The Daniel Plan by Rick Warren, Daniel Amen M.D. and Mark Hyman M.D.

If you take a good look at the people around you, you might notice something most of them have in common...they are overweight, or even obese.  Obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States...and why wouldn't it be?  Our grocery store shelves are overflowing with processed foods that only help to pack on the pounds.  Rick Warren, pastor at Saddleback Church in California and author of The Purpose-Driven Life took a good look at himself and also his congregation one day at a church baptism.  He realized that he was not being a good steward of his body and he felt compelled to change that.  The following Sunday, he confessed to his congregation about his conviction and invited anyone who might interested in losing a few pounds to join him on a 40-day journey to getting healthier.  To his surprise, the result was overwhelming...both the amount of people who signed up and the amount of pounds they were able to shed in those 40 days. 

The Daniel Plan is based on the book of Daniel where Daniel was taken to Babylon to be trained for the king's service. The king said he and his friends could eat whatever they wanted, but Daniel chose to eat only fruits and vegetables and water for 10 days so that he could prove to the king's guard that his eating this way would not affect his health/appearance.  At the end of the 10 days, the men looked healthier and more nourished so they were allowed to continue to eat that way for the remainder of their time there. 

The Daniel Plan is a lifestyle plan that consists of 5 Essentials:  Faith, Food, Fitness Focus, Friends and each plays an important role in each person's success.  These Essentials is what I think makes The Daniel Plan a well-rounded program. 

The Daniel Plan is a lifestyle change.  In the book, the authors thoroughly explain each of the Essentials as well as including a 40-Day Fitness Challenge and a 40-Day Meal Plan.  I think this is a great program that has the potential to change the world and put a dent in the current obesity problem.  There is also a website to coincide with the book and offers many helpful resources. 

*I received a complimentary ebook copy of this book from BookLook in exchange for this honest review.