A few months back, I was looking for inspiration in the written form.  I asked you guys what books you’d been reading to inspire your weight loss and healthy living aspirations and I got LOTS of great suggestions.

The book I chose… was one written by one of my favorite trainers on the Biggest Loser.

Seriously, who doesn’t love Bob Harper?  I wonder how many thousands of pounds he’s helped people lose.  I know he’s helped some of my favorite Biggest Losers, and I love how everyone on the show falls in love with him.  How could I not read his book??

At this stage in my healthy living adventures, I’m not looking for a new eating plan.  I’m not looking for a diet plan to follow.  What I’m looking for when I read healthy living books is new tips and a better grasp on nutrition.  I know what I’m supposed to eat and how I can lose weight… but I don’t always know the physiology associated with how it all happens.

To be honest, Bob’s books had a lot of tips in it that I’m never going to use.  BUT, I think they might be great for others!  On the other hand, there are several of Bob’s tips that I have already implemented into my life.  Tips that I love and that are creating additional success!  Those are the “Skinny Rules” I’m going to share with you today.

Rule 1:  Drink a Large Glass of Water Before Every Meal

I love water.  Can’t get enough of it.  You want me to drink it before a meal?  Ok!  I started implementing this right away.  Most lunches these days, I’m eating Jenny Craig’s Stuffed Shells at the office.  While it’s cooking (it takes 4 minutes), I refill my Camelbak and drink an entire container of water before I eat lunch.  Yes, that’s a LOT of extra ounces, but it helps you feel full sooner.  That’s exactly what I need, and exactly why Bob recommends it.

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Perhaps my favorite tip that Bob offers is to drink a glass of water first thing when you wake up in the morning.  Place the glass on your bedside table before you go to bed, and down it as soon as you wake up.  Why does this work??  In my experience, if I drink the glass of water, I drink water ALL DAY LONG.

Rule 4:  Slash Your Intake of Refined Flour and Grains

In this chapter, I learned about grains that I had never heard of.  Example:  Farro.  And, since reading the chapter, I’ve eaten it as well.  I’ve also found myself eating more quinoa.  Both grains are incredibly delicious.  Thanks, Bob!

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Rule 7:  No Carbs After Lunch

Now, this one is a little bit harder.  Nonetheless, it makes sense.  He’s not saying DON’T EAT CARBS.  He’s simply suggesting you eat them in the front half of the day

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Rule 8:  Learn to Read Food Labels

This was one of those LEARNING chapters for me.  I didn’t know nearly enough about food labels prior to reading this chapter. Read this one in detail and highlight the things you learned.  Eye opening.

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Rule 17:  Eat Your Vegetables – Just Do It!

Bob talks in this chapter about the importance of eating veggies (which I love).  He references Kale and Broccoli specifically… but the message I took away was that I need to start eating all the veg I’m buying and stop throwing it away at the end of the week!  This means eating servings every single day… and loving the beautiful, colorful dishes I’m creating.

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My final review:  READ THIS BOOK  If you’re looking for new ideas and are a fan of Bob Harper, you’re going to love this book.  The back of the book also has recipes listed to get you on track to healthier living.  While I have yet to try any of them… I like that they’re available.

Have you read the Skinny Rules or any other healthy living books lately?  Do you have one you recommend?

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