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Skinny Bitch by Kim Barnouin, Rory Freedman
Book Summary InformationAuthor: Kim Barnouin, Rory Freedman Edition: Paperback Published: 2005-12-30 ISBN: 0762424931 Number of pages: 224 Publisher: Running Press Book Publishers Accessories:
Book Reviews of Skinny BitchBook Review: Good intentions, but not a thorough analysis on nutrition Summary: 3 StarsLike many reviewers here, I am a proud vegan. I enjoyed much of what this book has to offer--mostly the info on artificial sweeteners, refined sugar, slaughterhouses, and the USDA. It's a super-fast read, and I found the authors likable for the most part. If you're interested in healthier eating or getting a to-the-point intro on some vegan thinking, this book will be of SOME use.
However, that being said... I sort of cringed while reading it thinking that this was going to be a lot of people's introduction to veganism & its philosophies. I understand "tough love" & even "shocking" the reader into GETTING IT, but I think that the authors were at times bordering on abusive toward the reader... Being vegan already, I could look past it to find the bits of wisdom scattered throughout--but I think if I had gone into this book with an "omni outlook" (for lack of a better term) and been unprepared for the authors' viewpoints, I would have been turned off by their attitudes throughout much of it.
A lot of people have a negative impression of veganism (it's too strict, it's too limiting, vegans are PETA freaks, etc.)--all of which is NOT true. So, I sort of get why the authors don't say right on the cover "A BOOK ON VEGAN NUTRITION" because, well... Then only vegans (or those already headed in that direction) would buy it. The authors were trying to reach out to ALL women to get them to think about the consequences of what we put in our mouths. I think the authors have good hearts, and that their intentions are very good... But I definitely understand why a lot of women would be turned off by them. (Personally, I had no issue with the foul language & didn't find it distracting, and at times they were very encouraging & inspiring. Saying things like, "You CAN have the body you want!" or "You ARE worth it!" But when terms like "lazy slob," etc. were directed AT their customer... That seemed a bit much, especially for those readers who were already being shocked by so much new--and sometimes upsetting--info.)
I also agree with those reviewers who say the authors didn't really offer a lot of helpful info in the way of specific things to eat. Incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, leafy greens, soy milk, water, exercise, etc. is easy to understand... However, that ALONE will not make anyone lose weight. It's the PORTION CONTROL, and having the right balance of things. The authors don't go into that nearly enough. I can tell you that I've been vegan for almost one year now, and could not be happier! I absolutely love this lifestyle, and it has benefited me in more ways than I could ever list here. BUT, I have not lost one pound (nor am I trying to). I have maintained my weight--maybe even gained a pound or two from trying so much new, delicious food.
I know a couple of omni women who've read this book & loved it... It inspired them to head toward veganism (first cutting back on--then eliminating--meat & refined sugar, upping their veggie & fruit intake, etc.--eliminating cheese is still to come :). But based on these reviews, it seems that this book has alienated as many women as it's interested. I just hope those who felt any interest in veganism (or animal rights, healthier eating, etc.) will not be totally turned off by this book & will look to other sources to learn more. There is SO MUCH info out there on veganism, and most of it is written in a much gentler, though still honest, tone.
I highly recommend "The Vegan Sourcebook" for anyone interested in reading more (or instead of this book). "Becoming Vegan," "The Vegan Diet as Chronic Disease Prevention," "The China Study," and "Eat to Live," (to name a few) are all fantastic, as well. One of the most amazing programs I've ever heard is the "Vegetarian Food for Thought" podcast. It's available for free on iTunes, for anyone who's interested. The host (Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, also the author of "The Joy of Vegan Baking") is so compassionate, interesting, insightful, and SMART!
I'd like to end with one thought that I find very inspiring. *Don't do nothing because you can't do everything. Do something--anything.* If you are someone who thinks, "I could live without beef, pork, and chicken. But I could never give up fish!"... Why not try cutting out everything but fish? Just because you can't cut out ALL animal products doesn't mean you can't cut out any. Think you can never give up cheese? Try eliminating everything but, and see where it takes you. ANY step you can take toward this lifestyle is helpful. You will reap the benefits, as will the environment, and countless animals.
If you didn't like this book, but are still AT ALL interested in veganism, please consider reading something else. These authors don't speak for ALL vegans, just like one rude omnivore doesn't speak for ALL omnis. There is truth to what these authors are saying; they just don't say it in a style that is accessible to all.
Summary of Skinny BitchNot your typical boring diet book, this is a tart-tongued, no-holds-barred wakeup call to all women who want to be thin. With such blunt advice as, "Soda is liquid Satan" and "You are a total moron if you think the Atkins Diet will make you thin," it's a rallying cry for all savvy women to start eating healthy and looking radiant. Unlike standard diet books, it actually makes the reader laugh out loud with its truthful, smart-mouthed revelations. Behind all the attitude, however, there's solid guidance. Skinny Bitch espouses a healthful lifestyle that promotes whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and encourages women to get excited about feeling "clean and pure and energized."
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