Comments (2)

By jamie, July 10, 2012 9:07 am

I think the main reason I wanted to read this book is because it encourages me to hear about people who have succeeded – Bob Harper has been a coach on The Biggest Loser – he has seen his share of weight loss success stories, and been a vital part of them as well. Also, he has worked with people who gain it all back – and those who do not. I would like to hear what he has to say.

Twenty rules, and I have read ten of them so far. I still think that Coach Yourself Thin is going to be more helpful for me (it is clear to me that most of my problem is in my head), but I have to come up with my own rules, and some of Bob’s sound worth following.

So. The rules. Some of them I already do (read labels, don’t drink your calories). And some I know I have to do, like drink more water – I have been lousy at this one lately, particularly when I’m traveling. A few of them made me really think about what I have been eating – some calories are better than others, even if the total matters most of all – I think this alone has made it worth my time to read this book.

I haven’t been eating enough fiber or protein. I knew this, but now I am more conscious of it. Carbs are just much easier (if not tastier). Bob recommends big numbers in these areas, like more than 30 grams a day of fiber. Protein is the hard one for me – how DO you get enough protein without just eating a lot of meat and cheese? (Please don’t recommend tofu – I have no clue how to make tofu palatable for myself, let alone my family.) Ever since I read that, I have been snacking on nuts and string cheese.

Speaking of carbs – one of the rules is “no carbs after lunch.” I’m not willing to do this, but I am attempting to avoid carbs after midnight. I have a feeling Bob is going to recommend not eating that late anyway (actually I know he is – the entire rule list is right there in the Table of Contents, which you can easily view on Amazon). He is not really advocating no carbs at all – fibrous vegetables are fine, for example. I am not willing to make rules about certain foods, and if there is one thing I have learned from Coach Yourself Thin, it’s that I have to cut out my “all or nothing” behavior and stick with a more “one day at a time” approach.

Another rule: Bob recommends eating apples and berries every single day (frozen is fine), and he makes a great case for it. I like this, and am trying to have at least one or the other. Berries are in season, so it’s easy to follow this one (Little Mama loves her blueberries, and I like them too). With that and my increased water intake, I feel like I may have lost a pound or two this week (I’m promise to weigh myself soon).

Oh, and Rule 10 is about artificial sweeteners – I know some moms who do not want their children to have too much sugar, but they allow them to have artificial sweeteners. I used to use them every day myself, but I try to keep them away from my daughter. I have read quite a lot on this subject, and I think I would rather let my kids have the sugar (in moderation) and the same for myself. I now usually add honey to my tea (when I add anything at all; I also have a huge bottle of stevia drops, so I use that sometimes too, but not more than once a day), and I use real sugar – just a bit – when I sweeten things. You should read his thoughts on this subject, and do you own research as well – as for me, I will continue to use them in moderation, but will try to keep things unsweetened most of the time (see how I am trying to get rid of “all or nothing” thinking?) What is your opinionon artificial sweeteners? Have you read this book? What are your thoughts?