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Fat Chance: Losing the Weight, Gaining My Worth
A behind-the-scenes look at Julie Hadden's successful run on Season Four of The Biggest Loser and how the show ultimately revolutionized her view of herself while changing her life! Julie Hadden, one of the most successful and memorable contestants ever on The Biggest Loser , struggled with her self-worth -- and her weight -- for years. In Fat Chance , Julie shares the behind-the-scenes story of how she was chosen for The Biggest Loser , lost all the weight, and how her experience on that show ultimately changed her view of herself and her life forever! Julie's experience on The Biggest Loser began a transformation that took her from shame to self-confidence, and how, in each step she took along the way, she sensed God s presence. Relying on her sense of humor and refreshing candor, she offers readers of all shapes and sizes an honest portrayal of a once-fat woman who sweated and worked hard to find her way to thin. She also answers frequently asked questions about her weight loss, about being a contestant on The Biggest Loser , and she offers a sampling of her favorite healthy recipes and sample workouts from her favorite trainers. In Fat Chance , Julie Hadden offers inspiration and teachable moments along with rare behind-the-scenes details about one of the hottest reality shows on television today. Her firsthand experience will not only endear her to readers but it will also inspire them to make healthy changes of their own.
255 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2009
2 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 4, 2013
The way I feel about this book is kind of how I feel about The Biggest Loser in general - a bit contrived and cheesy, but with some truly inspirational truths woven throughout.
This wasn't the best-written book I've ever read, and plenty of cheesiness, but there were some parts that really resonated with me. I loved the focus that the author had on how she had to realize she was truly worthy in God's eyes and recognize her own worth before she could get healthy and lose weight.
"Acceptance, abundance, and joy - knowing who you are in God's eyes, living out the fullness of your relationship with him and enjoying the journey every step of the way. To me, these things add up to a life lived from that coveted place called peace. I'm grateful to say that after hundreds of prayers, a year of tears, and buckets of sweat, it's the place I call home these days."
"It's not easy to dig deep for motivation to stay healthy and capable and strong. But I do it anyway. I do it because I would rather suffer the pain of progress than the pain of being fat. I would rather celebrate the joy of well-made choices than the joy a cupcake can bring. I would rather leave a challenging legacy of healthfulness to my family and friends than a cheap one marked only by fun."
"I had to learn the hard way that you can lose all the weight you want, but unless you simultaneously lose the psychological assumption that you are inferior to other people, your weight will probably come back because you failed to address the deeper issue that's lurking in your soul."
"I remember that I am still a work in progress - physically, mentally and spiritually - and that God promises new mercies for every day. I remember that although I am not perfect, I was created in the image of God and that he clearly makes no mistakes.
You and I are worth the good decisions. We are worth all the abundance we can bear."
This wasn't the best-written book I've ever read, and plenty of cheesiness, but there were some parts that really resonated with me. I loved the focus that the author had on how she had to realize she was truly worthy in God's eyes and recognize her own worth before she could get healthy and lose weight.
"Acceptance, abundance, and joy - knowing who you are in God's eyes, living out the fullness of your relationship with him and enjoying the journey every step of the way. To me, these things add up to a life lived from that coveted place called peace. I'm grateful to say that after hundreds of prayers, a year of tears, and buckets of sweat, it's the place I call home these days."
"It's not easy to dig deep for motivation to stay healthy and capable and strong. But I do it anyway. I do it because I would rather suffer the pain of progress than the pain of being fat. I would rather celebrate the joy of well-made choices than the joy a cupcake can bring. I would rather leave a challenging legacy of healthfulness to my family and friends than a cheap one marked only by fun."
"I had to learn the hard way that you can lose all the weight you want, but unless you simultaneously lose the psychological assumption that you are inferior to other people, your weight will probably come back because you failed to address the deeper issue that's lurking in your soul."
"I remember that I am still a work in progress - physically, mentally and spiritually - and that God promises new mercies for every day. I remember that although I am not perfect, I was created in the image of God and that he clearly makes no mistakes.
You and I are worth the good decisions. We are worth all the abundance we can bear."
July 7, 2013
Since I am a big fan of The Biggest Loser show and I am trying to lose weight as well...I thought this sounded interesting. I read the Ali Vincent book and met Pete Thomas a few years ago at a library conference.
