What’s Next?

Heyyyyy 😀 Happy Indian Food Wednesday! Anyone celebrating? 🙂

bell

(Bella wishes… she loves chickpeas)

After Zumba last night, carrot beet bean burgers were waiting for me.

burgers

with steamed veg, topped with organic butter and nutritional yeast:

veg

It was fan-freaking-tastic. Something about coming home from a sweaty workout and not having to do any food prep makes it taste better. 😉

What’s next?

kindle

I just finished American Wife and (most of) Crazy Sexy Diet on the Kindle. The part of CSD that I couldn’t read was the 21-day plan, because it’s not legible on the Kindle- it was scanned so that the print is extremely light and even if you make the font larger, you cant make it darker :/

What I thought:

1. American Wife

Loved, LOVED this book- can definitely see what all the hype was about. This book follows the life of a woman who will eventually be married to our president when the September 11th tragedy occurs and the war begins. Although it’s fictional, her life is fascinating and certain parts really made me REALLY miss the Pilot. It was the type of book where I dragged it out towards the end, because I didn’t want it to be over.

2. Crazy Sexy Diet

This book was such a joy to read and I love how Kris broke down complex information (and science mumbo jumbo), making it easy to understand. It was an excellent “re-cap” of all of the information I’ve learned about raw foods and vegetarianism/veganism over the years. If you’re new to the vegetarian or raw foods lifestyle, I highly recommend this book. The only downer: Would have loved more recipes and wish that all parts were legible on the Kindle.

Since you guys always help me pick out my book choices, I thought I’d ask ya what I should read next. I like to read one informational or motivational book at the same time as a girly fun book, so any suggestions are very appreciated 🙂 Some recent faves: Good to Great, A New Earth, The Help, Why We Buy, Water for Elephants, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, I Remember Nothing

I just munched a quick b-fast

quinoa

(Coffee cocoa blueberry b-fast quinoa)

and am off to BodyPump, the post office and lunch with a Tucson blogger!
xoxo

Gina

Lesson of the day: Do not dry-brush too vigorously.

dry brush

Oops. Haha.

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136 Comments

  1. Megan @ Healthy Hoggin' on February 9, 2011 at 1:12 pm

    Oh, and I hear “The Hunger Games” book series is amazing!! I just ordered the set myself! (I think they’re making a movie in the near future?)

  2. Maggie on February 9, 2011 at 1:13 pm

    Ah just bought Crazy Sexy Diet and I can not wait read it! Not sure if I’m going to do the 21 day cleans, but I’ve already started dry brushing also and I think it is going to take me awhile to understand the idea!

    I’ve been reading your blog for awhile now and really need to make more of an effort to comment , as I’ve started making so many of the recipes and things you have on your own blog ! Thanks for the inspiration.

  3. Melissa (MelissaLikesToEat) on February 9, 2011 at 1:25 pm

    I need to read American Wife. I am currently reading the last book in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series and Loved all of them!!

  4. Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat on February 9, 2011 at 1:26 pm

    Thanks for the review on the Crazy Sexy Diet! I think I might have to look into getting that one. I’ve also been looking around for books to read and I think my next endeavour is going to be The Help.

  5. ashley on February 9, 2011 at 1:29 pm

    I just read Sarah’s Key and LOVED it. Right now I’m working on Mockingjay, with is the last book of the Hunger Game series, this series is so good, you cannot put it down. I fully recommend that as well.

  6. Liz on February 9, 2011 at 1:36 pm

    Seconds to Olive Kitteridge and The Invisible Bridge. I’d also recommend Room (fiction by Emma Donaghue), Born to Run (the book that arguably inspired the barefoot running craze) and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (nonfiction but def. a page turner).

  7. LisaG on February 9, 2011 at 1:56 pm

    How about Succes Through a Positive Mental Attutude by Napoleon Hill. I always go back to reread parts of it. I read Crazy Sexy Diet in 2 days; I figure it didn’t have many recipes because that book will be out next.

  8. Laura on February 9, 2011 at 1:56 pm

    You should totally read You Know When the Men are Gone! It’s about military wives and it’s SO GOOD. I was actually going to email you this, because it reminds me of you and the strength that you show us on the blog when the Pilot is gone. It’s a very quick read, but very powerful and enjoyable. Or, Freedom by Jonathan Franzen…it looks long and the first chapter kind of took forever, but wow…maybe the best book I’ve read in a couple of years!

