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Showing posts with label Weight Loss. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weight Loss. Show all posts
Thursday, December 09, 2021
Body-Positive YA Horror Novel Hilarious and Powerful
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Vivian Ellenshaw knows she's overweight. She also knows it doesn't matter. The teen is comfortable with who she is—a smart, funny, athletic soccer star—and with how she looks (even if her plus-size body bothers her mother and her new stepdad). Vee is not exactly thrilled, then, when her parents decide she needs to spend her winter break at a weight-loss camp. She's even less enthusiastic when she realizes who's going to be accompanying her on the van ride to Flagstaff: Allison DuMonde, her former BFF. Although the camp van driver is a hot college student, a definite plus, Vee is not happy about the situation, which seems to be getting worse by the second.
I've been looking forward to reading Eat Your Heart Out, the newest YA novel from local Arizona author Kelly deVos, ever since I heard about it. It's got a fun premise (with a hard-core message behind it) that just makes me laugh. The set-up is unique, the characters are likable, and the action is pretty much non-stop from the get-go. Although the book is gory and sad (in places), it's also surprisingly upbeat and funny. Most of all, it's an empowering, body-positive novel that smashes stereotypes and reminds us all that everyone is more than what their outward appearances might suggest. I could have done without the constant F-bombs blasting all over the place, but otherwise, I enjoyed this entertaining read and its many powerful messages.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of Starfish by Lisa Fipps [sans zombies])
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, blood/gore, and mild sexual content
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Eat Your Heart Out with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Monday, October 12, 2020
Weight Loss Memoir Tells Remarkable Story of Weight Watchers Founder Jean Nidetch
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
"Dieting is asking you to control something wild and governable, your body, with your brain, which is only slightly more under your control" (141).
If you've ever attended a Weight Watchers (now known only as WW) meeting, you understand the feeling of support and camaraderie that comes with having a group of like-minded peers behind you as you try to lose weight. It's powerful. Long before health experts understood the importance of weight loss support groups, there was Jean Nidetch. A Brooklyn housewife who weighed more than she wanted to, Jean searched for a program that could help her slim down. When a city-sponsored nutrition course helped her lose 70 lbs, her friends begged her to teach them how to achieve the same results. In 1961, she started gathering these women in her home for sessions of instruction, discussion, and support. Weight Watchers—a company that would sell for $17 million in 1978—was born.
Like other WW attendees, I had heard the basic story of Jean's home-grown idea that turned into a formidable enterprise. I knew little else about her, however, until I picked up This is Big by Marisa Meltzer. Having struggled with her weight since childhood, the New York City journalist decided to give Weight Watchers a try. Not only did she investigate the program, but she also started researching the life of its founder. What results is a deeply personal but very readable account of Meltzer's struggles with her own weight, her experience as a Weight Watchers member, and a balanced recounting of Jean's life and how it changed in unexpected ways as her company became increasingly popular and profitable. The book is funny, insightful, honest, and relatable. As one who, like Meltzer, is often guilty of the "crime of appetite" (7), I devoured This is Big in almost one sitting. Although it deals with weighty issues, the book really is that engaging. I came out of it feeling understood and with a deeper respect for Jean Nidetch. Despite a fanaticism that caused problems in her personal life, her entrepreneurship led to the development of a revolutionary company that was changing lives in the 60s and is still doing so today. No matter what you may think of counting points, weight loss programs, and the whole dieting industry, you can't read This is Big without being a little bit in awe of what Jean Nidetch accomplished with her ingenuity, exuberance, and her deep desire to help other people. Her story really is rather remarkable.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of other weight loss memoirs, although I've never read another specifically about Weight Watchers)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (1 F-bomb, plus milder expletives), mild sexual content, and references to illegal drug use
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Saturday, January 05, 2019
Funny, Authentic YA Debut Preaches Loving Yourself and Your Body, No Matter What Size You Are
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Ever since a bitter divorce propelled her mother to audition for a weight loss reality show, things at Savannah Alverson's home have been a little rough. Her mom is still obsessed with the extreme diet/exercise methods she learned on the show and she won't stop harping on Savannah about her own extra weight. Savannah could ignore the jabs more easily when Ashley, her sister and best friend, was by her side; now that Ashley has gone away for college, Savannah has to deal with it on her own. She's never felt more alone.
Savannah's senior year of high school is supposed to be magical, and it does start perking up when she meets "dorky-hot" George Smith. She feels instantly comfortable with the kind band nerd, who seems to reciprocate her growing feelings. Except sometimes, he runs a bit hot and cold. What's up with that? While Savannah tries to sort her George problem, she also has to deal with her mom's increasingly dangerous behavior, her sister's gaping absence, her boiling anger toward her dad, and a shocking news story that just might lead her to the college path that's meant to be hers. Dealing with it all won't be easy. In fact, this just might be the toughest year of Savannah's life ...
To Be Honest, a debut novel by Maggie Ann Martin, is a quick YA read that's entertaining and authentic. Savannah is an admirable heroine—she's smart, funny, and confident but she also has some flaws and issues to keep her real. The story she tells isn't anything fresh or original. However, the tale definitely promotes having a positive body image. Unlike her mom, Savannah isn't trying to lose weight; she's not even that concerned about being chubby. She knows she's a little overweight, but that doesn't stop her from dating, being involved at school, getting top marks, or putting body-shamers in their places. I love that about this book and hope that teen girls will get the message loud and clear. Overall, then, I enjoyed this read that stays funny and positive even when Savannah's dealing with hard things.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of Plus by Veronica Chambers, What I Lost by Alexandra Ballard, and Purge by Sarah Darer Littman)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (1 F-bomb, plus occasional, milder expletives), depictions of underage drinking, and mild innuendo
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Breezy Weight Loss Boss Offers Realistic Advice From Someone Who's Been There
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
With the dawning of each new year, I always make the same resolution: lose weight. A frustrating week or so later and I'm scribbling a new goal: forget dieting and embrace my chubbiness 'cause it's obviously not going anywhere anytime soon! It's only when I've taken a middle ground approach that I've actually had success working off some of my unwanted pounds. Willpower and self-motivation not being particular strengths of mine, I've turned to Weight Watchers for help more than once. It works. As long as I stick with the program. Which sounds so easy ...
It was actually at a Weight Watchers meeting that I heard about Weight Loss Boss by David Kirchhoff. Published in 2013, the book chronicles the (former) Weight Watchers CEO's 9-year journey to his goal weight. Using the tools taught to all WW members, Kirchoff lost—and kept off—40 pounds. Although he resigned as CEO in 2013, he continues to use what he learned to keep his weight in check.
As Kirchhoff tells his story, he spills his big secret to success: do not rely on willpower and determination alone. He emphasizes the importance of sticking to healthy routines. By consistently exercising, eating the right foods, and avoiding the wrong ones, we can achieve "medically meaningful" (11) weight loss. As Kirchhoff describes his daily doings, it's easy to see that he practices what he preaches.
You won't find any revolutionary, miracle advice in Weight Loss Boss, but what you will get is realistic, no-nonsense tips from someone who's been there. Kirchhoff is funny, compassionate and, above all, authentic. If you want a quick, inspiring read that will jumpstart your desire to work on your own weight loss goals, definitely give this one a go.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs) and very vague references to sex
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Skinny: It's About More Than Just The Pounds
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Ever Davies knows she's fat. The 15-year-old weighs over 300 pounds, so it's not like she's surprised when someone calls her an elephant or a whale or a freak or whatever. Not that the words don't wound—of course they do—but she's so used to hearing the labels that she hardly notices anymore. Besides, if real people aren't calling Ever names, she's got Skinny—the constant, nagging voice in her head—reminding her that she's an out-of-control blob who will never be loved. Ever's so used to living (if you can call it that) this way, she's almost given up trying to change things. What's the point? As Skinny is so quick to note, Ever is too pathetic and helpless to do anything right.
