Living Beauty

The notion that "beauty is only skin deep" may no longer hold true. In the new "Living Beauty," nutrition consultant and Canadian health advocate Lisa Petty points out a surprising number of ways that our external appearance can provide insight to the state of our inner health. Simply put: with health, comes beauty.

According to Petty, the face we see in the mirror can teach much about potential health concerns if we know how to read the signs. In a chapter entitled "Your Skin Doesn't Stop at Your Neck" she explains that paying attention to skin conditions below the neckline can lead to improvements in facial complexion and in overall health. With dietary recommendations and "beauty prescriptions" she reminds us that targeting one specific problem will usually benefit a range of related symptoms throughout the body. Skin is not this book's only focus; hair loss, for example, can be a warning sign of a possible thyroid condition.

There is much relevant information here, yet the book remains captivating and highly readable. Petty offers many healthy alternatives to substantiate the concept that our bodies are better equipped to process natural health care products than those created from artificial ingredients. The myriad of dangerous chemicals used in personal care products will shock even the most savvy label readers among us. Here, the word "dangerous" is no exaggeration. This author reveals chemicals favoured by manufacturers that are also found on the FDA list of restricted ingredients. Her research begs the question, "How are the Canadian and US body-care industries regulated?" The answer is unsettling, especially when we consider that an average adult uses nine personal care products daily.

Along with dietary and industry facts, readers are sure to enjoy this book for its practical beauty tips. Petty's information is complemented by advice from New York celebrity makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift. Even those who prefer not to use makeup will find something here to feel good about, such as her recommendation for "the fastest, easiest, cheapest, and most natural way to change your appearance."

Lisa Petty has assembled a how-to beauty compendium for our modern world. More importantly, she demonstrates, without a doubt, that beautiful eyes, teeth, hair, nails, and skin are part of a conscious, healthy lifestyle.