Chubster: A Hipster's Guide to Losing Weight While Staying Cool – Calorie Counting for Beer Lovers and Real Food

by Martin Cizmar

ARE YOUR SKINNY JEANS STARTING TO FEEL A LITTLE SNUG? You don’t have the right clothes for the gym. You don’t do protein powders, wonder berries, or green tea. The idea of going without beer makes you weak in the knees. But there’s no denying you are one. fat. hipster. Lucky for you, Martin Cizmar has come up with the least awful diet plan of all time. The Chubster way. It revolves around calorie counting (deal with it) and enjoyable undercover exercise (urban hiking and gum chewing). Martin gives you the tools to become a self-sufficient weight-loss machine capable of functioning in any environment. From frozen dinners and drive-through menus, ethnic eating to microbrews, he’ll point you to the responsible choice, steer you clear of the real diet killers, and dispel some of the myths giving you that tire around your waist. That Stella you’re holding? It has more calories than Guinness. Dieting is never fun, but with Chubster, weight loss doesn’t have to cramp your style.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Health

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

i started reading this book because i noticed i was holding in my gut for Facebook pictures. i needed a BOOST. INSPIRATION. A KICK IN THE ASS. A NEW FACEBOOK PICTURE! i needed CHUBSTER!

let me start by saying the author is an asshole. a nice asshole. the kind of asshole that picks you up at the airport, but borrows money and never returns it. you know THAT kind of asshole.

this hipster asshole makes fun of everyone and every weight loss idea known to mankind. i dont know anyone but christians that have that much disdain for people. that being said...he's a funny fucker.

this book was honest and straight-forward. it didn't have a man crying into a bag of dortios either or crying about how small his dick looks under his protruding stomach (actually, i would've like to hear about that). i am a high self-esteem mcfatty (about 25 overweight, depending who you're talking to) and i'm glad i didn't have to hear a pity party all dang day.

that being said, this book lacked MOTIVATION. this guy pratically said 'hey fat fucker, lose weight...here's how you do it, just stop being a fat fucker and eating like fat fucker' ummmm..i need a little more than that.

i can tell that mr. author would not humble himself into wearing a jerry curl and tiny shorts and yelling SWEAT! i understand that is the anti-cool. i get it. but damn...i need SOMETHING to push me! i wanted to finish this book bench pressing babies for goodness sakes!

that is the difference between comedians and motivational speakers: one has us laughing at life's problems and the other has us DOING something about it. author falls into the former category. he had me laughing and learning about calories and frozen pizza and converstaton with stupid friends, but he did not have me CARING about any of those things.

i give this book 3 stars because it is funny and moderately educates about calories and hiking and walking up elevators and some shit like that.

[Hollis · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5. It's pretty hard to fill a whole book when the advise is "count calories."

He obviously doesn't cook or care about blood pressure, as a full third of the book is reviews of frozen dinners and another chapter is on take out meals.

There were some chuckles, but I certainly wouldn't read again.

[shana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. Douchey.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Christmas feasting kept going until February this year, so the time came for me to read a book with a vegetable on it.

I started several from my library app, but look. I take myself way too seriously as is. Books that frame lentils or oatmeal as the dark forces of Armageddon make it that much harder to lighten up (boo).

Enter Chubster. Man, what a title. This particular book was just the right amount of cringe and laid-back encouragement that I was looking for. If you are tired of Instagram babes / laxative tea saleswomen telling you what to eat, you might like this book.

Chubster is somewhere in between a B movie and a pep talk. The author is a self-aware hipster d-bag, but in the same way that at least one of your friends are self-aware hipster d-bags. It’s comforting. Nostalgic, even. Maybe that’s why I got through this book when the others made me want to throw things.

Is it original? No. Polished? No. Annoying? Yeah, sort of. Helpful? Probably.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, a point off straight off the top for being a self-loving hipster. Sorry.

But the book itself? Well done!

Martin Cizmar starts off with a little about his weight loss journey, then gets down to both the science and history of nutrition/weight loss/weight gain/ diets and all of it is actually really interesting. He explains, in basic terms, what a calories actually is, which is nice to know since so many people just talk about them without ever defining them. He also breaks down the BMI and BMR equations, helping you to further understand what everyone is talking about.

I also liked reading about the early beginnings of the weight loss industry – which he comes down pretty hard on, but still, interesting reading to see where our current culture is coming from and where it might be heading. He gets very hipster-ish when he talks about being healthy is getting on board with a new trend ahead of the masses.

