The Jean Nidetch Story: An Autobiography (Paperback) Review

On Columbus Day, October 12, 1923, Jean Slutsky was born in New York City. Her father was thin. Her mother was fat. Young Jean weighed only 7 pounds-plus at birth but grew steadily larger than she should, a roly poly baby, a chubby teen. She lost some weight to marry in 1947 an even fatter husband, Marty Nidetch, a happy-go-lucky bus driver. Their greatest joy was dining out together, always on the lookout for places that served free second helpings.

In September 1961, just before her 38th birthday, now a mother, 5' 7" Jean Nidetch weighed 214 pounds and sported size 44 dresses. Marty was 5'10" and weighed 265 pounds. In a supermarket that day a friend asked Jean when she was "due." Not pregnant, Jean was shaken. Within weeks she had enrolled in a New York City Department of Health Obesity Clinic, with a very rigid list of those foods and only those that might be and must be eaten. In the first ten weeks Jean lost 20 pounds but found no one at the Obesity Clinic who wanted to pat her on the back for her success. Any whining by Jean or other dieters was cut off ruthlessly.

Jean decided that she would never lose the 74 pounds the Obesity Clinic demanded without sympathetic overweight friends who could empathize with her struggle. Going it alone with no "atta girls" was not for Jean. She called six girl friends together and told them the drastic diet she was on that had made her shed 20 pounds (despite nighttime cheating with chocolate marshmallow cookies). Their first reaction: "You don't look it!" (Ch. 4, p. 41)

But the group kept meeting every week, pledged to follow the New York City diet. As Jean lectured away, part mother hen, part advocate, the group kept on growing. On October 30, 1962 Jean Slutsky Nidetch met her weight loss goal: down 72 pounds to 142, dress size from 44 to 12. And her friends did well, too.

Soon, with some legal help, Jean founded WEIGHT WATCHERS, INTERNATIONAL. And the rest, as they say, is history. Its 1961 creation, the weekly adult education, weigh-in and support group meeting, remains at its core.

I found this a fascinating read, full of insights and tips. For example, early on Jean decided there had to be a reason why some people are thin. Did it have to do with their eating style? She soon noticed that thin people put their forks down between bites. Fat people never set down a fork! They gestured with their forks. Their forks were almost an extension of their personality.

And on and on: fat people lie to themselves. Every fat person has his or her "Frankenstein," a favorite food not to be given up under any circumstances, they say. For example, chocolate marshmallow cookies, doughnuts. Jean persuaded one man to give up doughnuts until he shed 88 pounds. He did. When he was where his weight should be, he rushed out for doughnuts. But almost gagged on them, it would seem.

Traditional diets, Jean said, you can't wait for them to be over and done with -- and then regain what you lost. Weight Watchers, Jean argues, is different: not a crash diet but a new, healthy steady as you go lifestyle. You are determined never again to be separated from the new, slim, healthy you.

This is not Mrs Nidetch's first book. It is chatty, low-key, modest. She never managed Weight Watchers, the corporation. But she was its founder and remains its number one spokesman in popularity. For a simple, brief (128 pages) first person narrative, THE JEAN NIDETCH STORY: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY is a convincing retelling of the old Horatio Alger rags to riches narrative of American entrepreneurship.

-OOO-

In the interest of full disclosure: I am a 6' 1" 74-year old male semi-couch potato, who spends most of my days reading, writing, lecturing and teaching occasional adult education classes. If I am lucky, I do an hour of exercise a day, including tai chi. I have been a Weight Watcher for three-plus years. I lost 11 pounds on my own just before starting the program. Under Weight Watchers, with more than one falling off then climbing back on the wagon, I have lost another 34 pounds. I need to lose 31 more to hit my maximum upper weight limit of 189 pounds. Obviously, I am not setting a record for speedy weight loss.

I am also a moderately active investor in stocks. In November 2007, over the objections of my financial advisor, I bought 20 shares of Weighwatchers International (NYSE: WTW) stock at $49.98/share. The last time I looked, my 20 shares had lost slightly more than half their value. I still own WTW for the same reason I bought it: to make myself read annual reports and think about and understand both the good and debatable things that WTW is doing for shareholders as well as for its employees and for overweight people like me. My doctor has prescribed membership for me. I admire most things about WTW, but do not shill for it. End full disclosure.

