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Confessions of a Reformed Dieter : How I Dropped Eight Dress Sizes and Took My Life Back
'I love food. Even worse, I love junk food. If lard could be double deep-fried I would eat it. If I could deep-fry headache pills I would. So it's no wonder I'm now the size of a small yet economically viable continent...'When A. J. Rochester is selected to feature in a television series on obesity, she is at first appalled and then resolved. At 109 kilos (17 stone), she knows she needs to lose weight - not because she yearns to become a twiglet but so she can keep up with her little boy and turn her life around at last. But after years of fighting a losing battle with the flab, A. J. knows she needs a miracle. So she decides to ditch the 'quick-fix' diets and the faddy exercise equipment and try a new approach - one that involves discovering her own inner strengths. It may not be easy - but it pays off. Confessions of a Reformed Dieter charts the highs, lows and plateaus of A. J.'s incredible journey, from overcoming an early setback - waking up in hospital with a broken leg after a drunken binge - to the triumph of shedding the first, and last, kilo.
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 19, 2022
2 stars. (The humor gets all the stars)
Dnf.
I've read this about 4-5 times in the past and really liked it. She was funny. But given what I know now, this time round, all this book did to me is put me in a really bad mood. The book should be titled, 'How to not lose weight' and 'Follow this method to continue to yo-yo diet'.
I gotta hold back from my thoughts and not type them right now which is super hard. But this book is everything wrong with dieting. Granted it's definitely dated but people DO still believe this is the way to go. Aka, 'eat only 1400 calories a day, to get to your goal weight' no. 'Dont eat fat!!! Fat is the devil' *face palm*
Ah, ok, I'm bursting to vent about the stupidity so I'll end this here and try not to throw the book off my blacony and down into the pool below.
Dnf.
I've read this about 4-5 times in the past and really liked it. She was funny. But given what I know now, this time round, all this book did to me is put me in a really bad mood. The book should be titled, 'How to not lose weight' and 'Follow this method to continue to yo-yo diet'.
I gotta hold back from my thoughts and not type them right now which is super hard. But this book is everything wrong with dieting. Granted it's definitely dated but people DO still believe this is the way to go. Aka, 'eat only 1400 calories a day, to get to your goal weight' no. 'Dont eat fat!!! Fat is the devil' *face palm*
Ah, ok, I'm bursting to vent about the stupidity so I'll end this here and try not to throw the book off my blacony and down into the pool below.
March 1, 2017
I'm reluctant to be too disparaging of this book, because I know how much it apparently helped the recommender, but I found this author nigh unbearable, especially at first. Her humour is crass, she veers wildly between being extremely self-deprecating and irritatingly smug, and her writing is so annoying that if it hadn't been a recommendation, I probably would've thrown it across the room into a dark corner after the first chapter and quite happily forgotten about it. It made me crazy, for at least the first two thirds of the book, that it had been marketed as something anyone can do, but she has a personal trainer, a psychiatrist AND a nutritionist. Not everyone can afford those things, obviously, nor is everyone a mostly-unemployed person with the time to go to the gym every day, and I felt as though this book is just not much practical use to the average person.
As for the actual 'Alfalfa Zone', there are a few recipes scattered about in there, but they aren't ground-breaking; they're identical to the ones in any weight-loss gumph. Aside from those, she seemed to mainly subsist on the sort of low-fat, high sugar (or worse, fake sugar) food that I am strongly against. She kept cutting out butter and cheese (and then presumably falling off the wagon, off-screen, so she could cut it out again), and whinging that she doesn't like fruit (WHO DOESN'T LIKE FRUIT?). She did regularly repeat the importance of eating regularly, having healthy snacks and not starving yourself; and emphasise the importance of exercise, all of which I'm willing to give points for.
Towards the end, I did feel for her. The moments when she stopped blathering and instead talked about her childhood, the reasons why she struggles with her weight at all, the way she presents herself to the world...essentially the interesting, psychological insights she had into her eating disorders, all of those were interesting, and moving, and I wanted to hear more about that. Those moments grew in number as the book progressed, and while I'd been hugely annoyed when I googled the author a chapter in and found that she put all the weight back on (and then got it off, and then put it back on...), by the time I reached the end, I just felt sorry for her. She's a mess, and she's made herself a really public mess.
