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Thinspired: My Plan for Lasting Weight Loss and Self Acceptance
This inspirational book from ABC News correspondent Mara Schiavocampo takes you on her journey of weight loss—and helps you shed pounds and find peace, health, and happiness in the process.
Like so many people, Mara Schiavocampo had struggled with weight for most of her life. She tried every diet on the planet, suffered a debilitating eating disorder, joined a bizarre food cult, took dangerous pills, worked out for insane amounts of time—and still tipped the scales at nearly 230 pounds. But more than reaching a healthy weight, Mara wanted peace and freedom from the constant mental torment brought on by food. A healthy and effortless way of life. For the rest of her life.
And that’s what she did.
While juggling a new marriage and a budding television career as a correspondent on NBC, Mara “accidentally” stumbled onto a formula that worked for her. She lost ninety pounds in two years and is now stronger and fitter—and, most importantly, happier—than ever. The most surprising part her new lifestyle? “It’s not a chore, it’s a pleasure,” she says.
In Thinspired, Mara shares her weight-loss secrets and the formula for her success plan. Instead of focusing strictly on “Do’s” and “Don’ts” she talks about eliminating the foods that have control over you—whether that’s wine, flour products, dairy, or sugar. By following in Mara’s footsteps, you’ll lose the pounds and gain back your energy, control, health, and happiness.
Like so many people, Mara Schiavocampo had struggled with weight for most of her life. She tried every diet on the planet, suffered a debilitating eating disorder, joined a bizarre food cult, took dangerous pills, worked out for insane amounts of time—and still tipped the scales at nearly 230 pounds. But more than reaching a healthy weight, Mara wanted peace and freedom from the constant mental torment brought on by food. A healthy and effortless way of life. For the rest of her life.
And that’s what she did.
While juggling a new marriage and a budding television career as a correspondent on NBC, Mara “accidentally” stumbled onto a formula that worked for her. She lost ninety pounds in two years and is now stronger and fitter—and, most importantly, happier—than ever. The most surprising part her new lifestyle? “It’s not a chore, it’s a pleasure,” she says.
In Thinspired, Mara shares her weight-loss secrets and the formula for her success plan. Instead of focusing strictly on “Do’s” and “Don’ts” she talks about eliminating the foods that have control over you—whether that’s wine, flour products, dairy, or sugar. By following in Mara’s footsteps, you’ll lose the pounds and gain back your energy, control, health, and happiness.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published December 30, 2014
65 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 7, 2017
Whether we like it or not, thin is considered normal and anyone who is even slightly overweight has to field all kinds of questions. Though Schiavocampo thinks she is not affected by this culture of thinness, her book makes it very clear that it has influenced her to some extent. I would take her proclamations of self acceptance with a pinch of salt. If she had been so self accepting, she would not have developed eating disorders in the first place.
What I liked about this book is that it emphasises two things I do think are important for a healthy lifestyle: exercise and planning. It is important to take some exercise for everyone. You don't need to be a fanatic like Schiavocampo, though. Planning your day in advance does mean you can lead a healthier life in general by making time for cooking, exercise and other things.
I found the same old 'I used to live completely on pizza and doughnuts' impossible to believe. I don't know anyone in real life who does that but authors keep writing that stuff! Who lives completely on bagels and doughnuts? I also found it hilarious that the author kept talking about eating fresh food but the recipes at the end recommended the use of tinned and frozen food. I would also be very wary of cutting out entire food groups like Schiavocampo did with dairy and wheat. I have a lot to say on the subject of food but let's just say I disagree with her take on how people should eat.
Her section on spirituality also left me cold. Sadly, I found her very good looking (more than now) before she lost weight. I am not sure why she felt compelled to torture herself to gain acceptance. But if it worked for her and if she is really happy, then good luck to her.
I think the most valuable lesson to take from this book is not to harass or bully people because of their weight under the guise of caring because they can end up with major psychological issues. Everyone from rapists to murderers to child beaters can get away with their crime, but man, just dare and be fat! Especially if you are a woman!
What I liked about this book is that it emphasises two things I do think are important for a healthy lifestyle: exercise and planning. It is important to take some exercise for everyone. You don't need to be a fanatic like Schiavocampo, though. Planning your day in advance does mean you can lead a healthier life in general by making time for cooking, exercise and other things.
