08 Mar Health Books That Changed My Life
Taking charge of your wellness is often based on exhaustive personal research. But sifting through the plethora of information out there can be overwhelming.
As a longtime devotee of being in charge of her own wellness, Flex director Heather Thomas Shalabi is certainly one to ask. After experiencing the physical benefits of yoga and dance as a child and teenager, Heather embarked on finding her own path to total health in her early 20s.
Here, she tells us the Four Vital Reads that spoke to her then and continue to do so today.
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, by Phyllis Balch
There have been many editions since I found this in the 1990s. This was the first book that taught me how to actually find my own remedies. If I felt off, it gave me a whole section on basic remedies and what natural supplements helped and what they did for the body.
I was in my early 20s and I’ve followed it religiously since. There is a recent edition (the 5th) and I can’t recommend this more highly.
Yoga: The Spirit and Practice of Moving Into Stillness, by Erich Schiffmann
He taught me how to really connect in my yoga practice. Before reading this, my Asanas were always very physical. Once I read the book, I had that light bulb moment on how to connect my physical practice with my mental state. It deepened my yoga practice beyond the physical.
The Diamond Cutter, by Geshe Michael Roach.
This was pivotal. It’s a Buddhist approach to running your business. People might have the impression that a Buddhist philosophy when it comes to running a business is not about making money. But this advises how you can make your business a financial success but at the same time, discover ways to give back. It’s like a guide on business ethics.
Relish Your Health, by Taryne Napolitano
I’ve probably cooked everything in that book. It’s a real go-to for me. The recipes are healthy, tasty, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. They’re also designed to work around allergies and contain very little gluten and dairy. But really, they are always tasty and look beautiful. It gave me a real insight into small but very helpful elements of cooking. For example, it was the first time I learned how to use olive oil in chocolate mousse instead of dairy. It’s the result of research Taryne conducted about anti-cancer foods when she herself was facing cancer. All proceeds benefit the Hong Kong Cancer Fund https://rehearsal.cancer-fund.org/en/charity-sales/
Need to take charge of your diet and exercise regime? Heather joins yoga instructor and Homeopath Michelle Ricaille – alongside Yamuna® Body Rolling instructor Mika Childs – at Flex’s annual Pilates and Yoga Retreat, from May 1-6, Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary, Koh Samui, Thailand. https://flexhk.com/retreats/