The 5 Skinny Habits: How Ancient Wisdom Can Help You Lose Weight and Change Your Life Forever

Health coach Zulberg offers readers “time-tested, ancient nutritional and psychological principles,” based on the works of Maimonides, a 12th-century Jewish scholar and physician. After developing eating habits that were out of control—at his worst, he was 30 pounds overweight—Zulberg (The Life-Transforming Diet) consulted a mentor and expert in ancient texts. While the book’s literary “hook” is unique, Zulberg’s diet advice turns out to be quite standard. The book proposes a “five habits in five weeks” program that begins with meals featuring lean protein and veggies with plenty of encouragement from the author. For the fourth week, Zulberg introduces exercises, and includes common suggestions, such as drinking plenty of water, as well as tips for managing stress and practicing mindful eating. Peppered throughout are brief success stories and endorsements posing as success stories from a smattering of medical professionals. If there’s surprising takeaway from the book, it’s simply that the basics of a healthy lifestyle—proper diet and exercise—are the same today as they were in the 12th century. Agent: Yfat Reiss Gendell, Foundry Literary + Media. (Oct.)