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Finally Thin!: How I Lost More Than 200 Pounds and Kept Them Off--and How You Can, Too
The ultimate companion to any diet—featuring ten steps that will give you the information and motivation to achieve your own success on any weight-loss plan.
Kim Bensen knows about weight loss. And weight gain. For decades, she tried every diet there was, but nothing seemed to work – for long anyway – and she yo-yoed her way to 350 pounds. But she never gave up and in 2001, despite years of heartbreak and discouragement, Kim tried again. This time was different and the results were phenomenal: 212 pounds lost forever, fourteen dress sizes, four ring sizes, one and a half shoe sizes, and 200 points of cholesterol gone for good! In the end, Kim not only changed her health and size, but also her career. The clamor of “How did you do it?” by desperately struggling individuals as well as the national media motivated her to sit down and pen into words what she had put into action.
In Finally Thin!, Kim Bensen recounts her own success story and then breaks down her success into a ten-step system, showing readers exactly how she accomplished her weight-loss goal. From choosing the right diet for your needs to setting realistic goals, finding support, eating out, recovering from a slipup, the keys to maintenance, and even 75 recipes, this book covers it all in an upbeat, inspirational, and approachable tone. A must-have for anyone trying to lose weight, Finally Thin! will help dieters break free of the yo-yo cycle and achieve their ultimate goal—once and for all.
Kim Bensen knows about weight loss. And weight gain. For decades, she tried every diet there was, but nothing seemed to work – for long anyway – and she yo-yoed her way to 350 pounds. But she never gave up and in 2001, despite years of heartbreak and discouragement, Kim tried again. This time was different and the results were phenomenal: 212 pounds lost forever, fourteen dress sizes, four ring sizes, one and a half shoe sizes, and 200 points of cholesterol gone for good! In the end, Kim not only changed her health and size, but also her career. The clamor of “How did you do it?” by desperately struggling individuals as well as the national media motivated her to sit down and pen into words what she had put into action.
In Finally Thin!, Kim Bensen recounts her own success story and then breaks down her success into a ten-step system, showing readers exactly how she accomplished her weight-loss goal. From choosing the right diet for your needs to setting realistic goals, finding support, eating out, recovering from a slipup, the keys to maintenance, and even 75 recipes, this book covers it all in an upbeat, inspirational, and approachable tone. A must-have for anyone trying to lose weight, Finally Thin! will help dieters break free of the yo-yo cycle and achieve their ultimate goal—once and for all.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
24 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 21, 2009
January 21, 2008 Added note to make to this review:
After reading this book, i was so inspired by Kim's story that I went to here website and posted a comment on her blog. I gave her a link to my blog and she posted a comment. She is also a public follower of my blog. I have to say that she seems very down to earth and that she truly cares about others that have shared her plight.
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and dealt with the subject of weight loss honestly and openly. Ms. Bensen lost over 200 pounds and has kept it off for years, so she is uniquely qualified to write this type of book. She makes no secret of the fact that she lost her weight with Weight Watchers and now works for them, but the book explores (briefly) all of the well known diet plans without prejudice.
The first part of the book is devoted to Kim's story and I had tears in my eyes by the time I got to the part where she reached her goal weight. The second section of the book explores the 10 steps essential to losing and maintaining weight loss. The chapter devoted to step 9 - keep yourself motivated all the way - is the highlight of the book in my opinion.
The third and final section of the book is recipes. I have to say that most of the recipes did not appeal to me because the majority included fat-free cheese or sugar substitutes, but since I did not buy the book for the recipes, they did not effect my rating.
All in all, this is one of the best and most realistic books out there for anyone who has struggled with overcoming obesity.
After reading this book, i was so inspired by Kim's story that I went to here website and posted a comment on her blog. I gave her a link to my blog and she posted a comment. She is also a public follower of my blog. I have to say that she seems very down to earth and that she truly cares about others that have shared her plight.
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and dealt with the subject of weight loss honestly and openly. Ms. Bensen lost over 200 pounds and has kept it off for years, so she is uniquely qualified to write this type of book. She makes no secret of the fact that she lost her weight with Weight Watchers and now works for them, but the book explores (briefly) all of the well known diet plans without prejudice.
The first part of the book is devoted to Kim's story and I had tears in my eyes by the time I got to the part where she reached her goal weight. The second section of the book explores the 10 steps essential to losing and maintaining weight loss. The chapter devoted to step 9 - keep yourself motivated all the way - is the highlight of the book in my opinion.
The third and final section of the book is recipes. I have to say that most of the recipes did not appeal to me because the majority included fat-free cheese or sugar substitutes, but since I did not buy the book for the recipes, they did not effect my rating.
All in all, this is one of the best and most realistic books out there for anyone who has struggled with overcoming obesity.
February 17, 2009
I hesitated in adding this book to my list because I didn't want people to know I was reading "diet" books (so silly, I know)! But, it has had such a positive impact on me, I just had to. I first read Kim Bensen's success story on the Weight Watcher website several years ago. Although the amount of weight we each lost (200+ pounds for Kim and 25+ for me) was very different, what resonated with me was was how many times Kim tried before being successful. I have seen her story in magazines through the years so I was thrilled to learn she had written a book. Her "never give up" attitude is evident throughout the book as she shares her struggles, humiliations and ultimate success in her life-long weight battle. I was moved and motivated but her story and inspired by her tips and suggestions. If you've ever had a battle with the scale, I highly recommend this book. After telling her story of losing the weight this final time she writes "Now it's YOUR turn!" And she helped me believe that this time it really was.
December 20, 2008
I interviewed Kim Bensen this past week and she's an incredibly inspiring individual. She's struggled with her weight her whole life and finally lost over 200 pounds and has kept it off for five years. Her book, FINALLY THIN, is open, honest, and encouraging. She shares all her "warts and wrinkles" and vulnerabilities ~ all the embarrassing stories of her food addiction. She's been "there" and can relate to those who struggle. She gives an overview of all the different diet programs out there and offers her book as a companion to whichever plan is right for you. She also provides over 70 yummy recipes. Check out her book and subscribe to my podcast/blog at www.WordsToMouth.com so you don't miss this wonderful conversation. She's open, honest, and real...one of my favorites!
January 20, 2009
This woman is me!!! Her life and way of thinking is so similar to myself. I really enjoyed this book!
January 1, 2018
This memoir/diet book contains recipes, shopping lists, and a comprehensive breakdown of all the major diets on the market today. Also, there are some great tips and tricks to get and stay motivated.
There is a lot of the same if you've ever been on an exchange diet that you have paired with a weight loss support group/counseling/therapy. What sets this book apart from other diet books is that the author is very clear about staying on the path, that it will ALWAYS be work, and to keep working at it rather than shaming yourself.
The author does promote products from her own brand but to be fair, it isn't the typical in-your-face gross self-promotion most brands inundate us with.
There is a lot of the same if you've ever been on an exchange diet that you have paired with a weight loss support group/counseling/therapy. What sets this book apart from other diet books is that the author is very clear about staying on the path, that it will ALWAYS be work, and to keep working at it rather than shaming yourself.
The author does promote products from her own brand but to be fair, it isn't the typical in-your-face gross self-promotion most brands inundate us with.
January 19, 2010
I found this book in the library when I was looking through the healthy eating section (notice how I'm not writing "diet"!). Bensen always battled her tendency to overeat, but after getting married and having children, her weight ballooned to nearly 350 pounds.
Something finally clicked and she lost over 200 pounds within a space of 2 years, through Weight Watchers and aided by supportive friends and family.
Bensen is a very knowledgeable, nurturing weight loss coach--in fact she is now a Weight Watchers leader and has her own web site, where she inspires others who want to lose weight.
The book is presented in three parts: (1) her personal story of overeating and weight loss; (2) analysis of various diets and their strengths and weaknesses, along with general information about health and weight loss; and (3) recipes Bensen has developed. The recipes have a lot of processed ingredients (such as Campbell's soup) and sugar substitutes, but some of the others might be worth a try. She talks about her emotional relationship with food, similar to many people with serious weight issues, but that doesn't tend to be my issue. (I can have chocolate cake and lemon meringue pie in the house, as I do now because of birthday events this weekend, and avoid them.)
