Reviews

"California Healthy: The Adventurer's Guide to Local Delicacies, Fine Wine, Great Walks and the Good Life is a guide for California residents as well as vacationers. What distinguishes California Healthy is its close attention to the healthy food and fitness-promoting activities. County-by-county listings give the address, telephone number, and open numbers of everything from restaurants with healthful cuisine to parks ideal for walks to art galleries, botanical gardens, artisan's markets, colleges, special holiday celebrations and much more. Full-color maps and photographs on almost every page add a splendid visual touch to this high-quality guide for anyone in the Southern California area seeking to stay in shape."
     ~ Michael J. Carson
        Reviewers Bookwatch, Entrepreneur.com

"I believe we should find health in the pursuit of pleasure, and pleasure in the pursuit of health.  The authors of California Healthy have turned that philosophy into a "how-to" book!  Loaded with practical, detailed, and wonderfully intimate information on how to eat well, be active, and enjoy the rich offerings of numerous locales, the book is one part health guide, one part travel guide.  What a wonderful resource! I certainly know what book I'm packing whenever I visit California!"
     ~ David L. Katz, MD, MPH, FACPM, FACP  (Bio)
        Director, Prevention Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine
        Dr. Katz is a medical contributor for ABC News; nutrition columnist to O, The Oprah Magazine; and a health columnist for the
        New York Times Syndicate.  Dr. Katz is also a frequent source of expert opinion to print media, radio, and television.

"This is a must-have book when you live or travel in California.  Patricia really found the coolest health-oriented people and places in each town - and joyously takes you to them!"
     ~ Lindsey Miller
        Director of Marketing, San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce

"A must-have book for anyone who cares about good, healthy living; great for families."
     ~ Pacific Grove CA Chamber of Commerce

"Traditionally, travel and health haven't always been cozy partners. But California Healthy shows that they certainly can be.  This remarkably comprehensive and easy-to-use guide to food, fitness, and the Golden State gives a whole new meaning to "eat and run"."
     ~ Brad Herzog, author of "States of Mind" and "Small World"

"It's about time someone came up with a practical guide for where to find the best healthy foods, outdoor activities, and restaurants that feature nutritious cuisine.  Whether you are traveling or staying close to home, Patricia Hamilton points the way to finding farmers' markets, food festivals, and markets that offer the finest in fresh ingredients for healthy eating.  This comprehensive guide also features local attractions, walks, and restaurants, plus Stanford Executive Chef, Bruce Biron's delicious, nutritious recipes."
     ~ Bob Walch, book columnist, The Monterey County Herald

"California Healthy is a guide for California residents as well as vacationers.  What distinguishes this book is its close attention to the healthy food and fitness-promoting activities.  Listings give the address, phone number, and hours of everything from restaurants with healthful cuisine to parks ideal for walks to art galleries, botanical gardens, artisan's markets, colleges, special holiday celebrations, and much more.  Full-color maps and photographs add a splendid visual touch to this high quality guide for everyone seeking to stay in shape."
     ~ Michael J. Carson, Reviewer, The Midwest Book Review

"If you live and travel in the Southland and have wondered what options you have to live and eat healthy, you should check out California Healthy, a meticulously researched guide of delicious foods, wine-tasting, cultural and agricultural tourism.  Its focus on health is designed to appeal to the growing number of Americans concerned with combining a good meal and good nutrition.  California Healthy provides the total experience at each locale:  wholesome, flavorful food, wine, and entertaining sights and events within walking distance of each other.  Food connoisseurs will appreciate the vegetarian, vegan, and organic food sources.  Maps, directions and details on hours and prices are laid out in reader-friendly formats, including website and tourist information."
     ~ Frederick Mintchell, Campus Circle Review

"In a truly amazing compilation, Ms. Hamilton shows us the best of what Southern California has to offer.  This resource will be invaluable for your next culinary adventure.  With recipes from esteemed Executive Chef, Bruce Biron, and advice on exercise and diet from certified exercise physiologist Janel Willette, you will be able to start yourself on a new healthy track.

