Bob Harper (1) (1965–)

The Good Stuff

Photographs make the recipes extremely appetizing
Practical and relatively easy to follow diet advice
Most of the recipes I ate were truly delicious and filling - well except for that pea guac stuff - ewwww
Handy shopping lists and plans for following his sample diet for a month (but be prepared the first shopping trip could be pricey)
Many of the recipes are now staples in our everyday eating. I look forward to my Quioaoatmeal every couple of days ( I triple the recipe and show more just reheat it when I need it)
Greek Waffle recipe (nom nom nom & seriously filling - didn't even want to eat lunch till mid afternoon)
Appreciated the mention of having water with every meal, even snacks
I hate the term skinny
Excellent idea to clean out your pantry and practical advice on what to keep in your pantry/fridge/freezer at all times, that will help you keep to the healthy eating plan
Promotes healthy eating as a way of life and not just some fad dieting book. This is how you stay slim people. Fad diets do not work. Eat in moderation
Comprehensive index
The restock your pantry list is extremely handy

The Not So Good Stuff

Pea Guac - trust me - NASTY - but I think could be delicious if you worked with spices and maybe some garlic
Lot of prep work and lets face it all the fresh herbs, veggies and fruit is going to cost you a fortune (isn't it sad that to eat healthy and keep yourself fit costs so much)
Better suited for couples or for singles. Pain in the ass to figure how ingredients for making it a whole meal for a family (and lets face it my 5 yr old is sooo not going to try some of the stuff)
Hmm no mention of 3 glasses of wine a week - obviously this guy has either no kids or has a nanny (ok also reason I will never have six pack abs)

Favorite Recipes

Greek Yogurt Waffles (Seriously tasty and filling too)

Baked Quinoatmeal (enjoyed but used Almond/Coconut milk instead)

Pico De Gallo (this will now be a staple in the Rayment Household)

Pesto Quesadilla

Beef Chili



4.5 Dewey's

I received this from Random House in exchange for an honest review show less

This book works. I have lost 10 pounds in 5 weeks using the methods. I am someone who thought she would never lose weight, ever. It isn't that difficult. It helped me make a lifestyle change. The rules are reasonable and he gives you one splurge meal a week. I can live with that. I am living with it. Much of this information can be gotten other places, but here it is all collected into one location and Harper makes a good case for following the rules. I've tried different ways of losing show more weight, and none worked beyond a few months. These rules initiate lifestyle changes that lead to a different way of eating and relating to food. I have a way to go, but I feel confident that I'll be able to stick with this and lose more weight. The great thing about it is he wants us to eat! And to eat food that I personally am already eating. There are a few "give up" rules, so it's not all easy to do. Still, for me, this is working. show less

Review first published on my blog: http://memoriesfrombooks.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-skinny-rules.html

The Skinny Rules as the name implies is a diet book. A diet book by a big name celebrity of the diet industry. Bob Harper of The Biggest Loser. The book presents a set of twenty rules to change eating habits and lead to a healthier lifestyle. The rest of the book is a set of menus and recipes to support the eating rules.

My reaction to the book is based partially on my reaction to the rules show more presented. Some are basic common sense - water, vegetables. portion size. Those you can find across any such book. Some I don't agree with. For example, the idea of a splurge meal to me promotes a diet mentality rather than a lifestyle change.

My reaction to the book is also based on what is not in the book. The book provides these rules but not much guidance on how to implement them. Also, the rules focus on food and do not address physical activity which to me is an equally important part of this journey.

Finally, I did find some inconsistencies in the book. For example, one rule says to avoid sweeteners. Yet, recipes in the book call for agave nectar, which is a sweetener.

So, overall, a set of rules is a straightforward approach. I like some of the rules as they are common sense. My advice would be to take what you find of value, question the science of what seems not based on common sense, and most of all, take responsibility for your own health lifestyle. The rules can help you along the way, but only if you make the change. show less

I won this book in one of the giveaways and I am so happy I did. There are so many recipes that look delicious and very easy to make, and are 350 calories! It's nicely broken up into sections by meals (snacks, breakfast, lunch, dinner). One of the things I love most is the weekly shopping list already made out for you along with the recipes for the products bought at the store. I have already tried 3 of the recipes and they have not disappointed! Looking forward to trying out more meals!!