Periodically I contribute articles to the web-site Livestrong.com. I hadn’t done any for a while, since the launch of the site last summer, but this week I got an assignment for some articles. All of them were focused on the new book by Jillian Michaels – Making the Cut.
I enjoy reading books focused on health and sometimes I read diet-plan books just to pull out the good points. I’m not a fan of diets. Is anyone anymore? We have good reason. They are short term and they don’t work.
I had high hopes for this book. I really had no idea what it was before I got the assignment, but given the fact that I am a huge fan of The Biggest Loser I felt like I knew Jillian’s fitness philosophy well.
Turns out this book is a 30-day plan to lose 10 to 20 pounds before a big event. A big event?! Seriously, it states that right on the cover. I can’t believe fitness experts are still promoting this kind of behavior with all we know about successful weight loss and health improvement.
Man, was I disappointed. I guess I feel like you are either one way or the other when it comes to health. Either you believe it is truly about lifestyle change and you swear off quick fixes and fads, or you believe in diets, and well, regaining weight.
Maybe I’m being too critical, but when you come out with a book like this you are just adding to the belief that people have of weight loss being a quick fix problem.
On a positive note, I will say that book is focused on healthy choices. It isn’t about cutting out a food group, well, unless you consider alcohol a food group. (I kinda do.) It is focused on balanced, healthy foods and intense workouts. There is also a lot of mental and lifestyle focus, but with the book being a 30 day plan it doesn’t promote the long term.
I’m not sure if this is what the people were wanting, what the publishers were wanting or what Jillian Michael’s truly believes in, but it definitely left me questioning her priorities. Health, and even weight loss, isn’t a goal you shoot for in 30 days it is a way of living.
Have you read the book? What do you think?
Thanks for the review!
I’ve not read the book, Lori, but I have to say that I agree with your sentiments 100% – I’m very much in the lose-weight-slowly-through-lifestyle-change camp.
Thank you for the thorough review!!
I have not read it but it sounds like a total dud. Sigh. thanks for the awesome review!
I read the book, and I actually liked it for the most part. I changed my lifestyle about two years ago, and I haven’t gone back since. I’ve maintained my weight at about 10-12 lbs above the weight that I’d really love to be. The weight I’m at is healthy and my BMI is in healthy range, but I’ve just always dreamed of getting off my last ten lbs, even if only for the sake of vanity or for the sake of the challenge. I bought Jillian’s book about two months ago, and I liked it because it had healthy, delicious meal ideas, as well as an intense workout schedule. I used it to help me get that last 10 lbs off. I kinda looked at it as helpful for making that last final push in the midst of living a healthy lifestyle. Plus, I did a lot of muscle toning because of it.
After reading your review, however, I can see how it could be dangerous for people out there who might not approach it in that way. Hmmm…something to think about for sure.
I always enjoy your blog!
Thanks for your comments everyone!
Candice – Thanks so much for your input. I appreciate you bringing a different perspective on the issue. Sounds like it may really help some people. Congrats on your weight loss!
I haven’t read the book but I wholeheartedly agree with you that its marketing push is off the mark. I’m happy to read that Candice used it as a starting point to a lifestyle change and perhaps most of Ms. Michaels’ readers will take it in the same vein.
Thanks for the review!
Thank you for the review! Have a nice weekend!
Hi I just found your blog and can’t wait to read more. While I haven’t read that book, your opinion on it seems to echo my thoughts on diets as well. I do love Jillian’s workout videos though…
You’re welcome!
Joie and Caitlin – Welcome and thanks for your comments. I love your blogs! 🙂
I haven’t read the book and don’t know Jillian Michaels, so I’m just going off what you’ve said here. It sounds like the book itself could be useful, especially if taken as it’s meant to be – a “boost” used for a specific reason rather than a long-term diet plan. But it also sounds like it doesn’t really go with the brand that Jillian has created based around healthy living and saying no to crash diets.
I also love that you said you consider alcohol a food group, it made me laugh 🙂
Emily – glad you’re back. I’m looking forward to catching up on your holiday trip.
Yeah, this book could go both ways. If it is used wisely it certainly could provide the boost some people are looking for. I just wish she would have had a portion of it focused on longterm change.
Ha, ha! I read on an expat blog the other day that while in the US this person was filling up on the martini group. Ha!