The author gives you 8 steps to health and happiness. Easy read and identifiable with the Law of Attraction we all know as The Secret. The best book on achieving happiness and all you want for me is Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbook because it all makes sense, shows you how and also like this book takes you each step of the way.

Add my name to the list. I am now a fan of Kathy Freston and enthusiastically endorse Quantum Wellness: A Practical and Spiritual Guide to Health and Happiness ... a definitive, instructive, and intriguing book on ways each of us on can protect the environment, improve our state of health, and sense of purpose. Her methodology makes it easy for people like me who have difficulty changing bad habits. Lao Tzu, Father of Taoism, once said: "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step". To me, his philosophy is the essence of this delightful book. The author asks the reader to take small steps while changing bad habits into good ... and then increase the level of difficulty while developing confidence and improving skill levels.

She calls it Quantum Wellness. I call it, a marvelous way to make a difference in the world. She shows the cause and effect we have with plants, the environment, and especially animals. After researching the severe and harsh conditions in which animals are housed, fed, and killed ... I am having a difficult time eating my top sirloin, nowadays. If we are what we eat, I need to eat something else! (The book provides viable alternatives.)

Readers should note the author focuses not on just one aspect of improving one's lifestyle; she gives salient advice on taking care of your spirit, mind, and body (multi-dimensional experience). I have a friend who smokes, drinks alcohol, and is morbidly obese. I asked why she engaged in destructive behavior. She answered: "Because it makes me feel good at the time". The problem with her reasoning is she feels good for a few minutes, only to feel badly for a lifetime. I purchased an extra copy of the book for her. It is a perfect reference source for anyone with low self esteem. All steps in the book will require some sacrifice. However, if you are willing to inconvenience yourself for a few minutes (i.e., exercise thirty minutes daily) I believe you will reap the benefits of Quantum Wellness for a Lifetime. Reviewed by Reginald V. Johnson, Upper Saddle River, NJ

Thought a bit preachy about vegeterarinism. Felt author spend too many chapters on trying to convince the benefits of vegeterian diets. Also recommended people have occasional colonics. A treatment that has been researched and have been not found to release toxins and well as cleaning the colon to prevent diseases. And as a nurse can say that colonics can be harmful and dangerous. This author has no medical background to recommend fasting or any type of so called body detoxification.

This is certainly an important subject; and I applaud people who address the issues adressed in this book; however, Quantum Wellness does not do a good job of explaining the material. The author makes statements; but does not document her findings. This is not a reference book by any means; more a description of her own journey.

I wanted to respond to those reviewrs who have criticized vegan diets and think they are unhealthy. Here is a recent statement made by Dr. McDougall who has supported a plant based diet for years.

Plants--the Original Sources of Protein and Amino Acids

Proteins are made from chains of 20 different amino acids that connect together in varying sequences--similar to how all the words in a dictionary are made from the same 26 letters. Plants (and microorganisms) can synthesize all of the individual amino acids that are used to build proteins, but animals cannot. There are 8 amino acids that people cannot make and thus, these must be obtained from our diets--they are referred to as "essential."

After we eat our foods, stomach acids and intestinal enzymes digest the proteins into individual amino acids. These components are then absorbed through the intestinal walls into the bloodstream. After entering the body's cells, these amino acids are reassembled into proteins. Proteins function as structural materials which build the scaffoldings that maintain cell shapes, enzymes which catalyze biochemical reactions, and hormones which signal messages between cells--to name only a few of their vital roles.

Since plants are made up of structurally sound cells with enzymes and hormones, they are by nature rich sources of proteins. In fact, so rich are plants that they can meet the protein needs of the earth's largest animals: elephants, hippopotamuses, giraffes, and cows. You would be correct to deduce that the protein needs of relatively small humans can easily be met by plants.

In regards to buying your meat from farms and ranches that treat animals humanely do so if you can, but realize that most meat is coming from large operations. The Union of Concerned Scientists released a report on how "the U.S. livestock industry has been undergoing a drastic change over the past several decade. Huge CAFO's (confined animal feeding operations) have become the predominant method of raising livestock, and the crowded conditions in these facilities have increased water and air pollution and other types of harm to public health and rural communities.

