INDEX OF REVIEWS YOU’LL FIND BELOW: (click the number beside each title to jump to that review)
1. The No S Diet – Reinhard Engels
2. The Amazing Adventures of Dietgirl – Shauna Reid
3. Intuitive Eating – Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch
4. Thin Within: A Grace Oriented Approach… – Judy and Arthur Halliday
5. Thin Within (secular) – Judy Wardell
6. Mindless Eating – Brian Wansink, Ph.D.
7. Walk Away the Pounds – Leslie Sansone
8. Eat Smart, Walk Strong – Leslie Sansone
9. Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat? – Peter Walsh
10. Secrets of a Former Fat Girl – Lisa Delaney
11. Look Great, Feel Great – Joyce Meyer
12. 100 Days of Weight Loss – Linda Spangle
13. Winning After Losing – Stacey Halprin
14. The Writing Diet – Julia Cameron
15. Body for Life – Bill Phillips
16. Fit From Within – Victoria Moran
17. Get With the Program – Bob Greene
18. The Sugar Solution – Sari Harrar
19. Fattitudes – Jeffrey and Norean Wilbert
1. THE NO S DIET by Reinhard Engels
I first heard about this diet from the Women’s World magazine article, featured on April 14, 2008. I picked up a copy of said magazine at the local grocery store, because the cover story was about this diet, and I was intrigued.
Much as I’m not a huge fan of “diets” any more, this one seems to be a “diet” and an “anti-diet” all at the same time. While the author encourages you to eat 3 meals a day, and doesn’t really buy into the “eat only when hungry” logic, he also encourages you NOT to snack between meals.
There are no recipes, no meal-plans, and you don’t have to “count” or track anything. So, in that sense, it’s NOT a diet (by my standards, anyway). There ARE some *restrictions* – the “No S” parts — but even those come with “exceptions”, so this still doesn’t seem like a “diet” –in the typical sense of the word– to me. 
The really cool thing is that the author has given the entire “plan” of his diet for FREE on his website! You can read all the FAQs (frequently asked questions) there, as well as join the discussion boards, or use his personalized “habit tracker” (created specifically to work with this diet — but not limited to use with the NoS plan! You can use it for anything, really, and it’s FREE!).
Basically, the premise is just 14 words long… you eat:
- no sweets
- no snacks
- no seconds
… except (sometimes) on days
that start with “S”.
It’s not as simple as it sounds, though, as people here in the West have a penchant (it seems) for snacking (on sweets, no less!), and taking second helpings.
The author proposes that eating these things ONLY on days that start with “S” (Saturdays, Sundays, and Special occasions) will help to greatly reduce your calorie intake, thereby leading to weight loss.
He doesn’t claim that your weight loss will be quick… it’s a gradual –but more lasting– change. And, he says that it offers more structure than the typical diet.
I liked that he made so much fuss about how the usual “diets” do NOT work (not in the long-run anyway).
I wasn’t originally going to read the book, given that you can find all of the information you need for free on the website. But, after reading messages on the NoS Bulletin Boards, I realized that the book is a little more “fluffed-out” than the website, and there’s a bit more in the way of answers to questions NoS “followers” usually have.
The book was very good. Yes, most of it was a repeat of what’s on the website, but the bulletin-board people were right in that there is more to the book, too. I found it helpful to have the book, and it’s nice to have that “portable” information… I don’t have to keep running to my computer to look up an answer to my questions. It’s also cool that the book is just slightly bigger than a mass-market paperback, so it fits in your bag (or whatever), and the price was right (I got mine for $10.60 CDN)
So, overall, I’d say that this book — and the plan, itself — are great. I’d definitely recommend both! I’m trying out the NoS principles, myself, and am really liking the freedom “with boundaries” that they give me. Having those “S” days to eat without guilt is definitely a bonus.
Rated: A-
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2. THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF DIETGIRL by Shauna Reid
I found out about this book a week or two ago, while surfing around online. Found the website, and found the book…then found that my library had a copy — yay!
Shauna Reid started out at about 351 pounds… she went to a Weight Watchers weigh-in with her sister, and had a moment of decision: she couldn’t live like she’d been doing any more. So, she made up her mind right then to change. She signed up for Weight Watchers, and she started her journey.
Shauna didn’t stay with WW, though. Eventually she learned to make up her own plan, and she joined a gym. This is her story of how she lost half of her body weight, and learned to make peace with her body and her life. 