He outlines different types of hipsters who are now chubsters, like the Music Snob, who wears ironic t-shirts and got fat by eating too many microwave burritos while downloading mp3’s. And, the All Natural Hippie Hipster who always carries reusable grocery bags and put on weight from all the cheese when trying to go vegetarian. I was laughing, and then realized I qualified very much as the Nerdy Bookworm Hipster. Except for the part about the gingerbread. Ok, maybe a little from the gingerbread – but that was a cooking experiment based on something I read about pirates, not Emily Dickenson!!!!

He really stresses finding out what works for you – if you’re having a love affair with your new phone, then there are aps a plenty to chose from to track food and calories intact. If you’re a technophobe, then, fine, write it all down. He does this for all parts of his advice – find what foods/activities/progress tracking/etc work for you rather than trying to squish yourself into someone else’s box.

He goes through most of the old wives tales of weight loss, debunking some – spicy foods won’t make your metabolism burn calories faster, recommending others – drink water before a meal, but mostly being just “me’h” about them – green tea and ice water won’t do much, but they won’t hurt either.

He makes good points about calories being both equal and unequal – he cites a study where a scientist lost 27 pounds on a “junk food diet” – but he ate the junk food in very small portions. But he also points out that for 100 calories you can have 2 Buffalo wings or a pound of celery – emphasizing the importance of foods that have the highest satiety factor, like potatoes, oatmeal, and apples.

He spends a chapter talking about his favorites and least favorite frozen meals and chain restaurants – then takes time to explain in a long passage this is not a book for the all organic crowd, and if that’s what you’re looking for, check out The Omnivore’s Dilemma. He points out it’s all about how much time and money you have – and when you lack in those departments, well, its probably going to be Lean Cuisine for dinner rather than that homemade dish of all organic materials lovingly picked out at the farmer’s market and slaved over for hours. He has a point.

Then comes the chapter labeled “Alcohol and Drugs.” He gets all “seriously guys?” after showing that most diet plans are all “Just Say No” in their approach. And after he made that point, I was sucked in as well. Yeah, seriously guys? That’s the best you got? ‘Cause that worked soooooo well when Nancy Reagan said that. I mean, really, Nancy, just say no? Do you have any idea how messed up that program was?!?!? … Ok, sorry, promised not to go on another Death-to-D.A.R.E. rant this week.

Anyway, he breaks down different types of beers, wines and hard liquors, looking at how many calories you’re drinking down, and what are the smartest choice. He suggests vodka and burgundy as the smartest choices. Hmmm…. Interesting.

He also, for lols, puts in a small section about marijuana, pointing out that smoke has no calories, but pot brownies have them in spades. He also makes a very good scary-funny point that there is no scientific data about weight and marijuana, because, and I quote, “It’s hard enough to get the government to support marijuana studies involving cancer and AIDS patients, I guess, without bringing the comparatively trivial matter of weight loss into play.” Ouch, true.

And now, the exercise! Which he hates doing. Especially in a gym. No, really, he has the idea in his head that gyms are where are the “un-cool” people go, so he has no part of it. More hipster attitude. But he breaks down a lot of outdoor exercises that are simple and effective. Also shamelessly shells for several clothing and shoe brands.

He wraps it up talking about the importance of attitude and playing well with others during a lifestyle switch to better eating and exercise habits, amusingly offer advice on what to say when people ask the oft repeated question of ‘what’s your secret?’ He stresses the importance of maintaining weight loss, balancing the warnings of how often people re-gain weight with his own cheering on about how happy he is now.

A good weight loss guide for anyone afraid that weight loss is to complicated for them to do.

[Vanessa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I read this book only because it was available-now on my public library's e-book lending site and I thought it might be entertaining in the way that the old Hipster Handbook was. So I am not this book's target audience, which is, I believe, aging fat guys who want to lose some weight while feeling superior to everyone else by TOTALLY eating at McDonald's and having skinny hot girlfriends the whole time. Right? Right.