I found the same old 'I used to live completely on pizza and doughnuts' impossible to believe. I don't know anyone in real life who does that but authors keep writing that stuff! Who lives completely on bagels and doughnuts? I also found it hilarious that the author kept talking about eating fresh food but the recipes at the end recommended the use of tinned and frozen food. I would also be very wary of cutting out entire food groups like Schiavocampo did with dairy and wheat. I have a lot to say on the subject of food but let's just say I disagree with her take on how people should eat.
Her section on spirituality also left me cold. Sadly, I found her very good looking (more than now) before she lost weight. I am not sure why she felt compelled to torture herself to gain acceptance. But if it worked for her and if she is really happy, then good luck to her.
I think the most valuable lesson to take from this book is not to harass or bully people because of their weight under the guise of caring because they can end up with major psychological issues. Everyone from rapists to murderers to child beaters can get away with their crime, but man, just dare and be fat! Especially if you are a woman!
January 28, 2015
I read this book in about eight hours and not in an very eager fashion. It is just a very quick read. I am addicted to Good Morning America and when I saw that one of the news correspondents on the show wrote a book about losing weight I promised to add the book to my reading list. Honestly, I don't recall Schiavocampo being fat, but I figured it would not hurt to check out her story.
After finishing the book my response was, "Meh." I read the first few pages where she talks about waking up suddenly thin and struggling to realize that she had dropped 90 lbs, but was having so much fun doing it that she did not notice. I call BS on that one and seriously considered requesting that Amazon give me a credit and take the book off my Kindle. Seriously. I pushed through and found myself rolling my eyes once more when Schiavocampo casually mentions her good friend, Jenna Bush Hager. I get it. You are a popular news correspondent with famous friends.
After that I those to minor annoyances, I thought the book was pretty good. She definitely stresses something that I truly believe in and that is for the majority of us weight loss is 70 percent about the food. There is no way around that. The majority of individuals cannot and will not drop weight eating whatever we choose and trying to burn it off at the gym. I say majority because there is always someone out there that will swear that they can.
I enjoyed the portions that dealt with her relationship with her scale. It is a tool nothing more nothing less and it is a tool that provides information. That's all. In the fitness world the scale is considered the mechanical mean girl, but that is not always true. Like Al Roker, Mara Schiavocampo weighs herself every day. It's a practice that I tried, but eventually ditched.
I am actually struggling to recall the things I liked about this book :) That isn't a good sign. I recall the ending where she discussed being 6 lbs over her goal weight and how she was open enough to share that despite her loss she too struggles to keep it off and sometimes she slips up. I can relate. I lost about 40 lbs and have a battle with about 10 lbs that insist on making a comeback.
She is definitely great as a motivator. She talks about the importance of planning workouts, food and sleep. I definitely agree with her regarding getting enough sleep. I, too, dislike the, "I'll sleep when I'm dead," crew.
There was one portion that disappointed me tremendously. The author speaks of a visit to an incredibly thin friend's house and how this friend did not have any snack food in her home. Schiavocampo watches her friend throughout the visit and notices that she does not eat the entire weekend that she is there. I'm bothered because this story is plopped down in the book as an example of how her friend stays thin, but there isn't anything else really said about it. Let me be clear, that the author never says that the reader should do what her friend does, but it is such a weird story to recount if you aren't going to discuss it and by discuss it I mean make it apparent that you should never completely stop eating to lose weight.
This is the second fitness book that I've read that has made a reference to starvation without offering a full explanation. The author touches the subject again lightly when she talks about how fasting deepens the relationship with God. I am all for fasting and I understand how food restriction works with dieting, but I believe that it irresponsible to mention it without providing a full explanation about the consequences of fasting or even a suggestion that readers check in with their doctor before trying it. I don't think that it safe to assume that every reader will check with their doctor before following something that is read in a fitness guide, but I guess the onus is on the reader to do so.
Anyway, overall this book is about half fluff and half good stuff. Buyer beware. Use your public library for this title.
After finishing the book my response was, "Meh." I read the first few pages where she talks about waking up suddenly thin and struggling to realize that she had dropped 90 lbs, but was having so much fun doing it that she did not notice. I call BS on that one and seriously considered requesting that Amazon give me a credit and take the book off my Kindle. Seriously. I pushed through and found myself rolling my eyes once more when Schiavocampo casually mentions her good friend, Jenna Bush Hager. I get it. You are a popular news correspondent with famous friends.
