Downscaling.net

If you’ve been struggling with weight your entire life like I have, then there are a few books I can recommend that can help get perspective on that lifetime struggle, ways to deal with it and ways to make peace with it.

First, two  memoirs by women with interesting perspectives on weight loss that are also funny and poignant: Jen Lancaster’s “Such a Pretty Fat” and Wendy McClure’s “I am Not the New Me.”

Lancaster’s book is hilarious and if you have constantly procrastinated about starting on a weight loss regime — also known as a diet — you will be able to relate to her rants and raves.

I am a big fan of Lancaster and I get her abrasive sense of humor. Some may not. If you don’t, really this blog may not be the best place for you. Leave if you must, I understand.

McClure’s book is also about wanting to lose weight, trying to lose weight, and finally coming to terms with weight. She’s an outstanding writer and her memoir is funny and poignant.

The book I just finished is Frank Bruni’s “Born Round.” Bruni became the New York Times’ restaurant critic after a struggling with his weight his entire life. His memories of food and of the shame and isolation of being unhappy with his body reached into my soul.

I know all those feelings. I know all those happy associations with family and food, and all the pain associated with feelings of inadequacy and guilt. He writes about binge eating, purging, trying all sorts of tricks and fad diets.

Nothing worked for long.

He did finally find the secret to being able to eat great food and maintain a healthy weight. You’ll have to read the book to discover what it is.

Or keep reading this blog cause I think I may have a new path that’s not really all the new.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I am at a blogging conference, so I need to go eat and drink now.