As a book of diet advice, you probably indeed will lose weight following this guy's plan, which is basically Jenny Craig without buying the JC meals mixed with some fast food. As a human being, though, do yourself a favor and avoid it. The author is about 10% as funny as he thinks he is (nb: he thinks that he is HILARIOUS). He goes on long, long tirades that are somewhere between offensive and ignorant (no one goes hungry in America except by choice; people who support farmer's markets are stupid; cheap and processed foods are the best ones. He also very actively hates Weight Watchers and, apparently, the stereotypical overweight middle-aged women whom he imagines might attend its meetings). He also seems to have no idea what a hipster actually is, but whatever, he also seems to live in Arizona or something and I'm pretty sure they don't exist there. But hey buddy, if you're reading this, wearing TOMS, shopping at H&M, or going to coffee shops doesn't make you a hipster. I'm not even remotely a hipster and I could tell you that.

In conclusion, terrible. Being smug is not a calorie-burning exercise.

[Bonnie G. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was really meh- like a whole section about his favorite frozen lunches? At least Amy's made the cut I guess? But it was like so sexist- could this have been called "getting thin for girls?" And plus it starts with his hot girlfriend thinking he's fat and so he need to keep her--- oh and she also does all the shopping and cooking so he has no advice for your fat ass! Good job! I will admit some of the practical advice for working out and switching out alcohol was nice - it was cool to see some pop culture vocabularies in this book as well as acknowledge that a lot of social people going to shows eat and drink poorly- so it's an underserved markets- but his book was NOT the solution. I somehow felt worse about myself after reading it!

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found this book via the SFPL's list of February Acquisitions. "Hmmm," I thought, "a diet book for hipsters? This might be useful as inspiration for the get-fit book I could write someday." Alas, it was not. In fact, it was pretty much the opposite of useful. Cizmar devotes a few pages to explaining that weight loss is the result of eating fewer calories than one burns, and then he spends chapters and chapters recommending pre-packaged foods for readers to try. Pretty sure no-one who self-identifies as a hipster ("hipster") -- or even one who self-IDs as vaguely culturally relevant -- will be stoked to chow down on m-f'in Lean Cuisines. Total stinkbomb.

[Spook Sulek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical advice delivered with panache, Cizmar's book was a quick, informative read that I will end up recommending to others. I couldn't use some of the recommendations, but I really appreciate that he was so thorough in his appraisals of various restaurants, foods, and items of apparel. Cizmar's voice is fun with a low tolerance for diet BS, and this book provided a good overview of current wisdom as well as a lot of the basic mathematical equations upon which weight loss are based, which the majority of books I've read do not.

[Trav Hutchins · Rating 1 out of 5]

First of all....the print is too small. Second, it is geared towards the "hip" crowd, and if it can't keep my attention, how is it going to keep their attention, especially since all of the "hipster" people I know are some-what ADHD and are every where at once. Doesn't give you much "information" on weight management other than what I already know. "Eat This, Not That" is more entertaining, and has more knowledge.

[Evelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly common sensical and written with a decent amount of wit.

Not sure I agree with all his advice especially regarding the fast food portion but as I said practical advice for those looking to lose some weight.

[Carianne Carleo-Evangelist]

Some thoughts. Longer thoughts on my blog: http://travellingcari.com/2013/05/26/...

Anyway, Chubster, a “hipster” weight loss guide from a self-called hipster in Phoenix. I’ve really lived here too long if I think his hipster habits are completely normal and anything super hipster-ish, except talking at length at how the Chubster non diet is better than every other diet out there. Oh, and everything is ironic. No one ever just does something, they do it….ironically. That said, it was a fun, light, two-day read.

I really liked his start with calorie counting. As I mentioned, I decided to break from Weight Watchers this time and it’s always interesting to see others facing the same internal debate. I truly don’t understand the national fear of calorie counting, especially with the umpteen smart phone apps that will now do the math. I lost weight more quickly when I was doing WW, but I also had a lot more weight to lose then I do now. Of course I was going to lose more quickly. I also shared his issues with Points Plus. I don’t like it when weight loss methods change with the latest fads. If you stick with science* you understand what causes weight loss and how to “fix” it if you go off track.

You don’t have to worry about a company changing a formula or deciding that the old program (under which I actually lost 50 lbs) suddenly “wasn’t right” and needed blowing up to attract new members. Weight loss as a business is infuriating and, I believe, contributes to the nation’s inability to keep weight off. It’s OK to teach people about the current hot trend, but if they don’t understand the basics… the science, they’ll regain and spend more money on a company’s product.

