If you’re like most people, you find yourself on a diet all the time. You lose weight and then a few months later, you gain it all back and then some. It’s a constant struggle to try to keep the weight off. And, as you get older, it gets harder and harder.
When I met the people from Reader’s Digest at BlogHer in New York City this past August and they told me about their new book, The Digest Diet By: Liz Vaccariello, I was intrigued, especially since the book focuses first on self-esteem. When I was growing up, I could eat anything I wanted and never gain a pound. I was 98 pounds for years. On my 30th birthday, that all changed and I slowly started to gain weight. I’ve been on diets ever since – Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Adkins, etc.
As women – and I’m sure a lot of men do this too – I know we look at ourselves in the mirror and think, “Wow, I’m fat.” The Digest Diet focuses on trying to help the reader believe in him/herself and to think that the reader is beautiful no matter how much he/she weighs. If you start with that premise and learn to respect your body, then you will lose weight permanently.
The Digest Diet is lined with cute anecdotes in the “Laugh It Off” boxes throughout the book. It also shares success stories of real people and what they did to get themselves back on track.
I love the way it is written in first person. Vaccariello shares her successes and her downfalls with the reader and there is a definite connection. She talks about everything from the environment to exercise. She tells the reader that they need to love what they are doing in order to keep on doing it. “But exercise alone won’t help you lose weight,” she writes.
She also has a section on foods that “release fat,” and describes what you should and shouldn’t focus on. Her section on “rules to live by” is very motivating. Some of things she shares includes:
- Laugh every day
- Eat fresh foods and exercise daily
- Get enough sleep
- Aim for moderation
- Get a support group to help you
After the motivation and educational information in the beginning of the book, Vaccariello provides a list of good choices of foods and a daily menu chock full of yummy, delicious recipes.
Lastly, Vaccariello provides “fat release workouts” and information on exercise and fitness. She shows the reader the right way to master the squat to become an expert dipper!
The last chapter focuses on case studies and frequently asked questions about diet and exercise.
In addition to writing The Digest Diet, Vaccariello is the editor-in-chief and chief content officer at Reader’s Digest. She also co-authored the Flat Belly Diet.
Vaccariello is a good writer and engages her readers. I would recommend the book to anyone serious about changing their lifestyle. This book is a great read for anyone looking to make a New Year’s resolution!
Article first published as Book Review: The Digest Diet: The Best Foods for Fast, Lasting Weight Loss by Liz Vaccariello on Blogcritics.
