Livin' Lean Topic Tuesday: Author Janet Brill Serves Up Some Heart Healthy Reading

There is plenty of literature out there speaking to the topic of heart health. As Americans, we recognize there is a serious concern for our health. The growing number of individuals with heart disease is astounding. In fact, it is very likely that you or someone you know has already suffered a heart attack. When I first received my copy of Janet Bond Brill's latest book, Prevent A Second Heart Attack: 8 Foods, 8 Weeks to Reverse Heart Disease, I wasn't quite sure if this was going to prove to be a useful tool since I haven't had a first heart attack. However, as I will share in this short review, there is a great deal to take away from this book; regardless of whether you are preventing heart disease or trying to quickly reverse your way out of it.

First, let me share a little about the author. Not only is Janet Brill an educated woman in the area of nutritional and health science, but she has experienced, first-hand, just how painful the outcomes of heart disease can be. When Janet's father was just 45, he suffered his first heart attack. Twenty years later, with no lifestyle changes or advice that could have saved him, he suffered a second heart attack which sadly ended his life. In 2009, Janet's husband had a heart attack. Thankfully he is still alive and because of this, Janet was motivated to write this book----for him. She was not ready to allow her husband to follow down the same path her father did. So, Janet put together this book; combining a great deal of highly-scientific content and presenting it in a user-friendly way. It is practical. It "makes sense".  And it gives you hope and motivation; as desire to want to make these life changes.

Things "I Heart" About This Book:

• Brill explains how heart disease happens in the first place.
• Foods that heal the arteries include: extra virgin olive oil (which we like to use around here), whole grains (go carbs!), red wine and dark chocolate.
• Encourages walking for heart health (a free, fun & easy fitness plan for anyone).
• Provides a meal plan.
• Includes tons of delish recipes for any meal.
• Did I mention that the book encourages red wine and dark chocolate? Just checking!

Although the book is aimed toward reaching those who have already had at least one heart attack, the information within the pages can be valuable for anyone. Brill has found that the people most receptive to making these lifestyle changes are heart attack survivors. The "brush with death" is what motivates them to do whatever it takes to live. I can't speak for anyone else, but I would much rather learn from the experiences of others and shoot for preventing heart attacks all together; no "brush with death" required for me. Whether you are looking for life-saving advice, scientific research to back up your love for red wine and chocolate or simply a great source of more than 50 delicious Mediterranean-style recipes...Janet Brill's Prevent a Second Heart Attack: 8 Foods, 8 Weeks to Reverse Heart Disease is a read worthy of both your time and money.

Take care of those hearts & have a wonderful Tuesday!

Book Information : Prevent a Second Heart Attack: 8 Foods, 8 Weeks to Reverse Heart Disease; written by Janet Bond Brill, Ph. D., R.D., LDN. Three Rivers Press, New York. 2011