Ali Vincent is the first woman to win The Biggest Loser. Her book describes how she became an obese woman, how she became a contestant on the reality show, and how she became the winner.
I appreciate Ali's honesty about her tumultuous childhood and the negative impact it had on her. I also respect the blood, sweat and tears she put into winning her season of Biggest Loser (which I haven't watched) and maintaining her current weight and fitness level. But the book didn't inspire me very much.
In fact, it left me feeling somewhat dissatisfied. Oh, don't get me wrong! I'm motivated to work hard and eat right after reading Ali's story. It's just that I didn't really connect with her life experience. My childhood was a walk in the park compared to hers. I am married with 4 children while she has always been single and has no kids. I have a faith that influences every aspect of my life and Ali (at least by my understanding from the book) walked away from her childhood Mormon faith and doesn't practice any religion today.
I'm having a hard time putting my finger on my dissatisfaction with the book. I think it stems from the differences in our world views. As a Christian I believe Jesus is my strength and helps me achieve everything good in my life. Alli doesn't share that belief so she takes credit for her amazing transformation. Please don't misunderstand me. Jesus didn't do the sit-ups for her or eat the salads instead of pizza. But so much focus on "I, I, I" just seemed kind of empty to me.
That being said my recommendation for this book is eh. Maybe you will glean a few tips and come away from it more inspired than I did. I don't regret reading it but I won't be buying the book or telling friends that they just HAVE to read it.
Come back tomorrow and I'll tell you about a weight loss book that DOES inspire me.
Are you familiar with Alli's story? Did you watch her win? What weight loss books have inspired you?
3 comments:
I didn't know that she had a book. That's interested and I liked hearing your take on it. I'll probably take a pass on it, while looking forward to your thoughts tomorrow.
I haven't watched that season. I watched Seasons 6 & 7 (I think the one right after her?) and decided that I'd just stick to watching the most recent seasons on hulu after this! But I'll be talking about the WHY of that in a bit. =D
LOVE the motivation that Biggest Loser provides. But the worldview can get in the way of total enjoyment at times.
I've lost 40 lbs. over the summer on the HCG diet. :o)
Cassie
I do enjoy watching Biggest Loser. I remember watching that season and was very excited when Ali won. Haven't read the book (didn't even know it existed), but I do have to agree about the show in general - it is all about what YOU can do - definitely not the world view I can embrace.
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