Skinny Bitch
by Kim Barnouin, Rory Freedman
|
List Price: Our Price: $3.18 You Save: $10.77 (77%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.01 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of Skinny Bitch
Book Review: garbage
Summary: 1 Stars
During a quick break from work today, I stopped by the NU bookstore to check out the latest books and new releases. I happened to discover one called "Skinny Bitch." I was amused by the title, and wondered what it was about. Fluffy chick-lit? Post-modern feminist humor that pokes fun at the pencil-thin snobs that everyone loves to hate? Another one of those self-help books that encourages women to accept their bodies and to stop comparing themselves to the models they see in magazines?
I could have just walked by and remained blissfully ignorant to the contents of the book, but my curiousity got the best of me. Upon opening it, I disovered that it was a how-to book on dieting and becoming "skinny." Yes, that is the word they repeatedly used throughout the book. Not thin, or lean, or fit, or slender, but SKINNY. On the first page, it actually said "FAT=UNHEALTHY. SKINNY=HEALTHY." I certainly won't argue that fat is unhealthy, but when I hear the word "skinny," I picture someone who is underweight and malnourished, NOT a healthy person. The entire book was written in fluffy, bimbo language (i.e. Girlfriend, Happy Meals are so 1989.) As a woman, I personally find it degrading to have someone talk to me like that. (Then again, the ladies who wrote this are probably too stupid to use any other kind of language.)
As I continued to skim (no pun intended!) the book, I discovered entire chapters devoted to completely banning all animal products from your diet. Now, I mean no disrespect to vegetarians and vegans or their lifestyle. If that's what YOU want to eat, fine. However, it's absurd to suggest that all people should do the same. Let's face it, we are not rabbits. It just simply isn't healthy to eat only fruits and vegetables. The book also went on to suggest that milk is unhealthy. Hmm, how come every time I go to the doctor, she tells me to eat several servings of dairy products every day? Well, the gals who wrote this book have the answer: My doctor is lying, and so is everyone else who tells you that it's okay to eat dairy, meat, and eggs. It's because the dairy farmers are paying them to say it. You really shouldn't trust anyone or anything...not the government, not the FDA, not even the medical community. Instead, you should just trust these two flakes who wrote the book.
I turned the book over to read about the authors. What were their credentials? They were both MODELS!! One of them took a course in nutrition, the other was "self-taught." Give me a break! I don't think it is very wise to take the advice of undereducated (not to mention underfed) models over that of doctors with advanced degrees in medicine, health, and nutrition.
Don't get me wrong, they did have some good advice, particularly about reducing sugar intake and excercizing regularly. But most of it was as fluffy and crappy as the sweets they tell you to avoid. And while I throughly dislike the current president of the United States; when people start telling you that the FDA and the government tell you nothing but lies, it's hard to take them seriously. Next, they'll be saying that we are constantly being invaded by aliens.
Book Review: MY RESULTS AFTER 8 DAYS ON THE DIET
Summary: 4 Stars
Like many, I have just finished reading the most popularly rated review, written by Kelly, the biologist (with a focus on nutrition), who was disappointed because she bought the book hoping to learn a few new strategies to interest her students. Now, I may not be a scientist, but I can assure you that any new discoveries, in the field of science, regarding fresh revelations about nutrition and weight loss, are not going to be released under the title "Skinny Bitch." So, I am afraid, Kelly, that I'm going to have to deduct a few points from your credibility score on that account. However, speaking as a life long dieter, who can't begin to relate to the woman asking a salesperson if the pants I'm hoping to buy in size 6 come in size 2, I think I know why most woman do buy this book, and the reason is not quite so altruistic. In contrast, the nagging question I was hoping to find answered is: how do they do it? And, is it remotely possible that I, too, could become a skinny bitch? With this in mind, as someone who has also written a book, on a total different subject, of course, I can tell you that my main objective, when writing my book, was to present information in a way that will really work for other women. Based on this precept, my assessment of the "Skinny Bitch" title is as follows: the information presented in the book does work. I say this because I lost 6 pounds the first 8 days, following the prescribed regimen. Furthermore, the authors smart-mouthed revelations do make the book enjoyable to read, and it is always nice to feel that you've just made two new friends, facilitated by the authors' "hey, girlfriend" writing style. I didn't even mind rants about processed food and meat packing