Feelin' Chalky

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Skinny What?!?

So...I am reading this new book...and I like it...a lot.  It is raw, humorous, and contains lots of factual info about what we do or don't put into our mouths.  I have a feeling that this book would ruffle the feathers of anyone with a pulse.  It is called, "Skinny Bitch."  I didn't write the title so don't go hating me.


This book is not for the faint of heart or the faint of stomach (if there is such a thing).  It is a kick-in-the-pants approach to living healthy and losing weight or, well, being "skinny."  The language is quite sailoresque - akin to the locker or break room, but the information is vital and I think anyone trying to live out a healthier life should read it.  You might want to keep a bar of soap beside you, though, because you may end up wanting to wash out your own mouth (and ears).


The book takes-on carbs, junk food, sugar, artificial sweeteners, dairy, meat, wheat, and talks about why they are not good for us - and what they do to our bodies.  Here is a small excerpt that I found particularly amusing:


"Brace yourselves, girls: Soda is liquid Satan.  It is the devil.  It is garbage.  There is nothing in soda that should be put into your body.  For starters, soda's high level of phosphorous can increase calcium loss from the body as can its sodium and caffeine. [Cousens, Conscious Eating, 475]  You know what that means - bone loss, which may lead to osteoporosis.  And the last time we checked, sugar, found in soda by the boatload, does not make you skinny!  Now don't go patting yourself on the back if you drink diet soda.  That stuff is even worse..."


It then goes into a long but interesting (and frightening) discussion about aspartame and sucralose (Splenda)  and how the heck they got into the wonderful products on our grocery shelves today!  Yikes.


The reason I am really digging this book is because it is challenging me.  Just when you think you are eating healthy...there is always something new to learn, new foods to try, new information out there to keep you on your toes.  I said before that this journey is about health and changing my family tree.  The weight I lose is a bonus.  (a big bonus that is wrapped up in a shiny bow!)


Here is a link to the site if you'd like more info:


Skinny Site


For those who are skeptical of the motives in the book, here is an excerpt from the final chapter:

"P.S. Wait! We have a confession to make. We really couldn't care less about being skinny. Don't get scared or upset: you will definitely lose weight if you adopt the "Skinny Bitch" lifestyle. However, our real hope is for you to become healthy. We don't want anyone to be obsessed with getting skinny. When you eat right and exercise, you feel strong and healthy, and confident. You start loving your body - not because you lose weight - but because you feel great. It's an inside job. You're finally treating your body like the temple it is.  
Comparison is the thief of joy. No matter what we do, most of us will never look like supermodels or celebrities. And accepting that will make our lives a whole lot better. So what if there is only one standard of beauty perpetuated by Hollywood that you don't fit into? Don't buy into that bull-. Take excellent care of the body you were blessed with and love, love, love it!" 


- Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin -

6 comments:

  1. I'm thinking I may need to trip by the bookstore and pick up a copy. This is my kinda reading! :)

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  2. Jaim - you would TOTALLY love it!

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  3. I think alot of "fat" people get the idea that skinny equals healthy. I used to think that. NOT the case. Skinny could mean they eat nothing all day but twinkies and diet coke. Or over exercise because they "think" they're fat. Healthy is best and it will take you where God wants you to be. Moderation in all things including food and exercise.

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  4. Actually for that matter.....alot of people think skinny means healthy. Look at what society has told us subconciously that we need to look like!

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  5. Despite what the title says (which is supposed to be funny) it is a book about overall health and wellness. The "skinny" of it is that you will lose weight as a result of cutting the crud out of your diet.

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  6. I have read it and it is an eye opener...I want to give up diet pop..2 a day..but man is it hard...the rest not bad..been vegetarian for 13 years..so got that one down..anyways can't wait to see all of you tomorrow..love your blog Aubri!

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