Hilarious book, but full of inspiration. You can’t help but be moved by Shauna’s story (which was originally just her blog-posts on her website, and then got turned into a book — there’s more content in the book, though).
Recommended.
Rated: A+
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3. INTUITIVE EATING by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch
This book details the steps you need to take to become an “intuitive eater” — a person who follows their body’s natural cues of “hunger” and “satiety” in order to eat in moderation and shrink down to their natural body weight. (10 Keys)
I especially liked the chapters called: “Challenge the Food Police” / “Make Peace With Food” / & “Respect Your Body“. Challenging the “Food Police” means undoing the “diet mentality” that’s been so ingrained in us by society, and substituting positive statements every time you hear a negative one regarding food or your eating (in your head). Making peace with food reminds us that NO food is “good” or “bad” or “forbidden“, and we need to give ourselves “unconditional permission to eat” the foods that we love and that satisfy us. Respecting our bodies means not having negative things to say about yourself when you look in the mirror, and it means buying clothes NOW (not later when you’ve lost X number of pounds, first) that make you look and FEEL great!
This is an awesome book that I recommend to a LOT of people! ;o)
Rated: A+
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4. THIN WITHIN: A GRACE-ORIENTED APPROACH TO LASTING WEIGHT LOSS by Judy and Arthur Halliday
An amazing book! Much, much more than weight loss is included here… it’s a life transformation!
This book teaches you the principles of “hunger” and “fullness“, by giving you eight “keys to conscious eating” to put into practice:
1. Eat only when my body is hungry.
2. Reduce the number of distractions in order to eat in a calm
environment.
3. Eat when sitting down.
4. Eat when my body and mind are relaxed.
5. Eat and drink the food and beverages my body enjoys.
6. Pay attention to my food while eating.
7. Eat slowly, savoring each bite.
8. Stop eating before my body is “full”.
I lost almost all of my excess weight by following these “keys”, and didn’t even have to exercise (though, I did add in exercise after I saw the plan working so well without it).
The Christian aspect of this book is very good, but can be a bit much for some. The focus is on turning to God to help you when you’re tempted to eat more than you need.
This book is laid out in a 30-day format… you read one “chapter” per day, for 30 days. Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of the program, and on God’s help in transorming the way you relate to food and eating.
I highly recommend this one!
Rated: B+
NOTE: There is also a non-Christian version of this book/program, written by Judy before she married.
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5. THIN WITHIN (secular version) by Judy Wardell
I almost like this version better than the Christian one, as this one isn’t quite as “preachy“, and it is a bit more practical in the application of the “8 Keys to Conscious Eating“.
I really liked that it has “Creative Visualization” exercises, and it hints at using the “Law of Attraction” (by using “Positive Affirmations“).
This book was helpful, so I recommend it!
Rated: B+
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6. MINDLESS EATING: WHY WE EAT MORE THAN WE THINK by Brian Wansink, Ph.D.
There are ‘hidden persuaders’ in our lives that cause us to eat more than we think. These can be: labelling, sounds, lighting, package sizes, etc.
Wansink suggests that we can lose 10-30 pounds within a year by making just one to three 100-calorie changes a day to our eating habits and environment. These changes are small enough that our bodies don’t really even notice that we’ve made them, but they supposedly work wonders!
A good book, with lots of interesting stories about the studies done in Wansink’s lab. 
)
Rated: A-
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7. WALK AWAY THE POUNDS by Leslie Sansone
Leslie outlines a 6-week plan where you walk 1 – 3 miles a day, drink your 8 glasses of water, and get enough sleep. She guarantees you’ll feel better and be thinner if you follow her program for 6 weeks without fail. Of course, proper diet is tied into this.
I have really enjoyed Leslie’s “Walk Away the Pounds” DVDs, and the success stories sprinkled throughout this book (most of which have the people doing Weight Watchers, in addition to the WAtP DVDs) are very inspiring. The DVDs will make you stronger and boost your endurance, if nothing else.
The book is based on common sense. If you increase your exercise, and watch your portion sizes, you CAN lose weight. And, walk-aerobics is a fun way to do exercise. )
Rated: A-
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8. EAT SMART, WALK STRONG by Leslie Sansone
Another 6-week plan from Leslie Sansone, this one has you incorporate 6 new “healthy habits” that will keep you “naturally slim“:
- Intentional Eating
- Breakfast
- Portion Control
- Slow Food
- Snacks
- Restaurants
This book was filled with excellent tips and advice, and of course, a nod toward getting in regular physical activity (especially walking! –grin–). It also, quite often, spoke in terms of Intuitive Eating! So, I have to recommend this book, despite the somewhat diety nature, in parts.
