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180 of 186 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Jillian Tells It Like It Is, October 29, 2005
Jillian Michaels, the tough-talking personal trainer of the Red Team on "The Biggest Loser", brings her no-nonsense personality to this diet and exercise book. Not another "just eat less and move more" tome, Jillian actually acknowledges that there is an individual approach to losing weight, and that no correct way will work for everyone.
I have watched both seasons of The Biggest Loser, and I thought of Jillian as an abrasive woman who never had a weight problem in her life. I thought that she was tough on her "clients" because she looked down on them for being overweight. After reading her book, I have changed my opinion.
In the first section of the book that focuses on Self, Jillian states that she had a weight problem that had emotional roots (like mine), and that she had to value herself first, and then loose weight. In the next section, Science, Jillian demonstrates how to "crunch the numbers" to help us understand how our body works in relation to weight loss. Next, she goes on to explain the different ways that we process foods. Using this information, we can tailor a diet to suit our bodies. I learned that I was a "slow oxidizer", which means that I need 65% carbs, 25% protein, and 15% fat. This explained why I could never loose weight on Atkins (no low-carb craze for me). In the last section, Sweat, Jillian gives us the benefits of exercise as well as descriptions of various exercises (weight lifting).
This book is great, and not another typical weight-loss book. Utilizing common sense, knowledge, and, perhaps most importantly, a no-gimmick point of view, Jillian explains, encourages, and talks tough when she has to.
Keep telling it like is, Jillian. And thanks.
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94 of 97 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very Good Beginner Book, November 24, 2005
This is a very good book for all beginners in the exercise/weight loss arena. Jillian dispenses a lot of tips, support and encouragement.
She also provides a test to find out what type of 'oxidizer' (the way you burn nutrients) you are which helps you decide your nutrition plan.
Jillian explains how to calculate the calories needed for each person each day and how to vary your caloric intake to keep your metabolism from slowing.
She explains carbs and the way they break down in your system and provides some insight into the GI (Glycemic Index). Jillian also goes over the good and bad fats and why you need fat in your diet.
She covers label reading and helps the reader learn how to pick out healthier foods by reading their labels. She also provides tips to reduce the calories of foods you eat and receipes you make.
Jillian goes over cardio exercise - when to do it, how often and what types work best. She then discusses circuit weight training and how often and when to participate in these types of exercises.
The last third of the book is the Exercise Index where Jillian covers a wide variety of strength training exercises and provides instructions and photos showing exactly how to perform these exercises. Included in this section is a 12 week program for the reader to follow.
All in all I really liked her book. All beginners or even those that would like to pick up and extra tip or two should give it a read. Jillian covers all the basics and a little more then some weight loss books in that she also covers doing the 'internal work' before beginning a weight loss program.
Between the internal work, the science of weight loss, the sweat part you need to do and going over basic anatomy tips this book has a little bit of everything.
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111 of 119 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
LOVE THIS BOOK, October 26, 2005
I have never posted a review on amazon or anything else for that matter in my life.
I recently went to hear Jillian lecture with some friends at a book signing in Los Angeles and couldn't believe how inspiring she was. She is tough on the Biggest Loser and I thought she was just like any other perfect bodied, know it all, celebrity trainer that could never relate to someone like me. but tonight I realized she really gets it. Even though it seemed like everyone there loved her book I just didn't want to buy it.
I have purchased 3 diet/fitness books in the past 2 months and have failed to open any of them, not to mention the 150$ "Body Makeover " program I purchased last week. (I'm all ready over it......too involved). I had to put a stop to it. I went to Barnes and Noble just to skim through her book for a bit and meet her and then of course I ended up buying it. I really think this was money well spent however.
I know that the fad diets, pills, books and programs that I have invested in are eventually going to fail but I just can't seem to stop. I don't know if anyone here is like me but I feel like I have so much knowledge that I have accumulated over the years by obsessing over new and old diet trends. Knowing what to do isn't the problem. It's getting off my but and doing it. From the few pages I read so far, I was so relieved at her realistic and undersatnding yet tough no excuses attitude.
Finally!!! Someone who doesn't insult me by telling me "just eat right and exersise and don't try to lose more than a pound per week. It's simple."
She knows that there is more to it. She spends a chapter on the emotional connection to weight issues and then cuts right to the chase with guidelines and basic science to figure out the best eating and excersise habits that work for YOU . It's not hundreds of pages of stuff I already know. It is short sweet and to the point. Thank you so much Jilian!!! I am sorry I under estimated you. You really are an inspiration. Sorry about the length......
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