"A groundbreaking 2006 United Nations report found that raising animals for food generates more greenhouse gases than all the cars and trucks in the world combined. Luckily, we can help fix this problem by changing our diet. According to a 2006 study done by researchers at the University of Chicago, most Americans can reduce more greenhouse gas emissions by becoming a vegan than they can by switching to a hybrid electric car. They found that eating a vegan diet prevents the equivalent of 1.5 tons of CO2 emissions every year, more than the 1 ton of CO2 emissions prevented by switching from a typical large sedan to a Toyota Prius."

If you can stomach to really see how the meat on your table is handled while it is still living visit this site: http://www.chooseveg.com/animal-cruelty.asp

How about this fact: Cows have a natural lifespan of about 25 years and can produce milk for eight or nine years, but the stress caused by factory farm conditions leads to disease, lameness, and reproductive problems that render cows worthless to the dairy industry by the time they are four or five years old, at which time they are sent to the slaughterhouse. Cows would naturally make only enough milk to meet the needs of their calves (around 16 pounds a day), genetic manipulation, antibiotics, and hormones are used to force each cow to produce more than 18,000 pounds of milk a year (an average of 50 pounds a day). "

Few consumers realize that veal is a direct by-product of the dairy industry. In order for dairy cows to produce milk, they must be impregnated. While female calves are slaughtered or added to the dairy herd, many male calves are taken from their mothers when they are as young as one day old and chained in tiny stalls to be raised for veal. The confinement is so extreme that they cannot even turn around or lie down comfortably. As author John Robbins notes, "The veal calf would actually have more space if, instead of chaining him in such a stall, you stuffed him into the trunk of a subcompact car and kept him there for his entire life."

Choosing to go vegetarian wasn't that difficult for me. Choosing to go vegan was a lot harder. It isn't convenient but I do believe I eat a better and healthier diet than before. These two quotes along with the video I linked to above really helped push me over the edge in making a change in my diet.

?Choosing to go vegetarian is simply a matter of living according to the values so many of us hold dear, such as being fair and kind to others. Most people would never dream of cramming up to 11 egg-laying hens into a file drawer-sized cage, ripping the testicles out of a screaming baby piglet, or cutting the throat of a cow as she stares back at you with her big brown eyes. How then, as compassionate individuals, can we justify paying others to carry out these atrocities on our behalf?"

"The average vegetarian saves the lives of approximately 95 animals each year. That adds up to thousands during a lifetime. Every time we eat, we are making a powerful choice that has profound consequences on the lives of animals. At each meal, we make a decision between supporting cruelty or living compassionately."

Lastly my husband and I have a wonderful collection of vegan cookbooks. There are a lot of resources that make such a diet very practical.

I just finished the "Quantum Cleanse", one component of this book, last Friday. I heard about the book from both Oprah and Dooce. I really liked it, but in different ways than either Oprah or Dooce. The cleanse is really one small part of balancing your life and becoming more spiritual and happy. (Although I did lose 6 lbs! WOOHOO!)

And in the more eastern tradition, this is NOT a step by step "how to" process in self-improvement. It's a suggestion about how to find the right path for you to develop into what you should be. There is scant real information on how to do the cleanse and more suggestions on figuring it out for yourself. (for example, some of the vegan meals and recipes cited in the back are NOT cleanse appropriate).

Still, I like the holistic yet slow focus on getting on the right path for you. Seriously, it's an inspirational book on getting healthier, happier and making yourself whole.

Multi-dimensional information on body, mind and spirit. I saw this recommended on Oprah and I would also recommend it.

This book is a great tool for incorporating many aspects of health in a simple, go-at-your-own-pace sort of way. I appreciate the many ideas that are presented regarding easing into meditation and the nutritional information that is provided.

My one problem with this book, is that although Kathy urges a vegan/gluten free lifestyle, few of the recipes are actually gluten free. I am already a gluten free vegan, and it is always a relief when you can find some great recipes. I was really hoping to do so with this book. However, alot of the recipes contain gluten and other substances I thought she felt were 'toxic'. I'm not sure WHY this happened, but it leaves the reader feeling like she's a little lax, or simply not concerned about finding real recipes that represent her point of view. For me, that was disappointing. If you have celiac disease or need to be wheat/gluten free for any reason, you are going to need to make your own substitutions here. If you are not any of those, but hoping to follow the guidelines from her book, you are being misled by thinking that these recipes ARE in fact incorporating all the ideas she presented in earlier chapters. I'm left confused. I gave it a 3 star rating however, b/c the majority of the book is NOT recipes, and provides some very good advice and makes for a joyful read.

Nothing new here, and not much actual content, just a lot of fluff. A truly terrible book! I'm sorry I wasted the money.