It really is based off of common sense, and Leslie’s very flexible plan is doable. “Take what you love, and leave the rest!”
Rated: A-
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9. DOES THIS CLUTTER MAKE MY BUTT LOOK FAT? by Peter Walsh
The author of this book used to be the host of the TV show, “Clean Sweep“. He believes that clutter in people’s houses, and “clutter” (aka: “Fat”) on people’s bodies are related. He says that, in order to get the clutter off your body, you should start by getting the clutter out of your house.
His four main questions were:
* Are you happy?
* Is this the life you want?
* Is this the house you want?
* Is this the body you want?
He shows you, throughout the book, how to start with your house (he doesn’t go into great deal here, though — except for the kitchen –because he says he went into that detail in his other book, “It’s All Too Much”), and then work your way to taking care of your body.
He doesn’t give recipes or meal plans, or anything like that. He just says things like, “Be mindful when you’re eating”, “Eat stuff that supports your goals”, “Get rid of the junk”(I didn’t like this one!), and “Eat less than you used to”. Basically, it’s all common sense.
A good book. I would recommend it.
Rated: B+
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10. SECRETS OF A FORMER FAT GIRL by Lisa Delaney
A fantastic book! The author basically details her journey from being a fat kid, to being a fat college-student, then finally to becoming a skinny (we’re talking size 2!) wife and mother. Don’t be scared off by her current waist-size, though! Ms. Delaney can relate to what you’re going through, as is evident by her story. I found myself relating to so much of what she wrote, despite the fact that I’ve only had a “weight problem” for the past 9 years.
Lisa gives you tips for how you can not only change your dress-size, but also how to get a new outlook and mindset/attitude, too!
This book was just what I needed, and I loved the “memoir” style! Very good.
Rated: A-
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11. LOOK GREAT, FEEL GREAT: 12 KEYS TO ENJOYING A HEALTHY LIFE NOW by Joyce Meyer
I saw this book in my church library and, since I’d wanted to read it for a while, I brought it home.
It’s a good book that gives “12 Keys” to help you live a healthier life: drink water, exercise, let God lead, choose fruits and veggies and whole grains, etc.
The book was really just a lot of common sense tips, but it was also very inspirational! I liked how I could take it and make it work around the intuitive eating principles. )
Rated: B+
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12. 100 DAYS OF WEIGHT LOSS: THE SECRET TO BEING SUCCESSFUL ON ANY DIET PLAN by Linda Spangle
Don’t be frightened by the word “diet” on the cover, as this isn’t really a “diet” book, in my opinion.
Basically, the author gives you 100 “days”-worth of tips for how to keep yourself motivated, and how to make a plan that really works for you. On the very last day (Day 100), she also tells you to pick your Top 10 favorites from the book, and keep those as your “tools” to help you keep on track, or to maintain for the rest of your life.
I loved that soooo much of this book focused on the hunger-fullness principles, rather than on “diety” things. Ms. Spangle encourages you to pay attention to your body’s signals, wait for true (physiological) hunger, stop at “satisfied”, and be mindful while eating. Love it!
Some of my favorite “tips” were:
Interested or Committed: “‘interested’ means you only stay with your plan until something better comes along; ‘committed’ means you stick with your plan…no matter what!”
Half-Off Special: eat half as much as you normally would; never go back for ’seconds’
Smaller Amounts, Less Often: don’t feel deprived; no foods are ‘forbidden’; just eat smaller amounts of your favorites, less often!
The Eating Pause: when you naturally pause in your eating, you’re usually at the exact point where you feel ’satisfied’; if you continue past this point, you’ll probably find you’ve overeaten.
There are so many other good tips that I had a hard time picking *just* 10 for my “Top Ten”. ;o)
Highly recommended book!
Rated: A+
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13. WINNING AFTER LOSING by Stacey Halprin
Finally a book for those who’ve already lost the weight (or, most of it), and are looking for help with the ‘maintenance’ phase.
Stacey Halprin knows what it’s like to have a weight problem. Before having gastric bypass surgery, she weighed over 500 pounds. She knows all about the ‘invisibility’ and other feelings that come with being majorly overweight.
After going through with GBS, she made the decision to do whatever necessary to keep the weight off, and continue to get healthy. She has now maintained her loss for 5 years.