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Product Description:
Readers everywhere will be inspired by the remarkable journey of Weight Watchers founder, Jean Nidetch. In her new book, The Jean Nidetch Story: An Autobiography, Jean chronicles her transformation from a Queens, New York, housewife to a healthy-living icon. Read about her personal struggles, rags-to-riches rise, and sunny, can-do attitude. The book includes a foreword by the poet Maya Angelou and an introduction by Weight Watchers president and CEO David Kirchhoff.

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No More Losers!: Click On! Your Body Switch [Paperback] Review

If you're not already familiar with Linda "Reducer" through her newsletter, you don't know what a powerhouse of information this woman provides about weight loss and health.Great tips for everyone!This would also make a terrific Christmas present.It provides a jump-start for those New Year's resolutions.

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The Small New Book for a Small New YouA Simple 10-Step (minus one) ApproachTo Your Own Weight Reduction Journey

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Faith & Fat Loss (New Paperback Edition) [Paperback] Review

This book is one of the most complete spiritual and health guides ever written. I am a 63 year old woman who has had the privilege of knowing Ron as a physical trainer and as a Preacher. He excels in both and has made a huge difference in my life. All you need do is hear him preach and hear how well he relates the words of the Bible to your own life, to know that this man is dedicating his life to teaching people to heal their physical bodies, which in turn heals their souls. I had soul wounds from my childhood which caused a lot of pain and heartache in my life (including addictions, low self-esteem, and trust issues with men and God). Ron guided me to trust in God because he knew God was the only one who could transform me (I had read a million self-help and spiritual books and nothing helped). When I began trusting in God was when my life changed. I now have a quiet self-assurance, trust in men, and have stopped all of my addictive, destructive habits. His advice on never eating a protein alone (always eat a protein with a carbohydrate and an EFA) has changed my eating habits -- it is so easy. I was in a high-stressed business and because of being so busy it was too easy to eat food that was fast and not healthy. Since meeting Ron and working out with him, I have learned that simply walking and lifting weights at least three times a week has changed my body. I have the pulse of an athlete and no one ever guesses me even close to my age. I feel better than I have ever felt in my life -- spiritually, mentally, and physically.

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Product Description:
Faith & Fat Loss is a revolutionary program combining "Ancient Biblical Principles" with today's science to empower you with the knowledge and discipline to achieve permanent fat loss and for a total transformation of your spirit, body, and soul.
The Faith & Fat Loss program is designed to be launched with a 21-Day Jump Start. The first three weeks prepares your body to respond to diet and exercise by detoxifying the fat cells and the spirit to respond to the transforming power of God's Word and prayer. And this is only the beginning of the Faith & Fat Loss program that will lead to a healthier you.
Ron Williams, creator and founder of Faith & Fat Loss, is not guessing when it comes to fat loss. As a professor, he scientifically researches and teaches it. As a Pastor, he bibilically studies and preaches it. And as one of the most decorated natural bodybuilders in the world, he lives it. This balanced approach to fat loss is based on simple strategies you can employ daily to reduce body fat. Faith & Fat Loss is not just a diet, but a permanent lifestyle.
If you are discouraged because of failed attempts to acquire permanent fat loss - learn the TRUTH through Faith & Fat Loss, apply the principles learned, and you will find the success you have been desiring and never need to try again.
The TRUTH about fat loss...
The TRUTH is there are principles that make fat loss simple.
The TRUTH is many fail because of inaccurate information.
The TRUTH is you must find the "Root" cause and not just address the symptoms of excess body fat!
The TRUTH is by following Faith & Fat Loss permanent fat loss is attainable.

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Fat Chance: Losing the Weight, Gaining My Worth (Hardcover) Review

I loved this book! Fat Chance is so inspiring that it made even me forego eating that piece of chocolate cake and opt instead for lacing up my sneaks to go for a walk.

Julie Hadden, a cast member on Season 4 of The Biggest Loser television show, has written a memoir that transcends the all too usual "I had an exciting experience" memoir. Through the use of humor and a writer's voice that just wants to invite you over for a cup of coffee, Hadden manages to tell her fat to thin story while at the same time impressing on us the important lessons she learned along the way.

