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The Betty Body: A Geeky Goddess' Guide to Intuitive Eating, Balanced Hormones, and Transformative Sex
Women are not little men, but that’s how we treat our bodies.In The Betty Body, Dr. Stephanie Estima provides a step-by-step guide to caring for your feminine body, teaching How to go from treating your period as an archenemy to celebrating its arrival every monthThe different types of orgasms you should be having and why they’re so important for female healthHow to eat in a way that honors your menstrual cycle, through menopause and beyondHow morning routines are sexist, and how you can structure one that honors your unique biologyHow to build beautiful, lean muscle based on your menstrual cycle, even in menopauseWhy fats and carbohydrates are not evil, and how to use them strategically to your metabolic advantageWhether you want to lose weight, balance your hormones, or just stop hating your period, The Betty Body is your blueprint for your best feminine health.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 16, 2021
221 people are currently reading
1235 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 19, 2021
Maybe if you follow this author, you aren't annoyed by the way she talks (and writes.) But it drove me absolutely crazy - she named almost everything after herself, used a bunch of odd slang, and focused WAY too much on weight. I try not to judge a book by it's cover, but I almost didn't even consider reading this because of the cover. So not me. However, I heard her interviewed on Dave Asprey's podcast, and felt that she had some valid points. I was HOPING to get some guidance for a woman that is interested in dialing in her health and listening to her hormonal changes. To me, Dave Asprey's podcast is for those people that already are pretty solidly into health. This book, on the other hand, is for someone that has NO IDEA what they are doing and all they want to do is lose weight. So, in a nutshell, if you are like me and tend to be healthy, don't need to lose weight, you identify in any way as more of a tomboy, and can't stand when people name every single thing after themselves, then don't read this book.
Here's the summary for pre-menopause (me) + want to make sure you're keto-ing and fasting appropriately (I've struggled with keto in the past and was hoping for some answers... not so sure I found them, but maybe:)
- Weeks 1 and 3, do healthy keto in 70:20:10 ratios of fat, protein, carbs. If you don't know what "clean" or healthy keto is, then feel free to read this book (or plenty of others.) Plus you can add some fasting in here.
- Weeks 2 and 4, increasing protein and follow 40:40:20 ratios. No fasting. If you're still menstruating, also increase caloric intake by 10-15%.
- Supplements for menopausal ladies: vit D, Mg, Omega-3, berberine, black cohosh, maca, and panax ginsing
If you want more detail, or are new to a healthy lifestyle, feel free to read the book. But if you have a handle on your health and want details, what I provided is probably all you'll need.
Here's the summary for pre-menopause (me) + want to make sure you're keto-ing and fasting appropriately (I've struggled with keto in the past and was hoping for some answers... not so sure I found them, but maybe:)
- Weeks 1 and 3, do healthy keto in 70:20:10 ratios of fat, protein, carbs. If you don't know what "clean" or healthy keto is, then feel free to read this book (or plenty of others.) Plus you can add some fasting in here.
- Weeks 2 and 4, increasing protein and follow 40:40:20 ratios. No fasting. If you're still menstruating, also increase caloric intake by 10-15%.
- Supplements for menopausal ladies: vit D, Mg, Omega-3, berberine, black cohosh, maca, and panax ginsing
If you want more detail, or are new to a healthy lifestyle, feel free to read the book. But if you have a handle on your health and want details, what I provided is probably all you'll need.
July 23, 2021
I’ve never heard of Stephanie Estima, but was interested in reading more about a ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting specifically in relation to females.
So, I used my July Audible credit and downloaded the audiobook. The narration drove me crazy; I’m not sure how it translates in paper form. The content was peppered with attempted jokes and humor, and the author giggled at her own humor constantly. I think the vibe was supposed to be relaxed, but it was just uncomfortable and distracting. It was also a little cutesy to be referred to as “Bettys” for the whole book, like I’m some kind of follower. It really detracted from her credibility for me (and she seems very credible!)
The goddess / feminist talk didn’t bother me, though it was a bit much sometimes. I liked the information on menstrual cycles and our hormones, but ultimately felt the book was geared more toward women in the perimenopause/menopause demographic.
