You’re standing in front of a bakery window, watching golden, sugar-glazed donuts twirl lazily on a rack. The scent is hypnotizing. You can almost hear your personal trainer whispering in one ear while your cravings shout in the other. You glance down at your Apple Watch. You ran five miles this morning surely that buys you a donut, right?
It’s a moment most of us know well. And it’s also the moment that inspired a bold new question one that Dr. Jason Karp has taken seriously enough to turn into a groundbreaking book.
That question is simple but profound.
Can you actually outrun a donut?
A Question That Redefines Wellness
Dr. Jason Karp isn’t just asking this question for effect. He’s asking it as a respected scientist, coach and lifelong advocate of health. And his answer, drawn from decades of research and real-world coaching, is one that turns conventional wisdom on its head.
In his new book Can You Outrun a Donut, Dr. Karp unpacks one of the biggest debates in wellness culture what matters more, what you eat or how you move? The answer, it turns out is far more layered than any one-size-fits-all health mantra would have us believe.
Why This Book Reads Like a Scientific Thriller
What makes this book so captivating is that it doesn’t just regurgitate familiar fitness advice. Instead, it reads like a well-crafted investigation, filled with unexpected turns and aha moments. Dr. Karp delves into the data with the energy of a detective, examining the four pillars of health body weight, overall health, mortality, and performance with precision and purpose.
He uncovers something remarkable. Low cardiovascular fitness is such a significant risk factor for disease and early death that it can outweigh even a clean, nutritious diet. You could eat all the kale in the world, but if you’re not moving your body, your health is still at risk.
And on the flip side, if you're exceptionally fit, the negative effects of that occasional donut or even a diet that's less than ideal are significantly less impactful than we’ve been led to believe.
The Surprising Power of Fitness
This idea that fitness can buffer the effects of poor diet isn’t an excuse to eat recklessly. But it is a wake-up call.
We often treat diet and exercise like two separate lanes on the road to wellness. Dr. Karp argues they’re part of the same system, and that cardiovascular fitness may be the most overlooked shield we have against chronic disease and premature death.
This insight alone makes Can You Outrun a Donut one of the most valuable wellness reads of the year. But it’s not just the facts that make it compelling it’s how they’re presented.
Where Research Meets Real Life
Throughout the book, Dr. Karp balances hard science with real-world relatability. He weaves in stories from his career as a coach and educator as well as anecdotes from runners he’s trained and personal experiences from his own journey.
The tone is conversational but authoritative, making even the densest research digestible. Whether you’re a dedicated athlete or someone who simply enjoys staying informed, the book keeps you hooked from one page to the next.
You’ll find yourself questioning your assumptions, rethinking your habits and most importantly, feeling inspired to move.
A Perfect Read for a Sophisticated Wellness Lifestyle
If you’re someone who takes pride in making intentional choices about your health, diet, and lifestyle, Can You Outrun a Donut belongs in your reading rotation. It’s smart, it’s engaging, and it offers a high-level yet practical perspective that aligns perfectly with the values of the Fine Homes and Living community.
It’s also a great conversation piece. Whether you’re at a dinner party or brunching with fellow wellness enthusiasts, the central theme of this book is bound to spark thoughtful discussion.
Pre-Order It Before Everyone Else Is Talking About It
For a limited time, Can You Outrun a Donut is available for pre-order as an e-book for just $0.99. The paperback edition releases May 15. It’s the perfect companion for a weekend getaway, a long flight, or a quiet morning on your veranda with a green juice or a donut. No judgment here.
Pre-order from your preferred Amazon store:
Meet the Visionary Behind the Book
Dr. Jason Karp is a powerhouse in the fitness and sports science world. He’s an award-winning personal trainer, former college professor, and two-time recipient of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition Community Leadership award. His coaching programs have reached professionals in 26 countries, and his TED Talk, How Running Like an Animal Makes Us Human, has inspired audiences globally.
This book marks his 17th publication but it may just be his most personal and provocative yet.
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