REVIEW: "Finally Thin" by Kim Bensen

TITLE: "Finally Thin"
AUTHOR: Kim Bensen
DIETY?: no
IE?: some
MY RATING: 4****

Kim used to weigh over 350 lbs. Finally, one day, a Bible verse sparked her to try losing weight just one more time, even though she’d almost completely given up hope that she could ever be thin again. (Don’t be turned off by the mention of the Bible, though, as this book only had a couple very brief references to verses).

With a friend, Kim signed up for Weight Watchers and, within two years, had lost 212 pounds! (without surgery!)

This book doesn’t necessarily outline yet another plan. Instead, it’s meant to be used in conjunction with whatever diet plan you’ve already chosen to do. And, if you’re still searching for what plan might work for you, there’s also a fairly thorough list of the diets out there, with pros and cons of each one.

The book includes tips for the “journey” as well as for the maintenance phase. I really enjoyed this one!

Rated: B+

REVIEW: "Never Say Diet" and "The NSD Personal Fitness Trainer" by Chantel Hobbs

TITLE: "Never Say Diet"
AUTHOR: Chantel Hobbs
DIETY?: somewhat
IE?: some
MY RATING: 4****

Half memoir, half how-to book, "Never Say Diet" is the story of how Chantel lost 200 lbs. by following her 5-decision plan, and by changing her thinking.

Chantel now runs marathons and teaches spinning classes.

I loved the bits about changing your thinking, but hated that Chantel still recommends cutting out certain foods, and gives a "Bad Foods" list.

Rated: B

TITLE: "The Never Say Diet Personal Fitness Trainer"
AUTHOR: Chantel Hobbs
DIETY?: somewhat
IE?: some
MY RATING: 4****

This small book is a 16-week journaling companion for Chantel Hobbs’ book, “Never Say Diet“.

Each week has space to journal your cardio and strength-training exercises, and another space to journal your food intake. Also included, each week, are a main Bible verse, an inspirational quote, and a brief inspirational message from Chantel about mindset, exercise, and eating.

A great resource for those following Chantel’s “Never Say Diet” program.

Rated: B+

REVIEW: Half-Assed: A Weight Loss Memoir by Jennette Fulda

TITLE: "Half-Assed: A Weight Loss Memoir"
AUTHOR: Jennette Fulda
PAGES: 239
DIETY?: somewhat
IE?: somewhat
MY RATING: 4****

This was a great memoir about a woman who originally weighed about 372 pounds, but then got off her tush and lost half of her body weight! She lost over 200 pounds the "old-fashioned" way (as opposed to surgery) by eating sensibly and exercising.

My favorite part of the book was where she refused to say what "diet plan" she used, as she believes that everyone is different, and therefore no ONE plan is going to work for everybody. She says you need to find your own balance, and what works for YOU, personally.

The details she gives about what it felt like to go from being grossly overweight and basically "invisible" to a more "normal" size and getting attention from others was really interesting. And, when she talked of actually learning to love eating healthier and moving her body, it was really inspiring! Her transformation is very motivating!

The author's blog, www.pastaqueen.com, has some great "interactive" before and after photos! Check 'em out!

Recommended.

Rated: A-

REVIEW: The Amazing Adventures of Dietgirl by Shauna Reid

Title: "The Amazing Adventures of Dietgirl: The Hilarious and Heartwarming Tale of a Real-Life Superhero Who Battled the Bulge and Won!"
Author: Shauna Reid
Pages: 397
Diety?: somewhat
IE: somewhat
My Rating: 4****


I found out about this book a week or two ago, while surfing around online. Found the website, and found the book...then found that my library had a copy -- yay!

Shauna Reid started out at about 351 pounds... she went to a Weight Watchers weigh-in with her sister, and had a moment of decision: she couldn't live like she'd been doing any more. So, she made up her mind right then to change. She signed up for Weight Watchers, and she started her journey.

Shauna didn't stay with WW, though. Eventually she learned to make up her own plan, and she joined a gym. This is her story of how she lost half of her body weight, and learned to make peace with her body and her life. :)

Hilarious book, but full of inspiration. You can't help but be moved by Shauna's story (which was originally just her blog-posts on her website, and then got turned into a book -- there's more content in the book, though).

Recommended.

Rated: A+