Possessing strong mental health and physical well- being is a desire that has universal appeal and plenty of reading material exists to assist people in their quest to be healthy. Magazines on this subject abound and one that I read on occasion is **Whole Living Body & Soul**, a magazine dedicated to nutrition and mental health. **Magazine Commentary:** Whole Living Body & Soul is a magazine about improving one's mental and physical health through various means including nutrition, massage, meditation, and various self- improvements. This publication is similar to other health magazines with its nutritional aspects but different than others with its emphasis on mental health and awareness. Body & Soul divides its space between articles that emphasize the importance of good eating habits and articles that emphasize mental health. One article might talk about herbs and their usefulness to the body while an article that follows might talk about different yoga positions for people with back problems. This magazine strives to find the right balance between what you eat and what you do each day; that is, the right balance that will lead you to a happy, satisfied life where you look and feel great. One thing that is different with this magazine is the fact that it doesn't talk much about physical fitness, like most health and well- being magazines. The editors of Body & Soul certainly realize the importance of physical fitness but they instead dedicate this magazine to mental health. Massage, meditation, clearing the mind of negative thoughts, and other similar techniques are beneficial to all and Body & Soul emphasizes the use of these and other methods to full development of a happy, healthy person. It is also one of the few health magazines I know of that includes articles on subjects like personal finance, community involvement, giving to charity, etc. Basically, if an activity can possibly improve stress levels and create a sense of well- being, it has a chance for discussion in this magazine. Body & Soul offers some good reading material but I have found that it can often get quite redundant. Even within the same issue, it is common to read similar articles and it can get a little repetitive. Another criticism that has been leveled toward this magazine is the fact that it sometimes includes controversial articles about herbal healing and other topics that haven't been scientifically proven. Body & Soul keeps these types of endorsements to a minimum, so I don't think it matters. Still, there are many who work in the health field who will not appreciate these types of articles. **Bottom Line Viewpoint:**Overall, Whole Living Body & Soul is a good magazine that offers some interesting recipes, solid advice on nutrition, and techniques to reduce stress, improve mental awareness, and enhance overall health. I don't necessarily like everything I read in this magazine and I'm pretty sure I won't be applying all of its advice to my daily life. But this is still a good magazine and it's one that nutrition advocates and proponents of alternative health methodology will find very readable and informative.

Bryan-Carey

Houston, TX

The only reason I got Body or Soul is because I choose it as a free gift.  I am very happy with this magazine.  You get everything from health-exercise tips to beauty tips to recipes, etc.  I changed my health lifestyle 1 year ago and little did I know that this magazine would be so helpful !  I always find something in here that's relevant to me. It's an easy read too.

Junell

Pittsburgh, PA

As a newspaper editor, I am very critical of the periodicals that I read. Whole Living magazine (formerly Body & Soul), however, is refreshing and put together with a beautiful attention to detail.  The one worst attribute of many periodicals is repetition; the same magazine prints basically the same article about basically the same subject, basically every month. Whole Living really knows how to 'spice it up,' and keeps each issue different from the last.  Some of it can be a little hokey; for example, June 2010's article about "Modern Ayurveda" which suggests either daily oil massages, drinking coconut water, or sticking to 'sharp, astringent, and bitter foods' all depending on pre-determined 'dosha.' Like I said, sometimes it's a bit of a stretch, but for the casual reader, Whole Living can bring about an interesting perspective.  With sections about cooking, health, beauty, nutrition, balancing your life and living green, Whole Living has something for every reader - although it limits its appeal to primarily middle-aged working-class women. It relies heavily on the influence of the season for its inspiration for the articles and more overreaching themes of their monthly issues.  The writing is usually very good; not especially mindblowing, but the content is usually fulfilling enough to make a good read. All in all, I never turn down an opportunity to pick up a Whole Living and pick up a few tips and tricks for how to balance and organize my life. I would definitely recommend this magazine to a friend (as long as I knew it would be 'her kind of thing.')

taylormcm

Tallahassee, FL

Body & Soul is a great magazine from the Marth Stewart line.  For you greenies out there, it is printed on recycled paper and they list all kinds of healthly, earth friendly products.  I love the feel of this magazine.  It has great articles about natural living, discussing things like food, fun and exercise. Check the internet for best pricing.  I received mine at $1 per issue.

MommaHunt

Cumming, GA

I love body and soul magazine because they have everything from healthy recipies to natural products for the home and body.  There are articles on exersize and yoga as well, and my favorite feature is when they put a particular whole food such as nuts or beets in the spotlight, explain its benifites and how to utilize it more into your diet.  It really is the only magazine I read cover to cover

cepe

Carle Place, NY

Body and soul magazine is great. It has helpful tips for helping you reach your personal goals. Some of my favorites are easy to do exercises; tasty, healthy recipes; and tips for living green(er). This magazine has all the things I want without all the clutter about the newest makeup colors, hair styles, fashions, etc.

kota1234

Somerville, MA

So far I really like this magazine...the articles and even the ads are informative and help me make decision to make my life more 'green' and organic. I could do without the article by Bill Clinton however...a bit self serving and unnecessary. Almost didn't buy the magazine because he was on the cover.

tmdsampler

Hudson, OH

Body and Soul is a well written magazine with beautiful photos. It offers a wide range of healthy information for the body, for the soul; from exercise, facials, to mushroom soup. All the recipes are tempting to try. This is a good read, an easy read, and no matter who you are I'm sure you can find something of value in this magazine.  I generally try a magazine and cancel most, but this one has been a keeper.

Cookie888

Portland, OR