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Memoirs of a Former Fatty: How one girl went from fat to fit
Four years ago, I was obese. I was also so chronically unfit that I couldn’t manage more than one flight of stairs without getting seriously out of breath. I was eating my way to a whole host of health problems and my knees were knackered.
Now nearly four years on, I am over 80lbs lighter and a whole heck of a lot fitter. I’m now training to be a Personal Trainer so that I can help other people like me. This is why I have written this book.
Along the way I learned a lot, and came up with some ideas of my own about how and why people lose weight….or don’t.
This is my story.
Now nearly four years on, I am over 80lbs lighter and a whole heck of a lot fitter. I’m now training to be a Personal Trainer so that I can help other people like me. This is why I have written this book.
Along the way I learned a lot, and came up with some ideas of my own about how and why people lose weight….or don’t.
This is my story.
105 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2016
204 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 4, 2021
An easy and quick read
A very well written, easy to read book. Nothing new or different, it was like a diary in which she has written her thoughts and journey in a light hearted manner.
A very well written, easy to read book. Nothing new or different, it was like a diary in which she has written her thoughts and journey in a light hearted manner.
July 29, 2022
Another excellent and inspiring read about one woman's journey toward weight loss. There were so many gems found throughout the book. We all know the mechanics of losing weight. Burn more calories than you consume (ie calorie deficit). The key is having the right motivation, plan, mindset etc, which is why I love reading these stories. My favorite take away quote from this book was:
"I reflected earlier that many people have some sort of trigger that makes them lose weight or decide to take another path in their life."
This was so true! I've *wanted* to be 135 pounds my entire adult life. The *trigger* for me to take action was to reach a weight that I found completely unacceptable at 52 years old and then finally I took action. Great read. Five stars. Once I made up my mind and took action, I started losing weight finally. And I have to admit, reading these weight loss books one after the other keeps me motivated.
"I reflected earlier that many people have some sort of trigger that makes them lose weight or decide to take another path in their life."
This was so true! I've *wanted* to be 135 pounds my entire adult life. The *trigger* for me to take action was to reach a weight that I found completely unacceptable at 52 years old and then finally I took action. Great read. Five stars. Once I made up my mind and took action, I started losing weight finally. And I have to admit, reading these weight loss books one after the other keeps me motivated.
May 25, 2020
I enjoyed this book. I think this was the first time I’ve highlighted a kindle book. There was nothing in it that I didn’t already know or that hasn’t been told to me before, but it hit differently when reading this book; and it could that I’m ready in my own journey to try harder. This book gave me things to think about for myself and what I wanted and my “why” so that I can hopefully succeed in my own weight loss life journey!
January 23, 2021
One of the few I actually read to the very last word
I am so critical of my reads and will get bored easily, throw the book in the unfinished pile and go searching for something new. That didn't happen with Gemma's witty style and funny life situational antidotes, and I read all of it, and will probably read it again! Highly highly highly recommend this book if you need a reason to make a change in life, even if it isn't related to losing weight.
I am so critical of my reads and will get bored easily, throw the book in the unfinished pile and go searching for something new. That didn't happen with Gemma's witty style and funny life situational antidotes, and I read all of it, and will probably read it again! Highly highly highly recommend this book if you need a reason to make a change in life, even if it isn't related to losing weight.
September 10, 2017
A honest and sensible account of becoming healthier
I enjoyed this book as Gamma wasn't preaching or professing to know it all, just an honest and sometimes blunt rendition of how she has achieved the status of former fatty, it felt like she was chatting to me and I enjoyed her humour
I enjoyed this book as Gamma wasn't preaching or professing to know it all, just an honest and sometimes blunt rendition of how she has achieved the status of former fatty, it felt like she was chatting to me and I enjoyed her humour
June 16, 2019
Inspirational
I really enjoyed this book. It was witty and entertaining throughout and has inspired me to keep going. I also appreciated her honesty; there are some areas of your body (like bingo wings) that may never be as firm as you'd like, no matter how many weights you lift, but you will still feel tons better than you did at the start.
I really enjoyed this book. It was witty and entertaining throughout and has inspired me to keep going. I also appreciated her honesty; there are some areas of your body (like bingo wings) that may never be as firm as you'd like, no matter how many weights you lift, but you will still feel tons better than you did at the start.
April 17, 2020
Honest and motivational
Loved this book, it's real. Non of the pussy footing around, just facts.
Well worth a read, I found it thoroughly enjoyable and it helped me feel like I wasn't alone on my journey
Loved this book, it's real. Non of the pussy footing around, just facts.
Well worth a read, I found it thoroughly enjoyable and it helped me feel like I wasn't alone on my journey
May 24, 2021
Easy to follow
I enjoyed the book, it was like reading someone’s diary. I appreciate the clarity in her steps to fitness and suggestions for the readers. Pretty easy to follow and remember.
I enjoyed the book, it was like reading someone’s diary. I appreciate the clarity in her steps to fitness and suggestions for the readers. Pretty easy to follow and remember.
June 8, 2021
Practical, straight forward advice
Great advice on how she lost weight. She tells the actual baby steps she took. The author shares her innermost thoughts and how that affected her weight loss journey. Encouraging read.
Great advice on how she lost weight. She tells the actual baby steps she took. The author shares her innermost thoughts and how that affected her weight loss journey. Encouraging read.
January 26, 2017
Inspiring
Nice book read if you want to loose weight
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Nice book read if you want to loose weight
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January 8, 2018
Honest and quite motivating, but also contained some nonsense advice
December 17, 2019
Interesting
I liked the tone of this book. It's straightforward and to the point. I recognise lots of the situations and habits in this book in myself and found the book inspiring
I liked the tone of this book. It's straightforward and to the point. I recognise lots of the situations and habits in this book in myself and found the book inspiring
October 7, 2020
Loved it!
