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Skinny Chicks Don't Eat Salads: Stop Starving, Start Eating... and Losing!

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Rare book

320 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2009

24 people are currently reading
133 people want to read

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5 stars
46 (23%)
4 stars
73 (36%)
3 stars
51 (25%)
2 stars
21 (10%)
1 star
8 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Ash.
209 reviews15 followers
March 20, 2014
This is a GUIDE to healthy eating. She is not able to sit down with people one on one to make a food plan specifically for you, so this is a general way of eating that people should follow. It basically provides an easy understanding of how to balance out your carbs and protein, and information on what IS a carb and what IS a protein.

I have to give it 5 stars, because there is a lot of sound advice in here; even if each person is different and may have to change a few things to make it work for them. For instance, my sister can't eat gluten and dairy, so of course she's going to have to change a few things in this book up. That doesn't mean it's not still a helpful guide.

I work in the world of fitness, and this was a great reminder of all the highlights. I also have to give the author props for writing it in a way that made me actually want to read it, and also in a way that is going to be understood by the average person.

Now, do I follow this book to a tee? No, I actually eat one to two meals more a day (she suggests eating 4 meals), and rather than eating every four hours I usually eat about every two to three. This is because, as I said, I work in the fitness world and use up more fuel than the average person. Yes, I spend a lot of time cooking as well.

I don’t read a lot of these kinds of books, because for the most part they don’t interest me, but this truly is something that belongs in just about every person’s kitchen, because of all the great advice and delicious recipes.

I definitely feel that it is NOT a diet, but a life choice. This is going to be something you can follow for the rest of your life, and will become an easy way of eating once you've had time to learn more and adjust. I guarantee you'll feel better.

Oh, and as a last note, her cleansing diet portion makes you feel so good as well, better than taking the detox stuff and pooping your brains out anyway.
Profile Image for Abby Foster.
24 reviews6 followers
February 9, 2011
Christine's book is nothing short of amazing! It's already changing the way I eat AND feel. Like so many other women (and Christine), I got into the bad habit of skipping breakfast or lunch, then binging on carbs and sweets in the evening. It's a viscious cycle and I always felt guilty and sluggish.

Since I'm studying to become a massage therapist, I needed a more balanced way of eatting to maintain my blood sugar levels throughout the day. If you're looking to make a positive and lasting healthy lifestyle change, then I'd definitely recommend this book. As a well-known certified nutritionist, I'm sure Christine's clients pay a premium for similar advice. Lucky for us, she offers her wisdom in a book, complete with meal plans and recipes.

Speaking of recipes, it's refreshing to see a variety of recipes that did NOT involve salads or chicken with steamed broccoli. I'm looking forward to whipping up some of these concoctions, including the Berry Good Stuffed French Toast, Low-Fat/Low-Sugar Pumpkin Bread, Cilantro Lime Sea Bass, Bruschetta Chicken Wrap, Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta and more.
Profile Image for Susan.
1,682 reviews13 followers
June 26, 2009
Had some good basic info and some yummy sounding recipes, but is really just a diet book in disguise. All assurances to the contrary aside, I'm pretty certain I WOULD be hungry eating only 1600 calories a day and exercising as much as she wants readers to.
Profile Image for Karen.
963 reviews14 followers
January 2, 2010
The explanation of the eating plan seems to make sense but I'm not sure I could do it—a life without whole eggs and full fat cheese is not the life for me. I also found the periodic mentions of products available on the author's website a bit annoying.
Profile Image for Bonnie.
67 reviews
May 12, 2010
I have read a fair number of diet/exercise/nutrition books, but this one really put it all together in a way that just makes sense. You didn't get the impression that she's just trying to use science to sell you her program like I did with Atkins, South Beach, and Fat Flush. She explains the science of how the body uses fats, carbs, and proteins for energy and how to eat to get the most nutrition and long-lasting energy out of your food and lose weight if that is your goal.

