By: Editors of Good Housekeeping
Publisher: 7YY
Publication Date: January 2013
ISBN: 978-1936297634
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: January 2013

"You look fabulous!" Ah, three memorable words that I'll never forget. I've heard them a few times and want to hear them again. And again, and again ... the natural way. I'll never forget the time I had lunch with someone who looked like she was about to pop from one too many facelifts. She could have followed many of the hints in this book, including "Facelift on a Plate" and looked radiant instead of radical. There are tips and suggestions galore in this book that draw "on the latest breakthroughs in anti-aging research as well as the advice of top experts in skin care, cosmetics, hair care, nutrition and diet, exercise, and emotional health."

Have you ever bought a book that claimed you'd lose twenty pounds, firm up, and look gorgeous in a month? You probably have and that book is probably sitting unsold at your library sale with a dozen duplicates. I for one am more inclined to go with a book that has a bit of research behind it. Good solid research is a big draw. Good Housekeeping Research Institute put "everything from eye creams and deep conditioners to wrinkle serums and teeth whiteners through scientific tests that reveal which products really work." No infomercial here, just the facts ... the products and how to use them.

No hypothesis or windbag treatise on how you could look "7 Years Younger" in this book. The Good Housekeeping "Dream Team" worked with a select group of women and together they "helped fine-tune this program to suit real women's needs." And you'll see before and after photographs of these women and get to read about their pledges, plans, and goals. Tessa Jean, who looks fabulous by the way, claims "Agelessness is not just something that comes from random changes. You have to take a holistic approach." She somehow found it in this plan and incorporated it into her life.

Fern Richter claims that "The computer told me that I had gone from 12 wrinkles on my face to five." FYI, I've had this book for more than seven weeks, courtesy of the publisher, and I've adapted some of the things to my needs and definitely look better. A lot better. I started my exercise program at that time and my overall energy boost was incredible. My shuffle turned into a strong, confident walk. There are many interesting recipes from which I garnered several useful hints. There are charts, "Ask the Expert" sections, and numerous informative sidebars that give 7YY Bonus Tips. For example one chart tells you how to tell the difference between a whole grain and a refined one. Yet another two-page spread gives you "Your Look-Younger Hair Repair Kit."

This book is not for everyone. Please keep in mind that you're looking at a lifestyle change. Are you ready? If so when you open this book you'll be taking a "7 Years Younger Pledge." You'll need support, but most of all, you'll need to want to look younger and you will. The pictures of the women who took that pledge are in this book and they all, to the letter, look fabulously happy with themselves. Good luck on your new life and Happy New Year!

Quill says: The 7-day jumpstart and 7-week plan in this book will change your life.