An inspirational, relatable, witty, and realistic memoir of the authors weight loss and fitness journey. I really enjoyed this quick read!
An inspirational, relatable, witty, and realistic memoir of the authors weight loss and fitness journey. I really enjoyed this quick read!
October 21, 2021
Good practical advice in a friendly and approachable tone.
January 13, 2022
Great motivational read!
Really liked the raw honestly of this author. You really felt what she went through. Definitely a great read for anyone fighting the battle of the bulge!
Really liked the raw honestly of this author. You really felt what she went through. Definitely a great read for anyone fighting the battle of the bulge!
February 27, 2023
this really helped
It’s honest it’s real it’s informative and seriously makes you think about you’re really doing to lose weight. Well worth reading
It’s honest it’s real it’s informative and seriously makes you think about you’re really doing to lose weight. Well worth reading
August 1, 2023
great book
Inspiring, funny, thoughtful, honest and relatable. I lovely book to help inspire. Loved it! Motivational read for anyone making excuses.
Inspiring, funny, thoughtful, honest and relatable. I lovely book to help inspire. Loved it! Motivational read for anyone making excuses.
March 1, 2020
First off I have to say that I loved this book!
Having already lost some weight, but desperately needing to lose more, I was immediately drawn to this book’s title, and once I started reading it, I was hooked!
Gemma Dale writes her frank book from personal experience, or should I say experiences which she (sometimes bravely) shares no-holds-barred with her readers. She connects with them on every level, and it is refreshing, or perhaps worrying to discover that my thoughts and cunning sabotages aren’t unique to me, she has experienced them too!
From the very beginning, when she explains where she came from four years previous, weight wise, and emotionally, warts and all, her readers are made to feel quite at home. Her experiences as a ‘fatty’ whether in photos, comments, or occasions, are such that most of us who have been there can relate to.
From there she goes on to dispel some of the weight loss and diet plan myths, and explain that the simple fact is it is calories in v exercise which is the real ‘secret’ to losing weight.
She honestly admits that sometimes she doesn’t feel like exercise, and that there really is ‘no excuse’ for not being able to fit it in, “If you want something you will find a way, if not you will find an excuse.” This comment is so true that I have in fact put it as my screensaver, just in case I find it convenient to forget.
I so loved reading the content of this book, it is inspiring and so refreshing to read, especially since at the end she admits to not being perfect. I’ve even straight away downloaded her book ‘Be Your Own Wellbeing Coach,’ so motivated I feel from her words.
If you want motivation for your own weight loss journey, want to read a very human story, and have a laugh whilst learning some solid home truths about how we sabotage ourselves, or you just want a good read, then this is the book for you.
Having already lost some weight, but desperately needing to lose more, I was immediately drawn to this book’s title, and once I started reading it, I was hooked!
Gemma Dale writes her frank book from personal experience, or should I say experiences which she (sometimes bravely) shares no-holds-barred with her readers. She connects with them on every level, and it is refreshing, or perhaps worrying to discover that my thoughts and cunning sabotages aren’t unique to me, she has experienced them too!
From the very beginning, when she explains where she came from four years previous, weight wise, and emotionally, warts and all, her readers are made to feel quite at home. Her experiences as a ‘fatty’ whether in photos, comments, or occasions, are such that most of us who have been there can relate to.
From there she goes on to dispel some of the weight loss and diet plan myths, and explain that the simple fact is it is calories in v exercise which is the real ‘secret’ to losing weight.
She honestly admits that sometimes she doesn’t feel like exercise, and that there really is ‘no excuse’ for not being able to fit it in, “If you want something you will find a way, if not you will find an excuse.” This comment is so true that I have in fact put it as my screensaver, just in case I find it convenient to forget.
I so loved reading the content of this book, it is inspiring and so refreshing to read, especially since at the end she admits to not being perfect. I’ve even straight away downloaded her book ‘Be Your Own Wellbeing Coach,’ so motivated I feel from her words.
If you want motivation for your own weight loss journey, want to read a very human story, and have a laugh whilst learning some solid home truths about how we sabotage ourselves, or you just want a good read, then this is the book for you.
March 17, 2019
I saw this on offer for kindle, I’m starting my own weight loss journey and I’m aware who the author is through my HR connections, so was keen to read. I really didn’t expect such a personal, truthful, honest book. Gemma starts by telling we story. It was great, so many “yes that’s me” moments. The second half of the book is advice. I particularly liked the goal setting section and having a vision. Working in HR I completely understand this and WILL write myself some goals and a vision today.
The story section is important, it set the scene for the advice. But the advice section I can see I will return to. If I need a pep talk- I’ll re read it.
Great book.
The story section is important, it set the scene for the advice. But the advice section I can see I will return to. If I need a pep talk- I’ll re read it.
Great book.
February 6, 2017
Great inspiring read!
Just the kind of support you need on this weight loss journey. It makes you realize you are not alone.
Just the kind of support you need on this weight loss journey. It makes you realize you are not alone.
July 28, 2022
Good for motivation. A bit outdated, as the author is believes that the caloric deficit is the only solution to lose weight. Recent trials and studies demonstrated that the best method for weight loss is a low carb diet that helps your body to switch from burning carbs to burning fat as energy.
April 13, 2018
Very inspirational and so true how most of us feel when on a losing weight journey. A book that I shall keep referring back to.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews