Skinny Bitch
by Kim Barnouin, Rory Freedman
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Book Reviews of Skinny Bitch
Book Review: I'm sad that this book is a best seller!
Summary: 1 Stars
Regardless of whether you are a vegan, a vegetarian, or a meat eater, this book is (to coin one of the author's favorite words) crap. I would give it zero stars if I had the option.
Do yourself a favor and buy The Kind Diet: A Simple Guide to Feeling Great, Losing Weight, and Saving the Planet. Alicia is a much better example of a vegan, a woman, and an animal lover. She delivers a better message in a "kinder" way. I wouldn't have any young woman read "Skinny Bitch". Aside from the language which is so uncool, the way they talk about farming will scare anyone.
One of my friends at work said, "You've got to read this book". Another said, "I didn't like it, the authors talk to you in a very demeaning way, I can't have the book lying around because of the profanity". I had to agree with the second opinion. Aside from the language which comes across even worse if you are listening to the CD, there is nothing new. The "edge" is that the authors get to deliver this old message to you, mostly grossing you out into eating their way, while using profanity and speaking to you like you are a moron. The authors must be laughing all the way to the bank.
Nothing they present is new. It's not a diet book. Their information is not entirely accurate. They seem like angry women who just want to spout their opinions which were delivered so badly that I actually felt bad for the farmers that they were trying to slander. Let's not put everyone down, there are responsible farmers. I'm proud to say that I didn't contribute to the author's bank account, I got the book and CD from the library.
I am a vegetarian who is very close to being a vegan but for the little cream that I put in my coffee. I do not associate myself with these women. Really...listen to the book on a CD. They come across as class-less. Without the swearing, would this book be getting so much press? Of course not...it's what sets this book apart from the others and that's just plain sad. I don't mind strong language, but use it appropriately. If the authors are trying to be funny, I think they missed their mark. Swearing does not equal funny.
Let me save you some money and time. Do you want to lose weight? Here's what you should do and I'll give you this brand new "secret" absolutely free with out profanity:
Once you get really disgusted with yourself as you yo-yo diet, you'll get into the right frame of mind to make some changes. That right frame of mind will give you the will power and desire to go forward.
The biggest change you should make is to eliminate processed food from your diet.I agree with the author's and many others on this point. It's fake food with no nutritional value.
You can eat meat,low fat dairy, fish, eggs if it is right for you. Also don't forget the stuff I've grown to enjoy which is beans, grains, nuts, fruits, and veggies. Nothing new here!
Exercise when you can. Do the best you can to stay active.
Don't beat yourself up if you slip up, just get back to it!
If you can concentrate on your health and not on your weight, losing weight will follow as a natural bonus. If you are concerned about weight still, cut out the high calorie items and use sensible portion control. End your meal with a warm drink of something. I like decaf. Eat when you are hungry. Try to cut out smoking, drinking, and artificial sweeteners.
Then find another book that is supportive.
I think what I just wrote is more helpful than their entire book.
Book Review: No longer a junk food addict!!! LOST 85 LBS!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I can not emphasize how greatfull I am for having read this book. Before I read it I was trying every stupid diet in the world, diet pills, and even considered things that were probably illegal to lose weight. I was completely addicted to junk food and didn't even know it until I read this book!!! I was depressed most of the time, had no energy, felt hopeless that I'd ever be thin and feeling so completely despirate it was really sad.
I picked up the book because I liked the title. I was 100 lbs overweight and many times thought of skinny women as 'skinny bitches'...And I so wanted to be like them! So, I read the book and it totally changed my life. I saw the truth for the first time as to how the food industries will market complete garbage to humans for consumption because they can make a fast buck. I saw how cruel and deplorable the meat industry is in the name of greed. I realised that I was not helping myself by drinking diet soda (with all its poisonous artificial sweeteners) and eating milk and meat and eggs which all contain animal fat -which is not fit for human consumption... the book OPENED MY EYES - and I realised I had chosen to keep them shut and be ignorant for far too long...
I have struggled with food addiction and my weight since a child. I was anorexic and bulemic through all my teens and 20's. I have been morbidly obese for over 10 years (100 extra lbs) and I know that this book opened my eyes and THE TRUTH HAS SET ME FREEEEE!!!
SINCE I READ THE BOOK I HAVE LOST 85 LBS and I have no doubt I will lose all the rest. I gave up artificial sweeteners, sugar, meat, egg and dairy the day I read the book and will never return to these foods. The book convinced me 100% and there is no going back. I have read 100's of diet books - but this one really helped me make a life long change toward health and thinness.
I will say, that the chapter on You Are WHat You Eat was very hard to read - but it was the chapter that sealed the deal for me to make a change in my life. I would suggest if you read the book to read every page - even if it is hard. Because like the book says 'if an animal had to suffer it - the least you can do is read it. I was a tough nut - trust me - I was soooo addicted to junk food. THIS BOOK HELPED ME KICK ALL OF MY BAD DIETARY HABITS ONCE AND FOR ALL!!!
The swearing in the book is not every-other-word. I liked the no-nonsence approach because I get real tired of reading a bunch of fluff and want the facts given to me strait. So, that was not a problem for me.
I will add that they do mention doing excercise - But it is not an excercise book. They take the approach that you should live an active lifestyle - incorporating activity into each day and they recommend Yoga -which is impossible to do if you're 100 lbs overweight. So, walk or do what ever you can to get your body moving.
So, if you are depressed, despirate and feeling hopeless - read this book. THe first day I went cold turkey of all the junk foods and I had a headache. THe second day I had a headache. I did take some Ibuprophen and that helped. After 3 weeks of going without junk food I felt good, I had alot more energy and started going for walks and bike riding. I lost 10 lbs the first month and I was eating as much as I wanted and never felt deprived. I know I will never go back to the way I was eating. This book was a God-sent for me and I will be forever greatfull!!
Book Review: 'Fit For Life', with swearing
Summary: 3 Stars
Actually, there is quite a lot of accurate info in this book. From the outset the authors contend that the best way to be slim is to become as healthy as you can. Of course, that in itself can be a very confusing issue, with different diets and health plans everywhere you look. So the bulk of the book is concerned with the best ways to cut through the bull and learn how to eat as healthily as you can.
The authors stick to fairly simple guidelines as to what to eat and how to live. Basically, the gist is that you become vegan and look after yourself through regular exercise and a positive outlook. There's nothing really groundbreaking there, though it is good advice for most people. They back their arguments up with points about how animals are treated, why you can't trust the advice of people with a vested interest in making money from the foods they recommend (i.e., the USDA, etc), and how certain additives effect your body.
The language is simple and direct, though at times they make some broad, sweeping statements without anything to back them up. Most of the stuff in here you could find on the internet. In fact, many of the authors' own sources came from various websites. Not that this is a bad thing. If you're fairly new to healthy eating--or haven't had much success with past diets--and want a fast overview of it all then this is a good place to come. There's nothing heavy here to bog you down. It's pretty easy to skim this book and you won't have to refer to it to much afterwards.
I did find that the language was somewhat forced, especially the swearing. The authors even state near the back of the book that they "conceived of the title, Skinny Bitch, to get attention and sell books." And the language throughout the book seems a bit calculated--aimed at a certain demographic who thinks that swearing means a down-to-earth attitude and like to be told what to do in no uncertain terms. Frankly, the knowledge they have just doesn't mix well with the swearing and general way they make their points. It comes across like when some geeky guy hangs out with tough guys and tries to sound tough to fit in.
I've read reviews of this book that criticise the authors for writing a diet or lifestyle plan that only rich people could afford to live by, due to expensive organic foods and so on. This is a valid point, however, I don't think that the fingers should be pointed at the authors. After all, they are not the ones who set the prices of healthy foods. They're just identifying which foods are better for your body. It's unfortunate that many poor people will struggle to feed their families with organic foods and other healthy items, but that's hardly the fault of the authors.
The good news for people on a budget--well, sort of good news-- is that if you remove meat products from your diet, like the authors recommend, you'll cut your food costs quite a bit.
The diet ideas at the back of the book are a good resource for people who are new to this way of eating. They seem pretty balanced to me, though they're definitely aimed at people who are trying to lose weight. I don't think anyone who is active and already slim would last very long on the recommended portions. Of course, what the heck is someone like that doing reading a diet book?
So overall, I'd say that this is a pretty good book as far as the actual advice goes. It's easy to read if swear words and dogmatic attitudes don't bother you.
Book Review: AWESOME book but....
Summary: 4 Stars
Well i really loved this book. i've never really thought about what i was eating until i read this book. It really gives you a whole new insight. The first thing i did after i read it was go get new groceries and took a long look at what i already had. The book tells you how things are killed, what chemicals are put into processed foods and what they do to your body. Also at the end of the book it gives you websites you can go to and a list of foods you can find, that taste good. I gave this book a 4 because some stuff i didn't like the fasting part, i don't think anyone should fast completely, also the title is misleading. The book is hilarious though.
now what to eat: I live on an air force base and sometimes we don't have a huge selection, but we do have a brand called morning star and all of there foods are delicious. My fav would be the corn dogs. Also theres a brand called quoinic and they have a turkey roast that is really awesome which taste good and has the texture of real turkey. Amazingly there is vegan cream cheese, vegan sour cream, and vegan mayonnaise. I also recently found vegan ravioli, which you boil yourself. If your looking for something vegan and aren't sure it usually says right on the label somewhere. I also like amy's soy cheese pizza. I usually add organic sauce and there are even immitation pepporinis that are good and look normal. Also smart dog is a good brand, my fav for them is there meatless hamburger meat and hotdogs. I tried four different kinds of milk, my favorite was rice dream with vanilla. i'm not big on the soy milk & my husband loooves the chocolate milk.
