So I have known about the book Skinny Bitch, by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin, and its message of veganism as a way to lose weight for quite awhile now. Yet I have to admit, I hadn’t read the book until now, because I don’t believe in dieting. My own experience has proved time and time again that is counterproductive, counterintuitive, and ultimately self-destructive.

Those are just a few of the reasons why I wrote The Acceptance Diet, a book about giving up dieting, and finding your own peaceful way with food. In fact, the whole reason I was reading Skinny Bitch was to research what else was out there addressing diet and weight loss in order to finish up my book proposal. I picked it up on a whim, thinking I had read it all. I hadn’t.

The message, in addition to veganism, is one that wholeheartedly endorses body hate if you are not thin. Though it is meant to be dramatic, its overall message, inspiring self-loathing complete with the names to call yourself was over the top.

My mouth hung open during much of it. As if I was trapped (once again) in the tormented mind I once possessed when dieting turned eating disordered.

Sadly, toward the end of the book, it became evident that despite the author’s self-proclaimed statuses as being skinny bitches, they (at least in part) still hate their bodies. In Chapter 12, they report, “Also, we have some fat, gross body parts, too. We’re women.” Wow. I don’t want to even begin to touch that statement. Moving on.

The Creation Of A New Culture Of Body Acceptance

Now I am not against veganism or weight loss. However, I am against the encouragement of body hate.
And I am for the creation of a new culture where women are encouraged to feel good as they are, and to view themselves though eyes of acceptance. I cannot wait until society realizes you do not have to hate yourself into losing weight. In some ways, I believe we are getting closer. Clearly, in some ways we are getting further away with books like Skinny Bitch.

Though I was horrified by the message of body hate within the pages of Skinny Bitch, I ultimately find the contrast in body image books inspiring. But, lets face it, the world needs more people who are willing to stand up and say that there is another, more positive, way in weight loss (and in life).

Finding Your Way

So I am here, clearly saying to any of you who are searching for your way in all of this, help is on the way:

Make peace with food, quit dieting, and enjoy the journey in losing weight. It is indeed about the journey. Make a decision that your life is worth enjoying and that you are worthy of enjoying it, as you are. Then start upon your journey of creating a new, more peaceful way with food and life.

Possibly not Recommended, but Certainly Related

Skinny Bitch in a Box, by Rory Freedman

Photo by psd.