Although Bensen was faced with a huge amount to lose, whereas I have only a small amount to feel healthy again, her story was inspiring. I have a good friend from college who lost a huge amount of weight when she turned 40, and I find her story very motivating as well! After all, if Bensen can lose over 200 pounds (and win her war against emotional eating), I should be able to lose 20, right?
Something finally clicked and she lost over 200 pounds within a space of 2 years, through Weight Watchers and aided by supportive friends and family.
Bensen is a very knowledgeable, nurturing weight loss coach--in fact she is now a Weight Watchers leader and has her own web site, where she inspires others who want to lose weight.
The book is presented in three parts: (1) her personal story of overeating and weight loss; (2) analysis of various diets and their strengths and weaknesses, along with general information about health and weight loss; and (3) recipes Bensen has developed. The recipes have a lot of processed ingredients (such as Campbell's soup) and sugar substitutes, but some of the others might be worth a try. She talks about her emotional relationship with food, similar to many people with serious weight issues, but that doesn't tend to be my issue. (I can have chocolate cake and lemon meringue pie in the house, as I do now because of birthday events this weekend, and avoid them.)
Although Bensen was faced with a huge amount to lose, whereas I have only a small amount to feel healthy again, her story was inspiring. I have a good friend from college who lost a huge amount of weight when she turned 40, and I find her story very motivating as well! After all, if Bensen can lose over 200 pounds (and win her war against emotional eating), I should be able to lose 20, right?
August 2, 2009
Always trying to find diet motivation, I picked this up at the library because it's written by a woman who lost 212 pounds and, for me, that's way better than reading a book by someone who lost 25 or 30. Besides, she's so darn cute now.
I found this exceptionally helpful and well written. She doesn't say anything new, in fact she says EVERYTHING I always hear in my Weight Watchers meetings, but she said them in the right order and in right way to have impact. She's sensible and doesn't sugar coat the weight loss process.
Aside from the Christian motivational references (which I could do without), this is the diet book I wish I would have lost weight and written myself. And I wouldn't mind having a few TV appearances, a book deal, a successful web site and my own brand of light bagels, either.
I found this exceptionally helpful and well written. She doesn't say anything new, in fact she says EVERYTHING I always hear in my Weight Watchers meetings, but she said them in the right order and in right way to have impact. She's sensible and doesn't sugar coat the weight loss process.
Aside from the Christian motivational references (which I could do without), this is the diet book I wish I would have lost weight and written myself. And I wouldn't mind having a few TV appearances, a book deal, a successful web site and my own brand of light bagels, either.
May 30, 2011
I read the first 1/3 and did find it inspiring because she lost so much weight. However, as with a lot of weight loss memoirs, there wasn't enough detail for me. HOW did you get through day to day and stay motivated? WHAT did you say to yourself when the french fries were calling you and wouldn't leave you be? WHAT deep issues did you deal with and how?
Instead, it was the condensed version of "how I went from obese to thin" and made it sound almost effortless. "I cut calories and exercised." Well, shoot, if I'da known it was that easy, I woulda done it a long time ago! LOL
I skimmed the 2nd and 3rd sections, which gave synopses of all the diets out there, and recipes. They were a good reference but nothing you couldn't find many places online. When I read a weight loss memoir, I want the down and dirty, not the oh-so-pretty.
Instead, it was the condensed version of "how I went from obese to thin" and made it sound almost effortless. "I cut calories and exercised." Well, shoot, if I'da known it was that easy, I woulda done it a long time ago! LOL
I skimmed the 2nd and 3rd sections, which gave synopses of all the diets out there, and recipes. They were a good reference but nothing you couldn't find many places online. When I read a weight loss memoir, I want the down and dirty, not the oh-so-pretty.
September 7, 2009
The book lacks too many aspects of what the complex issues are that needs to be addressed in a comprehensive plan for health and weight loss. It does not seem that author has any or much knowledge regarding dieting except for how to count and cut calories.
The information evaluating each diet plan has very little value as the content is extremely limited and does not review health issues that each diet might have as an impact on health.
As far as motivational an inspiration, it seems the author is able to be that to people given the results she attained. Unfortunately she does not include many aspects of exercise, mindset and information regarding health that will be essential for continued success.
I do appreciate the time she took the time to write this book.
The information evaluating each diet plan has very little value as the content is extremely limited and does not review health issues that each diet might have as an impact on health.
As far as motivational an inspiration, it seems the author is able to be that to people given the results she attained. Unfortunately she does not include many aspects of exercise, mindset and information regarding health that will be essential for continued success.
I do appreciate the time she took the time to write this book.
December 18, 2010
I would have loved more of Kim's "deciding to lose weight" and "how I got there" than was in the book. What I most liked about the book was the third section that wasn't "dieting mechanics" but more of how to successfully change your eating style. There weren't any surprises there, but it's a nice, concise litany of factors to help one succeed. I borrowed this book from the library and have decided to purchase my own copy. I could read bits and pieces of the third section for the rest of my life and benefit. I think I read on Kim's website that she is working on another book, strictly about maintaining a big weight loss. I am very much looking forward to its debut and I'm sure I will buy it as well!
January 29, 2010
This book was inspirational. The story of finally deciding to take back her life was told in a way that most any reader could connect. It starts with how she got to be 347 lbs and many of the emotions that are so present in the journey from heavy to thin. The content of this book and the quick righting style rate higher than 3 stars but it was too fast from fat to thin so you felt more connected with the bigger version of the author. I did love how she said gave us the mantra of "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels." Overall its worth a look.
May 7, 2010
Interesting book although there are better "how I lost a ton of weight" stories out there (ie. Confessions of a Carb Queen). This was more of an inspiration "essay" with various diet pro/con information included in it (to me, it felt they did that to bulk-up the book).
Nonetheless it was impressive that not only did she LOSE the weight, she has managed to KEEP it off. And I enjoyed the low calorie recipes included at the end.
Nonetheless it was impressive that not only did she LOSE the weight, she has managed to KEEP it off. And I enjoyed the low calorie recipes included at the end.
March 26, 2009
I saw this in B & N and just couldn't resist reading her story. I love how she gives a diet bible and rates everything out there (btw, it's how I got the idea to do the Richard Simmons FoodMover to lose a few pesky pounds). The single best thing I learned was to finally connect a concrete explanation for weight gain: a pound of fat is 3500 calories, and if you don't work it off, it stays.
July 13, 2010
An excellent book overall that reveals in heartwrenching detail what it's like to be obese. The book provides great motivation, stresses the importance of post-weight loss maintenance and provides some rather tasty recipes. I think the greatest weakness of this book was the section on choosing a diet.
February 17, 2009
I loved this book from a former Weight Watchers member who was amazingly successful. There are 70 wonderful recipes in the back and I have already tried several.
I would highly recommend this book!
I would highly recommend this book!
January 14, 2009
Am enjoying this book so far, pretty frank and what an amazing story Kim Bensen tells. Find myself relating to her in several instances. Brand new!
March 9, 2010
This book was very inspirational. It focuses on Kim Bensen's story so you get the practical elements of losing weight and the emotional elements as well. It's nice to hear such a success story.
Read
May 23, 2010P. 44, 51, 60, 76, 78, 93, 108, 132, 173, 176, 178
Recipes: 216-224, 223-5, 228, 243, 252-3, 255, 259, 260, 263, 266, 268
www.kimbenson.com
Recipes: 216-224, 223-5, 228, 243, 252-3, 255, 259, 260, 263, 266, 268
www.kimbenson.com
January 13, 2011
Checked it out of the library and found it so inspiring that I went out and bought the book.
March 24, 2014
"If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you." - Unknown
March 1, 2016
How I Lost over 200 Pounds and Kept Them Off, And How You Can Too, Kim Bensen, HB-B @ 2008, 3/09. Tips and recipes. kimbensen.com. Good.
December 25, 2016
good book, great start, good real life examples.
October 19, 2009
Very inspiring!
March 26, 2014
Interesting
January 14, 2016
Good recipes, good Christian message, good story.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews