Customer Reviews

Why Intelligent People Are Overweight

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Why Intelligent People Are Overweight" reads like a pep talk from a concerned friend. Over and over again Hedley Turk makes the point that if you are overweight you are going to die sooner than later. While this is not pleasant to think about it might shock you into reality.

Hedley Turk used to be a binge eater and his food of choice was chocolate donuts. Frankly I don't think those taste as good as maple bars but each person has their favorites. But the important thing is that he overcame his addiction through a process which many diet books don't talk about. Well this is not really a diet book it is more about forming a lifelong approach to eating and exercise that will make you healthy for the rest of your life. Is this realistic? Isn't everyone you know aging at a rapid rate? What can you do that will substantially alter the aging process?

This book doesn't claim to have all the answers but it is filled with a lot of wisdom and the author prides himself on a get real approach. Basically this author shows you how to change the way you feel about your favorite bad foods. He helps you create negative associations with all unhealthy foods.

Some of this book is funny, some of it shocking and some of it very revealing. What you won't find in this book is detailed instructions on what to eat and not to eat. For that you will need to read about nutrition.

Since 34% of adults are obese this book is sorely needed. It made me think about how much weight I need to lose and gave me some motivation to get out walking and to do more exercise DVDs. We don't have to be weak and frail as we age. In this book there are examples of people who are bodybuilders way into their 70s and beyond.

So if you need some motivation, try reading this book. There are quite a few exercises that will make the process of losing desire for bad foods more fun. Will you still reach for comfort food now and then? Probably, but from personal experience I know we all have the will power to say no to donuts if we choose to. Now as to whether I can say no to a whoopie pie at Starbucks, that is a whole other level. The last time I bought one the guy making the chai tea for me said I'd made a good choice. Truly I think I made a bad choice and this book helped me see why.

~The Rebecca Review

This is a great book for anyone who needs to be kicked in the ass!

The book is geared towards people who have trouble controlling what they eat. Throughout the chapters Hedley helps the reader do several things:
-identify their issue with food
- come up with a plan to change the way the reader eats
-(and most importantly) anchor this new healthy lifestyle so that it lasts forever!

While this book is geared towards people who have problems eating, it can be used by anyone who abuses anything at all. When we fell stressed, self conscious, or lack confidence - we sometimes abuse things. (Alcohol, tobacco,drugs, sex... etc) Anyone who wants to change an unhealthy aspect of their life can truely benefit from this book!

I suffered from an eating disorder for many years. I wish I had this book when i was going through my times of trouble. What I learned from my problems was that my eating disorder had nothing to do with food or body image. It was an issue of me not liking myself. That is the underlying issue this book really hits home with. We need to love ourself, be happy, and be confident!


It is an easy and entertaining read - It seems to take no time at all to get through because it is well written, in a straight foward language that anyone can understand. There are several lines that made me "LOL", and there are also many of Hedley's own personal stories that really help to drive his point home.

Knowing Hedley personally- I can tell you that he is healthy, knowledgeable about the topics in the book, and most importantly happy with who he is. I would take his advice over just about anyone!

I strongly recommend this book for ANYONE who wants to live a healthier, full life.

Very informative and a very easy read. I have given the book to my girlfriend and she enjoyed it also.

A concise and informative title that lays out the rules for a healthy diet-and-exercise regimen. Never condescending, and always highly aware of and sympathetic to human nature and its baser instincts. You may well feel encouraged and motivated to take better care of yourself, even if you've never felt that way before.

I've read many books on weight loss and dieting and I've spent a great deal of time and money as well, but have never gotten results that lasted. When I went on a diet if I lost weight, I always ended up putting it back on and sometimes more. And exercise has always been difficult for me. It's difficult for me to get motivated.

This book has been a godsend. First of all, I finally feel connected to my body. It's like all this time I didn't see myself as I really was. I was kind of kidding myself. I always thought of myself as chubby, when in fact I was actually fat. Just that realization by itself has motivated me tremendously. I've also started to think about how my weight has been holding me back from doing the things that I've always wanted to do.