In amongst all the irritation, there were some bright spots of inspiration, I'll give it that. It did make me think that it's not an entirely hopeless struggle, that it can be done, if other people have done it (even while being unbearable idiots) and yeah, I was encouraged by the fact that she'd 'won', even if it turns out she put the weight back on. But it's not a life-changing tome, and overall, the constant fat-shaming jokes - which didn't quit, even when the smugness levels were rising, in the latter half - just ruined it for me. If you're unhappy being overweight, that is fine; I empathise. But some people aren't unhappy with their bodies, and they deserve as much respect as any other size and shape.
As for the actual 'Alfalfa Zone', there are a few recipes scattered about in there, but they aren't ground-breaking; they're identical to the ones in any weight-loss gumph. Aside from those, she seemed to mainly subsist on the sort of low-fat, high sugar (or worse, fake sugar) food that I am strongly against. She kept cutting out butter and cheese (and then presumably falling off the wagon, off-screen, so she could cut it out again), and whinging that she doesn't like fruit (WHO DOESN'T LIKE FRUIT?). She did regularly repeat the importance of eating regularly, having healthy snacks and not starving yourself; and emphasise the importance of exercise, all of which I'm willing to give points for.
Towards the end, I did feel for her. The moments when she stopped blathering and instead talked about her childhood, the reasons why she struggles with her weight at all, the way she presents herself to the world...essentially the interesting, psychological insights she had into her eating disorders, all of those were interesting, and moving, and I wanted to hear more about that. Those moments grew in number as the book progressed, and while I'd been hugely annoyed when I googled the author a chapter in and found that she put all the weight back on (and then got it off, and then put it back on...), by the time I reached the end, I just felt sorry for her. She's a mess, and she's made herself a really public mess.
In amongst all the irritation, there were some bright spots of inspiration, I'll give it that. It did make me think that it's not an entirely hopeless struggle, that it can be done, if other people have done it (even while being unbearable idiots) and yeah, I was encouraged by the fact that she'd 'won', even if it turns out she put the weight back on. But it's not a life-changing tome, and overall, the constant fat-shaming jokes - which didn't quit, even when the smugness levels were rising, in the latter half - just ruined it for me. If you're unhappy being overweight, that is fine; I empathise. But some people aren't unhappy with their bodies, and they deserve as much respect as any other size and shape.
March 2, 2020
Informative with tips and ways to help become healthier. Shows struggles and the ups and downs and AJ’s resilience/determination. Humerous and in the same vain as Anh Do’s the happiest refuge. She is willing to joke about her situation. However multiple times she speaks about never going back to her old ways but yet she has. This made feel her old habits crept back in and question why? But a great effort for her to loose 40kg and she has the skills and knowledge to do it again.
June 11, 2018
AJ Rochester was tired of being the larger than life version of herself so when she was approached to slim for a TV programme she accepted the challenge and transformed herself (and her life) in less than a year.
Before this I had no idea who AJ Rochester was but about a third of the way through I made the mistake of looking her up on the internet and was dismayed to see that 17 or so years after the events in this book she hasn't remained at her goal. At the time she was losing her 30+ kg I was also losing my own 44 kg and I gained all that back too. I have now lost 50 kg so I'm not judging her but I was disheartened to then hear her say at the end how she was never going to be fat again knowing that both of us had regained the weight (I had said the same thing at the time too).
Most of the situations she went through I have been through in some way or another, and now that people marvel at my reduced state and say how much weight I have lost I can honestly say that yes I have lost it but the chances are it will find me again at some point in the future. They usually chuckle nervously but I am not going to fall into the trap of thinking this is the end. The advice she gives is sensible and delivered in her uniquely amusing way and I hope that she eventually manages to slay her demons (without eating them) and has a happy life.
