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laceywebs's review against another edition
4.0
Although this sounds ridiculous, I view this book as "life changing". I bought it thinking it would inspire me to eat better... what I didn't know was that it would inspire an entire lifestyle change for myself and my family.
Here are my (unorganized) thoughts after reading it:
-Sometimes, it can come off as judgmental and overbearing, but all of the sources are cited and all of the points make sense, making it more educational than negative.
-Yes, there is cursing. But it made it easier for me to relate to them. It came across more like a conversation between friends than a demeaning "cuss-out" session.
-I love that I now know what to look for on labels and which organizations certifications on the food matters and which are crap.
-Yes, there is a chapter about the cruelty involved with every slaughterhouse, but that isn't the main focus of the book. I do think that it needed to be there though and needed to be discussed, since that is a main reason why so many people do choose and love vegetarian and vegan lifestyles. It helps the authors' point and helped me to see more of it.
-A lot of people will think this diet is "unhealthy", but have you ever actually talked to a doctor about it? In one day, I found more articles from doctors online who are FOR a diet like this than against it.
-Speaking of what "I found"... This book made me want to research so many things associated with food, vegan and vegetarian diets, and many of the views discussed in the book. Very few books motivate me to start researching and learning on my own and this one most certainly did.
-As far as a "vegan agenda"... In reading the book, I found their agenda to be honesty and to be opening people's eyes about many of the misconceptions about the food they eat on a daily basis. Are they vegan? Yes. Do they promote it? Yes. But they are promoting what works for them and what they think will help the reader... and isn't that what all diet books are about?
-It isn't just about diet. It is also about motivation, self-esteem, and entire body health.
In summary, I am now beginning my "Skinny Bitch" diet. I have also recommended this book to everyone I care about. It may not be enough to motivate some people, but it sure worked for me!
Here are my (unorganized) thoughts after reading it:
-Sometimes, it can come off as judgmental and overbearing, but all of the sources are cited and all of the points make sense, making it more educational than negative.
-Yes, there is cursing. But it made it easier for me to relate to them. It came across more like a conversation between friends than a demeaning "cuss-out" session.
-I love that I now know what to look for on labels and which organizations certifications on the food matters and which are crap.
-Yes, there is a chapter about the cruelty involved with every slaughterhouse, but that isn't the main focus of the book. I do think that it needed to be there though and needed to be discussed, since that is a main reason why so many people do choose and love vegetarian and vegan lifestyles. It helps the authors' point and helped me to see more of it.
-A lot of people will think this diet is "unhealthy", but have you ever actually talked to a doctor about it? In one day, I found more articles from doctors online who are FOR a diet like this than against it.
-Speaking of what "I found"... This book made me want to research so many things associated with food, vegan and vegetarian diets, and many of the views discussed in the book. Very few books motivate me to start researching and learning on my own and this one most certainly did.
-As far as a "vegan agenda"... In reading the book, I found their agenda to be honesty and to be opening people's eyes about many of the misconceptions about the food they eat on a daily basis. Are they vegan? Yes. Do they promote it? Yes. But they are promoting what works for them and what they think will help the reader... and isn't that what all diet books are about?
-It isn't just about diet. It is also about motivation, self-esteem, and entire body health.
In summary, I am now beginning my "Skinny Bitch" diet. I have also recommended this book to everyone I care about. It may not be enough to motivate some people, but it sure worked for me!
caitlin2e's review against another edition
3.0
I'm giving this 3 stars for two reasons: 1) some of the ideas addressed really got me to think about and question what it is I'm putting in my body, and 2) I hated the way in which it was written. I wouldn't take the content of the book as gospel, but it makes for a good jumping-off point if you have an interest in educating yourself about your diet and making some changes. I just really wish the authors hadn't decided to present their ideas in such an obnoxious voice.
kayceslitlife's review against another edition
2.0
This is the book that prompted me to become a vegetarian and steer clear of meat altogether. The decision came after a chapter on slaughter houses and hearing the horrendous things these animals are put through to satisfy dietary desires.
But I will say this, this book is a vegan book in disguise. The authors even say on their website that the title was a marketing ploy because they knew some women would not buy the book if they knew it was a vegan book. Having been duped as a consumer, I don't appreciate that, but I still got the point they were making and it's led me on a healthier journey than where I was.
