Customer Reviews

The Big Fat Health and Fitness Lie

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Noted fitness expert and consumer advocate Craig Pepin-Donat makes it easy to separate scams from simple truth in his forthright and eminently readable book, "The Big Fat Health and Fitness Lie." Pepin-Donat offers details, as only an insider can, that debunk a number of health-and-fitness myths, along with "simple, but not easy" suggestions for taking charge of your health --- and your life.

When it comes to improving our health and fitness, most of us like to assume we're on the right track. We know it's important to get (and stay) healthy and fit, and we're determined to reach that goal. The trouble is, it's just so hard to do. Thank goodness there are miracle diet pills, weight-loss supplements, and perfect home gyms that will do the work for us! But it's not that easy. Even though we think we can't be fooled by slick sales pitches or swayed by heartfelt testimonials, the multi-billion-dollar health and fitness industry knows we can be--and that we're willing to pay for it.

But Pepin-Donat keeps us from getting duped. From taking vitamins to buying exercise equipment and many points in between, "The Big, Fat Health and Fitness Lie" shines a bright light on the path to positive self-improvement, so that we can, as Pepin-Donat so succinctly puts it, "get busy living!"

This insider's critique of the fitness industry provides valuable knowledge needed as one traverses the lies, scams and fraud prevalent on the road to a healthy lifestyle. This is a candid assessment of weight loss plans and products, gyms and fitness equipment, supplements and food fads. The author knows of what he speaks. He calls on his years of experience working at the top of the fitness industry, as well as his own struggles with diet and exercise. Pepin-Donat does not have tunnel-vision when it come to fitness. He has a good grasp of the bigger picture and talks of the negative impact of addiction in all its forms (not just food) on one's search for a wholesome life. The book is a fast read, does not confuse one with "fitness" lingo, and backs up its message with research and data. The author's message is not that one should become a fitness fanatic or build the perfect body. The goal is to find a lifelong health and fitness plan that will enhance one's lifestyle, physically and emotionally. Needs to be on your bookshelf!

It is really very exciting to finally have a clear guide through the maze of frauds that make up the health and fitness industry. This book is a small miracle of practical advice about how to take a sane look at what you need to do to get in shape and stay in shape, now and for the future. It ranks workout equipment honestly and provides sound guidance on the issues of quick fixes (there aren't any), fitness clubs, and fast diets. This is a book you cannot afford to be without if you want to be reasonably healthy for the rest of your life.

The Big, Fat Health and Fitness Lie is a "must-read"! Pepin-Donat offers excellent advice, not only for those trying to loose weight, but for anyone looking to make a lifestyle change. He exposes the truth about the hundreds of diet ads, fads and scams that we see every day, along with the other industries related to health and fitness that are helping to hurt us. He not only explains how one can achieve their fitness and health goals, he offers sound, personal testimony. He's not just someone telling you what to do and what to avoid--he seems to live it. Heart-felt and honest, the Big, Fat Health and Fitness Lie gets to the core of the matter, when it comes to our health and fitness and the things that hinder us and can help us.

While some of the information contained in this book is good, it is presented as definitely biased by the author's personal experiences and attitudes. One has to put up with a lot of product condemnation and ranting and raving to dig out the few good nuggets hidden in the text.

Straightforward and heartfelt, Craig Pepin-Donat's message in The Big Fat Health and Fitness Lie gives hope to thousands of yo-yo dieters and anyone who wants to make a significant change when it comes to health and fitness. He encourages people to take responsibility for their weight and, more important, their health by giving them the inside scoop on health fads, fitness gimmicks and more.

From personal stories to insider information, Pepin-Donat's extremely candid about addictions of all kinds, weight-loss schemes, and fitness club scams. He tackles America's addiction to prescription drugs and health supplements, as well as its obsession with "model thin" and "super athlete" mentalities. He even puts the FDA and the drug-approval process under the microscope.

What comes across loud and clear is that many people have abdicated their personal responsibility. They have become lazy (looking for a quick fix) or they have become too trusting (not asking questions of their physicians, the drug companies, or even reading labels). And, the drug and fitness/health industries are taking advantage of consumers. Pepin-Donat's message is simple: America is getting ripped off, but there is hope. As he says in his introduction, "...accepting the truth is the only path to genuine health and fitness results." Throughout The Big Fat Health and Fitness Lie Pepin-Donat reviews the available tools and offers can-do tips for long-term health.

Craig Pepin-Donat's book exposes the truth about many facets of the fitness industry similar to what Al Gore has done for the environment. His hard hitting expose of the industry is both insightful and brutally honest. Craig provides a fair analysis of the many positive aspects of the industry along with the underbelly of the industry that preys on insecurity and false hopes in the name of profit. This ability sets Craig apart from among the myriad of experts in the health and fitness industry. As a consumer, I encourage you to read this book before spending any more money in the fitness or weight loss industries.