Included in this well told story are humorous incidents, poignant realizations, and true insight into why she was so overweight to begin with. As an example one of her discussions is about how she has learned to pause before eating something she knows she shouldn't and ask herself "what is it that you are really hungry for?" She realizes now that as a child, she was using food to fill the need of approval and acceptance.

You don't have to be a Biggest Loser fan to enjoy this book because even those who know nothing of the show will still benefit from its inspiring and straight forward message. But if you are a fan, you'll love the little bits of inside information she includes as asides in each chapter. For example, the large scale used at the weigh-ins is fake (gasp) and the contestants are weighed at a Dr.'s office earlier in the day. If it's any consolation, they don't know what their actual weights are until the taping segment at the scale.

Written in short, digestible chunks (pun intended) Fat Chance is a quickly paced read that will keep you turning the pages, not because you are wondering if she got thin (the answer is on the cover of the book, yes she did) but instead it keeps you wondering how is she going to cope and continue living a thin life where a fat woman once lived. The question "What is it that needs to change?" will keep you up reading this book late at night.

Without being heavy handed, Hadden gives her faith due credit for her surviving the show and for her continuing on, even in the face of birthday cake and tea parties. Her honest relationship with God comes across as sincere and not in the least bit preachy.

As an added bonus to this book, the appendixes include workout routines, glossary of terms, recipes of favorite foods, and a section on frequently asked questions.

Hadden claims that her single most important lesson she learned from being on the Biggest Loser is that she is worthy of living the life she was created for. Her enthusiasm and inspiring words leave you cheering her success while at the same time asking yourself if you are also living up to your own full potential as well.

Julie Hadden is a thirty-seven-year-old stay-at-home mom. She and her husband Mike, live in Jacksonville, Florida with their two sons.

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Product Description:
Julie Hadden, one of the most successful and memorable contestants ever on NBC's The Biggest Loser, struggled with her self-worth and her size for years. At age thirty-four she found herself at a crossroads: would she settle for staying 'big' the rest of her life, or would she insist on making big changes instead? Reality-TV fans know which path Julie chose that day. When she stepped on the scale at the show's season-four finale, revealing she had lost an astounding 45 percent of her body weight, she simultaneously stepped into the world's collective heart.
Julie's experience on The Biggest Loser helped birth her new physique, but the transformation went far deeper than that. From displeasure to contentment, from indulgence to self-control, from shame to self-confidence every step along renovation's path, Julie sensed that God was hard at work.
Relying on her classic humor and penetrating candor, Julie offers readers of all shapes and sizes an intimate portrayal of a once-fat woman who sweated and slogged her way toward thin. Additionally she answers frequently asked questions about her weight loss and being a contestant on The Biggest Loser and provides a sampling of her favorite healthy recipes and sample workouts from her current trainer.
In a book that marries introspection with inspiration and teachable moments with rare, behind-the-scenes details about one of the hottest shows on TV, Fat Chance not only will endear readers to the author's firsthand experience, but will inspire them to make healthy changes of their own.

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Start Somewhere: Losing What's Weighing You Down from the Inside Out (Paperback) Review

There are so many books out there about weight loss. Personal success stories are the best kind. Calvin Nowell, A Christian worship leader and recording artist, shares his experience of obesity and losing over 215 pounds! In his book, Start Somewhere, you'll read about how he became overweight and the struggle he went through to finally change his life and get fit.

Calvin understands that people want fast results. This isn't reality. It takes a lot of time to make a permanent change. Start Somewhere, written from a Christian perspective, takes you through the slow process of making those changes in a reasonable amount of time.

You'll also find Sample meal plans, workouts, and charts containing sample food journals.

I received this book from Tyndale House for review purposes.

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Product Description:
How do you go about losing 215 pounds? The same way you gain it—one step at a time. In Start Somewhere, Christian singer/songwriter Calvin Nowell shares the story of his astonishing weight-loss journey, his search for a truly healthy lifestyle, and his faith that made it all possible. Not your usual "quick-fix" diet book, Start Somewhere offers a path to lasting, transformational change—starting from the inside out—to everyone who feels trapped by unhealthy behaviors or circumstances.

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Let's Do Lunch: Eating all the Calories and Carbs you want to lose weight! (Hardcover) Review

As someone who has lost over 180 pounds naturally through diet and exercise, I have grown to love and admire anyone else who has been able to do the same for themselves.

