The Tops Way to Weight Loss

I am a TOPS Club member. This book is fascinating and really helps express feelings and ideas that can help any TOPS member. Of course, this is not just for TOPS members, it is for anyone who is struggling with losing weight. I recommend it highly.

This book combines real life experiences of overweight/obese people and how they overcame this disease--how they struggled, how they found self-esteem, how they began exercising when they had felt it was impossible, etc. More than just personal diaries, the author tells it like it is--these are the things you must do to lose the weight and here are the skills needed to do it. The part I like the best, is the list of step by step things to do at the end of each chapter, ie. "Whenever you feel an excuse coming on, remind yourself: I'm my only problem, and I'm my only solution. Repeat this mantra every day." p. 69 This book should be read by anyone overweight/obese whether a TOPS member or not. It WILL encourage you in your weight loss program.

This is one of the best books I have ever read, and I do not usually make such a statement. Simply, Dr. Rankin has put years of research into a readable volume helping those who want to loseweight to understand the attitudes and skills we must have. After two chapters of introduction (essential reading to help us see that while exercise and diet are important, what is vital is what is happening "between our ears") the rest of the book consists of personal stories to illustrate attitudes such as "resilience" or skills such as "assertiveness". These stories will grip the reader who will be able to relate to many of the struggles illustrated in them. After each story there is a shortsummary of the key points on each topic and then a list of "things to do" - clearly and helpfully put.Chapter l: The Power of Group Healing covers the vital support the individual can get from being part of a similarly motivatedgroup, such as TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) Chapter 2:addresses The Motivational Journey. I consider these chaptersbrilliant, clear and incisive, yet supportive and empathic.I highly recommend this book.