 eye opener |
| Review Date: March 20, 2006 |
| Reviewer: greenie, Redondo Beach, CA |
A friend of mine recommended this book to me partly because it amused her but mostly because she believed in it's message-which by the way, does suggests organic foods and veganism as a way of life. The authors are straight forward and humorous (if you don't mind a bit of profanity). I felt like they were talking to me-not at me. It's a book that talks about what foods are harmful, why they're harmful and offers suggestions and substitutions to stop stuffing your face with the wrong foods. It's full of facts not fluff; some of which are detailed and gruesome accounts of animal cruelty, food processing and destruction of land.
Truthfully I didn't know that what I was about to read was going to change my life-but it did and all for the better. I didn't close the book with the idea that "I'll never touch meat/chicken/eggs/dairy again" but I haven't (I used to have 6 egg whites every morning and was a huge consumer of poultry). Until I read this book I never realized what happened in slaughter houses, poultry farms, and dairy farms and how eating these foods impacts my body. It's a great read and I highly recommend it for those who are interested in learning more about what's really on our plates. |
No longer a junk food addict!!! LOST 85 LBS!!!
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| Review Date: July 10, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Jean Gardner, Michigan |
I can not emphasize how greatfull I am for having read this book. Before I read it I was trying every stupid diet in the world, diet pills, and even considered things that were probably illegal to lose weight. I was completely addicted to junk food and didn't even know it until I read this book!!! I was depressed most of the time, had no energy, felt hopeless that I'd ever be thin and feeling so completely despirate it was really sad.
I picked up the book because I liked the title. I was 100 lbs overweight and many times thought of skinny women as 'skinny bitches'...And I so wanted to be like them! So, I read the book and it totally changed my life. I saw the truth for the first time as to how the food industries will market complete garbage to humans for consumption because they can make a fast buck. I saw how cruel and deplorable the meat industry is in the name of greed. I realised that I was not helping myself by drinking diet soda (with all its poisonous artificial sweeteners) and eating milk and meat and eggs which all contain animal fat -which is not fit for human consumption... the book OPENED MY EYES - and I realised I had chosen to keep them shut and be ignorant for far too long...
I have struggled with food addiction and my weight since a child. I was anorexic and bulemic through all my teens and 20's. I have been morbidly obese for over 10 years (100 extra lbs) and I know that this book opened my eyes and THE TRUTH HAS SET ME FREEEEE!!!
SINCE I READ THE BOOK I HAVE LOST 85 LBS and I have no doubt I will lose all the rest. I gave up artificial sweeteners, sugar, meat, egg and dairy the day I read the book and will never return to these foods. The book convinced me 100% and there is no going back. I have read 100's of diet books - but this one really helped me make a life long change toward health and thinness.
I will say, that the chapter on You Are WHat You Eat was very hard to read - but it was the chapter that sealed the deal for me to make a change in my life. I would suggest if you read the book to read every page - even if it is hard. Because like the book says 'if an animal had to suffer it - the least you can do is read it. I was a tough nut - trust me - I was soooo addicted to junk food. THIS BOOK HELPED ME KICK ALL OF MY BAD DIETARY HABITS ONCE AND FOR ALL!!!
The swearing in the book is not every-other-word. I liked the no-nonsence approach because I get real tired of reading a bunch of fluff and want the facts given to me strait. So, that was not a problem for me.
I will add that they do mention doing excercise - But it is not an excercise book. They take the approach that you should live an active lifestyle - incorporating activity into each day and they recommend Yoga -which is impossible to do if you're 100 lbs overweight. So, walk or do what ever you can to get your body moving.
So, if you are depressed, despirate and feeling hopeless - read this book. THe first day I went cold turkey of all the junk foods and I had a headache. THe second day I had a headache. I did take some Ibuprophen and that helped. After 3 weeks of going without junk food I felt good, I had alot more energy and started going for walks and bike riding. I lost 10 lbs the first month and I was eating as much as I wanted and never felt deprived. I know I will never go back to the way I was eating. This book was a God-sent for me and I will be forever greatfull!!
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Never knew I wanted to be a Skinny Bitch...'Till Now
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| Review Date: January 5, 2006 |
| Reviewer: A. Ponti, Portland, Maine |
Well let me first catch my breathe. I just finished this book a few hours ago, having started it last night. It was a riveting page turner and I will soon be rereading it, armed with a nice cup of decaf organic green tea and a highlighter. Sometimes the in-your-face approach can be really effective, and frankly what's necesary to get people to stop and think. I applaud Rory and Kim for writing a stellar book that sits you down and tells it like it is. It can be overwhelming, all the alarming information. But remember, Rome wasn't built in a day and I for one know I am going to continue taking baby steps on the road to a healthier, happier self. Is this book for everyone? Probably not, I know my sister and I have no intention of sharing it with our mother. But, if you have even a little thick skin and aren't afraid of a truth that isn't, if you'll pardon the pun, sugar-coated, then this is the book for you. The authors use facts and humor to make their point while also not preaching. I truly loved this book. It's high time something like this be written.