That's why I was so anxious to read Roger Troy Wilson's story about losing an unbelievable 230 pounds in his new book called Let's Do Lunch. As a low-carb weight loss success story myself, I just HAD to know how he lost his weight and kept it off for many years now.

Well, what I discovered was the most peculiar and unique "diet" plan I think I have ever seen in my life. It's definitely NOT low-carb, low-fat, low-calorie, or portion-controlled. None of those ever worked for him no matter how hard he tried to lose weight on them. I don't know where Wilson came up with this way of eating, but it helped him shed the pounds and keep it off. Anything that can help you do that is worth taking a look at.

In Let's Do Lunch, Wilson not only shares his story about ballooning up to a "5-foot waist" (my waist got as big as 5'2"!), but also the many letters of thanks he has received from those who have enjoyed his special program. The enthusiasm these people have after losing weight is contagious and makes you want to know how the Let's Do Lunch plan works.

As a very successful businessman, Wilson knew he had a problem with obesity but ignored it for many years. As many of us former 400+ pounders will attest, the rollercoaster ride of lose, gain, lose, gain was ruthless. Trying time after time to find that one way of eating that will sustain us for the rest of our lives was challenging and draining. Surely there had to be a better way to control your weight?!

For Wilson, there was. And actually he can thank his son for getting him started on the greatest achievement of his life. When they say the old phrase "out of the mouth of babes," it was definitely true for Wilson.

His son had put some grapes in the freezer to have as a refreshing and delicious treat later in the day. But when Wilson found the grapes in the freezer, he immediately thought they were ruined and started blaming everyone for it. He went to his wife first, but she said she didn't do it. So then he calls his son and I'm sure he responded something along the lines of, "Chill out, Dad, it's cool. You've never tasted grapes this good before!"

And so Wilson tried one of these frozen fruits and was just amazed by how incredibly delicious they were. So he kept eating and eating them. He did the same thing the next night and the next night beginning a pattern that eventually led to the basis for the Let's Do Lunch program that helped him shed those pounds.

While Wilson makes it clear this is not a fruit diet, fruits of all kinds are highly encouraged to eat in the quantities of your choice. Besides the fruit, most of the rest of the Let's Do Lunch plan is fairly close to livin' la vida low-carb -- eliminate sugar, starches, and unnecessary carbs and consume more protein for satiety. As for the high sugar content in all of that fruit he endorses, Wilson said he doesn't think that sugar is fattening although the sugar found in candy bars and sweets is fattening. Hmmmm.

I chuckled when I read about how the "thin" version of Wilson is getting so much attention these days because I can personally relate to that experience. You life really does change after losing such a dramatic amount of weight. But I am envious of Roger Troy Wilson. He got his tummy tuck after losing weight and is so happy with it. This is a struggle for so many of us who have lost weight, but now have the hanging skin to look at every single day. Someday it will happen, someday. Wilson said it has made all the difference in the world how he sees himself when he looks in the mirror.

In a nutshell, the Let's Do Lunch weight loss plan calls for four things: eat fruit, make lunch your priority meal of the day, eat less fattening foods that you enjoy, and have corn, beans, and peas instead of bread, pasta, potatoes or rice. That's it. Do those things and you are well on your way to losing weight the way Wilson did it.

Of course, you will want to read Let's Do Lunch to get a better understanding of the who, what, where, why, when, how of this new way of eating. His "Helpful Tips" chapter answers all of those nagging questions you may be having about dieting in general and how Let's Do Lunch works to melt away the fat from your body. You'll have to turn to page 55 to see how often you should weigh yourself. It's not what you think.

Wilson also helps you deal with the inevitable cravings you will experience, what to do when you feel the desire to cheat, how to order when you eat out at a fast-food or sit-down restaurant.

But I know you are wondering about that little word known as exercise. Am I gonna have to sweat myself to death on this diet? In a word, nope! Wilson said exercise is not required on his program, but it will most certainly enhance the weight loss and health benefits you will enjoy if you do. Your body will also become more toned, energetic, and active. When you shed over 100 pounds off of your body, you cannot help but start moving faster and faster in every activity that you do. I am more active today than I have ever been in my entire life. And I'm sure Wilson is as well.