My biggest takeaway from the book? Sleep without a pillow, it’s better for your neck.
So, I used my July Audible credit and downloaded the audiobook. The narration drove me crazy; I’m not sure how it translates in paper form. The content was peppered with attempted jokes and humor, and the author giggled at her own humor constantly. I think the vibe was supposed to be relaxed, but it was just uncomfortable and distracting. It was also a little cutesy to be referred to as “Bettys” for the whole book, like I’m some kind of follower. It really detracted from her credibility for me (and she seems very credible!)
The goddess / feminist talk didn’t bother me, though it was a bit much sometimes. I liked the information on menstrual cycles and our hormones, but ultimately felt the book was geared more toward women in the perimenopause/menopause demographic.
My biggest takeaway from the book? Sleep without a pillow, it’s better for your neck.
August 12, 2021
Enjoyed bits of this book, but I won’t stick to her specific keto-cycling recommendations. That said, she made good points and I appreciated her footnotes and references. As women and girls we should probably all be a little more aware of how our hormones are changing throughout our cycles. I appreciate that she is drawing attention to that.
July 29, 2023
I almost didn’t read this book because the cover wasn’t my vibe. And after listening to this book I can say that the pros out weight the cons. She covers a lot of science that frankly, until recently, hasn’t been a available to the world much less to women.
She goes into healthy aging.
Bone and muscle health.
Menopausal training needs.
Perimenopause needs.
Estrogen dominance and testosterone dominance.
How to train and move for your four different weeks of your cycle and the nutritional needs. So good!
When to expect to feed your hormones more and when it’s okay to do a detox fast.
She covers supplements for general and cycle related changes.
She is heavy on motherhood so this could be a trigger for some people.
She is admittedly very vain and so the book tends to talk about weight/image more often than I think is typical(?) normal (?) healthy (?) but she does a good job of staying on topic for health benefits. I just wish women could have books that are focused on health without body image taking up so much space.
I also liked “Fast Like a Girl” Mindy Pelz if you’re looking for more on this topic from another voice.
She goes into healthy aging.
Bone and muscle health.
Menopausal training needs.
Perimenopause needs.
Estrogen dominance and testosterone dominance.
How to train and move for your four different weeks of your cycle and the nutritional needs. So good!
When to expect to feed your hormones more and when it’s okay to do a detox fast.
She covers supplements for general and cycle related changes.
She is heavy on motherhood so this could be a trigger for some people.
She is admittedly very vain and so the book tends to talk about weight/image more often than I think is typical(?) normal (?) healthy (?) but she does a good job of staying on topic for health benefits. I just wish women could have books that are focused on health without body image taking up so much space.
I also liked “Fast Like a Girl” Mindy Pelz if you’re looking for more on this topic from another voice.
May 15, 2021
Easy read. Most of the information I had heard before but I’ve been wanting to know how to adapt a high-fat for my specific hormonal make-up.
March 14, 2021
Important read for ALL females!
Such a helpful, insightful, and easy read! This book contains all of the information we should be receiving in health classes & at doctors appointments! Read it and share it with your friends!!!
Such a helpful, insightful, and easy read! This book contains all of the information we should be receiving in health classes & at doctors appointments! Read it and share it with your friends!!!
June 10, 2023
I was. I had this book as a teenager
This was a great book and so easy to understand. It's a shame they don't teach girls more about their hormones. Working in sync with our bodies would have been so much easier than being taught to just put our heads down and suck it up. Man up so to speak!!! We should be taught to Girl up and be smarter about what we need.
This was a great book and so easy to understand. It's a shame they don't teach girls more about their hormones. Working in sync with our bodies would have been so much easier than being taught to just put our heads down and suck it up. Man up so to speak!!! We should be taught to Girl up and be smarter about what we need.
March 8, 2025
The main reason why I have rated this book as a 2 out of 5 stars instead of 3 out of 5 stars was due to this con.
My main frustration came from "A geeky goddess' guide to intuitive eating", which I believe is not shown in the book.
