Los Angeles Times
Health IN REVIEW -Words to diet by
Jeannine Stein / November 27, 2006
If you're looking for advice and motivation to keep a handle on your weight during the holidays — and maybe shed some weight afterward — these latest diet tomes offer something for everyone, from college students to crafty types. Our Lady of Weight Loss: Miraculous and Motivational Musings From the Patron Saint of Permanent Fat Removal Many diet and exercise books lack two ingredients: humor and creativity.
If those are missing from your current slim-down regimen, seek out "Our Lady of Weight Loss" (Viking Studio, 2006) by Janice Taylor. A weight-loss coach and artist, Taylor combines sane tips and tricks with wittiness and funky projects (a macaroni and cheese box turned glittered shrine) to shepherd the diet-weary toward everlasting trimness.
The Good: Although cutting back on favorite foods and inducing a sweat can be painful for many, Taylor makes the journey enjoyable with fun suggestions (such as sending yourself encouraging notes via postcards, à la: "Hi Jane, I know how hard it was for you to say no to that cake. Bravo and thanks. Love, Jane.") Crafty types will love projects such as painting one's sneakers (creating more motivation to exercise) and making a toy soldier-embellished army helmet to help fight that battle of the bulge. Weight loss may be difficult, but it doesn't have to be completely serious. If laughter is the best medicine, it also may be the best diet aid.
The Bad: Don't look for brave new insights into healthful eating or working out. Most of what Taylor says has been said before — rid your pantry of evil foods, drink water, eat slowly — but not with this much verve. You may not be instantly inspired to drop and do 20 push-ups, but you will want to grab a girlfriend and go for a nice, long walk.
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