The Amen Solution: The brain healthy way to lose weight and keep it off (The secret to being thinner, smarter, happier.)

The Amen Solution: The brain healthy way to lose weight and keep it off (The secret to being thinner, smarter, happier.)
By Daniel G. Amen, M.D.

Book review by Richard L. Weaver II

Some people have complained that there is nothing new in this volume when compared with Amen’s previous books, and for regular readers or followers of Dr. Amen, that might be a problem (concern!).  I admit that I have not seen him on television; I have read none of his previous books, and in no way at all could I be considered one of his readers or followers; thus, I am reviewing this book as if it is a first-time experience.

As one overriding insight, I have to admit that any book that recommends exercise and eating right—especially one written by an acclaimed medical doctor, much less a clinical neuroscientist, psychiatrist, and brain imaging expert—is all right by me.  To motivate our obese (overweight), lazy, Alzheimer’s prone, depressed population will certainly take more than one enlightening book, but any contribution should be heralded and exclaimed.  That is especially true when the prescribed plan is based on a brilliant combination of scientific findings, Amen’s original research, clinical experience, and, of course, common sense.

As a second overriding insight, I must admit that one of the reasons I may not have read or seen Dr. Amen is a simple one.  I do much of what Amen recommends.  I exercise regularly (and heavily); I watch my weight; I eat highly nutritious meals; I do not snack between meals; I do not eat fast food nor junk food; I think positive, reinforcing, encouraging thoughts; and I am constantly concerned about good health (both body and brain).  Am I one who needs an Amen Solution?  Probably not—at least not as much as the majority of our population (most of whom will not read this book!).

There are ten chapters and 270 pages of text.  Then, in addition, there are 8 appendices, references and further reading suggestions, and a complete index.  Perhaps the most important theme throughout the book (and supported as well in his previous books) is for people to understand: “ . . . their brain and weight are intricately connected and that if you boost your brain you can have a better body” (p. 2).

There are a number of things I liked about this book.  First, it is well-written.  Second, it is well-organized.  Third, it is practical and to-the-point.  Fourth, it is encouraging and motivational.  Fifth, each section is short and easy-to-read.  Sixth, he includes short sections, “Get Smart to Get Thinner,” that are quotes from advocates that increase the motivation.  Seventh, he incorporates great stories throughout that are fun, interesting, and full of attention-getting detail.  Eighth, the photographs dispersed in many chapters are helpful and interesting.  Ninth, the scientific findings are incorporated gently and without technical jargon. Tenth, Amen talks directly to his readers in a plain, simple, and direct manner.

I am not saying that Amen’s solutions are earth-shattering (“Physical exercise is a powerful brain booster” (p. 189) revelations about which readers have never heard of previously.  But he offers great reminders, wonderful, practical exercises and activities, and a comprehensive examination of the whole range of things people can do to boost their brain and body functioning.

I highly recommend this book without hesitation or reservation; however, I think instead of the title, The Amen Solution, it would probably be more accurate to say, Amen Solutions.

Your brain at work: Strategies for overcoming distraction, regaining focus, and working smarter all day long

Book Club... And Then Some!

Your brain at work: Strategies for overcoming distraction, regaining focus, and working smarter all day long  

by David Rock



Book Review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
 
This is a 286-page book with 22 1/2 pages of notes.

Rock writes the following about the purpose of his book: “This book will help you work smarter, be more focused and productive, stay cool under pressure, reduce the length of meetings, and even tackle the hardest challenge of all: influencing other people.  Along the way it may help you be a better parent and partner, and perhaps even live longer” (p. xi).

The real value of the book—beyond the practical suggestions and ideas—is the scientific research Rock uses to support his various courses of change.  It is certainly sufficient to convince you that Rock’s ideas are sound and the changes you can make will work.

The fun of this book comes from the way Rock approaches his content.  He presents it as a story: “This story involves two characters, Emily and Paul, as they experience a set of challenges over a single day at work.  As you watch Emily and Paul,” Rock writes, “go through their day, some of the smartest neuroscientists in the world will explain why they struggle with their email, schedules, and colleagues.  Even better, you will also get to see what Emily and Paul might have done differently if they’d understood their brains better” (p. xii).

So we have here a four act play.  The first act, “Problems and Decisions,” has six scenes, and they are activities most readers will find commonplace: being overwhelmed by emails, projects that hurt to think about them, juggling five things at once, saying no to distractions, searching for the zone of peak performance, and getting past roadblocks.

The second act, “Stay Cool Under Pressure,” includes three scenes: being derailed by drama, drowning amid uncertainty, and when expectations get out of control.

The third act, “Collaborate with Others,” includes three scenes: turning enemies into friends, when everything seems unfair, and the battle for status.

The fourth act, “Facilitate Change,” includes two scenes: when others lose the plot and the culture that needs to transform.

Notice throughout that the scenes are experiences with which we can all closely identify.  There is a great deal of information in each chapter, and each chapter includes a section at the end, “Surprises About the Brain,” and another entitled, “Some Things to Try.”

Wendy Ulrich, author of, The Why of Work: How Great Leaders Build Abundant Organizations That Win, writes the following about Rock’s book: “As a psychologist with a business background, I found this book extremely worth the read. It is not that often that I get a personal ah-ha from a book these days, but this one did the job. I learned several things that were personally extremely helpful and that gave me very specific ideas about how to work more effectively, understand how to work with others better, and stay out of common work traps. I found the style as well as the science approachable and useful. I'll be buying this one for family members and talking about it with friends. Well worth the read.”

I found the information in Rock’s book both interesting and attention-grasping, the suggestions practical and valuable, the revised scenarios (from what Emily and Paul chose to do in the original scenario) excellent, on point, insightful, and worth considering.  This book has the potential of changing many things in your life. 
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This book is available from Amazon.com: Your brain at work: Strategies for overcoming distraction, regaining focus, and working smarter all day long.