Review: Make Your Own Rules Diet by Tara Stiles

The journey to a healthy and fit lifestyle seems to involve many rules. sometimes these”rules” are conflicting or confusing. If you are like me, sometimes you rebel against all these rules and all these “do’s and don’ts”. In my own journey, I find that I make the best progress if I listen to my own body, my own intuition and allow myself to treat it as a journey where I progress bit by bit. I was excited to learn about Tara Stiles new book Make Your Own Rules Diet as I enjoy Stile’s infectious positivity. I felt her perspective may offer myself and my readers some tips and ideas for our personal journeys.

FTC Disclosure: I received an advance eBook copy of Make Your Own Rules Diet by Tara Stiles for preview and review purposes through NetGalley and the publisher Hay House, Inc. The opinions expressed are my own and do not represent the opinions of the author or publisher.

Screen shot from cover of Make Your Own Rules Diet by Tara Stiles

Description of Make Your Own Rules Diet from the Publisher:

“In Make Your Own Rules Diet, Tara Stiles introduces readers to easy and fun ways to bring yoga, meditation, and healthy food into their lives… In this new book, she teaches readers how to apply this inward-looking philosophy to themselves. When people understand what they need for true well-being, they can make their own rules—rules that will help them become their best selves. In her rulebook, it’s no pain, much gain.

In fact, Tara stresses the importance of practicing with ease—leaving the discomfort and tension behind—because what you practice is what you manifest. Readers will not only learn to create their own rules but also to understand when something isn’t working anymore, so they can update their rules as circumstances change. Her approach takes readers from the kitchen, to the mat, to the cushion, in an effort to help them get to know themselves.”

Make Your Own Rules Diet Summary:

Length: 312 pages
File Size: 35524 KB (Kindle version)
Publisher: Hay House (November 11, 2014)

In Make Your Own Rules Diet Tara lays out tips, techniques, and practices, including:

A step-by-step goal setting process so readers can figure out where they want to focus·
Six yoga routines specifically designed to up energy levels, curb cravings, drop pounds, and enhance peace
Eight breathing and meditation practices to soothe the soul
50 simple, delicious, plant-based recipes that can be made in minutes
A 7-day kick-start program and a 30-day transformation plan to launch readers on their healthy, happy, radiant path

An illustration example to demonstrate the color scheme, positive vibe and design style of Make Your Own Rules Diet

I always find it useful to know a little about the author and their vision. This YouTube from Tara Stile’s YouTube page describes her vision for the Make Your Own Rules Diet:

My Impressions of Make Your Own Rules Diet:

I loved the colorful and informal design of this book and the illustrations (see example above). It is impossible for me to separate the design from the content in this book–the two are very complementary. The overall look on the pages really communicates the infectious positivity expressed by Tara Stiles.

I appreciate Ms. Stiles perspective and her experience as she has empowered her clients for years. I like that her approach considers the whole person. Health and lifestyle improvements really involve the individuals life experiences, world view and emotions as well as physical practices.

I also love that Make Your Own Rules Diet offers practical steps and techniques readers can use without being overly dogmatic. Too often, the health and fitness press is full of inflexible and often contradictory dogma. I like that Ms. Stiles encourages the reader to get deeper in touch with their own bodies.

While I don’t have any criticism for this book, I do personally disagree with some of the advice. I get the impression that Tara Stiles discourages calorie counting, weighing oneself, weighing food portions and other numbers-oriented approaches. I am sure this will appeal to many readers who have had bad experiences with these practices and who are looking for alternatives. I agree following the numbers can cause people to be less kind to themselves or to fixate on rules and set themselves up for failure. I suppose it really depends on your life experiences. However, I recognize that what works for me may not work for everyone.

I have one tip for readers who do not currently practice yoga… It is very difficult to learn exercise techniques from still photographs in a book. I find the illustrations easy to follow, but I am already familiar with the poses. I would suggest that a beginner consider taking a live yoga class or buying one of Tara Stiles’ yoga DVDs (or borrow it from your local library!). I think it is easier to learn exercises if you can see the exercises in motion. A live class is best if you have that option, as there really is no substitute for some personal coaching and form correction.

My Overall Opinion of Make Your Own Rules Diet:

Make Your Own Rules Diet is well written, well-designed and well organized. The concepts are divided into three areas of life:

Get on the mat. Create space in your body and mind.
Get on the cushion. Tap in and follow how you feel.
Get in the kitchen. Cultivate this fun practice that leads directly to radiant energy.

I appreciate the mix of positive inspiration and practical tips and techniques.

Overall, I highly recommend this to readers looking for a beautifully positive and empowering book on living a healthy lifestyle. I especially recommend it for those interested in incorporating yoga into their lifestyle, who like to eat more plant-based foods and who are interested in meditation and stress reduction.

For more information, visit Tara Stiles webpage: tarastiles.com/make-your-own-rules-diet

Where to Find the Make Your Own Rules Diet by Tara Stiles:

Make Your Own Rules Diet is available 11/11/2014 through many book sellers possibly including your favorite. It is also available on Amazon in Kindle and Hardcover versions (affiliate links to follow)…

Make Your Own Rules Diet Kindle eBook on Amazon
Make Your Own Rules Diet Hardback Book on Amazon