After that I those to minor annoyances, I thought the book was pretty good. She definitely stresses something that I truly believe in and that is for the majority of us weight loss is 70 percent about the food. There is no way around that. The majority of individuals cannot and will not drop weight eating whatever we choose and trying to burn it off at the gym. I say majority because there is always someone out there that will swear that they can.
I enjoyed the portions that dealt with her relationship with her scale. It is a tool nothing more nothing less and it is a tool that provides information. That's all. In the fitness world the scale is considered the mechanical mean girl, but that is not always true. Like Al Roker, Mara Schiavocampo weighs herself every day. It's a practice that I tried, but eventually ditched.
I am actually struggling to recall the things I liked about this book :) That isn't a good sign. I recall the ending where she discussed being 6 lbs over her goal weight and how she was open enough to share that despite her loss she too struggles to keep it off and sometimes she slips up. I can relate. I lost about 40 lbs and have a battle with about 10 lbs that insist on making a comeback.
She is definitely great as a motivator. She talks about the importance of planning workouts, food and sleep. I definitely agree with her regarding getting enough sleep. I, too, dislike the, "I'll sleep when I'm dead," crew.
There was one portion that disappointed me tremendously. The author speaks of a visit to an incredibly thin friend's house and how this friend did not have any snack food in her home. Schiavocampo watches her friend throughout the visit and notices that she does not eat the entire weekend that she is there. I'm bothered because this story is plopped down in the book as an example of how her friend stays thin, but there isn't anything else really said about it. Let me be clear, that the author never says that the reader should do what her friend does, but it is such a weird story to recount if you aren't going to discuss it and by discuss it I mean make it apparent that you should never completely stop eating to lose weight.
This is the second fitness book that I've read that has made a reference to starvation without offering a full explanation. The author touches the subject again lightly when she talks about how fasting deepens the relationship with God. I am all for fasting and I understand how food restriction works with dieting, but I believe that it irresponsible to mention it without providing a full explanation about the consequences of fasting or even a suggestion that readers check in with their doctor before trying it. I don't think that it safe to assume that every reader will check with their doctor before following something that is read in a fitness guide, but I guess the onus is on the reader to do so.
Anyway, overall this book is about half fluff and half good stuff. Buyer beware. Use your public library for this title.
August 30, 2021
I loved it. In Thinspired, Mara doesn't pretend to be a diet guru. Rather, Mara writes about her own life and experiences. It was a joy to read. I think Mara nailed it with her formula that what you eat is the most important component in losing weight. Jeff Bailey, eclectic reader and the author of The Defect.
January 1, 2015
Really good book. Doesn't pretend to be a diet book, or a step by step plan. Rather, Mara writes about her own life and experience and tells us what worked for her.
Very inspiring, a joy to read, and lots of really solid and good information.
According to her formula, what you eat is the most important component in losing weight. Working out and sleep are important, but each only worth 10% of the equation. There isn't anything really new in this book, but it's presented in a really great way. Her focus is on real food, avoiding processed and prepared foods. She also stresses the importance of mini goals. She lost 90 lbs, but if she had set 90 as the goal from the start, it would have been too intimidating. Set small goals, and celebrate reaching th
Very inspiring, a joy to read, and lots of really solid and good information.
According to her formula, what you eat is the most important component in losing weight. Working out and sleep are important, but each only worth 10% of the equation. There isn't anything really new in this book, but it's presented in a really great way. Her focus is on real food, avoiding processed and prepared foods. She also stresses the importance of mini goals. She lost 90 lbs, but if she had set 90 as the goal from the start, it would have been too intimidating. Set small goals, and celebrate reaching th
May 19, 2015
Before starting the reading, reviewed her recipes and hard for me to believe in the "no-flour pancakes" will even be tasty although I like bananas and oatmeal, except I may try the garlic cumin lamb and/or strawberry lemonade pops. I like salmon but not sure if this one will work for me that she added in the back of the book.
I wanted to see some pics of her progression but didn't see any available. I also grabbed the book because I saw it in Ebony issue and her drastic change. Never knew she had a weight issue since childhood.
I'll see how the book reading goes to be inspired to be healthier-thinner than now.