Intuitive eating from my research is not following a diet but listening to your body's cues. This book follows intermittent fasting and the keto diet instead of an intuitive eating lifestyle. Nothing against intermittent fasting or a keto diet, however as someone currently undergoing an intuitive eating journey, this misguidance disappointed me greatly.
The book is very refreshing and easy to read as the language is easily digestible. The best way to describe this is you are having a conversation with your friend, where your friend is talking and you are listening. The comfortable and fun language you would get with a casual conversation with your friend is shown in this book.
I also liked how the book is targeted toward women, specifically understanding that a woman's hormones change every week due to the menstrual cycle.
To sum up this book, I believe it can be a great way to help specific woman with their goals and lifestyles as long as it is taken the healthy approach. However, my biggest issue with this book is the intuitive eating aspect that is nonexistent.
No 🌶️spice level however does talk about sex in the book
My main frustration came from "A geeky goddess' guide to intuitive eating", which I believe is not shown in the book.
Intuitive eating from my research is not following a diet but listening to your body's cues. This book follows intermittent fasting and the keto diet instead of an intuitive eating lifestyle. Nothing against intermittent fasting or a keto diet, however as someone currently undergoing an intuitive eating journey, this misguidance disappointed me greatly.
The book is very refreshing and easy to read as the language is easily digestible. The best way to describe this is you are having a conversation with your friend, where your friend is talking and you are listening. The comfortable and fun language you would get with a casual conversation with your friend is shown in this book.
I also liked how the book is targeted toward women, specifically understanding that a woman's hormones change every week due to the menstrual cycle.
To sum up this book, I believe it can be a great way to help specific woman with their goals and lifestyles as long as it is taken the healthy approach. However, my biggest issue with this book is the intuitive eating aspect that is nonexistent.
No 🌶️spice level however does talk about sex in the book
November 14, 2021
I was listening to a podcast where the guest was Stephanie Estima. She was talking about how the workday is suited to men because our testosterone is strong in the morning and wanes throughout the day. In the late afternoon, men are ready to socialize. They can meet at the golf course or enjoy other outings.
Women, on the other hand, have hormones that vary over days, not just over a single day. So our communication habits and styles differ. Although I don't recall the podcast or its content well, I seem to recall that male managers and men in general should be more attuned to our different communication styles.
This intrigued me, so I thought I would buy her book to learn more about communication. Unfortunately for me, her book is not about this topic at all. It is more about how women can learn about their cycles and adjust their food and activities accordingly.
Women are most definitely the target audience for this book. Can guys get anything out of it? In my view, not much.
Given that I got very little out of it, why did I give her book five stars? Because it wasn't her fault that I bought the wrong book. I don't want to penalize an author's book just because I made a poor decision.
Women, on the other hand, have hormones that vary over days, not just over a single day. So our communication habits and styles differ. Although I don't recall the podcast or its content well, I seem to recall that male managers and men in general should be more attuned to our different communication styles.
This intrigued me, so I thought I would buy her book to learn more about communication. Unfortunately for me, her book is not about this topic at all. It is more about how women can learn about their cycles and adjust their food and activities accordingly.
Women are most definitely the target audience for this book. Can guys get anything out of it? In my view, not much.
Given that I got very little out of it, why did I give her book five stars? Because it wasn't her fault that I bought the wrong book. I don't want to penalize an author's book just because I made a poor decision.
April 26, 2022
This is not a ‘lose weight quickly’ book. Everything she talks about takes time, and attention, and doesn’t even necessarily revolve around weight loss. It’s a method for getting to know your body better and has overall improved health for the long term.
The Betty Body is well written, and she seems to have done a lot of research. I like the unique approach to women’s health, that takes our menstrual cycles into consideration and tries to work with them, instead of against them.
see my full review plus best quotes here: https://malissagreenwood.com/the-bett...
The Betty Body is well written, and she seems to have done a lot of research. I like the unique approach to women’s health, that takes our menstrual cycles into consideration and tries to work with them, instead of against them.
see my full review plus best quotes here: https://malissagreenwood.com/the-bett...
