Becoming A “Skinny Bitch”

Okay, before you all jump down my throat for that title…This post is in reference to a real book that has been published, and is actually on the New York Times Bestseller List.

Although I find the title mildly offensive, it has truly changed the way I eat, helped me drop those pesky extra post-college pounds, and improved my health overall.

Skinny Bitch, written by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin, is a straight-forward (and sometimes abrasive) book detailing their philosophy for girls who want to “stop eating crap and start looking fabulous!” I mean, who doesn’t want that? The authors go into detail explaining evidence and scientific research behind what actually goes into all types of food and definitely do not hold their feelings back!

Although the book basically preaches a vegan lifestyle (no meat, dairy, etc.), I think everyone can take something away from their overall philosophy: You should know what you’re eating and where it came from, and food that is natural or organic is better for you than all the processed crap we eat daily.

After reading this book, I decided to change a few of my own habits and the results have been amazing…

First of all, I really made an effort to eat more fruits and veggies on a regular, daily basis. I cut back on the amount of dairy I was eating for many of the reasons presented in the book. When I do eat carbs such as bread and pasta, I try to eat the options that are flourless and completely natural grains (the Food for Life Ezekiel brands rock my world) I also now have a hard time justifying putting any type of processed or chemically loaded snack into my mouth. Skinny Bitch truly made me aware of my diet and daily nutrition.

One of the most helpful parts of the book to me was, the “Let’s Eat” chapter, where the authors list acceptable, healthy, and natural foods you can buy for each meal. Many of the options are microwavable choices (obviously a necessity for me!) or easy grab and go options for those of us who don’t have time to prepare a fully cooked organic meal each night (and really, who does?).

The one change I was unable to do was give up meat. The authors are vehemently against meat eating for many justifiable reasons, but for me, that was asking just a bit much to give up my beloved chicken breasts and occasional filets of steak!

Regardless, the small diet changes I have taken away from the book have resulted in weight loss without much effort at all and generally feeling better overall. I encourage any of you who are health or nutritionally conscious to check it out. Love it or hate it, at least it will get you thinking about your daily food choices.

If you like the book and are into cooking, check out Skinny Bitch in the Kitch for some great recipes to go along with your new found philosophy.