When it comes to improving our health and fitness, most of us like to assume we’re on the right track. We know it’s important to get (and stay) healthy and fit, and we’re determined to reach that goal. The trouble is, it’s just so hard to do. Thank goodness there are miracle diet pills, weight-loss supplements, and perfect home gyms that will do the work for us! But it’s not that easy. Even though we think we can’t be fooled by slick sales pitches or swayed by heartfelt testimonials, the multi-billion-dollar health and fitness industry knows we can be–and that we’re willing to pay for it.

But Pepin-Donat keeps us from getting duped. From taking vitamins to buying exercise equipment and many points in between, “The Big, Fat Health and Fitness Lie” shines a bright light on the path to positive self-improvement, so that we can, as Pepin-Donat so succinctly puts it, “get busy living!”

As a college professor at Delgado in New Orleans, La., I found the book to be very informative and fact based for anyone interested in substance abuse and/or addictions. I am using this book as a text for a class entitled “Introduction to Substance Abuse”. The authors are clear, concise and discuss various drugs (including alcohol) at differing levels of use. This is an excellent text book for those preparing to enter the prevention and treatment fields. If you are expecting to read that “all drugs are bad”, and other typical statements, this book will not appease you. It has value for the professional interested in the field as well as the parent who may simply wish to be better informed on the current trends in the world of drugs and alcohol. Warren J. Perret,BSCW/BCSAC

In a time where literature on illegal substance is usually limited to propaganda either for or against drugs, their legalization, etc.., this book provides a refreshing, unbiased account. The knowledge it provides on a drug’s different effects on the body, the brain, one’s emotional well-being, and its addictive potential prove to be invaluable. This is not a crusade against the use of substances, but it does not seek to glorify their use. Anyone planning on experimenting with any drug should at least read this book first. It allows an individual to weigh the risks from a more educated point of view as it dispels myths and delivers what it says it will: the straight facts.

I would urge everyone involved in this area from policy makers to other students to buy this book and read it. I finished it in two days, and I’m a better-informed, more careful thinker because of it.

Don’t go to a party without it.

I absolutely LOVE this book! So many beauty books recommend ways to cover up your imperfections – or they suggest complicated cleansing routines with a myriad of products. Not this book. Kat James tells her story of her own personal transformation – done not with surgery or body breaking workouts – but with whole foods, vitamins and a positive attitude. Her theories are sound and it is obvious she has done her homework. The list of resources in the back is worth buying the book for! This book is so jam packed with good info, I find myself rereading parts – and keeping it handy when I visit the health food store for my supplements. I have also taken her suggestion and ordered a shower filter. I can’t wait to see the results!

Thanks Kat James for a fabulous book and for the inspiration! I would also like to recommend Absolute Beauty by Pratima Raichur in addition to this book. Both of these women are on to something!

Edited to add: I finally bought the shower filter – and I am truly amazed. My hair, which was once coarse and tangly – is now smooth and I am not having to use the extra conditioner. My scalp is no longer flaky, dry and itchy. But the difference in my skin is wonderful – I have had red, blotchy, itchy skin for the longest time. I even thought I had rosacea. I tried every single skin care line imaginable to cure this – but to no avail. I was constantly hiding my skin behind foundation. After a week of the shower filter, my skin is a NORMAL color. No more redness, no irritation, no soreness, no dryness. I am so happy that I followed this suggestion – it has made the biggest difference! Only two weeks into her suggestions on supplements and the shower filter and I look A LOT better! Thanks again!

Over the years I have read a number of beauty books that have taught me how to look my best using makeup. Kat’s book is unique. It teaches you how to achieve greater health so you transform your looks, need minimal makeup and have a radiant glow.

I stumbled across Kat’s website using an internet search. Intriqued by what she shared I ordered her book. I am so glad I did. The information it covers is totally unique and is helping me make changes in my life that have greatly improved my health and appearance.

Kat begins by telling you to focus not on looks but on health. She suggests you change your diet, exercise and the products you use. Not through willpower or discipline, but by making “upgrades” that you will enjoy.

Many of the changes she suggests are simple but have enormous positive consequences. For example she says to use a water filter in your shower to filter out the chlorine and other contaminants. I picked up a $20 filter at a local hardware shop.
After the first washing my fine blonde hair was fuller, and shinier than it had been in years. And this has continued from one wash to the next. This tip alone has totally transformed my hair.

The book is packed with information on the best and gentlest ways to treat your whole body so that you become healthy and as a delightful side note as gorgeous as possible!

The book includes 3 parts. Part 1: Uncovering Your True Radiant Potential which includes chapters on overhauling your dawn to duks routines and the process of shedding. Part 2: Feeding and Cultivating Beauty with chapters like drink yourself beautiful, and reclaiming the joy of eating. Part 3: The Makeup-less Makeover including the bathroom-cabinet makeover and how to purify your potions and paints. Kat’s book also includes a comprehensive living beauty resource section and a bibliography.

If you are ready to make lasting changes and capture your glow, “The Truth About Beauty” will help you uncover your personal best!