Focusing on locally grown products, of both inland and coastal counties, plus the annual list of food, wine and walk events, this must-have guide will help you explore the best in California dining and lifestyle.  The recipes amazingly worked and were delicious!  I have to applaud Ms. Hamilton and her contributors for compiling such a useful guide!"
     ~ Vianna Renaud, TCM Reviews

"I love the book!  I've never seen anything exactly like it, the blend of attractions, farmer's markets (rarely highlighted in such a resource) and recipes.  I think you've created an expansive resource that will be useful to people in exploring and discovering the resources in their own area, as well as any part of California that they travel to."
     ~ Joanne Strong-Millsap, travel writer, Redlands, CA

"I like everything I can see about the book, from sustainable foods to agricultural tourism."
     ~ Hunter Vogel, Winemaker, Kit Fox Vineyards

"Californians have always been known to be innovators and forerunners of trends. Now, Patricia Hamilton, a California native, has a pulse on the future direction of travel guidebooks. California Healthy is for conscious, sustainable living aware individuals. Whether you live in California or are planning a holiday in this state, which is like a country unto itself, you will find plenty to set any healthy adventurer's heart a flutter. Enjoy a meal from quick foods to elegant organic restaurants. Or find a recipe in the book and shop for all of the natural ingredients at one of the farmer's markets, and prepare it yourself. Afterwards, find a great place for a walk. Whether your interests lean towards something historical, nature wild, or artsy, you can keep your body and senses moving and top it off with a great place to stop for a coffee, tea, or something sweet! Every community's healthful treasures are unveiled in this fabulous Southern California Edition.

~ Ixchel Leigh, author, aromatherapist, natural perfumer, named a leading Complementary Therapist   by British Vogue, and California native! www.vibrational.com

What Visitors and Locals are Saying. . .

5 out of 5 stars.....Keep in your glove compartment.

"I just used California Healthy as I was driving down to Los Angeles. Even though I've driven the route all my life, I can tell this book is going to change how I travel up and down the state. This time, instead of just pulling into the first or second eatery that 'looked okay,' we followed the book's clear map to a healthy cafe destination. Comparing a couple of the book's reviews beforehand was fun, as we narrowed down our choice. Had we not consulted California Healthy, we would have had typical, high-calorie road food, but instead we had a tasty (fresh, seasoned, mouth-watering) affordable meal.

The book's color photos add note-worthy identification to the destinations' descriptions. Not only does the book guide you to restaurants, but farmers' and whole food markets, local attractions, and wineries. The recipes in the back are another "bonus" of the book, adding to the authenticity of its message: eat delicious food at home and/or on the road. Neither time-crunches nor unfamiliar environs are an excuse to treat your body poorly. The recipes are easy and quick; the directions to the food purveyors will get you in and out quickly.

We are lucky to be in California when we're traveling because we can take advantage of so many healthy-minded food enterprises. With a little direction from California Healthy, we can proudly boast of delicious, healthy choices, whenever we hit the road."
     ~ Erica Goebel

"As a European resident who travels frequently to California and want to continue to eat healthy, this book is a Godsend.  It certainly must be the definitive resource for eating healthy whether living or traveling in California.  Bravo, Patricia!"
     ~ Laurie Blum Guest, Mariposa Press

"I found this book a delight.  My big dread whenever I travel is to find good places to eat healthy and find them on the road easily.   This guide does all of that.  The recipes in the back are a special bonus.  The high quality pictures make it a travel guide we all should have.  I will keep my copy in the car for sure! I have lived my whole life in California and Patricia found the treasures I never knew existed."
     ~ Geneva R. "Rod Fan"

"As someone who gets easily lost in Southern California, I thank you for organizing each region into an easy to follow guide to healthy eating and recreation possibilities.  I stick to the well-beaten path in Southern California, but, with your book in hand, I feel anyone can try new places, new things to do and anticipate great fun!"
     ~ Pam H.

"Where else can you find a book that is not only invigorating, but is a complete guide to wining, dining, cooking, and more, including maps, restaurants, vineyards, farmer's markets, beaches, festivals, and walks?  This really is a wonderful book that says it all, and keeps you healthy as well."
     ~ Hans L., Carmel, California

"After spending an evening reading Patricia's book, I felt like I had a mini vacation.  Her descriptions perked my interest to visit many of the areas, and to revisit areas where I had missed her points of interest.  I particularly like the comprehensive Calendar of Events.  It will be very helpful in planning my trips."
     ~ Marlyn A.

"I am enjoying my journey through your comprehensive book! My what a wealth of information!  It is hard to imagine all the visits you made to gather all these descriptions.  A very impressive collection!"
     ~ Shirley

Praise for Executive Chef Bruce Biron's Recipes. . .

"I tried two of Chef Bruce Biron's recipes: the Artichoke, Celery Root, Pistachio and Potato Gratin and the Tuxedo Chocolate Apricots. The gratin was very easy to make and I really enjoyed this healthy vegetarian mixture. The chocolate apricots were also very easy to make and worked well for a last minute dessert.  Light and not too sweet. Thanks to the author for providing Chef Biron's practical recipes and for creating such a colorful book full of great information on how to have a healthy life style in California."
     ~ Umit Samur Ferguson, the author of "Turkish Home Cooking,
        From My Heart to Your Kitchen"; www.happyhearteating.com