Review: Maurice D. Chuka  calls the shots
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 31, 2012
Maurice D. Chuka has already published three books that could fall into the self-help category: 101 Good Questions to Ask on a Date, Fun Date Ideas: Discover Romantic, Cheap and Interesting Date Ideas for First Dates, Anniversaries, Valentines and Much More, Online Dating Tips for Women - Helping You Find Mr. Right.  And now he adds to that collection of popular books a further investigation on not only successful dating and relationships (that often depend on first appearances) but also on getting our recalcitrant bodies in shape. His new book - `Getting a Flat Belly Sucks! Discover How to Sustain Motivation for Your Weight Loss and Exercise Plan Even When You Feel Like Burning Your Running Shoes and Eating a Box of Donuts' - sets the tone with the title, but make no mistake Chuka is dead serious on this topic, entertaining though his writing may be.He outlines that there is both a physical and mental side to losing weight and getting into shape.  He starts with a discussion of motivation which leads to a lesson in Consistency, the Why of you want to accomplish, and the Fun that you must maintain in attitude in order to be successful. He takes us through the ins and outs of developing a Wellness Mindset, keeping a journal, having an `accountability buddy' (`There is a strength in unity of purpose and we're able to accomplish more together than when we're on our own. Find someone who shares the same goals to either lose weight or get fit like you.  Then decide on a program you can both execute.'), create a climate for change and be flexible so that natural disruptions won't elicit the failure response, and probably most important, get to know yourself and your needs and habits and strengths and weaknesses.Chuka knows himself and he seems to know us! He runs through the 7 Excuses that Guarantee Failure (they don't need to be listed, we've all used the same excuses) and once he debunks those, he reiterates his tips - motivation, consistency, the WHY of our plan, and making sure it all remains fun.  `Your fitness matters. Take it seriously.' This is a fine accompaniment to everybody's plan and desire for getting rid of that belly fat. Enjoy.  Grady Harp, August 12