Review: Not rigorous science, but some common sense advice.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 21, 2011
This is a small book that shows how this particular author found a way to manage her, not just weight, but approach to herself by finding a healthier attitude.  It boils down to letting go of unhelpful eating and thought patterns and embracing a 'listen to yourself' approach.  Reading about her journey is certainly interesting and worth paying attention to, and often it is the journey itself that imparts a lesson--heck her points could be summed up in 2 chapters, but would lose something without reading the context around them.Certainly for the low 'indie' price it is worth it!  I was wavering between the 4 and 5 stars and opted for the 5--my quibbles were minor and the value of the book is definitely there.  I will point out my quibbles however as I just can't seem to help myself.First of all I am definitely in the category of a 'carb sensitive' sort.  When I add a few pounds and have followed  a so-called 'healthy' lower fat diet (and consequently higher carb) I end up with elevated blood sugars (and a poorer lipid profile).  When I cut the carbs down (I call it my no-white diet: no white sugar, potatoes, rice, pasta or flour--and yes, that chocolate/chocolate donut is white!!) and only eat higher glycemic index foods together with other things to balance out, I feel better.  Otherwise I have that dreaded blood sugar spike and fall, with the subsequent headache/mood and yes, hunger spike.  Not everyone is so carb sensitive, but with my family history of diabetes I have paid attention.  Therefore, when the author says (basically) eat to the cravings and don't feel guilt over bad vs. good foods, I just can't go there.  Not quite like an alcoholic who could then use that 'craving' as a reason to say it's okay, but FOR ME I just can't be allowed a free rein on my carb cravings.  I can easily see the point the author is making, but for some (ME) I still have to assess whether the craving is based on actual hunger or on that darn carb problem I have.Second, Adkins related, this is an author who did repeat the story of his death--early, in an ICU, due to congestive heart failure and weighing in at 250+ pounds.  This could well be some problem inherent in his teachings, however, there are multitudes of illnesses that result in CHF and part of the end stage can result in a staggering edema....so just throwing around that tidbit has always irritated me by other writers, and does so again.  It's just not a complete story, and there is no 'cause'/'effect' proven.Now, please don't think I am some closet Adkins follower--I did read his stuff, as well as other low carb/glycemic/sugar type theories and do understand some of the concerns there.  I just get irritated by that one story.Regarding her comments about exercise, she does not make that a part of her size/weight concern (and does quote several studies where exercise does not lead to extensive weight loss).  Exercise of course has many other benefits but just did not play a significant role in her journey.  By pointing that out I hope other readers do not think exercise is of NO benefit...My only other quibble of note has to do with the formatting on the Kindle--a few of the chapters ended up in a funny layout--still readable and really the content was the important part.In summary, the author does a very nice job telling her story and how she has gotten to a healthier mindset.  By telling what worked for her it can probably help many others out there.Again, I point out my small concerns, but the book itself is quite delightful and highly recommended!JTG