The Diet Joke Book: A Reprogramming Guide for Perpetual Consumers

Lisa Pedace
Big Shot Press (2010)
ISBN 9780982340417
Reviewed by Marissa Libbit for Reader Views (08/10)


“The Diet Joke” by Lisa Pedace is a humorous, yet realistic look at weight.  Pedace acknowledges at the beginning that she is neither a doctor nor a nutritionist.  In fact, she is a humorist, actress, and writer.  Yet she takes an honest and true look at weight problems and how one might reprogram her lifestyle to conquer the extra weight.    

The book is divided into three parts.  In the first part, “About Us,” such things as advertisers’ mode of programming consumers and the workings of the diet industry are discussed.  The second section, “About Food,” explains calories, food groups, and the “stuff” of food.   The third section, “Beyond Food,” explores relationships with food and how to stay motivated to watch what you eat and exercise. 

Pedace explains the facts in this book comically and truthfully.  Though not an expert, her observations are spot on.  Yet, this is not just a book of information.  At the end of each chapter are reprogramming activities, so the reader can actually try to do something that might impact a positive lifestyle change rather than just read about it.  Activities include paying attention to the media and what actors look like in food commercials (think thin and pretty even while eating chips or candy), calculating caloric intake within a reasonable serving size, and practicing positive affirmations for encouragement. 

Losing weight is a serious endeavor.  Yet, Pedace removes the clinical tone used in many diet books and applies laymen terms and examples to positively motivate people in the right direction. 

“The Diet Joke” is a delightful read for those needing to shed a few pounds or simply looking for a healthier lifestyle. 

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