Julie told how she had gained the weight and how it hindered her being able to be there 100% for her family and reach her goals. She talked about when you lose weight it is not just about the physical weight, but there is also a mental weight that has to be released. I could relate her wanting to give more to her kids since I am also a mom and how we seem to give, give, give to our kids and our jobs with no energy to care for ourselves. I loved reading about her teachable moments and her insight into my favorite trainer on the show...Jillian Michaels. It was interesting to hear about how Jillian had a weight problem growing up and how she motivated Julie into becoming the best she could be.
There was some humorous moments in the book as well where she talked about other players from her season and what they did when the camera was not rolling. It helped me remember these are real people on the show trying to change into a healthier, smarter person. I loved reading about her adoption story...it was inspiring. The best advice she gave that I will long remember is to move more, eat less....oh and drink plenty of water.
Julie told how she had gained the weight and how it hindered her being able to be there 100% for her family and reach her goals. She talked about when you lose weight it is not just about the physical weight, but there is also a mental weight that has to be released. I could relate her wanting to give more to her kids since I am also a mom and how we seem to give, give, give to our kids and our jobs with no energy to care for ourselves. I loved reading about her teachable moments and her insight into my favorite trainer on the show...Jillian Michaels. It was interesting to hear about how Jillian had a weight problem growing up and how she motivated Julie into becoming the best she could be.
There was some humorous moments in the book as well where she talked about other players from her season and what they did when the camera was not rolling. It helped me remember these are real people on the show trying to change into a healthier, smarter person. I loved reading about her adoption story...it was inspiring. The best advice she gave that I will long remember is to move more, eat less....oh and drink plenty of water.
July 26, 2014
As a fan of the Biggest Loser it was interesting to see the "behind the scenes" and hear what it's really like to be on the show, because you KNOW you're not getting the whole story when you watch the TV show. There have been conflicting reports from past contestants in the news recently so it's nice to hear this show actually has helped some people. It was also interesting to hear the experiences of someone who was overweight and actually decided to change AND stick to the change. Would be an inspirational read for someone struggling to lose weight and actually putting in the effort to do it.
January 11, 2015
A fairly typical weight loss story, with the twist of doing it through participation in "The Biggest Loser" reality TV show. She emphasizes her faith in God, as a born-again Christian, which was not a draw for me, but might be for other people. Still looking for the story which will motivate me!
July 12, 2014
Really enjoyed reading about Julie's journey especially her walk with God. She seemed honest and sincere.
August 5, 2018
This was a enjoyable eye witness account of a former contestant on “The Biggest Loser” which combine humor, honesty and the big role that God plays in her life. Very informative and like that exercises and recipes are provided at the end of the book to inspire and support those wanting to reduce their weight.
September 25, 2014
This one made such a small impression on me that despite having just read it I had to think for a minute when I saw it on my list to add to goodreads before I could remember which book it was. It probably didn’t help that since I didn’t watch Julie Hadden’s season of Biggest Loser I didn’t have a strong tie to her. I found it to be pretty run of the mill inspirational stuff without a lot of new information. Of course when it comes to weight loss that is pretty much what it should be. Anybody who tells you weight loss is about more than calories in and calories out is probably full of it. I was hoping for a bit of an inside look into The Biggest Loser but came out pretty disappointed in that regard. It is hard to blame her though because I am sure her contract with the show prevents her from giving too many details.
January 14, 2016
Not the best book, I'm afraid. Julie Hadden identifies as a motivational speaker but I cannot imagine listening to her drone on and on about God and Jillian, which, I imagine, based on this book, that she would do. Make no mistake, I am a fan of Jillian Michaels but there is no new light shed on Jillian's techniques, philosophies, or workouts here. If you've seen even one episode of the Biggest Loser show, you've seen what Julie blathers on about here. Also, I am a good Catholic, but Julie's references to God (particularly when dull and boring spots in the book threatened to lull me to sleep) were not inspirational for me. Nowhere on the book cover would the reader think that this was a spiritual book but it was overwhelmingly so. I admit, I enjoyed reading about her sprite of a son and her adoption story but otherwise, this book was lost on me.
