4.18

3

Jun 14, 2013

While this book was filled with silly shit like swearing an "Oath To Your Ovaries" (fuck off), I really did find a lot of helpful information between its Price-purple-rain colored covers. If you appreciate or can withstand the eccentric snatch-worship hippie shit (not that I don't worship at my own temple...I'm fucking awesome) it's got some cool science minded information about how your hormonal cycles affect you, what foods help to alleviate symptoms, cure hormone-related problems and have While this book was filled with silly shit like swearing an "Oath To Your Ovaries" (fuck off), I really did find a lot of helpful information between its Price-purple-rain colored covers. If you appreciate or can withstand the eccentric snatch-worship hippie shit (not that I don't worship at my own temple...I'm fucking awesome) it's got some cool science minded information about how your hormonal cycles affect you, what foods help to alleviate symptoms, cure hormone-related problems and have more sex (holla!)

It's got a yummy sounding 4-day detoxifying cleanse that involves...wait for it...EATING FOOD. That's right, contrary to what you'll be bracing yourself for after oathing to your ovaries, she never suggests insane fasting diets or a juicy road to starving yourself clean. In fact, I was really expecting some batshitty shit but she never really rockets into total loo-loo land.

Sure, you may find the idea of syncing your life with your menstrual cycle bizarre but not me. I will take any excuse to tell the world to fuck off while I am PMSing because my sacred bodytemple is simply crying out for rest. And Project Runway marathons. It's in a book, people. That shit is FACT.

Overall this is a quick, interesting and slightly insane read. ...more

3

Dec 27, 2015

A LOT of self-promotion, branding and pep-talks. In between all the rah rah being a woman is so awesome, and your "Flo" is awesome too, there is some pretty good advice.

My advice? Get it from the library.

4

Jun 14, 2013

I really despise the name of the book, because it's actually about your endocrine system and bringing it into balance. Super interesting (and not as condescending as the name suggests) so far.

Now that I'm done...I liked it! The author shares her system for working with your cycle to bring your endocrine system (adrenals, blood sugar, fertility - it's all related) into balance. She's got good info on managing your blood sugar, your stress, and then syncing up your life to your natural cycle via I really despise the name of the book, because it's actually about your endocrine system and bringing it into balance. Super interesting (and not as condescending as the name suggests) so far.

Now that I'm done...I liked it! The author shares her system for working with your cycle to bring your endocrine system (adrenals, blood sugar, fertility - it's all related) into balance. She's got good info on managing your blood sugar, your stress, and then syncing up your life to your natural cycle via exercise and nutrition....which sounds cheesy when I write it, but it makes a lot of sense (you have different levels of energy at different stages in your cycle, you crave and need different food, etc) ...more

1

Aug 19, 2016

I was really excited to read this book, but it ended up being a huge disappointment. I felt like Alisa spent too much time talking about less important matters and not enough time touching on the aspects that I was truly interested in. For example, she spend page after page talking about how important it is to eat the proper way for balanced blood sugar levels but then spends only 3 pages giving the actual information on how to eat this way. I, for one, do not need more motivation to eat the I was really excited to read this book, but it ended up being a huge disappointment. I felt like Alisa spent too much time talking about less important matters and not enough time touching on the aspects that I was truly interested in. For example, she spend page after page talking about how important it is to eat the proper way for balanced blood sugar levels but then spends only 3 pages giving the actual information on how to eat this way. I, for one, do not need more motivation to eat the right way but like to have much more specific information on why I need to eat a specific way. For example, she says to avoid tuna but then doesn't ever say why. That was the kind of information I was looking for. I was excited to change some of my habits and create better health, but Alisa simply did not motivate me. I could see how meeting with her 1:1 in person through her consultation practice could be beneficial, but without a 1:1 consultation, the information was way too broad for me. ...more

2

Jan 31, 2017

This book contains:

35% promises of big revelations that will be soon revealed (and never really will), "success stories" and advertising for online courses;

25% strict 'advice' about how to live your life which I feel can be triggering and/or discouraging for people with ED/self-acceptance issues, as well as impossible to reach if you're a human being;

20% information about the menstrual cycle and related biological changes and effects (the endocrine system);

20% woo-woo rambling about energies and This book contains:

35% promises of big revelations that will be soon revealed (and never really will), "success stories" and advertising for online courses;

25% strict 'advice' about how to live your life which I feel can be triggering and/or discouraging for people with ED/self-acceptance issues, as well as impossible to reach if you're a human being;

20% information about the menstrual cycle and related biological changes and effects (the endocrine system);

20% woo-woo rambling about energies and presumptions about the reader's experiences.