There is a structured 14-day eating plan for people who need to be told how to eat. Follow it strictly if you need guidance about doing the Let's Do Lunch plan. Wilson even provides a handy grocery shopping list about what you can and cannot buy to eat on his program. And in case you were wondering, what would a book about weight loss be without throwing in a few favorite recipes at the back of the book?

Wilson has made the Let's Do Lunch so user-friendly that you won't have any trouble reading it from cover to cover in one sitting. What an amazing story of weight loss triumph and success Wilson has to share. While my path to becoming skinny was very different from his, I have great respect and admiration for anyone who can get their obesity under control for good.

Won't you be the next Roger Troy Wilson to change your life forever? If so, then Let's Do Lunch.

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Product Description:

With this Revised and Updated Edition ofLet's Do Lunch, you eat until full in all the food groups, including all you want of unprocessed starchy carbs, the sweetest fresh fruits and fruit smoothies, lean red meat, corn thins, cheese, healthy fats, veggies, whole-grain cereals and crispbreads, dark brown and wild rice, snacks, dressings, condiments, and sauces. But because these foods stabilize your blood sugar, your body forces you to become less and less hungry with each passing day. Thus, you begin to eat less and less, consume fewer and fewer calories, and lose all the weight you want.In Let's Do Lunch, Roger Troy reveals:

Eat until full whenever you are hungry, no matter how often that is and no matter how many calories you consume (even if you start by eating 10,000 calories a day)-thus eliminating your hunger cravings.
Your body can't tell the difference between starchy carbs, so when you eat the Let's Do Lunch starchy carbs, it eliminates your cravings for the fattening starchy carbs.
Your body can't tell the difference between sugars, so when you eat the sweetest fresh fruits and fruit smoothies, it eliminates your cravings for all the foods made with fattening sugar in them.

If you want to read about and talk with other Let's Do Lunch dieters, go to www.letsdolunch.com and click on "message boards." Once you do, you'll want to get started on this program right away.

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Chicken Soup for the Dieter's Soul: Inspiration and Humor to Help You Over the Hump (Chicken Soup for the Soul) (Paperback) Review

Chicken Soup for the Dieter's Soul helps to keep me in the right "mind set" to keep on keeping on with the weight loss project.We all know that the most important part of dieting is getting the head on straight, and this book helps to keep me inspired!Good buy!

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Product Description:

The Perfect Pick-Me-Up for the Dieting Blues Ah, the "joys" of dieting: Looking the other way while your friend enjoys a decadent dessert; cursing your gene pool for your sluggish metabolism; preferring a root canal over your weekly weigh-in. While winning the war over our waistlines is no laughing matter, it can nevertheless be a rewarding, enjoyable journey when tackled with the right mindset and motivation. Chicken Soup for the Dieter's Soul is the perfect pick-me-up for the dieting blues, filled with humorous, uplifting, and inspiring stories about how real people discovered the lighter, brighter side of dieting and got healthier along the way. Whether you're yo-yo dieting, so-so-dieting, or just trying to lose a few pounds, Chicken Soup for the Dieter's Soul will get you over the hump.

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Simply...Woman!: The 12-Week Body/Mind/Soul Total Transformation Program [Paperback] Review

My thoughts have been generally summed up by most other reviewers. An excellent common sense, yet 'think outside the box' approach to lifestyle. To paraphrase Andrus, this is a step by step process that forces a woman to look within. When she gains insight on poor lifestyle choices, latent issues, like weightloss, even emotional roadblocks correct themselves naturally.

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Product Description:




Simply . . . Woman! is a week-by-week body/mind/soul total transformation program that encompasses every facet of a woman's life. From her daily demands and frustrations to her wants, needs, and fears, this revolutionary plan elevates the experience of weight loss far beyond the physical. With 70 steps, which are gently laid out over 12 weeks, this book effectively empowers women to take back control of their health, discover their passion, override their fears, and create a life filled with joy and serenity-thin thighs are just the by-product!


Included in this 12-week total transformation program are: 10 Steps to Living with Authenticity, 25 Top Fat-Burning Secrets, and the Tight & Toned Workout DVD. Unlike anything you've ever tried before, Simply . . . Woman! will truly transform your life from the inside out!

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