Nice Girls Finish Fat: Put Yourself First and Change Your Eating Forever

by Karen R. Koenig

From a therapist and expert in emotional eating, the first book to explore the link between weight gain and women who do too much, complete with proven techniques for dropping pounds. Many women put too much on their plates, both literally and figuratively. In Nice Girls Finish Fat, psychotherapist Karen R. Koenig explains the link between the two and gives overweight women detailed advice on how to lose their extra baggage—both emotional and physical—by becoming more assertive in every aspect of life. For the millions of overweight women in America, diet and exercise just aren’t cutting it. That’s because many of these women have emotional issues buried deep beneath those stubborn pounds, issues that must be dealt with first if weight loss plans are to succeed. In this illuminating book, based on decades of professional experience, Karen Koenig offers on-the-page psychotherapy to help readers attack the roots of their food problems. With her engaging personal style, she teaches women about the biological connections between repressed emotions and eating, revealing the ways many women use food to stuff their anger, control their aggression, and assuage their feelings of guilt—all in the pursuit of being “nice.” Giving “good girls” permission to love themselves first, Koenig offers thought-provoking quizzes and questions to help readers identify and overcome the habits that have been holding them back. Empowering readers to gain the confidence they need to lose weight, Nice Girls Finish Fat not only shows women how to stop obsessing about food and develop healthy eating habits, it teaches readers skills to improve every aspect of their lives.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Self Help

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Karen R. Koenig, LCSW, M.Ed., is a therapist, educator, eating coach, national speaker, international author, and expert on the psychology of eating—the how and why, not the what of it—with 30-plus years of experience teaching chronic dieters and overeaters the skills that "normal" eaters use naturally to maintain a comfortable, healthy weight for life without dieting.

Reviews

[Maddy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was horribly written. I gave it 2 stars because it did have some good ideas but the presentation was awful. I ended up skimming the last half of the book just to finish. She wrote it like an infomercial. I wouldn't recommend anyone read it unless they truly are nice to a fault in every single thing they do.

[Ann Douglas · Rating 3 out of 5]

While Koenig makes some valid points in this book, the book's premise is danced around rather than proven. (I was expecting references to journal articles and a discussion of the effects of stress on the body's biochemistry as opposed to the superficial and repetitive discussion provided here.) The case studies -- providing snapshots of the lives of women who are too self-sacrificing -- and the analysis of the role of family history in establishing unhealthy life patterns are the book's key strengths.

[Kristie J. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Intriguing title and subject but this book didn't quite deliver. I was expecting some practical tips on how to assert myself with others to get my needs met in regard to food, such as asking my husband to hide his potato chips, saying no to food pushers, and sticking to my diet when visiting family. The entire book focused on the psychological analysis of nice girls (and guys) who eat due to the stress of putting everyone else first. Eye-opening concepts for a nice girl like me to read but few practical tips.

[Rhea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was great for me in the beginning but once it got to the final chapters it became less relevant to my life. I feel that the book held a lot of valuable information for me to apply to my life, but it also spent a lot of time blaming parents for womens weight problems. I am not saying that this can't be the case, but it just spent too much time talking on that topic, and any topic always came back around to the parents.

[Amy R · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great book for those that are "nice". After taking their self-analysis test, I am apparently not one of them. And, I'm perfectly ok with that! This book wasn't really what I was looking for. However, if you're a NICE person worried about your weight and eating habits, this book may be for you.

[Orlagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This doesn't give the whole story, but as a supporting argument for those of us who were brought up to believe that women support other people, put themselves last and generally don't say 'no'.....it's a good supportive read to some of the others on the list!

[María Greene F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Como alguien que se come sus sentimientos, me vino muy bien leerme este libro. Además, lo encontré claro y divertido. Lo arrendé en la biblioteca que siempre tiene este tipo de joyitas clara y específicas. La autora no es una señora cualquiera, sino que una especialista con décadas de experiencia. No es que la gente cualquiera no tenga derecho a escribir sus libros, pero es bueno saber que aquí uno lee a alguien versado de verdad, sobre todo cuando hay tantos haciéndose pasar por gurús cuando son cualquier cosa menos eso, especialmente con temas vulnerables como éste donde una ayuda mal hecha puede terminar siendo un gran daño.

En general hay tan poca información sobre los motivos emocionales por los cuales la gente sube de peso y tantos sobre los físicos que todos sabemos. Este de aquí es sólo una pincelada porque deja mucho que cubrir, pero se agradece de todas maneras bastante.

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this an insightful book as someone who has struggled with my weight and putting the needs of others before my own. Lots of useful strategies for building self-confidence and realising the importance of self-care.

[Alberto Cohen]

Thinking of recommending this book for someone I care much about. I didn´t read it yet. It would be helpful if the reviewers with less than 4 stars would offer alternatives or preferred books. I would appreciate that!

[Janeene · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars - points out how that most individuals who take care of everyone but themselves, often find themselves overweight and with health issues, because we don't take time to care for ourselves.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was great for not only controlling what you are eating, but controlling your life. How to stop being such a giver and finally learning how to take care of your needs.

[Michelle Hoogterp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Lots of new insight! I highly recommend this book even if you don't think you're a nice girl you'd be surprised that you really are!

[Betti White]

Its good- interesting. Why would being nice correlate to weight gain- but it does! I'd recommend.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book about the connection between food and emotions and the way you were raised.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had some good tips here and there. Overall, good self help book.

[Steffie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible. So needed. She brings a new clarity and awareness to why some of us do what we do with food. Healing!!!

[Wendy Burbridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! If you've ever succumbed to temptation because you don't want to say no or hurt someone's feelings this book is for you!