The fact of the matter is, there’s nothing wrong with being fat. Or, at least there’s nothing wrong with you because you’re fat… It’s not a character flaw … But “happily fat” is not a sustainable…There was little chance I could plan to be indefinitely overweight and keep that little pink heart on my Facebook relationship status intact.

This was the part that resonated the most with me. It wasn’t a slurpee that got me — or someone pointing out the calories in a slurpee, but rather thinking I’d gained 5 lbs in four days. It wasn’t so much an ultimatum as a realization that I didn’t like that me. I look back at my Whys? and realize how different that person was, yet I still see some of her in the current me. I see some of Shauna in me. That won’t change. It’s how to get past that part of me. Oddly? when I refocused in January it was some of the same position — I felt horrible in my skin. I was done talking about finishing the weight loss and was ready to just do it.

Four doughnuts with coffee or one bagel with cream cheese and a skinny chai: your choice. Obviously I’m not saying that four doughnuts is a good breakfast for someone trying to lose weight; I’m just saying that a bagel and cream cheese isn’t any better.

The forbidden food thing he said he wasn’t going to do? I agree with him in the silliness around Weight Watchers’ “free” foods, but he’s doing the same thing here. Forget his silly gingerbread ban, but he’s saying avoid bagels because they’re high in calories — but go ahead and eat the frozen food that’s just as bad? It’s not that he (or WW) are right/wrong, but I think that in trying to prove himself “better” he also acknowledged the inexact science/”black magic” behind even calorie counting. He returns to his anti bagel quest later when picking the good/bad choices at a number of restaurants: No: The multigrain bagel is on the “DD Smart” menu, but it has 390 calories plain. Is a dry multigrain bagel really what you want for almost 400 calories? I doubt it. That’s the same as their eclair, and it isn’t anywhere near as delicious. Actually, I disagree, bagel > eclair any day, but also a bagel with peanut butter will actually keep you full longer than a sugar bomb of an eclair. Does a bagel compare to a more balanced breakfast? Maybe not, but to compare it to an eclair while arguing about the merits of Super Size Me? Come On.

One of the great things about the Chubster plan is that it lets you choose between Hi-Fi and Lo-Fi options, from the iPhone to an old-fashioned Moleskine notebook. Chances are, you cringed a little when reading either “iPhone” or “Moleskine.” That’s normal. Most of you will find one of those things indispensable (or at least desirable) and the other useless, annoying, and overpriced to the point of being

This is exactly why I don’t understand why people have such an aversion to calorie counting. You don’t need any tools, but if you are the type of person who prefers tools, there are a metric ton of apps for the various devices with which to do it. That’s part of why I don’t understand one of the primary criticisms of the Up. While an instant readout can be nice, syncing to phone isn’t really an issue and if you’re not the type of person who carries a phone regularly, these smart phone enabled devices probably aren’t the best fit.
One of the best thing about this book was his insight into the calorie counts for some foods. Some I knew, but for some I had the same challenge as he did in a) making healthy choices, b) finding the NI for non chain foods. For example, I still cannot find the calorie count for my occasional indulgence – a glass of Stella, so I was grateful for his type by type analysis.

the inability to eat 10 oz / 1500 calories of blue cheese dressing in one sitting vs. absent-mindedly consuming about the same as a dip is frightening, and eye opening. After a (tracked!) indulgence tonight it was horrifying to see how many calories are in so-called “appetizers”. No wonder the country has an obesity issue.
On the Americanization of food: Rollatini isn’t actually a type of pasta. It’s not even an Italian word, but in the American version of Italian food it means something breaded and baked. This is also the case with sushi — which in Japan lacks things like cream cheese and fried chicken – takes otherwise healthy or semi-healthy food and turns it into complete rubbish. Which is why you have to read what you’re eating, or as close of an approximation as possible. And speaking of reading, and tracking.
People bash McDonald’s, but they’re the motherfucking Gandhi of chain restaurants compared to the Cheesecake Factory. Now, taking the Cheesecake Factory back to the woodshed is the bread and butter of the Eat This, Not That series … so I won’t rehash all that, but it’s absolutely true that they sell salads with close to 2, 000 calories in them and you should avoid eating there on the Chubster. People assume salads are safe and McDonald’s, evil. While I don’t blame Spurlock as much as Cizmor does, I do think the media has gone after fast food in a way they haven’t gone after family style restaurants — but maybe they should. 2,000 calories for a salad?!?! That’s ridiculous and irresponsible.
Maybe Pollan’s credo ””Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants” and avoiding anything his grandmother would not have recognized as food” would be an effective weight-loss plan, but I haven’t heard of anyone succeeding that … Instead, Chubster is all about taking advantage of every modern convenience afforded us. In my unapologetically innovationist view, technology got us into this mess by making it possible to consume so many cheap calories while being so sedentary, and it’ll somehow get us out of it. … I have very little interest in killing any animal myself or getting up early on Saturday morning to schlep down to a parking lot and pick out vegetables I can purchase for a similar price at a nearby grocery store, even if they do have the best arugula ever. Sorry, but that’s just not my scene. Maybe people like Pollan are right that the stuff we eat today isn’t even “food” and that it’ll eventually poison us; however, life expectancy seems to be on an upward trajectory even if the light sour cream we now eat doesn’t fit an organic dairy farmer’s definition. Maybe I’ll be proven a fool, but I’m putting my faith in common sense and scientific

