Carrie Underwood ‘Find Your Path’ Book Review

Carrie Underwood is an international country music superstar but she’ll tell anyone that her two other jobs, mother and wife, are just as, if not more, important. And to excel in all of those roles, she has to be the strongest, best version of herself. For Underwood, that means taking control of her life by committing to health and wellness. After fifteen years in the spotlight she is finally sharing what works for her in her new book, “Find Your Path: Honor Your Body, Fuel Your Soul, and Get Strong with the Fit52 Life”.

The project is autobiographical (fans will enjoy the stories from childhood, her time on American Idol, and a peek into her homelife with husband Mike Fisher, and two sons, Isaiah, age 5 and Jacob, 1), inspirational (it’s impossible not be motivated listening to the Queen of Country’s mindset and habits), and practical (complete with journal templates, mindfulness exercises, ideas for full workouts and recipes galore).

In a world of crash diets, exercise fads, and social media influencers claiming they know best, Underwood’s approach to health and wellness is refreshingly simple: eat well and move your body 52 weeks of the year.

The singer, who explicitly states that she is writing not as the global performer, but as “just Carrie”, writes from a place that is honest, upbeat, and accessible. While she has perfected what works for her, she never claims to be an expert on anything. In fact, the author collaborated with professional trainer Eve Overland and nutritionist Cara Clark throughout the project to offer their insight when appropriate. Instead, Carrie offers readers a look into her habits, both good and not so good, and explains how being conscious of her choices has positively impacted her career and her life. 

Carrie is the definition of practice what you preach. Even with her demanding work schedule, being a devoted wife, and raising two little boys she is committed to making time for her workouts, preparing (mostly) healthy food for her family, and holding herself accountable to her goals. 

Throughout the book, Carrie offers practical tips anyone can use, like sticking to simple meals full of what she calls “foods that God made” (aka those eaten in their natural form like veggies, fruits, and whole grains), making healthy swaps when you can, finding ways to stay active (whether that’s formal exercise, chasing the kiddos on the playground, or turning household chores into a workout), and not depriving yourself of the things you love. 

Carrie’s “pleasure principle” challenges all of us to “find that line between sensible restriction and sensitive indulgence” so we can enjoy life while staying on track. For her, that means doing her best to fuel her body with healthy food so that she can appreciate a glass of red wine with her husband, or some pizza with friends (she really loves pizza). Carrie is mostly vegan but insists that we should make our own decisions when it comes to food because only you know your body best.

Most people accept that eating better can improve your life, but starting or ramping up a fitness routine can feel daunting. Carrie has a plan for that too. The book includes numerous examples of real workouts that can be done anywhere, anytime with limited, if any equipment. There is even a new mobile app for iOs users called Fit52, that provides anyone with a smartphone a simple and automated way to do the exact workouts done by Carrie herself on and off the road.

As Carrie says at the conclusion of her book, “we are all growing and changing all the time” and part of that means you have to find what works for you and adjust it as life happens. Each one of us is capable of making positive changes in our lives, and picking up a copy of “Find Your Path” is a perfect place to start.

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