She covers the basics that I have already tried or doing now; I may lose up to 30 lbs and put it back but I know I have to pay closer attention and see what is causing the issues. It is a mental thing which I am waiting to read or for her to address. Her formula I may see if it is my issue: "eating too much is why you are not seeing weight loss"! I heard this from another trainer on a BTR showcase not to long ago. So this may be my case. I know sometimes I can snack and kill all the work I did earlier in the day to eat healthier or better in general. I have already joined a gym since I love to work out period, even walking in nature.
I planned on detoxing this week which she has a section on this. Lately I have been reading many books on diet, cookbooks, weight loss, etc. to get my life in order and mentally work on weight issue that has been lingering about 20 years after high school! I was always medium to athletic built until around 18 so now it is a battle to get my life right and seeing it happen on "Biggest Loser" and this woman, so it is possible!
Mediocre read, just looking for end-results for a weight loss breakthrough for me.
I wanted to see some pics of her progression but didn't see any available. I also grabbed the book because I saw it in Ebony issue and her drastic change. Never knew she had a weight issue since childhood.
I'll see how the book reading goes to be inspired to be healthier-thinner than now.
She covers the basics that I have already tried or doing now; I may lose up to 30 lbs and put it back but I know I have to pay closer attention and see what is causing the issues. It is a mental thing which I am waiting to read or for her to address. Her formula I may see if it is my issue: "eating too much is why you are not seeing weight loss"! I heard this from another trainer on a BTR showcase not to long ago. So this may be my case. I know sometimes I can snack and kill all the work I did earlier in the day to eat healthier or better in general. I have already joined a gym since I love to work out period, even walking in nature.
I planned on detoxing this week which she has a section on this. Lately I have been reading many books on diet, cookbooks, weight loss, etc. to get my life in order and mentally work on weight issue that has been lingering about 20 years after high school! I was always medium to athletic built until around 18 so now it is a battle to get my life right and seeing it happen on "Biggest Loser" and this woman, so it is possible!
Mediocre read, just looking for end-results for a weight loss breakthrough for me.
Read
February 22, 2015Excellent tips on weight loss
This was probably one of the better books I've read that didn't paint the perfect weight loss journey. Truth is, losing weight is a daily challenge and a struggle. And its shared by the author through her humor, truth and honesty as well as facts and motivational suggestions, that will help others to apply to their own weight loss journey.
This was probably one of the better books I've read that didn't paint the perfect weight loss journey. Truth is, losing weight is a daily challenge and a struggle. And its shared by the author through her humor, truth and honesty as well as facts and motivational suggestions, that will help others to apply to their own weight loss journey.
May 12, 2015
Deprivation, limited foods, excessive exercise--that's what you get from this book. It might work for her but I don't know how anyone can sustain a lifetime of this kind of eating and exercising. I read these kind of books and always wonder why.
June 12, 2015
Excellent book!
This book has wonderful advice and really gives great details!
She gives a plan that anyone can follow and adapt to their own situation. I highly recommend this book for anyone who deals with weight issues!
This book has wonderful advice and really gives great details!
She gives a plan that anyone can follow and adapt to their own situation. I highly recommend this book for anyone who deals with weight issues!
August 3, 2016
Really straightforward diet stuff. I do like the emphasis she places on diet rather than exercise for weight loss. (She says it's 70% diet, 10% exercise, 10% sleep, and 10% planning.)
May 6, 2020
I felt like she was my sister telling me like it is!
I was impressed with the author's candidness. She sounded like the girl next door, from my neighborhood, and even from my own family! She gave researched facts about the key reasons for obesity, and also offered practical ways to get the weight off. I loved her honesty and vulnerability. Because I read this book, I have begun my own quest to get the baby fat off, even though my daughter turned twenty-nine this week😊 Thank you for sharing such a powerfully provoking story.
I was impressed with the author's candidness. She sounded like the girl next door, from my neighborhood, and even from my own family! She gave researched facts about the key reasons for obesity, and also offered practical ways to get the weight off. I loved her honesty and vulnerability. Because I read this book, I have begun my own quest to get the baby fat off, even though my daughter turned twenty-nine this week😊 Thank you for sharing such a powerfully provoking story.
July 16, 2017
I didn't find this particularly helpful, even though it was well written. I think this book would be useful for people who are just starting out in trying to make some changes. For those of us who have been at it for a while, there isn't really anything new to learn here.
