Review: 10 Lessons from a Former Fat Girl

10 Lessons from a Former Fat Girl:
Living with Less of You and More of Your Life
by Amy Parham
Harvest House, 2010
190 pages

See Below for a Chance to Win a Free Copy

I was hesitant to read this book simply because I didn’t care for the title. Calling someone—whether it’s yourself or part of your audience—a “fat girl” just seems so politically incorrect and harsh. But as I delved deeper into the book, I came to appreciate the author’s message.

A former contestant on NBC’s The Biggest Loser, Parham lost over 100 pounds. But as the weight disappeared, many of the deep rooted issues that had contributed to the weight gain remained. In the book’s first chapter she insists,

…this book is different from any weight-loss book you have ever read. This book talks about not only the physical aspects of weight loss, but also the very real mental and emotional challenges that exist. It’s about learning how to transform a fat girl (a woman who has poor eating and exercise habits, a food addiction, a lack of self-esteem, and a distorted image of hierself, God, and others) into a fit girl (a woman who practices healthy eating and exercise habits, takes care of herself emotionally, physically, and mentally, and believes in herself and God.)

Ouch. Even though I don’t have a physical weight problem, I do need to put more effort into being a “fit girl” as she describes one.

She goes on to say that the book is about identifying areas that hold us back from being the women God created us to be.

Parham talks openly about her struggles, including an unhappy childhood, her son’s autism diagnosis, and receiving the admiration and attention of other men after becoming physically fit.

This volume is part inspirational book, part auto-biography, and part devotional. At the end of each “Lesson” chapter, she includes transformation tips and a sample prayer. It is definitely more than the typical “Follow these steps and your weight will disappear” dieting book.

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