I have always believed in the Karmic equasion of everything one does. This book reinforces that.

To be well is more than the absence of illness. "Quantum Wellness: A Practical and Spiritual Guide to Health and Happiness", by New York Times bestselling author Kathy Freston, is a comprehensive manual on the subject. With advice on how to eat a balanced diet, how to make even the most stressful job slightly less intimidating, and how to stay positive about one's body image, Quantum Wellness deals head-on with the problems that dwell in one's mind. "Quantum Wellness: A Practical and Spiritual Guide to Health and Happiness" is highly recommended for community library self-help collections.

The book is a bit more fluffy than I had hoped. I was looking for more concrete iteas. LOVE the recipes & food chapters - very good.

I am loving this book. She inspires you to begin making small changes in your lifestyle. Her approach is to "lean into" wellness one step at a time. How many people have quit a diet or workout routine because the change was too drastic? This is a great guide book for becoming healthy.

If you saw the interview on Oprah - you can save yourself reading the book. Much a do about nothing - nothing unique or original, all info from likes of dr oz, dr weil etc.
my advice would be take the money for the book and spend it on a healing lunch! Read the rest of the self help info on the net or watch oprah.

The author has some very good points of view as to why one shouldln't eat meat and the importance of a plant based diet. The 21 day cleansing wasn't difficult to do and there are good references in the back of the book for other books, some of which I purchased and will review at a later date.

A guide to finding happiness is within this book. Very easy read, logical and inspirational. I enjoyed and recommend it higly along with another book on this similar subject of creating the life you always wanted, Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbook.

This book is so amazing, it does not tell you how you are going to live and eat. But rather encourges you to think how you want to live and eat.
You will love this book!

I just joined in on a discussion on a community wellness website [...] and I love the book. It reads so easy and with such plain talk. It is very helpful and makes change seem so possible. I encourage all to read this book.

I have been studying health and wellness for about 4 years and became so empowered by the organic lifestyle that I went to India last year to study Ayurveda ( India's 5000 year old science of medicine, which is entirely herbal). Before this, I read the UNBELIEVABLE book The optimum Health Bible, as well as Natural Cures they Don't Want to To Know about. Through these books ad my studies abroad, I learned the incredible correlation between what we eat and our health. Yes, that may sound obvious, but still: what have you eaten today? How many people do you know have cancer and other serious illnesses? It is a FACT that these illnesses ( and many, many others) are on the rise and honeslty are the highest they have EVER been.
Kathy Freston knows this, and isn't afraid to state what you don't want to hear ( that dairy causes cancer for a multitude of reasons; that animal protein is contaminated beyond belief and has no- I repeat NO- health benefits; that both gluten and sugar have an opiate effect on the brain and are linked to serious conditions such as autism). Like Patrick Holford's The Optimum Health bible, she breaks down what each bad food does ( dairy, animal protein, gluten, sugar)and suggests that one detoxes from these foods-as well as alcohol and caffeine- in order to see the health benefits that one can reap by living on an optimum, vegan diet.
My husband one year ago developed severe asthma out of no where. He had always been allergic to pollen and such, but he had never had a breathing problem in his life. Six months later, he could not breathe and his oxygen level sunk so low that the ER medics were in shock. He went to a specialist and was told that there are NO CURES for asthma, and that he should be taking drugs for the rest of his life. I was about 5 months pregnant at the time, and having to worry about my husband being ill for the rest of his ( and my daughter's) lifetime scared me to death. We got the appropriate inhaler from the Dr. ( for emergencies) and decided to do what no Doctor could: get to the root of why he had asthma and get rid of the chronic inflammation. After incorporating TONS of natural anti-inflammatory herbs and foods ( such as tumeric, which is world renowned and frequently called the world's most important herb)and getting rid of all dairy products, he is about 97 percent better and almost NEVER uses his inhaler ( NOTE: the doctor said her would need it every 12 hours).
Quantum Wellness exposes to mainstream America the falsities that we are being indoctrinated about through advertising: that dairy is helpful for a plethora of reasons (LIE); that meat is the best source of protein ( LIE);...and the list goes on.
Folks, if you value your health, begin your personal quest for optimum health and read and follow Quantum Wellness. Also read these life-changing books:
The Optimum Health Bible
Natural Cures 'They' Don't Want You To Know About
Inner Beauty
Mariel Hemmingway's Healthy Living From The Inside Out
The China Study

Hey, I love cheese ( I was born in the cheese state and grew up in France, so you could say I have an obsession with cheese...). I adore fish, and every type of fish you can think of. But the reality of the matter is how important is it that we put our health in crisis because something tastes good, esp. since there are great alternatives?
If our planet is to progress and not falter, we all need to change-for the better.