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Hilarious and informative!
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| Review Date: February 18, 2006 |
| Reviewer: H. Bellock, Chicago, IL |
| I bought this book because it is frank, honest, and outright funny! It's a rare thing for me to be laughing OUT LOUD as I peruse the bookstore, but this book is a great read. Yes it has some harsh facts about cutting through the crap that is considered a "normal" diet. But in this day and age, we all know that normal is overweight and/or unhealthy- so frankly I am glad to break from conformity! I have to say the biggest point this book can stress is the whole NO DAIRY attitude. What most people (myself included) don't know is that there are substitutes for milk, ice cream, etc that taste absolutely GREAT! (fake butter better than REAL butter!) And you will freak out at how much better you feel and look if you get that garbage out of your system- it is truly amazing! Your skinny jeans become your every day jeans, if that isn't reason enough to give it a go! Only thing I'd change is more recipes. Even if you just read this book for the comic relief, it is well worth your time and hopefully some of their ideas will "click" with you to make positive changes in your life and health. Happy reading! |
Don't Hate!
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| Review Date: March 8, 2006 |
| Reviewer: peacestar, Virginia |
| I have been reading the reviews posted for this book and I am a little disturbed at the claims that the book is propoganda and that there was no disclaimer in the book as to the graphic nature. Before the section on the cruelty, it warns that it is very disturbing and graphic. Furthermore, "they" aren't saying those things, the comments are direct quotes taken from the book Slaughterhouse, said from individuals working in the meat industry. The book does have parts that are difficult to read, but it is important to be aware of these things and it does all lead back to you, the individual either wanting to understand about food, or not. If not, that is TOTALLY fine, but don't claim that the book is misleading. Only 2% of vegans are overweight. How does that not have to do with losing weight and getting healthy? I promise if you tried it for a week or two, you would be amazied!!! Why is it that a vegan lifestyle is radical and extreme? I find that being sick and having God knows what from God knows where, taking tons of meds and ending up on a table one day for surgery extreme. It is all on how you look at the matter, but I for one choose to know what is going on, know what is going in my body that I claim to care so much about, and these "skinny bitches" aren't the first to address this issue. I loved the book. Even if you don't give up certain things, it is a great book to read to get healthy! |
A complete shock to me
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| Review Date: December 31, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Momto4athome, Wherever the Army sends us |
This book was definitely NOT what I was expecting. I had never heard of it, but happened to be browsing Barnes and Noble and saw it sitting there in the bestseller nonfiction section. Of course, the cover design and title did the job intended because I picked it up. The design of the cover and the title does NOT look like a health or nutritional book...it looks like Chick Lit. I half expected to pick up a fictional book that had been placed in the wrong section. I glanced through it and immediately picked up on the author's writing style....we could call it "no nonsense" but that really isn't adequately describing it. It's laced in profanity, but at times reads more like a cup of coffee with that "Friend" we all have...you know the one that doesn't care what people think...doesn't mince words...and could give a bleep less if people like it or not. I found it amusing, and it held my attention. So I bought it. I did NOT expect to find anything other than the same general diet info we always hear from weight loss books. I was WRONG.
First of all, this book is not fluff, which unfortunately most diet books are mostly full of...fluff. Inside of this chick lit looking, profanity laced book was a very well researched, informative and fully referenced literary work. There are more references in this book (scientific studies, research studies etc) than I have seen in many diet/health books. Also, it includes plenty of other resources like web sites, books, cookbooks, magazines etc. It may look like fluff, and it may read like a truck driver wrote it, but that is just clever marketing. At times it reads like a textbook because it carries so much serious information. So don't be fooled. They just knew how to get their book noticed, and it worked.
Last but not least, they are hard core vegetarians. This was another shocker. There was no way to know I was getting a book about animal cruelty and vegetarianism. The cover did not give it away and glancing through it quickly didn't do it either. They waited to approach the subject for several chapters into it. Another smart marketing move, as I may have put it down had I seen that initially.
