Your Inner Skinny: Four Steps to Thin Forever Paperback – Illustrated, December 29, 2009

I debated between giving this 5 or 4 stars. I chose 5 because the diet does work. Why then the debate? Because it was very difficult for me personally. I stuck to the diet but that first week you cut out all sugar and salt cold turkey. It makes it hard and made me feel very restricted. But after losing 12lbs. that first week I can see why she does it. The menus are pretty good and I did stay "full" most of the time. You will have the most success if you stick to her meal plans. The foods are easy to prepare and enjoyable. My family's favorite (yes I made them eat what I eat at dinner) was the Sizzil'n Beef Fajitas. My favorite lunch was the Cheese and tomato sandwich. The no soda during the first week was also hard but after the first week you can add it back in (I didn't surprisingly enough). The exercise requirement is also very easy to follow but you are required to exercise 7 days a week. I also like how this diet is really all about wholesome eating. It isn't about buying certain products put out by her. You basically eat vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and lean proteins. Its that simple. I am continuing on my weight loss journey with her book and I am currently in the second half of week two. In this phase she has stepped up her exercise requirements some but they are still at a level I am comfortable with. She also allows for a healthy "extra" in addition to your daily snack. You also are allowed to eat no-calorie sugar twice a day (diet soda counts as one of these). The meals continue to be delicious and I continue to have success albeit at a slower rate of weight loss. I don't believe this is to be considered a miracle diet but a lifestyle changing diet. You basically relearn how to eat healthy and enjoy wholesome foods. I think that is what is so attractive about this diet, it is meant for life long success. I would recommend this over the south beach diet or any other type of diet out there for realistic and long term success.

This book is amazing. I have lost 14.3lbs in 4 weeks following Your Inner Skinny: Four Steps to Thin Forever! Now, after only a month I am half-way to my goal weight! I have tried nearly every diet out there from Atkins to Weight Watchers, and this plan has given me better and faster results than anything else. I would not call this a 'diet' book. This book changes your behavior and helps you to take control over the amount and types of food you are eating. Yes, week 1 is the most restrictive and challenging... but will really have you looking forward to your special treats in weeks 2 & 3. It's amazing how fast your body adapts to the new way of eating, and after a few days I really didn't feel hungry anymore. Then, once you make it to week 4, you are in step 3 of the plan and as long as you eat from the food list and try to incorporate the same ideas from her meal plans, you get to enjoy 150 calories a day however you want! That means.. 150 calories of ice cream, chocolate, or even wine. After you reach your goal weight, you move to step 4, which teaches you how to maintain your weight loss successfully.After 4 weeks of following Joy's plan, I really don't feel like I am on a diet anymore. I feel like this is just the way that I naturally eat, and I am losing weight as a result. Also, a lot of times I simply don't have time to exercise with a busy work schedule of up to 80 hours a week.... and I still have had fabulous results by following the eating portion of this plan. I honestly cannot say enough good things about this. If you can power through the first couple of days.. the weight loss will start motivating you.. and you WILL see results as long as you follow the plan.Oh and in case you were wondering this is my weight loss by week: (6.6, 2.1, 4, 1.6)P.S. The recipes in this book are really good!! They taste indulgent!

Pro: The book included some very helpful words of affirmations. Also, there were some truly inspiring 'before' & 'after' stories.Con: This diet is very restrictive. If most people were able to cut out the bad things cold turkey, they wouldn't need this book.All in all, I chose not to follow the diet, but would buy the book again for the motivational stories and positive affirmations.

The "skinny rules" are healthy, simple strategies for slimming down.These are rules that will work.You have to be mindful on a daily basis.Expect to follow the rules long-term.And of course besides the diet strategies,there is 30 minutes of walking a day, no exceptions.The plan is doable .The rules are incredibly simple and pleasant.I have lent the book to a friend. It's a great sensible plan.

This is more than a diet book. If you want to get off of processed foods, sugar and salt and eat healthy this is the way to go. Within the first week I saw tremendous results in the inflammation in my body. She plans every thing out for you. You just pick what you want from her list of recipes & foods for breakfast, lunch,dinner and snacks. Plus there is also on line support (does cost a minimal fee of $5.00/week) As I write this I am in the second week of this program. I don't consider myself a cook (some one who can whip up any thing using what ever is in your frig.) but I can follow a recipe and I have enjoyed Joy's recipes. She gave me alternatives for my craving of chocolate and healthy snack ideas.I decided to try this because I had read about it in a national magazine and women were having such great results. I will admit that the first week is hard, but the results & how I feel are what keep me going. I was at the point in my life that I knew that processed foods, sugar & salt were taking a toll on my body and I was ready to make a change. I have been doing the diet with my 23yr. old son. I have to admit it does help to have a partner to do this with.Good Luck to all who would like to change their eating habits!!!!

Joy Bauer talks a lot of common sense. This book is just what I needed. Great service.

Nice and detailed information. Helpful book on health. May be considered while purchasing. 4 star from my end. Thank you