Book Review: The Power of Habit by C. Duhigg

When did fast food become a staple?  Why does toothpaste foam?  How did Febreeze become a best seller?  Did you know that the coupons you get in the mail from Target are different from your neighbor's coupons? All of these answers are explained in The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg (2012). 

I was asked to review this book for fellow dietitians.  Oftentimes, continuing education reading material can be boring and tedious, however this book quickly caught my interest and was engaging from beginning to end.  Whether you are a health care professional or someone interested in changing habits, this book is a good read with many tips for personal application.

Each of us engages in habits each and every day from the moment we wake up until we go to bed.  According to Duhigg, about 40% of all our actions during the day are habitual, decisions that do not require much mental effort.  Without our consent habits form, whether choose them or not.  However, once they take hold, breaking "the habit loop" can be difficult.  Regardless of the habit you are trying to break or create, this book has a very simple plan that starts with understanding exactly what you are trying to change.  It even offers short cuts to change multiple health-related behaviors by way of "keystone" habits. 

The Power of Habit takes readers through a journey of making small simple changes, to the inside workings of successful corporations and even human rights campaigns.  It is thought provoking and insightful. Readers will not be disappointed.