If you go to Allrecipes.com they have some cool recipes and all you have to do is substitute everything. My favorites are mock tuna, and there chilli.
COST: okay, so it is a little expensive. but if you think of the money you are saving on not being able to eat fast food it really balances out. Also if you've given up meat then your meals will be cheaper at the bigger restaurants because you have to be picky. Speaking of picky...my husband is doing this with me and he thinks i'm extremely picky because some of the food we eat doesn't taste so good. (watch out for organic, vegan mac & cheese, and some chips) Well i've decided i can be picky because everyday i'm finding new things that taste just like the old ones, without animals dying and me eating alot of chemicals.
LASTLY: Okay, so my mouth still waters when i see meat and i'm really hungry, but after eating i feel so much better and the meat doesn't really bother me anymore. I always feel really good now, i never feel like my stomach is heavy anymore and i feel a lot more in control of my food. I actually have fun trying to find new things to cook. I also get a lot of crap from other people, telling me my diet(change of lifestyle) isn't healthy. Thankfully none of these people know what there talking about, in fact they don't really know what they are eating. Another really cool thing about eating soy imitation meat is that it doesn't take as long to cook, because most things just need heating up also, there isn't alot of grease like you get when you cook regular stuff, like sausage, bacon, and hamburger meat.
If you can't find these foods at your local market, google natural food markets for your area. My fav are trader joes, aqua vita and wild oats. good luck.
Book Review: No nuance here, only a polemic
Summary: 3 Stars
I grabbed this at the airport hoping that it would be clever and funny. It was slightly amusing at points, but overall I was disappointed.
To start with, I am a "conscientious eater" living in San Francisco. I cook, I have a lot of vegan / veg friends, and most of the people I know are very interested in nutrition and food industry issues. I eat almost no processed foods and focus on vegan and vegetarian food, with organic and free-range ethically raised animal products. (Also, I'm pretty slender.)
So in some ways I'm one of the choir. But I'm also a scientist by training, and whenever some new health study comes out, I try to read the original research to understand what's going on. A lot of the research that the authors cited here is just not as conclusive as they claim: it's NOT clear-cut. For example, there are very persuasive arguments that soy and tofu aren't the greatest thing ever, and that processed foods are not so hot for the environment because they take a lot of energy to make and ship and whatnot. We recently learned that moderate caffeine intake appears to be healthful and that coffee is full of tons of great antioxidants. Lumping caffeine in with cigarettes on the scale of harmful addictions seems kind of... a gross oversimplification that weakens the authors' credibility.
I was particularly annoyed by the authors' treatment of dairy and calcium. Really, there is a lot that we don't know about calcium absorption from food. There are compounds in leafy greens called oxalates that may interfere with calcium absorption. The protein from dairy may interfere as well. It's well and good to claim that if a study is backed by the dairy / meat industry its findings are suspect, but it doesn't *entail* that the findings are suspect.
I understand that in helping people switch to a vegan or vegetarian or even lower-meat diet, it's going to be easier to use meat substitutes like soy burgers and whatnot. But some people criticize this processed "substitute" approach, rather than entirely changing your cooking habits in a way that is "natural" vegan. It depends on what your priorities are and again I understand why it's a lot easier to switch if you're using the substitutes, but I thought it was weird that they didn't discuss the whole foods versus processed foods issue.
True: from what we do know about health, the vast majority of Americans would be a lot better off if they mostly stopped eating the meaty, cheesy, refined-carb-based diets that are prevalent. If you focus on eating mostly or all vegetables, grains, legumes, fruits, etc., you'll probably be a lot healthier and you'll naturally slim down over time. And we all know we should get more exercise. But let's be honest: the rich variety of grains and legumes that you need for a balanced and varied vegan diet can be very hard to come by if you live in less progressive towns than San Francisco. It's just not clear to me that health and diet demand that you strictly eliminate all animal products from your diet.
I guess my main issue with the book is that the authors don't touch on the many conflicts, and that made the book seem very shallow and manipulative.
That said, I can't imagine you wouldn't lose weight if you ate a lot less, mostly ate vegetables, and exercised more.