She does a good job of explaining how disordered eating screws up your metabolism and your moods...an interesting study....are you depressed because of your poor nutrition or is your eating all screwed up because you're depressed? The way she explains metabolism also explained to me why a lot of people, me included, have success losing weight on a low-carb diet once or twice but then it just doesn't work anymore. And it isn't something most people can maintain.

Her plan is four meals a day that combine proteins and carbs at every meal. And she's big on low-fat but high protein and using carbs for energy. I haven't seen a diet suggesting fat-free cheese in a long time! She does also tell you how to cheat which is funny...how to have a dessert or glass of wine by combining it with a meal/protein instead of the carb with that meal.

Basically, it's portion control, nutrition, stuff you already know but she puts it all together which I need. Her workout routines seem good too, not much different from what I'm already doing. So I'll give it a try and see how it goes :-)
Profile Image for April.
200 reviews7 followers
April 9, 2012
Interesting concepts, some sound science, nice advice. Told with humor and a good narrative this book sets up a way of eating and thinking about food that makes a lot of sense in many ways. There are testimonials from women in different age groups, even menopausal and premenopause women that are uplifting and hopeful.

I didn't like the way the author repeated herself so many times. I found myself skimming parts as she was pressing her point YET AGAIN. I understand about repetition in learning... but seriously...

The hard thing about trying to follow this plan is if you get up at a normal time, you will wind up either eating your last meal around 4pm or eating around 8pm... I don't know about you, but around 8pm I am looking for a cuddle and bed, not wanting to be cooking and then doing dishes and cleanup.

I will be implementing some of her eating rules and philosophy into my daily life to see if it helps!

I would recommend this book to anyone looking to change their eating habits. Some good ideas, helpful facts and interesting tidbits on how your body and food interact.
Profile Image for Linaerys.
19 reviews
August 6, 2010
A diet is not just about losing weight. It seems people seem to associate it as only such. Everyone is on a diet, whether poor or bad is determine by the quality of what they eat in relation to his or her health. Although Avanti declares it as an eating plan, it is a diet.

All in all, Avanti explains the causes and effects of the food we put into our bodies. These explanations are simplified for better understanding. The initial part of the eating plan is to lose weight to an optimal amount. The eating plan begins with 1600 calories and regular exercise. Once we reach our preferred weight we may increase our caloric intake keeping in mind our portions and maintaining our exercise routine. That is at least what I gained when I read the book.

Take the book for what it is an insight to how our body process foods and adjust it accordingly to your lifestyle.
44 reviews
September 17, 2009
My friend told me about this book, and the title definitely caught this salad snubber’s attention.
Nothing earth-shattering here: sensible eating you’ve surely heard the gist of elsewhere, but her explanations and method are accessible. The plan? Balanced meals (whole foods in the form of lean protein, minimally refined carbs, and healthy fats) every four hours. That’s pretty much it; but it’s very straightforward and clear, so it has stuck with me. Try it! The book includes numerous recipes to get you started. It requires some work of course (planning ahead and grocery shopping, which tends to be where I trip up), but the author includes tips for what to do when you’re in a bind or short on time. A worthwhile investment for anyone interested in improving the way he or she eats.
Profile Image for Anne.
55 reviews2 followers
April 12, 2010
It seems like the beginning of every new year I read some diet book! I checked this one out of the library....I've been skimming thru it, I have so many other books to read!

OK, so I've finished this book. I now use it more as a reference book, because it does spell out meal plans and have some great recipes. I give it 4 stars for that. However, it sounds too reminiscent of every other diet book I've ever read.
1 review
November 15, 2010
This is a great book about eating in a normal healthy way and maintaining blood sugar levels. The recipes are easy and yummy. This is not a magic pill for weight loss, but if you are looking to maintain a healthy weight, feel good, have energy and the ability to focus throughout the day without crashing, I highly recommend Christine's eating plan.
Profile Image for Melanie.
1,044 reviews32 followers
June 13, 2011
I haven't started the "diet" yet, but I'm really excited about it - I've been steadily losing weight for a while, but it's stalled out for a few months and I'm hoping this will help me kick-start it again. Plus it seems really easy to use her plan and actually continue to live a normal real-word eating life! I'll definitely update my review after I've tried it for a few weeks.
Profile Image for Sher❤ The Fabulous BookLover.
962 reviews585 followers
November 30, 2014
I loved this book! It was a wealth of useful information. When it comes to health and weight loss I do a lot of research and I feel like I know a lot, so it was surprising to see that I've learned so much by simply reading this book. Christine doesn't restrict you and everything she says is doable. This is definitely a lifestyle book, not a diet book. Very impressed.
57 reviews2 followers
June 3, 2009
I've always believed in this way of eating. 4 meals a day, plenty of carbs spread throughout the day, and cheating on a regular basis. This is what I call a healthy way to eat without ever having to go on a diet. The recipes are unique and easy to do. I'm planning on losing some weight.....
Profile Image for Jan.
112 reviews1 follower
May 30, 2009
This was interesting and I think it would really work. ( ALl except the part about not drinking diet coke.) After I had Ryan I worked out with a trainer and he taught the same principle about eating protein/carbs and fat together.
Profile Image for Connie.
30 reviews
August 21, 2009
I loved this book. It teaches you what combinations to eat so you don't have cravings and feel hungry while losing or maintaining a healthy body weight. It has nothing to do with not eating salad by the way. It just tells you you can eat much more!
Profile Image for Hilary.
3 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2010
I liked the way she explained things in a way a non-registered dietitian could understand (That's why I gave it 5 stars! :). It didn't feel like I was reading a text book. This was a really great and informative book.
Profile Image for Julie Colotti.
8 reviews
January 3, 2011
I agree with a lot of other reviews that I read here. I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't really any new information. It's all stuff that I know, but forget to practice. I will try some of the recipes and see how it goes.
Profile Image for Carrie.
9 reviews
February 19, 2011
When I ate like she said I honestly didn't feel hungry, or have those sugar lows that come from eating poorly.

I recently purchased this book for my ereader (1st and only purchase so far) because it's a good reminder that quality in equals quality out.
Profile Image for Alissa Meltzer.
74 reviews2 followers
July 2, 2011
It really changed my way I think about food and what combinations I eat together. In addition, it made me think more seriously about how many small meals is better for the metabolism than 3 big meals. It was a bit inspirational and VERY easy to read....
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
135 reviews
February 12, 2012
Nutrition advice in an easy to read format. The way she describes what your body needs and how it processes food actually makes sense! Haven't tried any of her recipes or her eating plan so I can't comment on that - but the rest of the book was good.
Profile Image for Angie.
137 reviews
May 12, 2009
Pretty funny! I learned I need way more Protein in my diet and less Kneaders treats :) Who knew??
22 reviews
October 14, 2009
Really good book! Easy to understand which makes the eating plan easy to follow. Christine is also a wonderful person and a great friend!
Profile Image for Charmaine Puzey.
214 reviews11 followers
April 21, 2010
I learned alot, but when I went on her website she had some products for sell that she disses in her book so not sure
Profile Image for Whitney.
267 reviews
May 27, 2010
I like this book and her approach to eating and fitness. There are workouts and recipes in it too! It isn't the best written book, but it is worth it in the end.
Profile Image for Jenn.
93 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2011
Ok, I just finished it, and I think I really liked it. Good advice (and recipes) as to how to avoid the pitfall of thinking you have to eat nothing to lose weight.
Profile Image for Rachel.
149 reviews
January 7, 2012
I learned a lot from this book and I think it's a great system, but it could have used some diagrams.
Profile Image for JH.
1,612 reviews
Read
April 2, 2023
Just another diet book. Not what I expected.
Profile Image for Helen Crow.
84 reviews4 followers
February 22, 2015
It would be a better book without the testimonials, but it is full of good stuff to know.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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