I saw the author of Quantum Wellness on Oprah. It sounded different than any diet/health book I'd ever read so decided to read it. It's very interesting. I especially like the idea she shares of making changes in your eating with little steps. If you've been a meat eater your entire life it would be pretty hard to just stop cold turkey. I really like the concept of conscious eating...thinking about what you're eating and why before you even sit down for a meal. Certainly your mind and how it thinks, when given a chance, is the key to be becoming healthy. So many things we do without a thought and eating is a biggie.
I have enjoyed the book and am taking some new baby steps for a better life.

This is an incredible read that will change your life. I was entralled from the beginning and couldn't put it down and now that I've finished it, I want to start reading it again. Very powerful, you'll just have to read it yourself to see what I mean! Thank you Kathy for an amazing, thought provoking, fact filled book!

If you're already on the journey to spiritual and physical wellness, this is the book to have. It combines all that I've been learning into one succinct volume. Her explanations and examples really hit home, and I feel I am a better person for having read it.

Kathy Freston is an inspiration. She has created an excellent book that is focused on transforming our health and the relationship we have with the world. I appreciate her idea is that by taking a series of small but important steps, we will eventually achieve a greater transformation or "Quantum Wellness." It's an approach that involves compassion, not just for yourself, but for every living creature and the earth itself.

I'll admit, adopting a completely vegan lifestyle is challenging for me, both because I'm allergic to soy and I've got years of eating habits ingrained in me. I'm taking it one day at a time and being kind with myself rather than an all or nothing approach. My emotional eating is improving tremendously, which was a major roadblock for me. This is thanks to another book I bought at the same time called "Body Esteem: Weight Loss Through Self-Discovery (includes 2 Audio CDs)."

While there are several other books with a similar positive approach to personal transformation and healthy living, I like Kathy's messages. Whether you are an aspiring vegan or simply want to begin taking small steps to a healthier life, this is a wonderful book that I think anyone could benefit from.

lots of good information...I have to remember progress not perfection. The plan could be daunting if you forget!

This is a great book. Definitely one of the best I have read on personal growth in a while. Hard to put it down. Would recommend it highly to anyone on the search for self improvement. This is the first time I have read a book from this author and will look for more of her books!

It seems that the weak and insecure women of this world have latched on yet again to something that Oprah has endorsed. Doesn't anyone see the pattern here? Oprah has done this a million times, constantly searching for the answers in a book/product and touting the latest one as the thing to do or be. So if she found it, why is she still looking? Because she's a businesswoman whose role is to fatten hers and other businesswomen/men's bank accounts. The goals of this book are attainable for Oprah, but can you really afford truffle oil in a time where gas is $4.20 a gallon? And do you think your family of four is going to lap up a yummy tofu scramble? Probably not. It proves once again how incredibly out of touch Oprah is with the common woman, yet many of you continue to follow her in such a brainwashed fashion. Don't waste your time with this book. Eat mindfully, make time for yourself and nurture the important relationships in your life if you want a rewarding and successful way of living.

I admit it. I saw her on Oprah and bought the book. I should know better by now. I will not be "guilted" into giving up animal products and I just got angrier and angrier as I kept reading. For the vegans and vegetarians out there ... it's your choice. Eating eggs, an occasional steak and drinking milk is my choice. Someone trying to cram vegan-ism (or any other ism) down my throat, or trying to making me feel guilty, doesn't make me more inclined to join you.

That's How the Light Gets In: Memoir of a Psychiatrist by Susan Rako, M.D. The title comes from a song by Leonard Cohen: "There is a crack, a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in." Rako's book is a great read as well as brilliantly insightful. The writing just flows.

I thought this was a great book to show you how to live that joyful life you want health wise and spiritually. The author covers alot. However, my favorite book is Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbookbecause of the workbook format where you interact with all the charts and exercises (recipes). I love that there are so many and you can pick and choose what works for you.