plants. After all, I'm sure, in the long run, had I stayed on the diet, I would feel clean, pure, and energized from ridding my body of processed food. However, the reason I cannot give the book that coveted extra star is because the skinny bitches I've seen are drinking grande frappuccinos (while I'm sipping on a skinny latte), and I think the authors should have warned me, in advance of buying, that I was going to have to give up meat, fish, dairy products, sugar, coffee, and white flour. I'm not saying I'm not willing to sacrifice for the sake of weight loss. And, no, I didn't really expect to get away with frappuccino, but, no coffee? Ouch! Is it possible that this is why they're so bitchy? Indeed, I suspect there's a very good reason vegans are such a rare breed, and probably an equally good reason the book wasn't titled "How to Become a Skinny Bitch on a Caffeine Free Vegan Diet." I will keep the book, with hopes that I, too, will someday have the willpower to turn my life upside down, clean out my cabinets and refrigerator, wake up in the morning to a cup of green tea, and look forward to Tofurky at Thanksgiving. Until then, it's back to weight watchers for me. How to Sell Books on Amazon: The Stay-at-Home Mom's Secret Guide to Selling Used Books on AmazonBook Review: vegan manifesto with some useful info mixed in
Summary: 2 Stars
I have the same feeling as many others that the book ended up being very different than what I had thought it would be. I did not expect a manifesto on veganism, which is essentially what this book is. I feel like they present food choices as very black and white, while there really are choices in between. Years ago, I used to be a very strict vegetarian, and I actually believe that I am healthier now than I was then. Maybe I'll end up being a vegetarian again at some point (probably never a vegan), but I don't believe that all meat-eating is necessarily wrong. It is possible to eat meat that is certified humane, that doesn't have any antibiotics or hormones, and was grass/vegetarian fed. It is possible to eat organic eggs that are laid from free-roaming hens. I've been to a local farm, picked my own fresh eggs, and seen all of the chickens running around. I'm part of a CSA (community supported organic agriculture program) and in addition to my weekly organic veggie share, I get a dozen organic eggs from their free-range chickens. It is possible to eat dairy products that have come from small and/or local farms who treat their animals with dignity and that if not organic, at least don't have any antibiotics or hormones. I agree with the authors that factory farms and slaughterhouses are deplorable and that more people need to be aware of that - for the animals' sakes and for the impact on one's health. I was disappointed that the authors of the book didn't consider anything in between veganism and conventional factory farm / slaughterhouse. I doubt many people will become a vegan from reading this book, so I think they hurt their potential influence by pushing so hard that that is really the only healthy option.
I was also confused by their continued pushing of fake cheese and fake meat products. First of all, these products tend to be super processed (and the last I knew tended to be high in sodium) and part of eating healthy is trying to limit processed foods. Second, I just don't get it - if I'm going to give up bacon, I'm going to give up bacon, not seek out some great processed bacon imitation.
The vulgar language was kind-of cute at first, but at some point during the book, I started to feel like they were throwing vulgar words or comments in just for the sake of throwing them in. It felt like "oh, we haven't swore in a while, so we had better throw in a swear-word now". That annoyed me.
I did enjoy reading stories about the government agencies and some of the seemingly nutty decisions they make. I do happen to agree that they can't be trusted (ketchup counting as your child's lunchtime vegetable, anyone?) and that you need to think for yourself.
And in that same vein, I think this book at least does get people thinking and talking - which is a wonderful thing. Even if it gets someone to change just one of their unhealthy eating habits, that's great. I was inspired to add more seeds to my diet and to widen the range of fruits I eat.
Book Review: It Raises Awareness Where Awareness is Needed
Summary: 5 Stars
I was already a vegan when I read this book so it resonated with me on every level, particularly the area relating to the unspeakable cruelty suffered by "food animals" at the hands of corporate greed and generalized consumer unawareness. I began my vegan lifestyle with the desire to bring my lifestyle choices into alignment with my spiritual and ethical beliefs. I now approach nutrition exactly as it is laid out in this book, having eliminated "white, processed" foods; eating whole grains, good fats, fruits, veggies, etc. The reward has been an (almost) effortless weight loss of 20 lbs, clear skin and eyes, and the feeling of satisfaction that comes as a result of knowing that I am no longer contributing to the horrors of an industry that has no conscience.
