During a round at the Tallahassee Open in 1984, I spoke to Kenny Knox about the importance of nutrition and fitness. I am delighted to see that he and his wife, Karen, the author of this book, took my advice to heart. It should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me that I would be willing to offer a Foreword for Karen’s book, Forget the Die-its. Learn to LIVE-it!.

For most of my life, I have encouraged anyone who would listen to pay attention to what they are doing to the body – to fuel it properly and to participate in a regular fitness/exercise program. I compare the body to a kingdom, and every successful kingdom must have a queen and a king. For optimum health, the queen is nutrition and the king is exercise. This book is exciting because it addresses all aspects of health:  the mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical.

Worldwide, and especially in the United States, there is indeed a “health care crisis,” which has actually become a “disease management system.” Medical expenses and insurance as well as pain and suffering are continuing to escalate. So much of it is senseless because research proves that simply changing the way one cares for the human body can prevent and even reverse most diseases. One of the reasons I am endorsing Karen’s book is because she has used some of the material from my favorite health related book, The China Study by Colin Campbell. The research presented in Campbell’s book is compelling and clear:  there is an absolute direct relationship between diet and disease.

The plight of mankind looks dismal if the direction we are heading concerning health issues is not drastically changed soon. Most illnesses are a result of overindulgence, especially of the wrong types of food, as well as a lack of physical activity. Take charge of your health today and make a commitment to be proactive. Prevention is much easier and certainly less costly than treatment of disease.

I am particularly impressed with the format Karen has chosen to present her information. Understanding that it takes 20-30 days of practicing a new habit in order to make it a part of the lifestyle, Karen gives instructions which focus on one issue each month. I beg you to read the entire book at one time, and then set your goals to implement her suggestions for the next year of your life. As Karen puts it, “the pay-off will be well worth the price of sacrifice.”

GARY PLAYER