A new weight loss paradigm!

I first purchased the audio version of this book and its message resonated so strongly with me during the first listen, I immediately started it over and listened through a second time! I have read dozens of diet books, both practical, how-to types and general theory about nutrition and weight loss. Every one of them had left me with unanswered questions. Why do gain the weight back every time I lose it? Why do I have to spend every minute of every day obsessing about my next meal or snack in order to stay on a program? Why am I finding it harder and harder to stay committed each time I attempt weight loss…again??

Dilia Suriel answered all those questions for me and opened my eyes to the real underlying issue – my brain. Clearly, I don’t think like a naturally thin woman. This book explained how my brain-body connection can be radically adjusted so that I, like a naturally thin woman, can joyfully eat for pleasure and nutrition without fear of overeating or needing food for comfort, reward, or sedation. "The Thin Woman's Brain" is about the rewiring process, not the simply the mechanics of mindful eating. This book is NOT a one-trick-pony. Yes, mindfulness is discussed as one of many tools and behaviours to help achieve the rewiring, but it is only one element of a comprehensive, scientifically-based behavioural training program.

I have barely begun to synthesize and practice the methods set out in this book and I am already experiencing a great deal less anxiety about food and eating, as well as new-found confidence in my ability to successfully take off, and keep off, my excess weight. I have also purchased the Kindle version as I know I will be reading and re-reading sections of this book many times over. This is no quick-fix, lose 10 pounds in a week nonsense – the concepts in this book are the real deal.

Buy this book in audio and print, read it twice, and stop that lose-gain cycle forever. Thanks to Dilia, I now believe it’s possible.

29 people found this helpful

It was just okay for me

Any additional comments?

I'll start by saying that the author does present some good information concerning brain chemistry. That being said, I have several annoyances, and I think I'll make a list to keep me from ranting on and on

1. You will not find a before and after picture of the author ANYWHERE. She may not want to classify this as a diet book, but that's what it is. It's teaching you how to lose weight and keep it off. If it looks like a diet book and sounds like a diet book... I really don't trust a self-help-weight-loss book where the author can't even provide solid evidence through a photograph that it works.

2. The author says at one point that you don't have to use self control to overcome cravings. All you have to do is use mindfulness and acknowledge the craving, but don't give in to it. Um, how is that NOT self control? I tried it, it didn't work. It felt a whole lot like not having self control.

3. The author spends a LOT of time talking about brain chemistry, but ignores one of the most important (in my opinion) things in our brain - serotonin. Serotonin controls HUNGER! I don't really get how the function of dopamine trumps serotonin, but whatever. I was disappointed.

4. The author talks about how important meditation is, but only talks about ONE form of meditation (mindfulness). There are many forms of meditation (yoga, prayer, etc.).

5. The author mentions a few things that all naturally thin women have in common, and one (or more) really irritated me. Naturally thin women don't like the feeling of being too full. Really? Because overweight women just LOVE the feeling of being overly stuffed and bloated? NO. I hate it! Not only do I feel uncomfortable, but I also get a side of feelings of guilt, self hatred, self recrimination, etc. I wonder if naturally thin women have to deal with THAT when they're stuffed? I don't know many people, obese or thin, that like that feeling. The point is, we do it because there are other things going on in our brain.

6. I think the title of this book is misleading. The only scientific comparison between a thin person and obese person is showing the dopamine levels in the two brains after eating. The rest is just her asking her naturally thin women friends questions about their thinking. For me, I already know the difference because I have a naturally thin mother, but that doesn't mean I can do what she does, since my brain chemistry is different than hers.

In summary, this book does provide some good information, but it may not give you the full answer to the weight problem that you might be looking for. I'm really not trying to turn anyone away from purchasing it; I just wanted to air my grievances. It didn't give me the answer I needed, but it gave enough information and the inspiration to go find my own answer. For that, I give the book 3 stars.

115 people found this helpful

Taking willpower out of the equation...

I really liked this book because it explained how to think like a "naturally" thin woman, not a "dieting" thin women. Great concepts that are very convincing in an outline form for you to follow. I think the audiobook is great, however, I'm going to get the written book as well, so that it will be easier to refer back to often.

13 people found this helpful

This was so disappointing!

If I have to hear the words "naturally thin women" again I just might lose it! This book is all about replacing self control with food with self control on techniques that prevent you from needed self control with food! So really nothing changes. You're still needing will power and self control to prevent over eating! I got nothing useful from this book. If you have kids, are busy, or are a normal person, most of the techniques in this book are not realistic. I'll give you the short version of this book... Naturally thin woman are amazing, beautiful, perfect, never over eat, never get full, are not tempted by food, sit in silence and have a bonding moment with their food. Overweight woman love binge eating, love to feel full, eat while distracted, blah blah blah! I'm so disappointed in this book!

14 people found this helpful

I now understand, and I am relieved.

This book is fantastic! Even though the narrator wasn't my favorite, I was still hooked on this book because of the valuable content it gave me.

This book clarified why I kept losing weight then gaining it again, and helped explain very well how to rewire my thinking for great results. I started following right away and already feel like a new woman!

13 people found this helpful

Finally--- the end of yo-yo dieting!

I'm a 26 year old woman who has struggled with my weight since I was in single digits. I'm addicted to food, and I've been yo-yo dieting--my weight on a non-stop rollercoaster--- for YEARS.

This book is the first one I've found (and there have been many I've tried) that I feel has given me a tangible, sustainable and LOGICAL life approach to END the seemingly endless cycle of diets and setbacks, and get me back to a state of health and well-being... and best of all, repair my relationship with food.

While I first dismissed the concept of mindful eating and meditation as seeming a bit hokey... having put a variety of her strategies into practice has created a shocking difference in my approach to food and eating in a very short amount of time.

Read or listen to this book!! Though, for those of us with crippling impatience, note that she doesn't get into actionable steps until about Chapter 4 or 5... she explains a lot of the science behind it first.

In my first week of following the strategies outlined in this book, I lost a lot of the mindless stuffing-junkfood-in-my-face behaviour that has defined my relationship with food, and have naturally and easily started to lose weight!

26 people found this helpful

Better if you have the actual book

Would you consider the audio edition of The Thin Woman's Brain to be better than the print version?

I think if you were to have either the book or the audio book, go with the book. However, I loved the audio version, it's very convenient to listen to on the bus, or while taking a walk.

Any additional comments?

I think that this book is a good listen if you want to practice eating more intuitively.

4 people found this helpful

Thinking Thin... One Day At A Time

Would you listen to The Thin Woman's Brain again? Why?

Absolutely, the tools in this book have completely changed my life. Not even necessarily where my weight is concerned. They have great tools to help you in other areas of your life that affect your weight. I will need the support so I will definitely listen again.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Thin Woman's Brain?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, this cvan be applied to so many of life's challenges.

Which character – as performed by Kate Fotopoulos – was your favorite?

No Characters, just an incredible journey.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I think the bit on breaking the cycle of shame. I actually cried thinking of the way I was treating myself. I was my own bully.

Any additional comments?

Incredible book that ALL women should read or listen to. Its very empowering.

9 people found this helpful

Boring

I tried to listen to this but after an hour of listening I couldn't listen any more. I heard nothing other than skinny people feel differently about food than over weight people. Earth shattering. Don't waste your money.

1 person found this helpful

Excellent. Get the app too!

This is so much more than a book. Get the app too! It is a step-by-step behavioral guide that is helping me understand my brain and trust my body. I finally have hope that I can develop a neutral, healthy relationship with food without dieting and excessive exercise. The support that Dilia provides through her book, website, app, and support groups has been invaluable. Dilia is committed to using scientifically-sound and evidence-based strategies that work and she teaches them in a kind and compassionate way. She knows exactly what she is doing, is passionate about it, and guides us along masterfully. The value in the app and the accompanying support far and away exceeds the small monthly subscription fee. Do it, you won't regret it! 

1 person found this helpful