The Change: Transforming Yourself and Your Body into the Person You Want to Be

Whole Foods employee Ross weighed more than 400 pounds when he was invited to participate in an all-expenses-paid weeklong health immersion retreat sponsored by his employer and facilitated by physician Stoll. This inspiring text alternates between co-authors Ross and Stoll, with Stoll sharing retreat lectures on such subjects as diabetes, exercise, a plant-based diet, and food addiction. Ross shares his history of overeating and then takes readers day by day through the experience of joining with nearly 150 others in Naples, Fla., to partake in a challenging lifestyle shift; by day three he is experiencing "feelings of withdrawal from salt, caffeine, and sugar," as are many other attendees. By day four, however, he has lost weight, his blood pressure is lower, and he feels more energetic, has bonded with other participants, and is committed to lasting change. Many will relate to Ross's history of struggle with weight. His personal story also connects readers to his wife and son, and to his sunny and humorous outlook (e.g., his moniker is "Big Sexy"). Stoll's lectures are informative and science-based, clearly revealing the dramatic benefits of a healthy lifestyle and plant-based diet. The only ingredients missing from this detailed week of transformation are specific recipes for the enticing veggie-based meals served on Ross and Stoll's healthful sojourn. (Apr.)