I’ve read some of Pollan’s stuff and while I like the idea of eating cleaner, I also agree with Cizmar, there’s limited practicality to it today – or need. We’re not meant to subsist entirely on processed foods, but I think there’s a reason we’ve also evolved from hunter/gatherers.

That’s not to say I always agree with him, in some cases I think his premises, especially on what constitutes a “grown up” drink are ridiculously off base. Tequila shots are “the grownup way”? No, shots belong in the frat house along with the other wisdom he’s trying to throw up. Are sour apple martinis not ironic enough for him?

“You can still enjoy everything that plumped you up, you just need to do it in moderation and mix in more activities. Hey, as it turns out, even an evening Slurpee isn’t off the table. Remember the Slurpee that changed my life? The one I had on the way from that awful Dave Matthews concert lo those many moons ago? The one that prompted the stern lecture from my girlfriend that, in turn, launched my weight-loss project? Turns out, that Slurpee was the last one I had for nearly two years. Not that I stopped wanting them. I’m a sucker for pretty much any frozen confection and have always had a soft spot for the sweet, slushy treat favored by Bart Simpson. Since losing 100 pounds, I had allowed myself occasional indulgences of most types on limited occasions (see above), but never a Slurpee. Then, one day, things came full. … On my stop home I was lured into a 7-Eleven for a giant diet fountain soda. Instead, I found something I hadn’t seen before: a Diet Slurpee. Now, the Crystal Light Slurpee isn’t calorie-free. There are actually 80 calories in a 16-ounce serving. But after hiking 7 long, steep miles, I was certainly willing to allow myself such a splurge. … This is what I’ve come to realize: There are two ways up the mountain. You can drive up with 600 calories of sugary ice in your hand, or you can walk up and drink the artificially sweetened version. One route is wide, paved, and busy; the other, narrow, a little rocky, and far less crowded. One will give you little tastes of life as we were meant to live it from time to time; the other will immerse you in it fully. We all choose a path, consciously or not.

But he redeemed himself… and ended the book on the strongest note. I haven’t yet gotten to the point where I can have the “diet Slurpee” (or, for me, diet Sour Patch Kids), but I understand the feeling the wanting to prove your dominance over food. I can do that now with chocolate chip cookies (but not dough). I can do that with Subway. One day I’ll do it with Sour Patch Kids… one day.

* speaking of which, Gary Taubes’ Good Calories, Bad Calories and Why We Get Fat are on Mt. TBR. It’s not that I think he’s completely wrong, but there is something to be said for the basic math of calories in, calories out vs. trend hopping.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh. All he did was tell you to count calories and then gave food suggestions. I mean I guess that's what all diet books are, but I guess I expected more from a "hipster" guide. I did appreciate the science-y info he added about weight loss, but not enough to rate this book more than 1 star. I only read it because my library had the e-book and I'm in my weight loss journey right now so I thought why not. I'll be more judicious with reading in the future. It was a very quick read though.

[Tyler Hurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, Martin sent me this book for free. There's my disclosure.

I thought this book was going to be more of a narrative of his weight loss, like a diary of how his life changed and what it was like to lose 100 pounds so quickly. Which was pretty stupid of me, considering it says "guide" in the title.

But the book is good. It's a fun read, and the middle third of the book recommends and admonishes various frozen meals based on their caloric hit/taste ratio. He breaks down alcohol by its ability to get you drunk versus calorie amount and gives brief-but-helpful recommendations by genre guide is a good measuring stick for someone to repeat his success.