After a humiliating experience at school, Ever's finally had enough. Determined to gain some control over her life, she embarks on a risky journey to slim down, get healthy and prove to the world that she's someone worth noticing. And yet, even as the pounds melt off, Ever can't stop hearing Skinny's snarky criticism. Is it possible that Skinny's been right all along? Is Ever destined for failure, no matter how hard she works? Is she really too worthless to bother with—or can Ever find something inside herself that's worth saving, even celebrating? Most importantly, what will happen when she reaches her weight loss goal? Will Ever Davies finally be happy?
I mentioned a few weeks ago that I wanted to read more books about obesity, especially about teens who struggle with the issue. An author friend of mine mentioned that she'd heard good things about Skinny, a debut novel by Donna Cooner. Cooner, who's written picture books, textbooks and children's television shows, is also a former gastric bypass patient—obviously, weight loss is something with which she's intimately familiar. That insider's view makes Ever's fight for control over her body an authentic and poignant one. Cooner's personal experience with bariatric surgery also makes for a story peppered with interesting details about the process. All of that kept me interested. What annoyed me about Skinny, though, is its lack of a well-defined central conflict. Ever's goal is to lose weight, yes, but since the pounds are "magically" disappearing via surgery, she achieves what she wants a little too easily for my tastes. I want to see a hero or heroine really struggle to attain the story goal, and Ever really doesn't that much. Yes, she still has to banish the voice in her head (which, really, is the point of the story), but still ... the central conflict didn't feel like that big of a conflict, in my *humble* opinion. In the end, while I appreciated Cooner's realistic look at a teen undergoing weight loss surgery, Skinny just didn't quite satisfy me.
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of Skinny from the generous folks at Scholastic. Thank you!
Saturday, January 18, 2014
"Weighty" Novel Entertaining, Relatable
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(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Being a plus-sized teen is no fun. No fun at all. Just ask 16-year-old Ann Galardi. Her weight makes it tough to fit into the cute fashions everyone else is wearing, let alone a swimsuit that doesn't make her look like a whale. And forget about attracting a hot guy. They don't even glance her way. It doesn't help that Ann lives with her petite, perfectly-disciplined stepmother. Nope, that just makes everything worse.
When her favorite aunt asks Ann to be a bridesmaid at her upcoming wedding, Ann panics. The thought of trying to squeeze her size 17 body into some hideous gown is enough to make her break out in hives. There's only one solution: get rid of the excess pounds. Ann's only got 10 weeks to melt off 45 of them, so she needs a diet that's fast, easy and guaranteed to work. When she sees an infomercial for a miracle weight loss plan, Ann's sold. It's a spendy little diet, but she's committed. Vowing to tell no one what she's doing, Ann starts the program. As she struggles to stick with it, she makes some huge discoveries—not just about herself, but also about friendship, acceptance and her not-as-perfect-as-she-seems stepmom. Armed with this new knowledge, can Ann reach her goal in time? What if she can't do it? What if she can?
So, I've noticed a lot of "weighty" fiction on the market lately. It's an interesting issue (genre?), one that's increasingly relevant, even in the teen world. These books appeal to me, especially when they're all about learning to accept yourself no matter what size you are (which most of them are). I have no problem empathizing with a heroine like Ann—anyone who's ever been swimsuit shopping or gotten stuck in a too-small garment in a too-public dressing room can feel her pain. And yet, I felt like she didn't struggle quite enough to learn her lesson about self-acceptance. Does that sound heartless? Probably, but I felt like her attitude shifted too suddenly to feel realistic. Other than that, I enjoyed 45 Pounds (More or Less) by K.A. Barson. It's not going to make my favorites list, but the novel's entertaining, funny, relatable and sends an important message that women of all ages need to hear.
(Readalikes: Um, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (no F-bomb), depictions of underage drinking/partying, and sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Wednesday, August 07, 2013
Shriver's Newest Compelling, Though Heavy (Pun Intended) and Generally, Just A Big, Ole Downer
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Pandora Halfdanarson will do anything for the older brother she's always adored. So, when Edison needs a temporary place to live, she agrees to take him in without a moment's hesitation. Her husband is not enthusiastic about the idea, however. Fletcher thinks his brother-in-law is an insufferable blowhard. But Pandora insists: Edison is family. He needs her. She'll do whatever she can to help.
Pandora's marriage is already floundering, due in part to the fact that Fletcher's custom carpentry business isn't making any money, while Pandora's pull-string doll company is flourishing. Does she dare alienate her husband even more by siding with Edison? As Edison's domineering personality slowly begins to take over Pandora's life, she must decide how much she's willing to risk in order to aid her brother. Can she save him from himself, even if it means sacrificing everything she has? Because, as is becoming clearer and clearer, that's what it's going to take.
When Edison lumbers off the plane in Cedar Rapids, Pandora gets the biggest shock of her life. Her brother's always been svelte—a hip, handsome Jazz pianist with plenty of adoring females at his side. In the four years since Pandora last saw him, Edison's transformed himself into someone completely—literally—unrecognizable. He used to be trim, now he weighs just under 400 lbs. The obese 43-year-old suffers from depression, pre-diabetes and a severe case of denial. Clearly, Edison Apaloosa needs more than just a soft place to land. The question is: Can Pandora give her brother the help and support he so desperately requires? And, what will it cost her, not just financially, but emotionally as well?
Pandora's marriage is already floundering, due in part to the fact that Fletcher's custom carpentry business isn't making any money, while Pandora's pull-string doll company is flourishing. Does she dare alienate her husband even more by siding with Edison? As Edison's domineering personality slowly begins to take over Pandora's life, she must decide how much she's willing to risk in order to aid her brother. Can she save him from himself, even if it means sacrificing everything she has? Because, as is becoming clearer and clearer, that's what it's going to take.
Obesity seems to be a trendy topic in fiction lately. It's easy to see why—it's a heavy subject (pun intended), a life-and-death struggle with plenty of inherent conflict and drama. In Big Brother, Lionel Shriver's newest novel, the author gives us a raw, unsettling taste of what dealing with a loved one's obesity can feel like. It's a powerful story—though a depressing one—about the lengths we go to to help struggling family members, even when it comes at great personal cost to us. Shriver writes with sharp, piercing honesty, making Big Brother a compelling, compulsively readable story, though a difficult one. I found it engrossing, even if none of the characters came off as particularly likable. The ending, however, soured me on the whole thing. Without being too spoiler-y (I hope), let me just say that unreliable narrators almost always kill a story for me. Considering that and the novel's generally downer tone, Big Brother turned out to be just an okay read.
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for strong language, depictions of illegal drug use, intense situations and sexual innuendo/content
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of Big Brother from the generous folks at Harper Collins via those at TLC Book Tours. Thank you!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Skinny Oozes Quirky Humor, Lots of Heart
When Gray Lachmann's dad dies of a heart attack, she feels responsible. Wracked with guilt and grief, the 27-year-old New Yorker turns to the one thing that always brought comfort to her obese father - food. By the time Grey finally feels steady enough to deal with her 
duties as the executor of his will, she's toting around an extra fifteen pounds. And a bingeing habit that's taking over her life, sucking away every ounce of self-worth she possesses. It's only when Grey finds the name of a mysterious woman in the will that she wakes from her calorie-induced stupor.