Before this I had no idea who AJ Rochester was but about a third of the way through I made the mistake of looking her up on the internet and was dismayed to see that 17 or so years after the events in this book she hasn't remained at her goal. At the time she was losing her 30+ kg I was also losing my own 44 kg and I gained all that back too. I have now lost 50 kg so I'm not judging her but I was disheartened to then hear her say at the end how she was never going to be fat again knowing that both of us had regained the weight (I had said the same thing at the time too).
Most of the situations she went through I have been through in some way or another, and now that people marvel at my reduced state and say how much weight I have lost I can honestly say that yes I have lost it but the chances are it will find me again at some point in the future. They usually chuckle nervously but I am not going to fall into the trap of thinking this is the end. The advice she gives is sensible and delivered in her uniquely amusing way and I hope that she eventually manages to slay her demons (without eating them) and has a happy life.
October 2, 2024
This is a funny book. I like the way AJ comes across and she's relatable, but whilst she's banging on about how it's not a "diet"; it is. And yes, she did it slowly and (more) safely (than crash dieting) but the way the ED doc and trainer demonized fat in food was still extremely problematic.
Anyway, knowing that AJ has now put on all of the weight again makes the story a little harder to swallow as a "success story" but it does make her more human and I appreciate that as a reader.
Anyway, knowing that AJ has now put on all of the weight again makes the story a little harder to swallow as a "success story" but it does make her more human and I appreciate that as a reader.
June 7, 2017
Inspiring!
I found this very interesting and everything in it seems to make sense, so how sad to read when I looked up the author that she has put all that weight back on. Guess she never really got over her emotional issues.
I found this very interesting and everything in it seems to make sense, so how sad to read when I looked up the author that she has put all that weight back on. Guess she never really got over her emotional issues.
July 8, 2018
This book is laugh out loud, funny and SO inspiring! I’d recommend this to anyone trying to lose weight, or if you just want to read something funny. It’s brutally honest and sad in parts but A.J writes with humour.
June 14, 2017
some bits were funny and relatable but it was over the top for me.
February 20, 2023
3.5⭐️ funny, honest & relatable.
May 25, 2023
Very honest, funny, and inspirational.
December 22, 2024
Second time read through since it first came out. Have a new understanding and enlightenment by her determination, willpower and challenges. Loved it as much as the first time read.
February 2, 2015
This review has been crossposted from my blog at The Cosy Dragon . Please head there for more in-depth reviews by me, which appear on a timely schedule.
This is the weight-loss diary of A.J. Rochester, and is the first book before Lazy Girl's Guide to Losing Weight and Getting Fit which I previously reviewed. I didn't realise that both of them were available as audiobooks, and so I listened to them out of sequence.
I'm sort of glad I did listen to them out of sequence. Not this this book was no good, but that I found the sense of humour in 'Lazy Girl' more to my liking. I'm just not that interested in the size of her arse!
There were a couple of bits that irked me, such as when she goes on about Pluto Pups (again?!?) and lists food items off. But I am excited for her as she goes through the plateaus and faces exercise challenges such as breaking her leg.
Rochester's formidable personality shines through. I found it engaging to listen to, and was very sad when I got to the end. There were so many things left unanswered! I was frustrated that I didn't know what happened to 'the boy', and I wanted her to find some sort of closure with Nutcase. I know it's unrealistic to expect that in real life, but it should have avoided...
While then end of this novel is really very positive, when googling to check I spelt her name correctly, I found several less-than-flattering pictures of her more recently. She appears to have piled the weight back on, despite saying that she never would. Not very inspiring by someone who claims her new weightloss is for life!
When struggling with my own desire to thin down and get fit, inspiring books like these are just what I need. I don't have 50 kg to lose, but knowing that someone else (on a personal level like what I felt with Rochester) has done it, and done it well is inspiring.
This is the weight-loss diary of A.J. Rochester, and is the first book before Lazy Girl's Guide to Losing Weight and Getting Fit which I previously reviewed. I didn't realise that both of them were available as audiobooks, and so I listened to them out of sequence.
I'm sort of glad I did listen to them out of sequence. Not this this book was no good, but that I found the sense of humour in 'Lazy Girl' more to my liking. I'm just not that interested in the size of her arse!
There were a couple of bits that irked me, such as when she goes on about Pluto Pups (again?!?) and lists food items off. But I am excited for her as she goes through the plateaus and faces exercise challenges such as breaking her leg.
Rochester's formidable personality shines through. I found it engaging to listen to, and was very sad when I got to the end. There were so many things left unanswered! I was frustrated that I didn't know what happened to 'the boy', and I wanted her to find some sort of closure with Nutcase. I know it's unrealistic to expect that in real life, but it should have avoided...
While then end of this novel is really very positive, when googling to check I spelt her name correctly, I found several less-than-flattering pictures of her more recently. She appears to have piled the weight back on, despite saying that she never would. Not very inspiring by someone who claims her new weightloss is for life!
When struggling with my own desire to thin down and get fit, inspiring books like these are just what I need. I don't have 50 kg to lose, but knowing that someone else (on a personal level like what I felt with Rochester) has done it, and done it well is inspiring.
October 11, 2013
This book made me a little depressed. Mainly because the author has gone back to her current ways and gained a significant amount of weight back. I'm not fat shaming in any way, shape, or form. I had no idea who this woman was, so after listening to the first few chapters I googled her and discovered she obviously wasn't sticking to her then new found healthy lifestyle . I don't blame her. I, myself, have gained about 40-50 pounds in the past couple of years alone (hence why I turned to this book for some inspiration).
Since that discovery it was hard to listen anything she said without thinking that she was a hypocrite. Especially when she continued to talk about how she's never going back to her old lifestyle or ever going to gain weight again. I also wasn't that thrilled that she pushed eating fat-free junk food. Fat-free candy, fat-free pretzels and rice cakes, and not a lot of wholesome and nourishing foods made up her diet.
I did find some grains of goodness in this book. I liked that she had a sense of humor and shared her true feelings about eating healthy and exercising. She hated doing it and it was difficult for her to get motivated. I think we can all relate to that. Her workout sessions were strenuous, but if you are new to a particular workout (joining a gym, etc.) she definitely relates to you and shares that awkward "how do I do this?" feeling.
Since that discovery it was hard to listen anything she said without thinking that she was a hypocrite. Especially when she continued to talk about how she's never going back to her old lifestyle or ever going to gain weight again. I also wasn't that thrilled that she pushed eating fat-free junk food. Fat-free candy, fat-free pretzels and rice cakes, and not a lot of wholesome and nourishing foods made up her diet.
I did find some grains of goodness in this book. I liked that she had a sense of humor and shared her true feelings about eating healthy and exercising. She hated doing it and it was difficult for her to get motivated. I think we can all relate to that. Her workout sessions were strenuous, but if you are new to a particular workout (joining a gym, etc.) she definitely relates to you and shares that awkward "how do I do this?" feeling.
September 28, 2013
I recommend this book for everyone who would like to lose weight. It's very inspiring. I have read this book several times as an inspiration in my weight-loss journey. I didn't have as much to lose as she did, but having Hashimoto's, my task was harder.
A.J. talks about her life very honestly, and very humorously. However, there are places where I felt a tear sliding down my cheek. This book made me understand more deeply that a lot of times people aren't obese just because they like food. There are often deep psychological issues as well. Her story can be used as a manual. Going to a psychiatrist was key for her, and I think that would probably be a good idea for other people on similar journeys as well.
Cross-posted at Unapologetic Reviews, and the books-only version is on Booklikes too.
A.J. talks about her life very honestly, and very humorously. However, there are places where I felt a tear sliding down my cheek. This book made me understand more deeply that a lot of times people aren't obese just because they like food. There are often deep psychological issues as well. Her story can be used as a manual. Going to a psychiatrist was key for her, and I think that would probably be a good idea for other people on similar journeys as well.
Cross-posted at Unapologetic Reviews, and the books-only version is on Booklikes too.
October 15, 2010
I. Love. AJ Rochester. Seriously, she's amazing. To have come so far both physically and emotionally... it's just astounding. This book chronicles the story of her 40kg weight loss and her emotional journey from abuse as a child.
Best of all, she's funny and inspiring, and it's not that sort of mildly amusing 'get out there and do something, dammit!' type of funny-inspiring that I hate. The funny and the inspiring mostly keep to themselves rather than mixing together and becoming incredibly cheesy in the process.
It's inspiring in the way she just keeps on keeping on. It's funny because she's a comedian at heart.
And the book itself is just so readable. Every time I had to put it down, I couldn't wait to pick it back up again.
Everyone I know must read this book, because AJ is awesome.
Best of all, she's funny and inspiring, and it's not that sort of mildly amusing 'get out there and do something, dammit!' type of funny-inspiring that I hate. The funny and the inspiring mostly keep to themselves rather than mixing together and becoming incredibly cheesy in the process.
It's inspiring in the way she just keeps on keeping on. It's funny because she's a comedian at heart.
And the book itself is just so readable. Every time I had to put it down, I couldn't wait to pick it back up again.
Everyone I know must read this book, because AJ is awesome.
May 3, 2011
AJ Rochester offers a hilarious and tragic and realistic view of what it's like to go from being extremely obese to a healthy weight. She focuses on being healthy but isn't unrealistic enough to pretend that she doesn't want to be skinny and hot. She's brave and honest about her former eating disorders and the abuse she suffered as a child, and she's dedicated to taking care of herself better for the sake of her young son. Since writing this book, she's written another diet book, a children's book, and has gone on to host Australia's version of The Biggest Loser. She still struggles with her weight, but those of us who share that struggle know it's eternal. Many people will laugh and cry reading this book and see themselves in its pages.
February 22, 2015
I listen to the audio book (read by the author) for free through Overdrive. It is a funny, honest and candid book about what it's like to lose a significant amount of weight. I think it is a very helpful book for anyone starting or getting stuck in a weight loss journey. It will make you laugh, and definitely make you think. This book is a reminder to anyone about the importance of loving yourself and taking care of yourself.
Read
March 9, 2013Read a fair bit. Is okay and quite funny, but got a bit bored with all the food and diet talk. Can't really grizzle, it was obviously going to be about that! Print is quite small and quite a long book - wasn't personally interested enough to read on, bur someone struggling with obesity and wanting to diet might be.
May 3, 2014
I didn't know what to expect fro this book but the author did a great job of telling her story. At first, I wasn't jazzed because she was propagating a lot of nutrition and diet myths. But then I realized that this was not a how-to book but rather a very open and honest glimpse of one woman's struggles. She was funny and entertaining and a great writer!
August 24, 2016
It's a great book if you are looking for some inspiration to change your health and get on track with fitness and eating. It is not a diet "how to" book, but more of a story/diary of a woman who became very overweight as a result of a number of difficulties in her past, but tackles her weight loss in a healthy but very relate-able way. I found her to be very funny and fun to listen to.
March 6, 2012
Wonderfully written book on going thru the changes to a healthy lifestyle from a real-life perspective. Inspirational to someone going through the process as well Listening to the audiobook was additionally entertaining with Ajay's Australian accent :)
August 23, 2007
Seriously overweight author decided to lose weight for her young son's sake. Started with simple steps, ended up competing in a marathon!
November 10, 2010
This was an incredibly inspiring & humorous book!! I'd highly recommend it!
January 12, 2012
Really enjoyed this book-was a big eye opener and has changed the way I view myself greatly, for the better if course!
Highly reccommend :)
Highly reccommend :)
June 30, 2012
I loved this book probably because I love food so I could relate to it. It is written by the presenter of biggest loser of which I'm a fan. Would read this book again
August 18, 2012
Realy good read, mental note... do some exercise stop eating cr*p.
January 7, 2013
It was ok and very true; but got bored with the lists of foods and all a bit too diary like (but I guess the clue is in the title)
June 3, 2016
Loved it! So brave!!!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews