Forever Strong: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well by Dr. Gabrielle Lyon

Not necessarily a new take on this concept but well written and useful. You can always learn new ideas

The introduction hooked me; the questions about reading every diet (and nutrition) book, having enough supplements to stock a pharmacy, emotional eating, and so much information, with so much of it conflicting!
I read on. And I come to see that Dr. Lyon is pulling all the conflicting information together and laying it out in a logical, scientific and psychological format. These are the nutrients you need to build muscle; muscle building is what you need to be able to live a longer, more active life. Here are the tools to make it happen. Here is how to build your mind and will to be able to overcome all the obstacles you have been facing. Even as I find questions along the way – how in the world do I do that exercise? for example – a few pages later I find a clear description. And all along the way are links (in my kindle edition) to find more tools and connections. I am only on the cusp of getting near the end of this book, but already I have used the information provided to start monitoring my nutrition and I am excited to have some actual doable direction with my exercise (I must admit to being one of those who never seems to get a plan for strength training in place, I just bounce from exercise to exercise).
There are no shortcuts here – no magic pills. But if you want to get healthy, here is some sound guidance. And finally, the entire focus of building muscle rather than losing fat as the focus feels so much more positive and possible!

The first part of the book is good, solid science. But when she gets into protein sources, she lost me. While her point is very good that many people convert to being a vegetarian without educating themselves on protein sources & tend to eat too many carbs, she then went way off base. Suggest that she watch the documentary “The Game Changers” about Olympic-level and other elite athletes who are all plant-based, including weight lifters. I’ve been a healthy, weight-lifting vegetarian for 20+ years & some of the information she includes is out-of-date, biased and flat out inaccurate. You may find the rest of the book helpful, but I lost interest in the book, doubting how accurate all the content might be, based on the chapter on protein.

I took a lot away from the book. Nutrition and solid work out tips. Do yourself a favor and use the table of contents. I read from cover to cover and found that some of this well researched text did not apply to me. Overall- glad I picked this one up!

“Strategic integration of carbohydrates.” Yes! I thoroughly enjoyed this well written, educational book in bite sized pieces. I was determined to really treasure and savor each part. I struggled with Reactive Hypoglycemia in my late teens to early adulthood, and although wheat was a key factor, the advice I was given was to snack often, eat more often and nobody ever mentioned healthy fats, decreasing sugar and avoiding seed oils. Nobody mentioned what I DESERVED to know. Her you go! This book is a gift you may have always needed. We all want answers, but at the same time, we NEED to self-advocate to ask the right questions at those practitioner appointments. It then becomes a TEAM effort to help you improve your life journey. I approached this book much like a healthy well-balanced meal, with great memorable and spicy flavor. This book did not disappoint, contained many “courses’, and after the last sentence I felt totally satiated! Dr. Lyon’s approach is Science based but with a twist of personal patient stories, their journeys, lessons and triumphs. The resources, information and tips are suitable and applicable for all ages and stages. I will be sharing this book with younger family. As a woman in menopause (just arrived), I felt seen and heard in the narratives. The “Mindset Reset” speaks to the reader as a reminder that the driver is YOU, and you get to choose a more healthy approach to nutrition and general wellness. Dr. Lyon empowers us with an “I can” attitude and pairs that with the steps to arrive at our goals, no matter what they are. I personally say #yourpaceisnotarace and that is reminding me that what I need may differ from the needs of another, and the timing and pace may differ. Slow is better than stop. My exercise routine is a bit tapered due to joint hypermobility, but I have learned how to compensate. The section on training was quite helpful. I know that eating well-balanced meals and increasing my protein makes me feel stronger. I AM stronger! I’ve learned through reading this book that I am classified as a “Chameleon” and thus can adapt how and where I exercise and with whom. Give that section some thought. The point is, it does not matter how much, and we are all unique, so just do it! We GET to set higher standards than we knew before. We are capable and better informed NOW. My husband and I are also looking forward to enjoying the delicious meal plans and recipes included here as well. A lovely bonus!

Very boring book , I thought it would be much more interesting . Before you get to the “ interesting “ part which is the protocol you have to read 150 pages of boring scientific studies .
Nothing new . We all know the importance of strength training and protein consumption. So that’s it!