Book 34 - Skinny Bitch

I worked in the agriculture industry for many years so I've heard most of the anti-dairy, meat-is-bad messaging out there. Skinny Bitch is essentially just another way of delivering these messages, albeit more bluntly than I've come across in a while.

The authors, Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin, straddle the line between clever sarcasm and outright rudeness. There is a difference. Luckily, these skinny bitches know when to back off before I completely turn off - I've known a few gals who think putting other people down in public is a sport. Trust me, sugar, I 'get" you, I just don't think you're funny (but that's a whole other conversation...)

Despite the careful deliverance of the know-it-all advice in Skinny Bitch, I'm not convinced the authors do, in fact, know it all.

The book is billed as a no-nonsense guide to getting healthy and, well, skinny. In my opinion, far too much of the text is spent trying to convince me to steer clear of meat and dairy products.

I admit, the authors provide (a little) food for thought surrounding the nutritional debate, but it's going to take a whole lot more than this to encourage me to give up my chicken and cheese. And I don't buy the factory farm crap, either.

I've toured processing plants and ranches.

I've researched food safety protocols and witnessed first-hand the aegis of biosecurity measures voluntarily enforced by Canadian farmers.

I've been a part of organizations like Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC), which has spent countless hours and resources to educate everyone across the food chain about animal care. Indeed, Canada has some of the most advanced humane animal standards in the world.

I also believe completely in the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and that the government does care about providing consumers with safe food.

Clearly the skinny bitches don't. But, they live in the U.S. and I know little about agricultural practices across the border.

For the most part, I found the book annoying. I kept wanting to fact check their blunt - and sometimes degrading - statements. Old PR habits die hard, I suppose.

Still, Skinny Bitch delivers its promise as a no-nonsense guide to losing weight.

As someone whose ridden the weight loss train back and forth more than a couple of times, I can appreciate some of the recommendations offered. But I don't see myself becoming vegan or vegetarian anytime soon (although a close family friend is, and often when I see her at the lake over the summer, I am envious of her healthy glow and awesome physique).

The voice, while sometimes preachy, is engaging and will get you through the book. If you're looking for a quick diet fix, however, you won't find it here. The bitches dish up a routine and lifestyle program I believe would work - if you're willing to give up Rolo ice cream, steak and peanut butter.

Unfortunately, I'm not. I'm okay with that - it's been my experience this past year that there are far too many bitches in the world already.

The Book In My Bag Today: The Girl Who Played With Fire, Stieg Larsson