The biggest problem I have with this book is that it condones a vegan lifestyle. I agree that eating meat these days is not as healthy as it used to be, and that our practices with animals that we eat are not always positive. However, when seeking to achieve "wellness" we should consider the words of doctors, and consider the source of advice we choose to take. Kathy's statement that we absorb the energy of what we eat is based on absolutely nothing. She clearly just thinks that, and speaks it as though it were truth. Our bodies were made to need nutrients from animals. It would be foolish to become a vegan solely on the merit of Kathy's unproven personal ideas. If you really want to learn how to be healthy and happy naturally, I strongly recommend reading Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom by Dr. Christine Northrup. She has been a vegan, and has gained wisdom from her experience as a doctor and observer of finding health through scientific and holistic approaches. Her books, website, podcast, and newsletter will at least come from a place of experience and openness with ways of living a healthy lifestyle.

I will admit that I have not read the book; however, it seems that people jump on the "band wagon" when Oprah speaks, recommends and experiments with anything. As a life and business coach, I feel people should seek their own path and not follow someone else. Is a 21 day detox healthy and necessary? Spirituality comes from within and on all different levels. If you really care to learn about who you are and make healthy mindful changes, I can certainly recommend highly insightful books.

It's good to give up all those "toxic" foods but the substitutes for them are not that economical and I fear that these ideas will help only those who can afford the diet and who don't have a problem with soy. Fine with me if Oprah is recommending it but she has a chef who can not only be creative with ingredients, but who has a generous grocery allowance!

Having read every book on dieting known to man (or woman) and lots on health too, I thought this book was a bit redundant. I wanted something new. Something i havent' tried before. Something that might actually work this time. Maybe I'm looking for more in one of these books than they are meant to have. However, I have to admit there were some good points in here and if you haven't read too many of this kind of book already, give it a try!

This book is inspiring and has some very good lessons in terms of happiness. I bought this book and Saundra Pelletier's "Saddle Up Your Own White Horse" and both really helped in terms of inspiring and empowering. Saddle Up Your Own White Horse: 5 Principles Every Woman Needs to Know

I have a deep loathing for pseudo-science and I feel particularly sorry for the people that are suckered into believing the false claims made by such authors. My advice: save your money. Or if you are in desperate need of throwing money away, I can send everyone my paypal account info so that everyone can send me their money. I promise from the bottom of my detoxed heart that sending me money will have just as much positive effect on your health.

...how routinely gullible the public is to matters of world view. "Kathy" as her devotees call her is an adept marketing genius in matters of using world view buzzwords to draw an audience. Real spirituality is hard work, tough times, with some light at the end of the tunnel...not a fluffy make believe cloud of happy self-deception. Let's get back on track folks...leave this flotsome and get on with the real work of life and "tangible", practical spirituality.

Kathy's "Quantum Wellness" has an abundance of diet, health and spiritual transformations that will truely change your life. I know it will mine. Like others, I'm buying extra copies for my children. Amazing.


Editor of Michele Cozzens' award winning women's fiction A Line Between Friends

Definately check out this book because it provides a holistic and integrative approach to health balancing body, mind and spirit. The emphasis on veganism is the author's personal preference still it makes sense to check out whether this lifestyle is for you because it has many benefits as mentioned in this book.

I most definately recommend this book. If you're looking for an inspiring read, try "Nexus: A Neo Novel."

Kathy Freston bursts onto the scene with her body mind spirit connection, a female Deepak Chopra if you will - pulling together the 8 pillars of wellness to help us all shape ourselves into a well-rounded spiritual success model. She appears to be a perfect reflection of quantum wellness and I commend her for taking steps to help us all achieve the better self.

Sally Shields, bestselling author of, The Daughter-in-Law Rules, 101 Surefire Ways to Manage (and Make Friends with) Your Mother-in-Law!

This wonderful book provides vital information on how to be healthy, on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level. Great advice for anyone wanting to improve your own health as well as the health of our planet and the treatment of billions of animals.

Warning: This book may just change your life. After you read it, you'll most likely be buying copies for friends and loved ones. There is no better gift. I can't imagine anyone reading this and not walking away healthier in body, mind, and spirit. Thank you, Kathy Freston!

Wonderful book on reaching health and happiness. I agree with the other reviewers and will buy this book for family members as I did after reading Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbookwhich too has the same theme showing you how to create the life you want on a daily basis.

I like to feel I am constantly evolving, mind and body, and Kathy Freston's book is another helpful step in that process for me. As an ethical vegan, reading her book reinforces my lifestyle choices as positive, not only for myself, but for the animals and the environment as well. I think everyone should pick up a copy, and start your own personal evolution.