I have never read any hard core detailed information on how animals are killed for food. They cited workers, quotes, insider info...it was disturbing--an understatement...for a moment I thought I had picked up the diary of a serial killer. It was just sick. Obviously I know animals have to die for me to get a Big Mac, but are we seriously killing them in the ridiculously sick and twisted manner described in this book??. If that is true, then I am horrified. I assumed it was like what happens when you take a pet to the vet and it needs to be euthanized. I mean, you wouldn't take your pet into the veterinarian to be put to sleep if you thought that first they were going to slam it against the wall a few times, shove something up its rectum, paralyze it from the neck down and poke its eyes out...just for fun...THEN put it to sleep. Any veterinarian doing that kind of unnecessary behavior would lose his license. So what is going on?? According to this book, prisoners sentenced to the death penalty get far nicer deaths, than the animals. If you read the info in this section it will definitely be a 'what the hell' moment....leaving you to wonder why it's necessary to be that horrific in the killing of the animals.
I guess this book left me feeling nauseated. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the info, but I'm definitely going to do some more research. I don't feel you can just dismiss people as being one of those crazy vegetarians. If what they're saying is true, then I need to know that. |
Not to sound dramatic but the book changed my life!
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| Review Date: April 19, 2007 |
| Reviewer: cyan, Sydney, Australia |
I have never read a book like this. Ever! Since I read this book I've gone from a meat and potatoes girl to a committed vegan. I always knew I was eating the wrong way but somehow couldn't bring myself to put my money where my mouth was. Skinny Bitch spoke to me in such a straight shooting manner that the choice no longer felt difficult - I just knew what I needed to do.
If you want to lose weight, feel healthy, and do the planet and animals a big favor - read this book and take it on. I owe a big thank you to Kim Barnouin and Rory Freedman for writing a book that finally gets people like me to act!! |
For Those Who Envy the Skinny
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| Review Date: June 7, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Sarina Le Sieur, Rancho Murieta, CA, USA |
| This book is a fantastic, in-your-face guide to not only being skinny, but also being healthy. The book tells you things about diet and nutrition that you already know but you have not taken seriously. This book is your best friend answering "Yes!" to the "Do I look fat?" question. All of the information is based on studies and reports, so you can trust it. If you are ready to change your lifestyle, this book is for you. If you want to sit on the couch, watch TV and continue feeling the way you do, then definitely read it...it might just be what motivates you to step up and start enjoying how you feel and what you look like! |
Life Changing
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| Review Date: July 13, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Beemad, Denver, CO |
| I can honestly say this book changed my life! While a hoot to read, it is insightful, well-researched and thought provoking. I immediately became a vegetarian and haven't looked back even once. Chapter 6 is a horror to read but a real eye-opener. Thanks, ladies! |
i lost weight!!!!
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| Review Date: February 19, 2006 |
| Reviewer: June Star, Boulder, CO |
| this book has brought a lot of changes... i was shocked by some of the information here, and it led me to research on my own and my god, it's all true! there was a lot that i hadn't ever wanted to think about before, but i am so glad that i know now. i am certain i am lengthening my lifespan and the best thing is that I LOST WEIGHT without even really trying... i've lost 7 stubborn lbs and counting, it's fabulous! i thought the language was funny, but i kind of talk like that, too. oh, and i researched the organic dairy and meat someone mentioned here and it's, in the spirit of the book, bull***t- it is not really regulated and not more humane or healthy :( but that is reality and ignoring it benefits no one. |
Life changing... read it.
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| Review Date: June 14, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Renee Brock, Arkansas, USA |
| I picked up this book while I was going through a bit of a self-esteem and self-image crisis. Little did I know that this book would change my life. I was one of the "ignorant". As I read through the pages of in-your-face honesty, I was completely shocked at what I had been doing to my body all along. And, I'm happy to note, I've been a vegetarian ever since. Great book all together. A definate must read for anyone who wants to know how to lose weight and be one-hundred percent healthy. |
The Truth Hurts...
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| Review Date: February 17, 2006 |
| Reviewer: Green Queen, |
| I just wanted to say how crazy it is that everyone doesn't give this book 5 stars. Some people are down talking the book because they "thought is was a book on how to lose weight!" Well...it is a book on how to lose weight!!! If you eat like they are telling you to eat, you will be even healthier than if you just do a fad diet! It's sad that even when it is written out in broad daylight, people still don't get it. The government is killing us!!! They hide all of these graphic details from us on what all is in our food, and it's people like Kim and Rory that are trying to get the word out! It's books like this one that need to be given as gifts or just passed out to everyone so these issues can be seen. I am sure that 95% of our population doesn't even know what goes on out there. It's really sad. Here's to Kim and Rory...You go girls!!! |
Think about what you eat!
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| Review Date: June 7, 2006 |
| Reviewer: E, |
IT IS ABOUT TIME!!!! This is a straight talking book about why we should not only change our habits to be healthier but look beyond our waistline to the impact our food choices have on other living creatures and the earth we share.
First of all - I have heard the argument that vegans are bourgeoisie who have nothing else to do but discuss colonics and that it excludes those whose household incomes are below 100K per year. Interestingly enough - I have only ever heard this argument from middle to upper class individuals and never from those "underprivileged" groups they claim to defend...This is completely inaccurate and there is actually a decades old movement in some communities to educate members as to exploitation by the fast food industry and the benefits that can be reaped from a vegan diet. The CD "Foodz in Da Hood" is very interesting and I strongly recommend a visit to their restaurants if you have the opportunity. There are "Soul Vegetarian" restaurants all over the globe and the one in Chicago has been a neighborhood fixture for over 20 years.
Okay - if you find the "meat" section of the book disturbing then maybe you should think about what you are eating rather than dismissing it as "propaganda". Why on earth would this be included in a book about diet....hmmmm...shouldn't the question be why hasn't this been discussed earlier? If we have the luxury to sit down and read a book on improving our diet - the least we can do is think about the way our food gets to the table. I know the knee jerk reaction is to claim that it is "propaganda" and to say we should "try and buy humanely raised meat". Why? We don't need it and generally speaking are better off without it. Check reference below for further information.
If we can live healthy and happy lives and minimize the amount of suffering we cause other living beings - who can argue with that?
For those who have listed the diet suggested in the book as "dangerous" I urge them to read the ADA's (American Dietetic Association) 2003 position paper on vegetarian and vegan diets. It supports the benefits of vegan / vegetarian diets as beneficial and appropriate for "all stages of life". If they are going to make such claims they should at least have independent research to back up their criticisms.
So...if you doubt the information in the book do the reasearch yourself - besides being common sense - it checks out! Happy eating!
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Life changing!!!
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| Review Date: September 30, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Juliana Silva, Placentia, CA |
This book changed my life! It gave me a completely different perspective on health and eating habits. It provided me with as much information as I would never expect and in a very entertaining, funny way of reading. This is a great book, easy read, straight to the point.
I have never been "overweight" but I had been trying to lose some 10lbs for a long time and after trying many different ways of eating healthier... I didn't see any difference. After changing my eating habits, eliminating and substituting for what the book recommends, I lost 10lbs in less than a month! I saw an incredible difference right away! I instantly felt a lot better, less bloated, my digestive system started functioning more regularly and easily, my skin looks better and I have more energy now. I became happier!
The funny thing is that I bought this book thinking it was a novel about "skinny chicks" :) I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I ate meat and anything I wanted all my life, never got "fat" and never knew it could be bad. I have always been proud of myself for being a relatively healthy eater (not much fried stuff and junk food, lots of veggies and fruits, etc, etc). By page 100 of the Skinny [...], I had become a whole different person!
I absolutely recommend this book! I've already bought 3 to give away for family and friends. This is also a great resource book!
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Don't be fooled by the title...
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| Review Date: December 21, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Anya, Minneapolis, MN |
This book is not about losing weight, nor is it exclusively for women. It's also not another pop diet book. This is an intelligent, concise, straightforward piece about improving your lifestyle. The claims are thoroughly supported by research and logic. Every claim they make is followed by a citation of a credible source.
Reading this book makes you feel empowered - it makes you WANT to put healthy things into your body. You come away from this book understanding that eating well is a gift you give yourself - not a punishment. The book is simple - eat vegan, and read the ingredients on the package. Trust yourself, not any government agency, to tell you what to eat. Forget calorie counts, fat grams, and carb counts. Read the ingredients on any package, and make sure you are only eating foods that are pure - free from any unnatural ingredients. Don't starve yourself, but stop putting crap into your body! Not only do the authors give GREAT reasons to change your lifestyle, they also dedicate part of the book to giving you concrete, manageable ways to start on this life-change. Reading this book is like talking to a best friend who has your best interests at heart, and who gives you the cold hard facts about your current reality, sparing nothing - and then gently shows you how to change it.
I thought I could never be a vegetarian, let alone a vegan. I thought I could never live without meat, dairy, and eggs. This short and simple book has completely changed my relationship with food, not to mention my views on the meat/dairy industries and the government agencies that are "watching out for our health and safety."
Again, it's not about getting skinny or being on a diet. It's about changing your lifestyle and honoring your body by refusing to fill it with toxins and substances it was not meant to digest.
Losing weight and looking great will come as a pleasant side-effect of this newfound, empowering lifestyle.
A well-written and informative book that should be read by anyone who cares about the body in which they live. |
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