Gray never knew her father cheated on her mother, had no idea he fathered another child. Now, she's determined to find Eden, her teenaged half-sister. Taking a job at the North Carolina summer weight-loss camp Eden will be attending seems to be the perfect kill-two-birds-with-one-s
tone solution: Gray can work off her spare tire and bond with her sister at the same time. Simple. Except that it's not. Battling her own hunger is difficult enough, but she also has to break up fights between drama queen dieters; deal with the mantra-spouting joke of a camp director; and keep her hormones under control whenever Bennett, the sexy physical trainer, comes around. As the flabby barrier she's built around her heart begins to melt away, Gray must find the courage to face some harsh truths - about her body, her family, and herself.
Skinny, Diana Spechler's sophomore novel, surprised me with its quirky humor and raw, but sympathetic exploration of obesity. The characters come on strong, yanking the story in all kinds of crazy directions by the sheer force of their personalities. It's a warm, zany book, that's easy to relate to and difficult to put down. I enjoyed it. And quite thoroughly, too.
(Readalikes: Reminded me a little of Plus by Veronica Chambers)
Grade: B
If this were a movie, it would be rated: R for strong language and sexual content
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of Skinny from the generous folks at Harper Collins and TLC Book Tours, for whom this review was written.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
The Biggest Loser Cookbook Offers A Variety of Easy, Healthful Recipes
After reading Jodi Picoult, I felt some lighter fare was in order. Literally. I picked up The Biggest Loser Cookbook the other day at Borders, and was excited to "read" it for the Soup's On Challenge. The basic philosophy behind The Biggest Loser "diet" is to eat mostly unprocessed, natural foods. In the words of trainer Kim Lyons, "If God didn't make it, don't eat it" (xi). Thus, the recipes in the cookbook rely on natural ingredients, as well as some specialty foods that you probably don't have sitting in your pantry. The recipes aren't exotic, but you will probably have to make a special trip to the grocery store before trying most of them.
The recipes are divided into 6 categories: Breakfasts; Hearty Snacks; Sandwiches, Soups, and Stews; Sides and Salads; Main Courses; and Sweet Snacks. They come from past contestants on The Biggest Loser and from chef Devin Alexander. All of the recipes seem fairly easy to prepare; some have as little as two ingredients. As I was flipping through each section, I was surprised at the variety and originality of the dishes presented. I marked plenty recipes I want to try (after a trip to the grocery store, of course). I also liked that nutrition facts were listed for each dish.
I only found one recipe I could make with the ingredients I had on hand. It didn't turn out so well, but I think that was my fault :) Here's the recipe:
FROZEN HOT CHOCOLATE
2/3 c. hot water
1 packet (.29 oz.) sugar-free, fat free hot chocolate mix
2 T. aerosol fat-free whipped topping (optional)
In a small freezer-safe plastic container with a lid, combine the water and chocolate mix. Stir or whisk to dissolve the powder completely. Let stand to cool. Cover the container and place in the freezer for 4-5 hours, or until solid.
To serve, let the container stand at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, or until the hot chocolate is just starting to melt slightly around the edges. Or, place the container in the microwave and cook on high power for about 30 seconds. (It should still be somewhat hard and need to be scraped with a spoon.) Dollop with whipped topping, if desired. Serve immediately.
Makes 1 serving
Per serving: 25 calories, 2 g. protein, 4 g. carbohydrates, 0 g. fat, o mg cholesterol, 1 g. fiber, 150 mg sodium
I think my problem was that I didn't let the concoction freeze long enough (it had been in the freezer for barely 4 hours when I took it out). It was solid, though. Anyway, I opted to put it in the microwave for 30 seconds ... and it melted. I tasted one of the more solid chunks, and it reminded me of a sugar free fudgsicle. Not bad. I'm going to attempt this one again, since it's really easy. I'll let you know how it turns out.
I'm not sure how to rate a cookbook, but I'm excited about this one. The recipes seem easy, varied, and healthy. I'm looking forward to whipping up some more good, healthy fare from past contestants on my favorite weight loss reality show!
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