The Marshall Plan: Being Good to Be Bad: It's Not a Diet. It's a Lifestyle Paperback – June 26, 2013

I was excited to read this book - it is filled with great information and as the title states...It's not a diet, it's a lifestyle...this is true! The book reads as if she was talking to you personally. Cindi has great information to share and I often think of her suggestions when I am out to eat during the week. Being good to be bad makes total sense. Finally a book about healthy eating that is NOT about dieting.

Having had the pleasure of knowing Cindi for 30+ years, I've witnessed firsthand her struggles and accomplishments with maintaining a good weight (for those skinny jeans!) and incorporating healthy eating and exercise as part of her daily life. She has put in an enormous amount of effort over the years researching, testing and incorporating practices that provided her a wealth of experience in an effort to learn what works and what doesn't. The Marshall Plan: Being Good to Be Bad is an excellent source of information for those of us who want to live a healthy lifestyle and provides practical advice on how to achieve these goals despite our hectic lives. Her book helps us navigate through common pitfalls and offers healthy options whether dining out, eating at home, or traveling in foreign countries. The Marshall Plan recognizes that diets aren't as effective as making a commitment to healthy life choices and guides us through those waters with compassion and humor. It's nutritional advice for real life: being good and being bad. So here's to enjoying a healthy life while looking great in those skinny jeans!

In the wide world of books on diet, food, and eating, this book stands out because of its unique approach.The author makes the crucial point that how and what we eat over the course of a lifetime is what's important for health AND enjoyment. It's clear in reading the book that she enjoys food and having fun - and her book is written from that perspective. And although the book advocates discipline, it also advocates making sure you reward that discipline appropriately, and that you never get stuck thinking you've somehow screwed up if you eat more (or differently) than you're "supposed" to.So don't expect specific rules to follow without having to think about it. Do expect healthy-food guidelines that you can adapt so they work for you, wrapped up with light-hearted humor.One caveat: The author has some very strong likes and dislikes and isn't shy about sharing them. You may or may not agree with her. As long as you don't let her opinions put you off, there's a lot to learn here.

The Marshall Plan outlines a proven approach to sustain your vision of health and fitness at any age! It is a realistic, creative plan, that really works! The author writes in a clear, light, enjoyable way, packing tons of sound nutrition concepts and info into a short, easy read book. The theme of balancing smart eating choices with occasional "treats" is such a welcome idea, compared to traditional diet themes that leave one feeling deprived. The author understands the importance of honoring individual needs and desires for some food and drink choices not on any of most healthy lists, balanced with the discipline of choosing most items from a combination of what is most healthy. There is flexibility to create your own balance, and "stick with" a healthy plan that works for you, to consistently feel joy and energy.This book is an amazing and inspiring resource for millions of people (like me and like so many others we all know)! And I love that it is in such a convenient size for travel! For sure I want many more for friends, family, and coaching clients--to share this great gift with them...

As a naturopathic physician I am always reviewing books on topics ranging from fitness to nutrition to weight loss for my patients. I am so impressed by "The Marshall Plan....Being Good to Be Bad". The author offers an evidence based, practical approach to healthy living that includes balanced and sound advice on nutrition, fitness and self-care. It is chock full of good, solid information. The tone is kind, conversational and not at all preachy (though Marshall Oakey is not shy about saying "just say NO" to choices that may be less than optimal). The reader is guided and gently coached on how to make better choices (meal by meal and day by day) in order to look and feel your best. There are no gimmicks, fads or quick fix approaches here. As Marshall Oakey says throughout the book, "this is not a diet, it's a lifestyle". A quick, easy read. I will be giving this book to my patients for sure.

I've read lots of books and articles over the years on dieting and fitness, and I must say that this one did the trick for me. Finally. I have always been "on" or "off" a diet or an exercise plan. Cindi's approach convinced me that I didn't have to be on or off either of these - that I just needed to make conscious choices every day. It's all about the balance. If I can't get out there and exercise for an hour, I get out of my chair at work and walk for 15 minutes several times a day. It really adds up. I'm now in the habit of eating more carefully during the week so that when we go out to dinner over the weekend, I don't need to feel guilty. But even in that situation, I eat smaller portions.All of these practical things added up to significant weight loss for me. It wasn't fast but it was steady. I'm delighted!

Since reading The Marshall Plan I don't only think before popping something in my mouth, but I don't beat myself up if I do eat that French fry! This book shows the reader how to make healthy food choices while enjoying that splurge once in awhile. I am using the guidelines in The Marshall Plan along with a weight loss app that I log into daily. Each chapter covers a specific topic making the book easy to refer back to as necessary. I highlighted several sections and refer to the shopping lists prior to going to the market. This is a fun, easy read and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in feeling great.