  9. Chelsea Anthony on February 9, 2011 at 1:57 pm

    I was going to recommend ‘The Help’, but I see you read it! Great book. Also, I am getting ready to read “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks”, http://rebeccaskloot.com/the-immortal-life/. One of my best friends said that it’s an amazing book & story. I’m excited to get started on it.

  10. carolinebee on February 9, 2011 at 2:00 pm

    My aaallll time fave book is the Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver- it is SOOOO well written and raises the most intense points about spirituality, religion, family..but it’s also historical fiction-ish, following the story of a missionary family who goes to the Congo in the 1950’s in the midst of war and a bunch of problems. It’s narrated by the young daughter’s, and UGH just cannot rave enough about it 😀 It’s long, but with good size sections, perfect for reading a few chapters before bed!
    PS check my kindle skin cover ;D I think it’s right up your alley!
    http://carolinebee.com/2011/02/01/snow-loco/

    • Fitnessista on February 9, 2011 at 6:30 pm

      OMG. i need it 🙂

  11. Kim on February 9, 2011 at 2:02 pm

    I had CSD on my kindle too and had trouble reading the cleanse part. I read on the CSL website that you can contact amazon and they will give you a credit – worth a shot! I loved the book so I also got a hard copy!

    I’m looking for a new book for vacation so love all these suggestions!

    A motivational type book I read years ago is “who moved my cheese”

    • Fitnessista on February 9, 2011 at 6:30 pm

      good to know- i’ll send them an email!

  12. Annette on February 9, 2011 at 2:10 pm

    I loved The Help as well 🙂 I’d recommend the HUnger Games series or Foods That Harm, Foods That Heal! Enjoy!

  13. Vickie on February 9, 2011 at 2:18 pm

    I just got done reading “The Traveler’s Gift” (7 decisions that determine personal success) by Andy Andrews. It was really good. I have not read all his books….yet, but they look just as good. Check him out!

    • Fitnessista on February 9, 2011 at 6:29 pm

      i totally will- love books like this 🙂

      • Lisa on February 9, 2011 at 8:34 pm

        The Travelers gift was good. I read that about the same time I read The Shack.

  14. Sonia @ Master of Her Romaine on February 9, 2011 at 2:22 pm

    I’m celebrating Indian food wedensday with you! I’m making Muthia tonight, which are spiced chickpea flour dumplings. You might like them- I made them here http://masterofherromaine.blogspot.com/2011/02/green-yellow-green-yellow.html
    They’re gluten free and fabulous 🙂

  15. Vickie on February 9, 2011 at 2:25 pm

    Oops…just realized you were looking for a girly type book, the one I suggested is more inspirational than anything (Travelers Gift)….but I also liked Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh…that’s little more girly and inspirational :o)

  16. Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) on February 9, 2011 at 2:34 pm

    Whoa, that’s a dry brushing casualty, isn’t it!

    “It was the type of book where I dragged it out towards the end, because I didn’t want it to be over. “–
    I have not read a book like that in ages. I have heard GREAT things about American Wife…not something i would normally ‘reach’ for…but you have me convinced to check it out.

    And thanks for clarifying yesterday that it was quinoa flour, not just whole quinoa, in your crust. 🙂

  17. Sarah @ See Sarah Eat on February 9, 2011 at 2:34 pm

    I really want to get Crazy Sexy Diet, I am going to add it to my wishlist (birthday coming up, hehe). I recently read “When Food is Love” by Geneen Roth and really enjoyed it. While I can’t completely relate to her situation, I still learned a lot about myself from reading it. I am going to check out her other books too, eventually.

  18. Lana on February 9, 2011 at 2:57 pm

    If you want to read a good book about motivation – read Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. It was assigned to me in a psychology class I took called Motivation. This book will get you thinking and is full of interesting facts. It explores the training of Olympic athletes and whether they were born with an innate ability or if their success is purely a result of their training. Gladwell proposes the idea that to become an expert in any discipline, you need to devote 10,000 hours of your time. A very great book and an easy read – I would recommend it to anyone!

    • Caitlin on February 9, 2011 at 3:43 pm

      I’m reading this book now too! It’s really interesting…and a page turner. 🙂

    • Heather on February 10, 2011 at 5:23 am

      I haven’t read Outliers yet, but I’ve read all of Malcolm Gladwell’s other books. Definitely would recommend any of them!

    • Cindy on February 10, 2011 at 9:05 am

      i had to read this book too for my motivation psych class! it was awesome! i took motivation in January and honestly, it really helped me achieve my goals!

  19. mi-an dela cruz on February 9, 2011 at 3:10 pm

    Eating indian food leftovers as i’m reading your blog right now! so yes i’m celebrating! 🙂

    • Fitnessista on February 9, 2011 at 6:28 pm

      yeahhhh! 🙂

  20. stephanie on February 9, 2011 at 3:12 pm

    Jose Saramago’s “Death With Interruptions”. Its about Death (a woman) deciding to take a holiday and falling in love…and the catastrophe that occurs when people stop dying. So. Freaking. Good. Its a page turner for sure.

  21. meghan on February 9, 2011 at 3:24 pm

    The Kitchen House is a great read! I’m off to send myself samples of American Wife and CSD on my kindle!

  22. Emma on February 9, 2011 at 3:27 pm

    My mom just recommended Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat; it’s about the pscyhology behind people’s relationship with animals, and sounds like a great read!

    • Fitnessista on February 9, 2011 at 6:28 pm

      that sounds super interesting

  23. Josie on February 9, 2011 at 3:34 pm

    I just finished Little bee which I really liked but one of my favorite books that I’ve read in a long long time was The glass castle. everyone I know who has read it has love it!

    • Fitnessista on February 9, 2011 at 6:27 pm

      LOVED the glass castle- it was a quick and fun read 🙂

  24. Jordana on February 9, 2011 at 3:42 pm

    I’m reading The Help right now and it is sooo good. I also loved the Hunger Games series…if you can get past all the killing and all 🙂

  25. Laura @ prettylittlewords on February 9, 2011 at 3:50 pm

    Glad you mentioned the beany taste of the socca — I had the same reaction, and I thought I was crazy! I will have to try quinoa flour next.

    Question: Have you tried the So Delicious Coconut Milk yet? I have a coupon and I’m curious to see what it will taste like! I have seen mixed reviews, ranging from people loving it to absolutely hating it.

    • Fitnessista on February 9, 2011 at 6:27 pm

      it is VERY beany 🙂
      yup- its pretty delicious. definitely a different flavor, but i liked it

  26. Ashlee on February 9, 2011 at 4:04 pm

    I hope this doesn’t come off rude….
    I know you abstain from cow’s dairy, but I’ve noticed you eating a lot of organic butter lately?

    • Fitnessista on February 9, 2011 at 6:26 pm

      i stay away from cow’s milk and cheese for digestion reasons- organic dairy contains very little casein, which makes it easy to digest. it’s a healthy fat if you use it sparingly

  27. Namaste Gurl on February 9, 2011 at 4:41 pm

    Have you read Eat, Pray, Love yet? Currently reading and love it thus far. Just angry at myself for watching the movie before reading the book. What can I say, I love chick flicks 🙂

    Crazy SD is next on my list @ Amazon, along with some new Sun warrior!

    • Fitnessista on February 9, 2011 at 6:26 pm

      yes, i loved it!

  28. Molly @ MollyRunsFresh on February 9, 2011 at 5:07 pm

    The only indian food I have ever eaten in Naan… is that sad? is that even indian? I bought lentils the other day though so I’m thinking about mixing them with chickpeas and homemade garam marsala(lalala <– is that the right word?) and calling it indian!
    My puppies like chickpeas too 🙂
    Have a great day!

    • Fitnessista on February 9, 2011 at 6:25 pm

      yes it is sad! get thee some channa masala, asap

  29. Tracy @ Commit to Fit on February 9, 2011 at 5:08 pm

    Thanks for the review on Crazy Sexy Diet. I just won a copy (yay) and am so looking forward to digging in.

  30. Sharelle @ essential-ingredient on February 9, 2011 at 5:44 pm

    i’ve heard crazy sexy diet is good, ill have to check it out.
    have you read any of michael pollan’s books? they are awesome!
    when i was reading the books you have recently read and saw “i remember nothing” i laughed at loud and realized its a book. i thought you meant you didnt remember anything that you read from those. blond moment. 🙂
    yummy looking breakfast!

    • Fitnessista on February 9, 2011 at 6:25 pm

      LOL. its a book, haha
      i’ve read the omnivore’s dilemma and in defense of food- both excellent

  31. jan on February 9, 2011 at 6:07 pm

    A couple of book recommendations that I haven’t seen in the comments so far:
    The History of Love by Nicole Krauss
    Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer (who happens to be married to Nicole Krauss)
    The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

    For inspirational books:
    When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times by Pema Chodron
    Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living also by Pema Chodron
    (actually anything by Pema Chodron is inspiring and makes you look at your life in a different way)
    Touching Enlightenment: Finding Realization in the Body by Reginald Ray

    I also second the recommendations of Freedom by Jonathan Franzen and The Hunger Games Series!!