August 6, 2018
"It's something I remind myself of often; it's never just a taste, it's the beginning of a binge."-Mara Schiavocampo
January 14, 2019
Great read. Very inspirational.
February 18, 2015
Two stars seems insulting, but it is meant as an, "It was okay"! Mara Shciavocampo is very down to earth about how she eats and honest about having a food addiction. I admire that, as a high profile morning TV personality, she isn't afraid to claim her faith and explain how it strengthens her.
Someone wanting to know how she lost all her weight would come away with her plan, which is simple yet monotonous.
The most interesting part to me was a section on African American women's body images and weight loss challenges because she has some unique insights.
Someone wanting to know how she lost all her weight would come away with her plan, which is simple yet monotonous.
The most interesting part to me was a section on African American women's body images and weight loss challenges because she has some unique insights.
April 13, 2015
After getting emails from the publisher almost daily, I caved. Having an aunt that weighed Ms. Schiavocampo weekly when she was a child and telling Mara she would never have friends or a husband in her future because of her weight - it's no wonder her attitude towards food was askew. This is not a diet book so much as a get healthy lifestyle road map. Any weight range can use this book. Finding and overcoming personal weak points are the key to long term health. (Simple recipes are included at the end.)
August 9, 2015
An easy read with great tips from Mara. The best thing for me is that her story is relatable and her formula for weight loss success is easy to follow. I especially loved how she broke down how she reached her ideal weight using her formula. Great stuff, everything boils down to a strong mindset, setting small goals, effective planning and determination to feeling better about one self. A great read for those struggling with weight problems.
October 6, 2016
Lots of great information listed here. Mara gave the story a very good background of how she came to be an overeater. I think most readers can identify with her dilemma. It also helped me understand my own thoughts on the matter. Her solutions are given factually but not to the degree that it was bogged down with medical details. I benefitted greatly from this book.
The best part is that she is still keeping the weight off as witnessed by her continued appearances on ABC News.
The best part is that she is still keeping the weight off as witnessed by her continued appearances on ABC News.
March 18, 2015
I could really relate to the problems with eating that Mara had. I have struggled with my weight all my life. She details how she lost 90 pounds without crazy diets, in a healthy way. She gives really practical ways that helped her each day. I learned some new things that I hadn't tried before.
December 19, 2015
I'm getting interested in fitness/nutritional lifestyle books, and I really like Mara Schiavocampo on Good Morning America, so I figured I would try her take on losing weight. This book is a super fast read, though none of the information was new or revolutionary. I liked hearing it from her perspective, though, and some of her tips were worth reading.
January 19, 2015
Great ideas!
Mara has some great advice for healthy living. I can adopt a lot of her suggestions. Her formula for weight loss is right on target. Wish I could learn to love the workout part!
Mara has some great advice for healthy living. I can adopt a lot of her suggestions. Her formula for weight loss is right on target. Wish I could learn to love the workout part!
July 11, 2018
p. 63. it's never just a taste, it's the beginning of a binge.
p.179 What would happen if you drove your car while looking only in the rearview mirror? You'd crash. You can't move forward while you're looking backward.
p.179 What would happen if you drove your car while looking only in the rearview mirror? You'd crash. You can't move forward while you're looking backward.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2016
I learned a lot from this book. I was so glad I stumbled upon it in Barnes and Noble last October. It was very well written. Full of recipes, and ideas how to better your health. I have taken many of the principles in this book and have applied them to my life.
January 26, 2016
I have had this book since a year ago, but I guess I was not ready to read it. I have found this very inspiring. I have picked out some of the ideas Mara has written about and hope it will help me on my weight lose journey
December 25, 2014
Nice read! Read on the plane from NYC-Vegas and have to say it kept me captivated the whole flight. Definitely trying some of Mara's recipes!
December 30, 2014
Great book and a very easy read! Good info for getting in shape and keeping your motivation for staying there.
March 1, 2015
Very good book! Simple thinking helps you pay attention to what you are eating and can help you make the necessary changes to being healthy.
November 11, 2015
Good read! Realistic! Inspiring!
January 11, 2016
I didn't get any new information from this book, but it was well written and very inspiring.
Read
February 14, 2016Motivating book..enjoyed it very much
August 17, 2016
I enjoyed this book, though I do wish the author would have done the audio version herself. It inspired me to make small changes, as she had done.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews