Find Your Path

By: Carrie Underwood

4/5 🥗

I will admit, as much of metal head as I am, I am absolutely obsessed with Carried Underwood! I will always find time to belt her music in between Metallica and Fever 333. When I saw this book on sale at Target, I knew I just had to buy it (even though I just made the resolution to buy less books...). I wanted to know more about Ms. Underwood's life and how she finds time to be healthy. I admit it.. I'm a sucker for "life-changing" health books if they're written by my idols.

The book opens with some tidbits and insight in Carrie's childhood. I didn't know much aside from her bout on American Idol, so this was all new information for me. I really enjoyed reading about her childhood and the pictures were authentic and plentiful. Most of the writing focuses on Carrie's decision to become vegetarian and how her time on American Idol later influenced her relationship with fitness and food. It also discusses her relationship with God and her devotion to her faith. I'm not a religious person, so I really appreciated the way Carrie approached this. She made it clear that it was important to her, but by no means did I ever feel like she was being "preachy" or "holier than thou".

The majority of the book focuses on Carrie's journey to be the healthiest she can be. I read some reviews before reading this book, and I'd have to say I respectfully disagree with many of them. A lot of reviewers seemed to think Carrie was "obsessive" for counting calories and journaling about what she eats and how she works out. They also disliked the fact that she has a mobile gym and can afford a trainer. Personally, I thought Carrie did an excellent job of stating that there are some privileges she can afford more than others, which is why she modified much of her advice to be obtainable by most readers. I also don't think journaling or calories counting are unhealthy. Sure, they're not for everyone, but they can be beneficial to some. Like Carrie, I love numbers and planning, so journaling about my food and how it makes me feel plus counting calories to hold myself accountable has helped me lose 50 pounds and counting. I don't consider myself to be obsessive or have an unhealthy relationship with food, so, I'll admit, I felt a little personally attacked by these reviews.

As for Carrie's mobile gym... yes, it's a little much, but it's what she chose to spend her money on, and I don't think we should shame her for that. Every exercise shared in the Fit52 can be done without any equipment or a mobile gym. I think we need to stop shaming people for choosing to live with luxuries they can afford. Anyway, I actually liked the layout of Fit52 and the modifications provided. Everything Carrie shares was looked over by professionals, so it's not some celebrity touting fake routines or pyramid scheme poop tea. It was, in my opinion, clearly thought out and lived by these people whose careers revolve around health.

Carrie's recipes were also fantastic! They are realistic recipes. Things that can be made without hours of prepping and fancy machines. Food that can be bought at any super market or grocery store, not some specialized LA delicacy. Carrie also offered a ton of options for on-the-go. I don't care what the critics say, her book made it seem like a healthy lifestyle is obtainable regardless of how busy one is. I truly appreciated it, and it was the perfect read for the new year! I am excited to try the workouts and recipes in this book and work towards a healthier lifestyle :) All in all, I thought this book was a great motivator, and my only complaint is that it didn't have more of a biography feel to it because I would have liked more insight into her life and career as a whole.

Happy New Year, everyone! Do what you need to do to make 2021 the perfect year for you.