This success, which Martin achieved by calorie counting (losing weight is easy. just burn more calories than you eat every single day) is repeatable by anyone willing to do the work and use the guide the book lays out.

Martin's style, which sounds exactly like someone who wasn't a hipster thinks a hipster sounds like, makes the reading a breeze. While I'm sure his best work is yet to come, it's nice to see he's capable of more than to be a wannabe, poor-man's Chuck Klosterman.

Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd...

I hope you got that last joke.

I'm calorie counting now. 7 weeks to lose 25 lbs. I'll update then.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some days it's hard to cut through the baloney of weight loss plastered over the web and in periodicals. This is an honest and practical account of weight loss that will work for anyone. Equal parts practical and jocular, Chubster is a great read for those on the weight loss quest. A lot of his tips worked for me when I was the same weight as the author. He cuts through the misinformation and breaks it down plain and simple: eat less calories than your body needs, do this by counting calories. Along the way Cizmar provides tips from eating, footwear, and exercise, and a comical chapter on how to respond to idiots. While no one can claim a book will make you lose weight (it is low in calories...) this is a good book to pick up if you need a kick in the pants to drop some pounds and become a former Chubster. As Drew Carey said, weight loss beings with a personal decision made by You.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was more humorous than I expected, even though I'm not much of a hipster. I would sound like an idiot if I said I learned something new from him, but CIzmar's writing did cause me to reflect on my habits in a new way. I know that I've be using exercise as an "allowance" instead of to create a deficit. I wouldn't eat any of the five recipes he offers, but his restaurant advice and other calorie guidance is good. He does note that it's more important to just start consuming fewer calories, regardless of where they come from. If you start eating organic foods or anything else at the same time, great- but the first goal is just to eat less.

His emphasis on calorie counting made a lot of sense. Again, I knew this, but his presentation made a difference. You cannot expect to change a behavior unless you acknowledge its full extent, truthfully, in your life.

Sigh.

[Seddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple and easy to follow. I picked up this book not really knowing what to expect, but found quite an enjoyable read. Martin takes a look at the science behind calorie counting, and why it is the way to go, followed by a realistic eating guide finishing with easy and enjoyable exercise ideas. I realize this plan is not for everyone, but for someone who is looking for an easy diet that works, Martin offers a great plan.

[Jocelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cheeky book on how to lose weight. Instead of going the usual route of "eat pretty much nothing but veggies and workout," Martin says it's all about calorie counting and lists which TV dinners are best to get (and which are the worst), what ethnic foods you should stay away from, and the beers that have the least amount of calories (Guinness is not that bad for you.) Favorite thing about the book was his tone, which made it an easy read.

[reading is my hustle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I decided to read this after seeing a blurb about it in our weekly alternative newspaper. It did not disappoint- funny and useful. If you are a foodie or part of the food movement be prepared for a certain amount of scorn thrown your way.

And in the end, if you want to lose some weight: JUST EAT LESS.

[Niki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable book! I wished it was longer! But it gives me enough motivation to get back to counting calories and meeting my goals. I have already done a few things he suggests in the book: signed up for a 5k this year, started taking the stairs more, and I've been eating oatmeal for breakfast again because of its satiety. Books really can change your life!

[Katie Kempski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chubsters actually does lay out a "cool" plan for losing weight. Instead of eradicating any hope for a normal diet, Chubsters offers a simple, no-worries-mate kind of plan that simply gives you the facts, no excuses. Definitely worth the read if losing weight stresses you out.

[Devyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the concept of this book. I can't say I agree with everything this book had to say but there were a lot of valid points and tips. Worth checking out if you need a few good laughs (the guy is funny as hell) and some motivation!

[Miri Gifford · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was actually really helpful, and I can't say how much of that was my own readiness versus the content of the book. I've never been a dieter, and I've always scoffed at the idea of counting calories. But coincidence or not, something clicked for me when I read this.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked it. Very funny and whitty view on dieting. The over all theme of the book is if you count calories, you'll lose weight. Very straight forward and an easy read.

[Calli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Common-sense, but very funny. Pretty entertaining guide to eating more healthfully and being conscious of what we put in our bodies and what we expend.

[Bernard Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

not a bad diet book. i like the fact that it kept everything very simple

[Gato Negro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome book! Well written in the snarky style I love so much. Good tips.