Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Inspirational Weight Loss Books (part 2)

As I mentioned in this post, I am externally motivated a good deal of the time.  That's why when I'm making changes in my life I like to hear from people who've made similar changes or are experts on the topic.

This summer I've been making changes in my diet and exercise (in case you haven't noticed).  So I've been reading books about weight loss and fitness.

I found Fat Chance: Losing the Weight, Gaining My Worth by Julie Hadden (Guideposts Books, 2009) at my local library.  I'm so glad I did!

Julie Hadden, a contestant on The Biggest Loser Season 4, lost almost 100 pounds and has kept it off.  In her book, Julie describes how she became obese, her experiences on The Biggest Loser, and her life after reality television.

Julie shares about her childhood as a chubby little girl and tells how she struggled with weight all of her life.  An added factor to her battle has been a diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).  After the birth of her first son, Julie's weight began to increase until she felt hopeless and helpless.

There was much about Julie's story that I relate to.  The life-long struggle with weight.  Being a stay-at-home mom.  And being a Christian.  Part of why I like this book so much is that Julie credits her success on The Biggest Loser, and her current life, to God.  She unashamedly talks about how God got her attention during the reality show and made her faith very real.

For Julie, church attendance and moral living is no longer about checking off a report card.  It's about knowing Jesus and following him.  It's about finding your worth and value not in the number on the scale but in the one who created you.

That's a story I can relate to and recommend to all my friends!  If you struggle with your weight or your self-esteem or know someone who does, I highly recommend you read Fat Chance.  I felt inspired and challenged by Julie and hope I get a chance to hear her speak some day.

What books have inspired you to make changes and improve your health?

2 comments:

Carrie said...

Sounds like an awesome read! Esp. interesting to me as I also have PCOS. Hmm....I'll definitely have to hunt down this title! Remind me about if you don't "see" me with it soon! =)

Wherever HE Leads We'll Go said...

Sounds like a great book! Definitely worth checking out!

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