Book Review

Secrets of a Former Fat Girl: How to Drop Two, Four (or More!) Dress Sizes and Find Yourself Along the Way

By Lisa Delaney Hudson Street Press 2007

Reviewer: Dawn Jackson Blatner RD, LD

Claims:

Be inspired to drop two, four or more dress sizes and change the way you think about yourself forever.

Diet Plan:

The author outlines seven secrets of success she used to lose 70 pounds and six dress sizes. The secrets are to forget dieting; keep it a secret; adopt INO (It's Not an Option); "see" yourself thin; remember you are not like other people; protect yourself from food pushers and happiness lives in the "uncomfort" zone. The focus is on changing thoughts to overcome mental challenges when losing weight, such as finding time to exercise, staying motivated and dealing with friends, family and co-workers.

Nutritional Pros and Cons:

The author focuses on realistic lifestyle changes and emphasizes fad diets and crash exercising do not lead to long-term weight control. The book provides healthy tips such as keeping a food log, cooking healthier versions of your favorite foods and incorporating more low-energy, dense foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains and low-fat dairy). It also addresses finding an enjoyable exercise and life after weight loss.

The book does not offer specific suggestions on what to eat or how to plan healthy meals. A one- to three-day fast of fruits and vegetables is suggested as a will-power workout and to increase feelings of control. Fasting or eliminating food groups, even for a short time, is not recommended by health-care professionals.

Bottom Line:

I would recommend this book to people who want to be inspired by a real weight-loss success story. It is more a motivational memoir than a diet book that offers concrete food and nutrition strategies or meal plans. Although the tips worked for the author, they won't necessarily be the recipe for success for everyone.