Book Review: Naturally Thin

I picked up Naturally Thin by Bethenny Frankel because 1) I love Bethenny and 2) I was interested in eating better (and if I happen to lose weight then I complain).  Even though I’m not overweight by any means, I’ve definitely had some negative self-talk when it came to how I looked and how I ate. During the weekdays I’d eat very well but on the weekends all that seemed to go out the window. It was very frustrating and was not good for me emotionally. Even though I was not binging it just seemed like I didn’t have much control. So I picked up the book since I had heard good things about it and was not disappointed. Here is the short version of her guidelines:

1)    Treat your diet like a bank account: balance your food choices throughout the day

2)    You can eat anything you want, just not all at once: This goes with the balancing concept. If you usually eat a cheeseburger, French fries, and a shake next time pick one or two of the choices and instead of the third have a salad to fill up on. You can always have the third choice at another time; there will be another meal.  I especially liked this one because I HATE diets that tell you to avoid certain foods or food groups. Because it’s generally something that you crave and if you deprive yourself then when you really really want it, you’ll crack and eat too much of it.

3)    Taste everything, eat nothing: taste different foods with little bites of what you want. Don’t just shove food in your face. I liked this rule because it reminded me that I don’t need to eat a lot but taste different things so I don’t feel deprived or mad at myself in the morning.

4)    Pay Attention: I am totally guilty of this! I eat food too fast so this has been one of the hardest rules to follow. I have to constantly remind myself to slow down and think of what I put in my mouth. Seems like a no-brainer but we could all slow down and savor the food we eat.

5)    Downsize portions!

6)    You don’t have to clean your plate: either share it, save it, or leave it. Just because it’s in front of you doesn’t mean you need to eat it.  This one was hard for me and it’s still taking time to retrain myself.

7)    Check in with yourself: don’t binge! Make rational decisions and stop eating when you know you’ve had enough!

8)    Know yourself: customize what/how you eat to fit your life style.

9)    Eat real (organic food) when you have the option: It’s good for you and the environment. I've found that I've felt better about what I put in my mouth if it's organic. It surprisingly tastes better and I'm not as likely to inhale it without paying attention

10) Do what is good for you!

I really enjoyed reading the book (and it helped when I could hear Bethenny’s voice while I read it haha). It was to the point and the rules were very doable without being super strict. She includes simple and tasty recipes at the end of each chapter and samples of what she eats day to day. Since reading the book I’ve lost 3 lbs(which is a big deal for someone with a small frame) without working out a ton. I don’t have a love/hate relationship with food anymore, enjoy eating, and feel good about myself and what I ate the night before. I’m not depriving myself of things I want so I don’t end up blowing it on the weekends anymore). Some days are better than others but even Bethenny said it happens for her too.

I am strongly considering buying her cookbook and her book A Place of Yes. And I’d recommend Naturally Thin to any one who is tired of not being happy with herself and relationship with food.