And food, don't get me started. This has always been a major problem for me. A MAJOR PROBLEM!!! But I learned that the obstacle has been my own associations that I didn't even know existed. If I knew this ten years ago I could've saved a lot of time, money and effort. Then again, better late than never.

I'm exercising, eating better and haven't felt this good in a long long time. This book has made a major difference in my life and I am very thankful for having had the opportunity to read it. Thank you.

Hedley Turk used to be overweight himself. He had a love affair with chocolate doughnuts. But not just any chocolate doughnuts, these were special ones with chocolate on the inside as well as the outside. A sparkly dusting of sugar was the Pièce de résistance. Yup, they were really, really good. But when a weekly treat of a whole box of these babies led to a twice a week indulgence and then a two-day-in-a-row habit, he knew something had to give. He liked playing basketball and working out, and all this garbage he was ingesting along with about a gazillion calories, wasn't leading to him being a star athlete. When a friend of his who was way overweight and suffered chest pain and found he had three arteries blocked, he knew it was not only himself that he had to save but his friend. They were both intelligent people, successful in other areas of their lives, so why couldn't they stop the crazy eating?

Hedley came up with a plan. It worked for him, his friend and countless other people. I think it's an excellent plan. I'm tired of diets that promote unrealistic food lists and eating in a way that's not sustainable long term. I'm also tired of losing and gaining the same 20 pounds over and over again. This is not a diet per se, but a way of eating and several techniques to help that plan stay in place. If you're expecting someone to hold your hand and tell you what morsels to put in your mouth, or to tell you that exercising is easy when you're not motivated, you won't find it here. You might not like some of the things he says, but you'll have a hard time arguing with the logic. This is an eye opening and serious look at getting your food cravings under control and eating in a healthier manner. As Hedley says, "Nothing is more important than your health." And his book will give you some powerful techniques and some solid reasoning that will help you achieve a healthy diet and weight.

This is an excellent book that gets back to the fundamentals of proper eating for good health. It's easy read and enjoyable, with enough detail to help you understand the key points but without all the dry scientific jargon found in some nutrition books. This book has officially changed my life. I've suffered from yo-yo dieting and I finally realized that I need discipline and dedication to stay on a healthy weight. This book is prime example that big things come in small packages. I love the humor and the motivation the author displays in his chapters. I have recommended these books to so many of friends and family, and this is one of those books that will be with me in my journey to live a healthy life.

Why Intelligent People Are Overweight is "one of those little books that weighs a ton". Like The Four Agreements or Don't Sweat The Small Stuff you may be finished reading the book in a matter of days, but it is going to STAY with you. It's so much more than an "eating manual" author Hedly Turk is your personal trainer or life coach that makes you see yourself for the first time in a long time. But rather than a cruel drill sargeant's approach you will get humor and whit alongside the author's care and hard line questions. He shows you step by step how HE changed his life. He's giving away some great secrets!
Make no mistake this isn't going to be a pat on the back this is a book for GROWN UPS, whether the reader is 15 or 75 there are great lessons in how to TRULY change your life. I'm underweight, and the book has made me see my excuse coupons have all expired. I have started working out again and eating better. This book is a game changer and a joy to read because it's NOT about some "DIET" diets don't however this book and it's lessons will last. RECOMMENDED!

My intellect and emotion have been arguing for years, I happy to say after reading this book, I have learned to separate them both and it is finally quiet upstairs! I have been up and down with my weight most of my life. (My pants range in 4 different sizes) I'm not proud; not too mention how much closet space it took up! My battle with my weight had won and I was not happy; then I stumbled across "Why intelligent people are overweight" and finally there was logical hope.

I am now aware of why I initially go for the cookies and because of this book, I have retrained my brain to think healthy. Thank you Hedley Turk for giving me control of my life back to me!!! Time to clean the closet! Woo Hoo!

I'm not a very good writer so I'll keep this short and sweet. This is a good book. If you had problems in the past with your weight and health like I have, this is finally a book that actually delivers on what it promises. I have already taken steps to improve my health and I have a lot more planned. I never thought I would make a change like this, but I am, and it feels good. I highly recommend this book.