While this book focuses on maintaining your weight loss, those who are still working on it can find a lot of inspirational tips and motivation here, too. I, myself, am still working on getting the weight off, and I found this book to be really inspiring and helpful.
Because it’s more about maintenance, there are no menu plans, or “formulas” for getting thin. She does talk briefly, though, about nutrition and exercise.
Lots of good help here… I’d recommend this one!
Rated: B+
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14. THE WRITING DIET: WRITE YOURSELF RIGHT SIZE by Julia Cameron
Throughout my life, I’ve always loved to write. My family complains about my obsession with buying notebooks (which, for the record, I feel I NEED!). In high-school, I loved it when the teacher would fill all three chalkboards with notes for us to copy, then erase them, and fill all three up again! And so, the premise of this book (that you can “write yourself right-size”) had me intrigued.
Author Julia Cameron isn’t a nutritionist or a health professional. She teaches Creativity classes in which she encourages her students to write daily “Morning Pages“… stream-of-consciousness journaling to unleash (or “unblock”) your creative spirit.
In “The Writing Diet“, readers are also encouraged to take up the habit of writing daily “Morning Pages”. Add in Food Journaling, and weekly “Culinary Artist Dates”, and the author claims you’ll start losing weight, just like she saw her Creativity students do.
Cameron also gives some other “tools” which she says will be helpful in your weight-loss journey: Walking, HALT, finding a ‘Body Buddy’,and asking yourself “4 Questions”.
Reading this book, I did find myself inspired. I was giddy with the excuse to buy new notebooks ((grin)), and have started writing my daily Morning Pages, as well as keeping a detailed Food Journal.
The only thing I really disliked about this book was how Ms. Cameron was labelling foods as “legal” and “illegal“, “good” and “bad“. Her emphasis on “Clean Eating” (avoiding whites/refined carbs & sugars) was too “diety” for me, but I just substituted the word “Healthy” instead of “Clean”, and decided to “take what I love and leave the rest“.
Overall, this was a very interesting book with a very positive feel to it. It even leaned a little towards the principles of “Intuitive Eating” at times!
Rated: B-
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15. BODY FOR LIFE by Bill Phillips
Mr. Phillips has created a 12-week program where you eat only the foods from an “Authorized Foods” list (lean chicken/turkey/beef, veggies, some carbs), and you do high-intensity exercise and strength-training 6 days per week.
The weight-training parts looked good, and it doesn’t hurt to eat healthier. But, I am skeptical of the “Before” and “After” stories in the book. The people in the B&A pictures featured on the inside front & back covers also looked like they’d eaten too little, or exercised too much. 
Rated: C
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16. FIT FROM WITHIN by Victoria Moran
A book with 101 inspirational readings on different topics related to weight loss. For example:
- Be Careful with Caffeine
- Look at the Spiritual
- Don’t Talk About Your Losses
The author focuses quite a bit on the principles of IE, so I liked this book! But, there were a lot of other very motivational aspects, so it’s not just about IE.
The book is nicely laid out, too, as you can read just one “tip” at a time, and it will only take you a few minutes.
Rated: B+
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17. GET WITH THE PROGRAM by Bob Greene
Being a fitness instructor, Bob’s emphasis is always more on exercise than anything else. But, I like how he stresses that you need to go at your own pace. He also encouraged the readers to eat only when physiologically hungry, and to be mindful in their eating! (IE principles!)
This book taught me things I didn’t know about exercise and weight loss. But it’s still too ‘diety‘ for me to give it a higher rating.
Rated: B-
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18. THE SUGAR SOLUTION by Sari Harrar (with Prevention Magazine)
Based off of the Glycemic Index (G.I), this book aims to help you achieve more balanced blood-sugar levels through diet, exercise and stress-reduction.
Still a ‘diet‘ book, but it had some good advice. I particularly liked the bit about reducing stress.
Rated: B-
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19. FATTITUDES: BEAT SELF-DEFEAT AND WIN YOUR WAR WITH WEIGHT by Jeffrey and Norean Wilbert
A ‘fattitude‘ is “a thought or feeling that leads to self-defeat in weight management efforts“.
This book gives you little forms to fill out to help you “Discover” your ‘fattitudes‘, “Invent” new patterns of thinking and behaving, “Extinguish” old patterns and behaviors, and “Transform” yourself from the inside-out.
Highly recommended, as it meshes well with IE.
Rated: A+
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