August 1, 2014
Not really a fan of "The Biggest Loser" TV show but was encouraged to read this book by a friend. I find it fitting that while I am working on "reducing my footprint" (so to speak), that I would actually read this book. I did like Julie's style of telling her weight loss story and it has really helped me to look at the questions that I have been avoiding on my weight loss journey. The biggest - "Am I really worthy of spending this time and money on just me?" Well, I am worthy and I am thankful that Julie points this out in the book.
January 19, 2010
This book was DELIGHTFUL!! I've watched the Biggest Loser ever since it first aired. I remember Julie Hadden on Biggest Loser and so I decided to pick up the book. Imagine my surprise to find that Julie is a lover of Jesus and her book is filled with her faith journey while on the Biggest Loser. The book is inspiring, uplifting and will add much joy to your life!!!
July 2, 2010
Julie is from Jacksonville and she spoke at our women's Christmas dinner right about the time this book came out. She is a delightful woman and speaker! I bet she is a great friend! It was so fun to hear her stories about her experience on The Biggest Loser as well as stories about her life and her faith in Jesus. She has good exercise and recipe suggestions in the back of the book.
December 29, 2010
I did not see the season of TBL with Julie Hadden, but would like to watch it should it ever become available. I generally don't like books that get preachy with God and Bible quotes, but I ended up being okay with Julie's prose as she seems sincere and genuine. Inspirational although nothing really new in how to lose weight.
December 14, 2011
In some ways I wanted to rate this book 3 stars, but I ended up giving it 4 stars, just because of the motivational factor. Julie's story is so inspiring and she said things I could relate to. So if you are looking to read a story of someone who overcame odds and battled her weight and won, you will enjoy reading Fat Chance.
October 30, 2011
I read Ali Vincent's book, too, and this one was meatier; more behind-the-scenes information, more stories about her motivation and how it has changed her life.
The second half starts to drag and feels somewhat repetitive, and I could see the latter chapters being difficult to relate to for people who are not religious.
The second half starts to drag and feels somewhat repetitive, and I could see the latter chapters being difficult to relate to for people who are not religious.
August 21, 2011
Very nice. It was fun to get an insider view of Biggest Loser. She didn't tell me anything I don't already know about what I'm SUPPOSED to do for weight loss, but I'm always looking for inspiration to get off my behind!
April 8, 2010
I enjoyed this book, however it was kind of choppy. I did watch the season of the Biggest Loser that Julie was in so it helped to fill in some of the blanks. I'm also happy that the experience brought her closer to God. It was inspirational to read about her struggles before, during and after.
June 13, 2010
I randomly picked this up at the library. I'll admit I wasn't expecting much, but I really did enjoy it. A quick read with a great message. I especially enjoyed her reflections on faith as well as telling her weight loss journey.
April 15, 2012
This was a wonderful inside look into what really happens on the Biggest Loser. I personally loved the fact that it is also based on her faith. The ending however was very sudden like there was another chapter missing. Very quick read.
September 8, 2012
This book, by a Big Loser, was very encouraging. It was practical and spiritual. I got to know the real person behind the TV show. And I enjoyed getting behind the scenes info from the TV show. There are some great exercises in the back, for real life people, specifically moms.
June 10, 2010
She's adorable, and this was a fun read. It had a lot of very interesting "behind the scenes" information about the show. I am a fan of the show, so that made it even better.
September 20, 2010
Great book. I love Biggest Loser and Julie discussed her experience on the show as well as the rest of her life. Very interesting and motivating.
May 13, 2013
When your best friend writes a book I feel compelled to give it 5 stars. Because she's awesome:)
May 23, 2019
Interesting memoir by Julie Hadden who was on The Biggest Loser. Nothing earth shattering, I like a little behind the scenes look. I also like how she incorporates her faith into the book.
March 21, 2013
Enjoyed all the Biggest Loser "insider tips" and stories, and found Julie's story both inspirational and challenging.
May 21, 2013
Inspriational
June 5, 2013
Enjoyed reading this. Enjoyed the background of getting chosen for the Biggest Loser and her sharing her experiences with the reader.
June 14, 2017
Quick read with great take-aways. Very conversational with exercise & food plans in the back.
March 7, 2014
Inspiring book. It makes me want to get busy on my next workout!
October 11, 2018
So relatable. Inspiring for overcoming any personal weaknesses. Moving. Funny. Engaging.
Read
July 11, 2011Decided not to finish it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews