radio AM 1500, Sundays at 10 a.m. and owns Green Healing Wellness Center in Annapolis and Washington, D.C., which focuses on health management rather than disease management and offers long-term health solutions. Editor's picks for recipes include: Tuscan Chickpea Stew, Swiss Chard Tuna Wraps, and Apple Crumble.