I think the title of this book is brilliant because it no doubt has snagged many unsuspecting readers, and if even one person walks away from the book with a newfound awareness of the torture inflicted upon innocent, sensitive, utterly helpless animals, then the book has hit its mark.
These women are passionate about compassion. Say what you want about their credentials for writing this book; their message is one that needs to be heard. By as many people as possible. For many reasons other than animal welfare.
For those who could care less about animals, read it from a completely selfish point of view! The grim statistics on obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and stroke in this country continue to mount; yet people continue to turn a deaf ear when it comes to facing the facts about the food they are stuffing into their bodies. The only people benefitting from this ignorance are the drug companies.
The saying "If you're not completely disgusted, you haven't been paying attention" comes to mind. It is delusional to think that an industry so capable of cruelty towards the most innocent among us would care one iota about the health of the human population. Information is everywhere about the conflict of interest between the governmental agencies that are supposed to protect us and the farming industries they also serve. If you are offended by the presentation of that information in this book, it's there for the reading in other books.
Hands down, my favorite part of the book is the reference to a healthy, vibrant body being the karmic end result of a decision to embrace a compassionate lifestyle through cruelty-free food choices.
At the end of the day, I think the title of this book will appeal to the curious; and hopefully, once inside, inspire compassion and a desire for change in people who are seeking such change.
I applaud the authors' enthusiasm and willingness to use their voices for the millions of tortured animals who have no voice. And the fact that they are also skinny and beautiful in the process is no accident.
Book Review: A book that finally change the way I eat and feel healthy and fulfilled with the new way of eating
Summary: 5 Stars
Disclaimer: Please excuse my spelling, I moved to the States when I was 27 from Asia so please bare with my spelling.
This is the best "diet book" I ever read. The tough love style of depicting the stomach turning facts of the how the whole meat industry work, the references they quote in everything they wrote is very informative. I suspect some of the one start reviews are written by people who have direct interest or connection with the meat industry (I noticed a lot of the people who gave one star to this book this is the only review they gave in their profile. Makes me wonder did they just create a username to give a review to this one book??? Hey, the meat industry is a multi-billions dollars industry, I'm sure they want to fight back because this book is detrimental to their business) The food industry are very powerful and have lobbyist just as wall street, pharmaceutical companies and tobacco companies. The book as powerful and knowledgeable as Skinny Bitch is a threat to the meat industry because of the popularity of this book.
As far as for me, I went vegan after I read this book 3 weeks ago mainly because I was so disgusted by the animal cruelty, the insanitary handling in the meat factories, and the knowledge in the book that our saliva and digestive systems are ill equipped to digest meat as we only secrete 1/10 of the enzyme as needed to digest food as the carnivores. In three weeks following the guidelines in this book: no meat, no diary product, no soda ( I still cheat by drinking coffee every other day or so) I have lost 10 lbs and I can feel the change in how my body feels. First of all because I only eat whole grain/brown rice and avoid any kind of processed carbs, I don't experience the hunger pangs I always felt every 4 or 5 hours my whole life. I used to feel such anxiety and starving and "have to eat or I'll die" every 4 hours because of the yoyo effects of blood sugars in my body when I was eating processed carbs (white bread, white rice, refined sugar products), now after my meal I feel a sustained energy and feeling of "full" for 6 or 7 hours at a time, and I don't feel the anxiety that I had to eat or I'll die because of the yoyo effects in my blood sugar by eating simple carbs. I feel so much healthier, lighter, the bloatedness I always felt is gone, and I lost 10 lbs in 3 weeks. I purchased dozens of other diet books such as "fit for life" or so many of raw food books and the u.s dietician's nutrition facts book, none of the books I read in the last 10 years in my effort in trying to lose weight has ever have the lasting effect for me to really stick to the new way of eating as this book inspired me.
Don't listen to me or any other people here. Try cut out meat and dairy product for a week and see what your body tells you. You will not want to go back.