June 24, 2024
I heard Dr Estima on a podcast and was very interested in her ideas on cycle eating. When I saw the cover I had a feeling this book was probably going to emphasize looking better instead of feeling better. There are some good ideas here but it perpetuates more of a fear of aging than promoting the goal of aging gracefully.
I listened to the audio and it was pretty low budget, but it was so casual that it almost felt like listening to a podcast than a book.
I listened to the audio and it was pretty low budget, but it was so casual that it almost felt like listening to a podcast than a book.
February 3, 2022
Loved the sections on hormones and menopause - we don’t talk about this enough for women. The dieting felt complicated and unsustainable, so that isn’t of personal interest, but the book was well researched and a great fit for the serious foodie or health nut.
May 6, 2023
Pair this book with Fast Like a Girl and you get the full picture of nutrition + exercise for women. Don’t keto or fast or lift heavy without this advice. Love her podcast too. Not crazy about the title ,but the guidelines of cyclical exercising are really great.
August 31, 2021
I'm using the book as a reference guide. The parts that I've read are very helpful, informative, and easy to read! I highly recommend it!
September 3, 2021
Brilliant book for any woman wanting to life a full and healthy lifestyle and enjoy everything there is to be a beautiful woman.
Dr Stephanie guides you through your cycle, what's high and low in hormone health, how to look after your hormones and your health. She does this by guiding you though fasting, healthy living, gratitude, exercise, foods, the right supplements and when, brain and gut health and the big O among many other things. And when's best to do them according to when your cycle is (meant) to be.
Dr Stephanie is funny and down to earth and realistic and she has realistic goals to accomplish, if you so wish.
There are bonus's and quizes that accompany the book, via Dr Stephanie's website. Though the 4 week eating plan to download via email has, to this day, never came through when I requested it (all the others did, ie hormone quizes, exercise plans etc). There are a few recipe suggestions in the book, though its more of a taster.
Despite this, I still Highly recommend this book.
Dr Stephanie guides you through your cycle, what's high and low in hormone health, how to look after your hormones and your health. She does this by guiding you though fasting, healthy living, gratitude, exercise, foods, the right supplements and when, brain and gut health and the big O among many other things. And when's best to do them according to when your cycle is (meant) to be.
Dr Stephanie is funny and down to earth and realistic and she has realistic goals to accomplish, if you so wish.
There are bonus's and quizes that accompany the book, via Dr Stephanie's website. Though the 4 week eating plan to download via email has, to this day, never came through when I requested it (all the others did, ie hormone quizes, exercise plans etc). There are a few recipe suggestions in the book, though its more of a taster.
Despite this, I still Highly recommend this book.
October 31, 2023
Non-audiobook review:
There's a lot to unpack with this book. It covered a well-rounded approach to losing weight by targeting: stress, sleep, nutrition, fasting, supplements, and exercise. It didn't get too bogged down with science though, so it went by quickly and was just the right balance of informative and motivating.
Her main concept is to cycle your macros and exercise routine based on which week you are on in your menstrual cycle. Once you read about how various highs and lows of sex hormones affect things like ligaments, tendons, appetite, sleep, and even caloric needs, it all starts to make sense.
Dr. Stephanie's concept of a hormone-based cyclical wellness plan is what makes her stand out in crowded room of other diet books.
There's a lot to unpack with this book. It covered a well-rounded approach to losing weight by targeting: stress, sleep, nutrition, fasting, supplements, and exercise. It didn't get too bogged down with science though, so it went by quickly and was just the right balance of informative and motivating.
Her main concept is to cycle your macros and exercise routine based on which week you are on in your menstrual cycle. Once you read about how various highs and lows of sex hormones affect things like ligaments, tendons, appetite, sleep, and even caloric needs, it all starts to make sense.
Dr. Stephanie's concept of a hormone-based cyclical wellness plan is what makes her stand out in crowded room of other diet books.
April 7, 2021
The 40+ woman guide
I heard of this book on a podcast I listen to where Dr. Estima was a guest. I was intrigued and when I was able to buy the Kindle book for 99 cents I figured it was meant to be. I will be reading this book again and again as I try to sort out what is going on with my 40+ body. It’s an easy read and a must read.
