Although we're commonly told 'You are what you eat', we are, in fact, only what we digest. And according to research, many of us are not digesting very well. Bloating, gas, headaches, fatigue ... food sensitivities, arthritis, skin problems - a growing number of conditions are being linked to improper digestion. And up until now, our focus has been on changing what we eat. In a fascinating blend of the latest medical science along with powerful ancient techniques, You Are NOT What You Eat offers a fresh approach - a clear roadmap for changing HOW we eat: 7 Simple Steps that can lead you to more energy, vibrant health, and the ability to eat anything you want again by enhancing one of your body's most vital functions - digestion. Highly acclaimed by doctors, clinical nutritionists, and other health care professionals, this is truly a book for anyone who eats food. Did you know: 70% of your immune system is located in or near your digestive tract. - Eating between meals might shorten your life. - There's a brain in your gut that could challenge the one in your head to a chess match. - 8 glasses of water a day could be bad for your digestion. "Powel isn't going to tell you what to eat ... he's here to tell you how to eat... And, surprisingly, what he has to say is both utterly fascinating and a light-hearted, delightful read." G.D. Maxwell, Pique Newsmagazine "If you're one of the growing number of people who are taking things like gluten and lactose right out of your diets because of digestion issues, ... Powel says it's not actually what you've been eating, but how you eat it that's the real problem." Steven Hill, Whistler Question "... takes us on a journey inside ourselves and provides understanding that is both ancient and cutting edge. A must read for those who seek total wellness." Bertice Berry, PhD, author of A Year to Wellness "... a roadmap on how to improve your energy levels and digestion by following 7 simple rules. What's unique about Powel's approach is the practicality of it all. His easy steps can lead you towards vibrant living." Elizabeth Lipski, PhD, CCN, author of Digestive Wellness and Digestive Wellness for Children "I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is well researched, well organized, and well written. I've learned quite a lot that will be applicable to my own practice." Dr. Hugh Fisher, MD, Olympic Gold Medalist "A very valuable, straight-forward approach to improving digestion. I highly recommend it." Dr. John Douillard, DC, author of The 3-Season Diet and Body, Mind, and Sport "This a wonderful book. It looks at digestion from a completely new perspective, dispelling myths and many common beliefs. Unique, funny and very practical. If you eat food, you need to read this book." Les Moncrieff, Registered Acupuncturist Van Clayton Powel is a former Registered Psychiatric Nurse who graduated at the top of his class and went on to specialize in addictions treatment and emergency psychiatric assessments. He also spent years in Asia training in traditional medical systems, martial arts, and yoga, and it is this clinical experience with both Western and Eastern approaches that he brings to his writing and teaching. Inspired by his own battle with chronic digestive problems, Powel was surprised to find the solution not in what he ate, but in how he ate - an approach that has been used successfully in Asia for thousands of years, yet fits in perfectly with the latest medical science. "We keep blaming foods for our digestive problems," says Powel, " - wheat, dairy, gluten, meat, etc. I'm convinced a huge part of the equation is not the food, but our damaged and ineffective digestive systems. In my case, my digestive problems were so bad I thought I was going to have to survive on a diet of white rice and a few steamed vegetables for the rest of my life. Today I can eat anything I want without a problem, and all my symptoms have disappeared." Powel is the founder of Mind Body Fitness, Inc., and has taught advanced health and fitness techniques to thousands of clients, including Olympic athletes and coaches, the Canadian National Snowboard Team, and corporations like VISA. He has also developed a number of proprietary training programs, including Runner's Yoga (runnersyoga.com), 30MinuteYoga , and the Refresh and Rejuvenate stress management system. Powel spends most of his time on the West coast of Canada with his wife, happily eating anything he wants again. You can reach him through YouAreNOTWhatYouEat.com.