A disappointment, particularly when it promotes a miraculous cure for everything when the main idea is really quite simple: eat more vegetables, consume less meat, prioritise sleep, reduce stress. ...more

5

Jan 02, 2014

This book is really excellent! It has been a life saver for me this year and I'm so glad I decided to follow much of the advice as a new year's resolution. Vitti also has brilliant videos on Youtube. Some of the best advice is to eat plenty of fruit and veg. It's a given but your 5 a day is not enough. You need to vary them a lot more and rotate them so instead of having a large serving of broccoli with your dinner, make that broccoli, cabbage, asparagus and green beans.
Also, not eating when This book is really excellent! It has been a life saver for me this year and I'm so glad I decided to follow much of the advice as a new year's resolution. Vitti also has brilliant videos on Youtube. Some of the best advice is to eat plenty of fruit and veg. It's a given but your 5 a day is not enough. You need to vary them a lot more and rotate them so instead of having a large serving of broccoli with your dinner, make that broccoli, cabbage, asparagus and green beans.
Also, not eating when you're hungry is just as bad as eating sugary snacks. Your blood sugar level drops and because I like to wait for the lunch time rush to calm, it was one of my big mistakes so now I carry around some nuts to snack on when I get hungry.
Finally, Vitti strongly recommends switching to paraben free and organic cosmetics. I have done this and although it was a huge commitment and an investment of money and time researching, I have not looked back. It has actually been very enjoyable experimenting with new products from health food stores and researching them online. To date, I particularly like the brand Neal's Yard. Their skin care range is excellent as is their make up. Beautiful blushers and bronzers and Kielh's do a lovely BB cream. With the benefits of eating lots of fruit and veg, you will no longer need as much make up as you thought you needed before. This is definitely a life changing book. ...more

3

Nov 30, 2016

Well. I heard about this book from listening to The Lively Show podcast. As a sufferer of PCOS, I thought this might be helpful, but much of the diet kind of stuff is what you can read on any uber-healthy trendy blog--wheat, dairy, and sugar are out; vegetables and lean protein are basically the only things that are in. I can't subscribe to such a restrictive diet.

I DID like the in-depth explanation of different phases within the menstrual cycle, along with her tips on how to maximize your Well. I heard about this book from listening to The Lively Show podcast. As a sufferer of PCOS, I thought this might be helpful, but much of the diet kind of stuff is what you can read on any uber-healthy trendy blog--wheat, dairy, and sugar are out; vegetables and lean protein are basically the only things that are in. I can't subscribe to such a restrictive diet.

I DID like the in-depth explanation of different phases within the menstrual cycle, along with her tips on how to maximize your natural ebb and flow of energy and hormones during those phases. I've implemented what I could, and I have to say (skeptical though I was), it really has made a difference in how well I ride through my cycle. It seems odd to think I needed someone to explain to me that when I am feeling fragile, I should be gentle and nurturing to myself--and while my energy and spirits are high, I should use that time to be social and get things done and enjoy being out in the world. Following this has really helped me balance my introvert/extrovert qualities as well. I feel like my needs are being met better, because they are being met at the appropriate time. I feel empowered treating myself this way.

So why just 3 stars? Well, informed as Vitti seems to be, I am turned off by any writer taking a hippie-dippie approach to health. I like natural, I like healthy, I like incorporating mental & psychological health into the overall picture of a person's general wellness. What I strongly dislike is anecdotal proof and phrases like, "If THIS is true, it stands to reason that this other thing is true." There's nothing wrong with studies and applying the scientific method to holistic-style medicine. Give me studies, research, science, etc.

The other big turn off for me was Vitti's suggestion that a woman structure her work life around her cycle. I just can't imagine telling a client, "Oh, I'm sorry, I can't actually deliver this for you for another three weeks, because that's when I'm at the optimal point of my menstrual cycle to deliver the best results for you." I'm not saying this is a bad idea, necessarily, just laughably impractical. Unless a woman works in an office of mostly women who also happen to believe in structuring their work around their cycles, this simply won't fly. ...more

4

Jun 05, 2018

Having been raised in Texas—where our women’s health education consisted of a five-minute anatomy video, a stick of deodorant, and a maxi-pad—I possess a shockingly limited knowledge of the functions of my own body and hormones. In addition to strengthening my mind-body connection, this book has been influential in informing me of those seemingly mysterious hormonal processes that should have been taught to me long ago. It has taught me, too, that what happens in my body doesn’t have to be a Having been raised in Texas—where our women’s health education consisted of a five-minute anatomy video, a stick of deodorant, and a maxi-pad—I possess a shockingly limited knowledge of the functions of my own body and hormones. In addition to strengthening my mind-body connection, this book has been influential in informing me of those seemingly mysterious hormonal processes that should have been taught to me long ago. It has taught me, too, that what happens in my body doesn’t have to be a source of shame but of strength and even pride.

Vitti’s basic premise is that as women, what we feed our bodies dictates our physical, mental, and emotional states. The information Vitti provides is thorough and well-researched, and she does a good job of explaining the complicated, ever-shifting cocktail of hormones in a woman’s body. Her mission is to provide a more holistic and essentially feminine view of healthcare that is available to all women. Vitti writes with a great deal of heart: she obviously cares very deeply about helping all women to become more in tune with their bodies.

That being said, Vitti leaves no space for trans or non-binary folks, and when she talks about relationships it is always between a feminine woman and a masculine man. I happen to fall on the feminine side of the binary, so I was able to benefit from the information she provided. Nevertheless, Vitti could have made more of an effort to widen her definition of “all women,” especially since this text was published in 2013—it is evident she was writing to a specifically cisgender, heterosexual audience. ...more

4

Nov 22, 2015

Has some good principles. I'm going to try this for a few months and see if it makes a difference. Must be pretty convincing if it got me to quick eating sugar and soda. I feel better and think more clearly. I've lost weight and am sleeping better. We'll see in a couple of months if it is helping with my hormones.

Update: It has been 2 months and I am feeling much more calm and haven't had as much PMS and anger. I think it is helping. I have eliminated some of the endocrine inhibitors in my Has some good principles. I'm going to try this for a few months and see if it makes a difference. Must be pretty convincing if it got me to quick eating sugar and soda. I feel better and think more clearly. I've lost weight and am sleeping better. We'll see in a couple of months if it is helping with my hormones.

Update: It has been 2 months and I am feeling much more calm and haven't had as much PMS and anger. I think it is helping. I have eliminated some of the endocrine inhibitors in my routine and I am really noticing the changes that I feel during the 4 different phases of my cycle. It is textbook what I am experiencing. You just have to embrace that there are different times of the month that you are better at certain things and enjoy the changes that occur during the month. When I don't expect to be the same all month long - I am a much happier person. ...more

1

Apr 05, 2017

An awful lot of this book was dedicated to talking about how great this program is. So much of the information felt watered down with trust-me-this-works kind of statements. And it's fine to include that kind of thing. But confine it to the introduction please-for-the-sake-of-actual-content.

This book was written from a very cis-gender, hetero-normative perspective. Which is exactly what I anticipated going in. But just a head's up in case you didn't catch that vibe.

Most of the content focused An awful lot of this book was dedicated to talking about how great this program is. So much of the information felt watered down with trust-me-this-works kind of statements. And it's fine to include that kind of thing. But confine it to the introduction please-for-the-sake-of-actual-content.

This book was written from a very cis-gender, hetero-normative perspective. Which is exactly what I anticipated going in. But just a head's up in case you didn't catch that vibe.

Most of the content focused on the way that your eating habits impact your health. Which was cool and probably really helpful. But any kind of program that focuses on completely overhauling your eating habits and rebuilding from scratch tends to overwhelm me. I need a step-by-step progression of small changes rather than a radical all-at-once approach.

There was this bit where she talked about re-framing your thinking to acknowledge that life is cyclical rather than linear or static. Which makes a lot of sense to me as someone who has a menstrual cycle. It felt like a really important and gracious way to shift my approach to self care. I think that will be my take-away.

Aside from that, I didn't get much out of the book. I read the first half and skimmed the second. Mostly chaff. ...more

4

May 27, 2017

I heard the author on a podcast and immediately purchased this book. It was pretty informative about how everything works together in your body and how food and lifestyle choices impact a womans health. The author did not go very in depth as far a food and life style choices that are most beneficial, only briefly touching on it. I found that this book was basically meant to overview these topics and serve as a brochure guiding you to buy the authors $300 program. That was a little disappointing I heard the author on a podcast and immediately purchased this book. It was pretty informative about how everything works together in your body and how food and lifestyle choices impact a womans health. The author did not go very in depth as far a food and life style choices that are most beneficial, only briefly touching on it. I found that this book was basically meant to overview these topics and serve as a brochure guiding you to buy the authors $300 program. That was a little disappointing because I wanted more information out of the book and not for it to just be a promo for buying something. That made it feel a little disingenuous but it was still informative in a get your feet wet sort of way and I will continue to learn about the subject and try to implement changes into my life. ...more

3

Jun 24, 2017

eat veggies, drink water, listen to your body, rest, there are four main hormone cycles a month. I purchased the app 'hormone horoscope PRO' to help me keep track. very long winded, could have been a Ted talk

3

Aug 13, 2015

3.5 Stars. This is a book about women's health with a particular focus on how our cycle of hormones affect so many parts of our lives—not just our periods, but our skin, weight, appetites, and energy levels—and what happens when these cycles get thrown off through stress, poor diet, or by being artificially controlled by birth control pills. I was inspired to read this book about women's health after hearing the author speak on one of my favorite podcasts, The Lively Show. She had a compelling 3.5 Stars. This is a book about women's health with a particular focus on how our cycle of hormones affect so many parts of our lives—not just our periods, but our skin, weight, appetites, and energy levels—and what happens when these cycles get thrown off through stress, poor diet, or by being artificially controlled by birth control pills. I was inspired to read this book about women's health after hearing the author speak on one of my favorite podcasts, The Lively Show. She had a compelling story and perspective, so I was eager to read the book. Having a number of similar health issues to the author, and having already embraced a more natural, holistic approach to health, I was fairly sure that the book would be right up my alley. A good portion of the book was informative, scientifically-based, and useful, especially the first half, although it mostly served to reinforce what I'd already come to believe. I'd definitely recommend it to other women who are curious about more holistic and natural health care and learning about their bodies and cycles in a more intimate way. However, I will warn women that some sections do contain a bit of hippie, "woo woo" language, particularly about honoring masculine and feminine energies within yourself. But I've come to expect some of that in these holistic health type of books. I will also warn that the author recognizes the importance of the birth control pill from a feminist standpoint, but she is quite anti-Pill from a hormone-controlling standpoint. I happen to agree with her for my own body, but I sort of felt uncomfortable with her broad suggestion that women shouldn't take the Pill. My main criticism is that a lot of the information in charts and lists (recommended foods, supplements, physical activities) could have been better integrated into the book to feel more helpful and less textbook-like. I wish the book would have provided some recipes that support this way of living, especially since she recommends different foods for each part of your hormonal cycle. Instead, the last section of the book serves to promote the author's online community and resources, but I would have preferred the book to be a stand-alone resource. ...more

3

Nov 30, 2015

The information that was there was good. I would have a more scientific description about the particular foods she recommends for the different phases of a woman's cycle. However, she included way too much self-promotion. I wanted more information about her system, so I decided to look on her website. She has a program for individual assistance on woman's health issues. This costs $297, even though she advertises it as affordable for all women. In conclusion, even though there were some good The information that was there was good. I would have a more scientific description about the particular foods she recommends for the different phases of a woman's cycle. However, she included way too much self-promotion. I wanted more information about her system, so I decided to look on her website. She has a program for individual assistance on woman's health issues. This costs $297, even though she advertises it as affordable for all women. In conclusion, even though there were some good bits in the book, it's obvious that the author is highly concerned with making money. ...more

2

Jun 28, 2015

Her plans are very restrictive and I feel that only people who have a certain degree of time and money can afford to go on them. Also I wasn't a fan of the fact that she's against manufactured hormonal contraceptives (e.g. the pill, patches, etc.). As a broke college graduate with PCOS, I don't think I could follow Vitti's approach without my oral contraceptives.

5

January 20, 2018

Changing my lifestyle! I'd love an app to help me synch everything according to my month

5

Aug 20, 2013

Loved! Loved! Loved this book! It is a must read for every woman. Get to know your body. Alisa Vitti provides a step by step approach to getting your cycle and hormones in balance.

5

Mar 17, 2015

I picked this up after deciding to stop using birth control pills due to some health issues. It's mainly been helpful in figuring out how to adjust my diet in order to get my cycle back on track after years of artificial hormones. I skipped over a lot of the more hippy-type stuff (I'm not making any vows to my ovaries, sorry), but the science was accurate and useful.

2

Jul 30, 2017

Oh my word. Self-help-y books either gel with you or don't. This one and I are a super-don't. Our personalities are at complete odds with one another. Ovary oath? Umm...no. The branding forcefully sprinkled throughout is nauseating. The bibliography is sparse and short, and there are very few footnotes matching data or statistics to conclusions. As a scientist, I do not trust her, at all.

However: it's obvious to me that this has worked for some women, and majority of recommendations are hardly Oh my word. Self-help-y books either gel with you or don't. This one and I are a super-don't. Our personalities are at complete odds with one another. Ovary oath? Umm...no. The branding forcefully sprinkled throughout is nauseating. The bibliography is sparse and short, and there are very few footnotes matching data or statistics to conclusions. As a scientist, I do not trust her, at all.

However: it's obvious to me that this has worked for some women, and majority of recommendations are hardly likely to make one worse, as they consist mainly of "eat more vegetables, drink more water, make sure you're getting enough fiber."

If this sort of language works for you, have at it. But ughhhhh not for me. ...more

5

Oct 26, 2019

It is my opinion that every woman should read this book! This book is full of scientific evidence and research for supporting your endocrine system , healthy fertility and menstrual cycles. The author has practical ideas on how to get these areas under control and in a healthy state. While she can be a bit repetitive, her information is easy to understand. Loved this book!!!!

3

Nov 16, 2018

I don't know how to feel about this one.

On the one hand, this made me think about my cycle, and how everything affects my hormones. It made me more aware of my own body, and taught me some natural ways to take care of symptoms and prevent them from happening (at least according to her, I haven't tried it yet). I also like that this method of cycle syncing doesn't require much of you to give it a try. Some adjustments in food and exercise. So I will give it a go, and see whether it works for me. I don't know how to feel about this one.

On the one hand, this made me think about my cycle, and how everything affects my hormones. It made me more aware of my own body, and taught me some natural ways to take care of symptoms and prevent them from happening (at least according to her, I haven't tried it yet). I also like that this method of cycle syncing doesn't require much of you to give it a try. Some adjustments in food and exercise. So I will give it a go, and see whether it works for me.

On the other hand, there were a lot of things that bothered me. When you think the content of this book through, it's mostly common sense? Eat healthy, make sure you have nutrient-dense food, exercise depending on how you feel, don't drink too much caffeine or alcohol, learn to deal with stress. I know all of that already! I will try to adjust my food to primarily the ones she recommends per phase of the cycle to see whether that made a difference.

I also already knew quite a bit about our hormones throughout the menstrual cycle, since I was taught that in biology in high school.

What annoyed me the most, however, is that this book could've been at least 80 pages shorter. The author spends SO MUCH time telling us all that your lives will change thanks to her program, that she has healed from PCOS and has helped other women to do so, and that she will tell us how to live our best lives. She could've just told me, instead of telling me she'd tell me. There was also so much promotion of her FLOliving website and program that it made me roll my eyes.

Lastly, I am not a fan of the title. Not every woman has a uterus, or a menstrual cycle for that matter. This was very focused on ciswomen. Granted, the target audience of this book is people with a menstrual cycle. But still. ...more

5

Apr 09, 2019

This book has become my bible. Far more women than you think, or they even know, suffer from hormonal issues. Including me. Alisa has changed so many women's lives on how to get in touch with their body and realize how an underlying issue internally can be affecting a multitude of things elsewhere. If you suffer with PCOS or hormonal issues, drop everything and buy this book.

5

Apr 04, 2019

Every woman needs to read this. We get so busy and forget to listen to our body but it has a lot to say. Highly recommended!

4

Mar 13, 2019

I really enjoyed reading this and I think that every woman can benefit from the Woman Code. I love figuring out how my body works, and what it does to keep me alive. The only thing I would say is that as someone who has been in recovery for her eating disorder, I didn't love how much of the book was specific foods, what to eat when, etc. I could tell that Vitti has an incredibly healthy and clear headed mindset on food (she obviously views it as fuel, not something to be earned, necessary for I really enjoyed reading this and I think that every woman can benefit from the Woman Code. I love figuring out how my body works, and what it does to keep me alive. The only thing I would say is that as someone who has been in recovery for her eating disorder, I didn't love how much of the book was specific foods, what to eat when, etc. I could tell that Vitti has an incredibly healthy and clear headed mindset on food (she obviously views it as fuel, not something to be earned, necessary for life, not good or bad, etc) but as someone who had to spend so much time figuring out how NOT to eat with rules, it was jarring to hear someone tell me all these rules I should follow.

For the most part, though, I learned a lot and am excited to put the things I learned into practice! ...more

4

Apr 11, 2017

I had heard about this book and wanted to try and balance my hormones a bit more. There was more advice in here about food related ways to fix your hormones than I was expecting, but I think it is worth exploring if you have any hormone related issues. Most women unfortunately, probably do have hormone issues - feeling tired, moody, acne, cravings, etc. I am going to try fixing my hormones as much as I can by eating certain foods and paying attention to how those foods make me feel. I definitely I had heard about this book and wanted to try and balance my hormones a bit more. There was more advice in here about food related ways to fix your hormones than I was expecting, but I think it is worth exploring if you have any hormone related issues. Most women unfortunately, probably do have hormone issues - feeling tired, moody, acne, cravings, etc. I am going to try fixing my hormones as much as I can by eating certain foods and paying attention to how those foods make me feel. I definitely recommend this book to any woman looking to feel better overall and address hormone issues. ...more