Also I had a little bit of trouble with the free bonus downloads at one point and the customer service was so good and helpful. Really appreciate that too!
I heard of this book on a podcast I listen to where Dr. Estima was a guest. I was intrigued and when I was able to buy the Kindle book for 99 cents I figured it was meant to be. I will be reading this book again and again as I try to sort out what is going on with my 40+ body. It’s an easy read and a must read.
Also I had a little bit of trouble with the free bonus downloads at one point and the customer service was so good and helpful. Really appreciate that too!
April 12, 2021
This is a very informative book for women to better understand how their cycle affects weight, what we should eat, fasting, drinking water, sex - it really breaks apart any questions women may have and provides recommendations to ensure your months flow easily (pun intended). I would say this is targetted for a demographic of 30+, but I think any woman can benefit from reading this, and applying it to your daily life to improve how you feel. There is a bit of science-speak in the book but she does a great job at distiling it down to be easy-to-read.
July 23, 2021
Excellent book; could use updating and editing
I very much enjoyed the no nonsense, straight forward approach to body-mind health. I’m reading the kindle version, and the links to the additional information do not work. One meal in the diet consists of only steak, and I believe this is an error, but idk. I don’t feel that there is enough information given on how to do the diet properly, and as someone without keto knowledge, I would have liked more guidance.
I very much enjoyed the no nonsense, straight forward approach to body-mind health. I’m reading the kindle version, and the links to the additional information do not work. One meal in the diet consists of only steak, and I believe this is an error, but idk. I don’t feel that there is enough information given on how to do the diet properly, and as someone without keto knowledge, I would have liked more guidance.
December 13, 2024
I liked this book as I tend to like most health books. There were a lot of good things in it. What I did not like, however, was the stupid title or the fact that she referred to the readers as “Betty” all throughout. I don’t know why other than I just found it incredibly irritating.
I read another review that said that she comes across vain and is self admittedly such. That also is a little too much in my opinion. But otherwise, it had a lot of good information.
I read another review that said that she comes across vain and is self admittedly such. That also is a little too much in my opinion. But otherwise, it had a lot of good information.
March 18, 2021
An overall interesting book. Definitely worth reading. The one drawback for me was that there was no mention of certain health issues such as cancer or having a partial or full hysterectomy and how they would be applied with the Estima Diet, exercise, etc. In spite of that, I still gained some insight and have plenty of things to think on.
May 14, 2021
Great, practical advice for women. I loved her overall approach, factoring in (weekly) hormonal changes for food choices. It is the second book I've read that considers how our cycle impacts dietary needs, increased calories. Though this book also made suggestions regarding varied exercises to do throughout the month given our muscle fluctuations too.
April 4, 2021
An amazing book, if you are not a vegetarian or vegan.
Anyway, I have found lots of great information even I can't follow the keto protocols, which I'm sure are great. I'll stick and apply all other great geeky stuff in it.
So I big thank you for the effort invested in it!
Anyway, I have found lots of great information even I can't follow the keto protocols, which I'm sure are great. I'll stick and apply all other great geeky stuff in it.
So I big thank you for the effort invested in it!
May 8, 2021
It is hard to apply things when you listen to s book like this. In the end, she challenges you to pick 10 things to change and then start with one a month. That is a great idea! I have the book on Kindle too for reviewing.
June 7, 2025
Everyone woman should read this book. You will walk away with a whole new understanding of your menstrual cycle and how different phases affect all the different aspects of your life, including nutrition, exercise, sleep, sex, and, of course, mood swings.
May 29, 2021
It’s a must read if you want to be strong and healthy.
February 18, 2022
Great information and reference guide.
August 16, 2023
Loved this book.
From the writing style - just like talking to one of your best friends - to the easily digestible science.
All around awesome.
I can't wait to implement it!
From the writing style - just like talking to one of your best friends - to the easily digestible science.
All around awesome.
I can't wait to implement it!
December 31, 2023
Loved!!! Felt like she was talking to me immediately after finishing it I turned around and bought it so I could write notes and reference it in the future
January 24, 2024
Another dietary book saying eat this then, and this during that week. Blah Blah Blah.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews