Ted Spiker(Editor)

I finished reading this book by Ted Spiker and realized that I'd completed it without once having set it down to pick up a fiction novel. That is how good it is. In this book, Spiker does not merely share his own struggles with weight; he shares truth's about body image and successful weight management. This is the first weight loss book I've ever read that had me laughing and crying and wanting to work harder than ever before. And, the best recommendation I can give this book is that when I show more was done reading it, I felt like I'd just completed an inspiring work of fiction rather than the advice book it is.

I highly recommend it! show less

Ted Spiker, A regular guy who took the time to document his journey from obesity to fitness. This is not another "here we go again" diet book, but rather a book designed to motivate, inspire and lead people with weight problems (or fitness problems) to the path of health and happiness. I found that the author's self deprecating narrative could be at time a bit off-putting, but when contrasted with his description of the high points of his successes, the narrative became personal, believable show more and meaningful. His social commentaries on food, lifestyle and behaviors are germane, fit the current narrative of the times we live in, and give us all pause to stop or at least question current behaviors, whether we need to loose 20 pounds or 200 or are just complacent where we are. This book could be applied to many of our life endeavors, not just weight loss. Is Ted Spiker the next motivational guru for the 21st century? show less

Down Size by Ted Spiker tackles the difficult process of weight loss in a humorous but helpful way. He himself has struggled with being overweight, trying various ways of eating, running marathons, and coming to the acceptance of his body type and how to cope with weight. He offers several sensible and down-to-earth ways to not just change one's diet, but how to think differently about self and the best ways to accomplish a healthier lifestyle. Many books have been on the shelves about how show more to be thin, but this one was enjoyable to read and offers workable ways to be not perfect, but to be better. Refreshing! show less

Overall I enjoyed this book. It didn't have a lot of gimmicks or strange dieting tips. It was an approachable, lose weight over time, here's what worked for me type of thing. It was written by someone who knows -- an overweight man who has tried a lot of diets as well as run marathons and other races. My only complaint was the amount of times he brought up embarrassing stories, things he ate, etc. It seemed a little heavy handed. Overall, I thought this was a good and inspiring book.