Book Review: Happy Brain Coloring Book, Ketogenic and Metabolic Therapies for Mental Health Recovery by Nicole Laurent, LMHC

When I saw a social media post about Nicole Laurent’s latest project, the Happy Brain Coloring Book, I mistakenly assumed it was for children. Curious and excited, I ordered it immediately. Turns out, as the subtitle suggests, the book is intended for adults who are ‘using metabolic therapies to support psychiatric or neurological recovery.’

In the introduction, Nicole explains:

‘These books aren’t just for fun. They’re designed to help you stay engaged, hopeful, and consistent with your healing process. Coloring Happy Brain [and Mito] is a simple, low-pressure way to reinforce the recovery mindset, reduce stress, and connect emotionally to the progress you’re making…..Each page is a celebration of powerful metabolic therapies and the daily choices that move you forward.’

These powerful metabolic therapies will be familiar to readers: delicious, nutrient-dense meals, intermittent fasting, resistance training, vitamin and electrolyte support, meaningful relationships, time outdoors in the morning and for meals, and of course, quality sleep. These essential habits seem so basic, but they are so easily disrupted by modern life and culture.

We all remember the calm satisfaction of coloring as children. Research by the Mayo Clinic and other respected institutions confirms the benefits of that feeling. Adult coloring enhances mindfulness, relieves stress, and supports emotional well-being. Leave it to Nicole to combine this practice with metabolic healing.

If you’re just discovering this metabolic health dynamo, prepare to be inspired. Nicole is a licensed mental health counselor in Washington State whose mantra is: ‘Because you have the right to know all of the ways you can feel better’.  She helps individuals and families integrate behavior change with metabolic approaches that support cognition and mood.

Nicole’s initiatives include:

·      An online keto-for-mental-health group program

·      Continuing education courses in metabolic psychiatry for non-prescribers

·      Research on ketogenic diets and mental illness recovery

·      A free Brain Nutrition Guide

·      The Brain Fog Recovery Source, a non-profit serving individuals who have mental illness and a limited income

And now, add to the list: the delightful Happy Brain Coloring Book, with more to come!