    Happy Reading!

    • Fitnessista on February 9, 2011 at 6:25 pm

      awesome- thank you!

    • Alissa on February 9, 2011 at 11:56 pm

      Jan,

      Thank you too I just downloaded the first chapters of both Pema Chodron books you talked about.

  32. Jennie (in Wonderland) on February 9, 2011 at 6:09 pm

    American Wife was one of the best books I’ve ever read. The evolution of her character was stunning, the secrets and layers and peeling back — especially the ending, when she dreams of being a different wife, of meeting him at the gym during the dance, of how miraculous and beautiful a high school boy is to a high school girl. It rang so TRUE.

    I also really liked Curtis’ book, ‘Prep’. Definitely worth reading.

    • Fitnessista on February 9, 2011 at 6:24 pm

      ive heard good things about prep- i’ll have to check it out

  33. Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin on February 9, 2011 at 6:50 pm

    I don’t read many motivational books or girly books, so I’m afraid I don’t have any recs for you! Right now I’m reading Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistlestop Cafe. It makes me want to go live in the south!

    • Christin@purplebirdblog on February 9, 2011 at 7:53 pm

      Fried Green Tomatoes is one of my favorite movies of ALL TIME! 🙂 Kathy Bates is a freakin’ genius!

      • Fitnessista on February 9, 2011 at 7:56 pm

        every time it’s on tv, i watch it 🙂

  34. ashley@quasichick on February 9, 2011 at 8:22 pm

    I read CSD and loved it! Some great reads: Engine 2, The Girl With the Dragon Tatoo and the rest of the sequel, Made To Crave, Women Food and God, Candace Cameron’s latest book…? can’t remember the name of it

  35. Casey Thomas on February 9, 2011 at 9:05 pm

    Gina, I really, really recommend reading Eating IN The Light Of The Moon…amazing book and all about women’s issues with food but written in a beautiful and insightful way. Hope you can check it out!

  36. Nicole on February 9, 2011 at 10:31 pm

    I 2nd Sarah’s Key and I also just finished Cutting for Stone — this was very good. I think it’s only $5 on the kindle.

  37. Michelle on February 10, 2011 at 12:17 am

    Sarah’s Key!! I just finished it, and American Wife, and loved them both – AW the most. Let us know what you chose, and maybe the top recommendations!! I love picking new books from bloggie/reader recs 😀

  38. Michelle on February 10, 2011 at 12:20 am

    Oh wait, you read Sarah’s Key, haha. Atonement by Ian McEwan, The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje (although considering your Pilot love, that may be one you want to steer well clear of?, I know I would), Evening by Susan Minot <- it's a gorgeous story. Howl's Moving Castle, the book is pretty lovely, simple, but a touching read. 🙂

  39. Alissa on February 10, 2011 at 12:36 am

    I just want to say Thank you so much from bring up the Crazy Sexy Diet reading situation on the Kindle. Due to you being so fast about posting it I got it in Hardcover instead of on the Kindle.

  40. Cindy on February 10, 2011 at 9:11 am

    i really liked:
    – reading lolita in Tehran: a memoir in books (about a group of woman who continue to secretly meet and read literature despite the war occuring around them)
    – three cups of tea: one man’s missing to promote peace one school at a time
    – the happiness project

    i also want to say thank you for starting this thread! i just added a whole bunch of books to my ‘future reading list’ and just ordered the american wife from kobo today! 🙂

  41. April on February 10, 2011 at 9:18 am

    Just an idea if you are having trouble reading parts of your book on your kindle- try downloading the kindle app for your computer (I know it is available for Mac, and I’m pretty sure for PC as well), it might show up better on there? or if you have an iphone there is a kindle app for that as well. You simply sign in with your kindle account and it syncs with your actual kindle so you have all of your books on each device.

    • Fitnessista on February 10, 2011 at 9:52 am

      wow, i had no idea! thanks

      • April on February 10, 2011 at 1:59 pm

        No problem, I hope it works for you!

  42. Tracey on February 10, 2011 at 12:28 pm

    Good to know that the entire book doesn’t show up on Kindle. I was going to load it to my Kindle but now I will buy the actual book when I’m ready to read it.

    Thanks!

  43. sarah on February 11, 2011 at 3:34 pm

    i would highly recommend the help. loved american wife.
    also, read the millenium trilogy (the girl with the dragon tattoo and its two sequels).

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