But I will say this, this book is a vegan book in disguise. The authors even say on their website that the title was a marketing ploy because they knew some women would not buy the book if they knew it was a vegan book. Having been duped as a consumer, I don't appreciate that, but I still got the point they were making and it's led me on a healthier journey than where I was.
smolek's review against another edition
1.0
Terrible. I got to page 16 and decided I'd already found too many inaccuracies to make it worth reading. I don't disagree with the general principles (eat less, exercise, and avoid the bad stuff-cigarettes, alcohol, etc.) but their "evidence" is crap.
thursday48's review against another edition
This was a last minute squeeze in for 2014 based on a frequent recommendation from a tumblr I follow. It was the worst book I read this year. This book regurgitated some questionable theories and gives some seriously bad advice that sounds like gateway advise to an eating disorder. there were a few good take aways from this book 1) read labels 2) do research and 3) question your meat and dairy consumption. the rest of the book really isn't worth your time.
irishlibrarian's review against another edition
3.0
Good overview of why a vegan diet makes sense. I wish it didn't focus on weight, but that's the gimmick that sold the book. I'm still not ready to drop coffee...
katisfullybooked's review against another edition
1.0
I know I'm late to the party, but I just have to add my two cents after re-reading this and changing my review from 2 stars to 1 star.
Basically, here's my review in bullet points.
What I liked:
-Their exposure of the meat industry and the groups that review foods (FDA, USDA, etc).
-That's it
What I hated:-The foul language they used with that undertone of sexism. (I know that was their marketing scheme, but it sucks and it's really painful to read).
-The blatant jokes about suicide ?? (P.54 - "... is so amazing, you might have to kill yourself")
-The coffee information. Very outdated and controversial data.
-Shaming people about using pain medication when menstruating.
-Using anorexia as a one-liner to try and cover their asses (P.184 "...don't go anorexic on us")
-The amount of pseudoscience behind a lot of their arguments.
-The entire two pages about how when you're skinny men will want you, and if you aren't, you're basically trash to them.
-Talking about how women shouldn't be unpleasant because it makes men not like them or want to be around them.
-99% of the remainder of the book.
There you have it.
**Disclaimer, I'm a vegetarian and am working towards transitioning towards veganism. So I can't be blamed for my opinion because I consume meat (which I don't). As that is what the authors state when they say about those who have bad opinions about this book and the topics covered**
Basically, here's my review in bullet points.
What I liked:
-Their exposure of the meat industry and the groups that review foods (FDA, USDA, etc).
-That's it
What I hated:-The foul language they used with that undertone of sexism. (I know that was their marketing scheme, but it sucks and it's really painful to read).
-The blatant jokes about suicide ?? (P.54 - "... is so amazing, you might have to kill yourself")
-The coffee information. Very outdated and controversial data.
-Shaming people about using pain medication when menstruating.
-Using anorexia as a one-liner to try and cover their asses (P.184 "...don't go anorexic on us")
-The amount of pseudoscience behind a lot of their arguments.
-The entire two pages about how when you're skinny men will want you, and if you aren't, you're basically trash to them.
-Talking about how women shouldn't be unpleasant because it makes men not like them or want to be around them.
-99% of the remainder of the book.
There you have it.
**Disclaimer, I'm a vegetarian and am working towards transitioning towards veganism. So I can't be blamed for my opinion because I consume meat (which I don't). As that is what the authors state when they say about those who have bad opinions about this book and the topics covered**
emilyisreading2024's review against another edition
3.0
There were a few good points and I didn't mind the in your face style, but I felt it wasn't very well organized and there was some repetition.
shansays's review against another edition
3.0
I had a love hate with this book. It's been awhile since I have thought about why one becomes a vegan or even a vegetarian. Physically, I had been feeling run down, and had started eating a vegetarian diet again. My oncologist had been pushing the idea of me giving up cheese for about 3 years. He was a huge fan of the book "The China Study." For the most part I had been keeping a low fat unprocessed diet, but in the last year cheese had started taking over my diet, along with bread, and crackers.
Anyway, I picked up Skinny Beach for a vegan pick me up. I have lived in NY long enough to understand the gimmick of "the skinny beach" concept. The book is already starting to feel a little dated, but it was a good reminder of why processed food is the devil, and how disgusting factory farming of animals truly is.
If you need a quick pick me up on why you need to eat better, this is good quick fix, but there are absolutely better books out there that delve deeper into the reasons to eat a vegan diet, and live a vegan lifestyle. And you can read them without being called a bitch.
Anyway, I picked up Skinny Beach for a vegan pick me up. I have lived in NY long enough to understand the gimmick of "the skinny beach" concept. The book is already starting to feel a little dated, but it was a good reminder of why processed food is the devil, and how disgusting factory farming of animals truly is.
If you need a quick pick me up on why you need to eat better, this is good quick fix, but there are absolutely better books out there that delve deeper into the reasons to eat a vegan diet, and live a vegan lifestyle. And you can read them without being called a bitch.
mrsglovestoread's review against another edition
4.0
Don't read this book if you really love to eat meat! While it is very eye-opening, it's also very blunt! The two ladies that wrote it are vegans, and are strong proponents of the vegan lifestyle. It definitely leaves you questioning the way that you eat and live.