If I'm So Smart, Why Can't I Lose Weight?: Tools to Get It Done Paperback – April 15, 2006

I originally borrowed this book from interlibrary loan, planning to just read it and return. However, now I am buying the book, because I got so much out of reading it. Brooke has a personable, warm style that is a little quirky for an author, but the book reads comfortably. Her purpose is in guiding the reader, presumably someone who wants to lose weight, through the thinking and feeling concepts and exercises that seem to be the core of her weight loss coaching practice. She has some excellent insights to share! I thought so highly of myself that I didn't expect to learn much, but I was wrong and humbled. I have lost 50 pounds this past year and I thought I knew how to lose weight (and I do), but her approach is in helping you get to the essence of yourself, your values, what you really want, your goodness, your vitality, and learn better how to respect and appreciate and honor yourself, in your body, but also in your mind and heart. Weight loss, she posits, is a natural response to this different, better way of thinking and behaving. I have been successful losing weight counting calories and exercising, but I've been concerned for quite a while trying to think of how I'm going to maintain my weight loss without counting calories. Now I know! Her exercises are real; they are not hypothetical or fantastical. She really does have a solution to overweight that is more about solving the source of the problem rather than treating the symptoms (overfat). I don't consider myself to have a self-esteem problem; the book is still valuable. Brooke coaches you on how to get what you really want. In this way, the book is transformative. I truly looked at myself and my life differently and much more positively after and because of reading this book. That is a blessing. It has given me hope and confidence in other areas of my life where I am struggling a bit. Kind of magically, this other area has suddenly become much easier and not nearly as much of a burden. I think because I am thinking and interpreting differently, on account of what I learned in this book. Lastly, in the book, Brooke shares some personal details about herself and her life and perhaps even some things that she might not normally share (e.g. some not-so-flattering personal stuff), that she is easy to appreciate as a person and accept direction from. She is humbly sharing her gift. So, I recommend the book.

This is a great book that can change your thinking. It clearly shows you that you can easily be satisfied with much less food. It nicely describes various stages of fullness or hunger using a scale ranging from -10 to +10. Also it clearly reminded me that our stomachs are quite small and don't allow space for that much food at one time. Another important factor covered nicely is the psychological and emotional factors that cause us to over eat. Everything is nicely explained in a simple and sometimes humorous way.Since getting the book a little more than a week ago I've already lost 3 pounds. That's quite an accomplishment so far because all other so called weight loss books that I've read over the past 10-15 years did almost nothing to help. Another great thing is that the author has a sense of humor making this an entertaining and fun book to read. Each chapter provides you with numerous tools and tips to help you lose weight more effectively.I only have 2 minor objections. Some of the exercises provided actually do little to help in my opinion. For example listing excuse strategies is unnecessary. Anyone trying to lose weight knows that excuses have hindered their progress. Just being aware of the excuses is sufficient for me. Also the author is a weight loss coach and constantly refers to those she helps as "clients". To me this word "client" is not appropriate for us "overweight" people. Perhaps it would be more appropriate for those involved in a lawsuit. Nevertheless, the author does a terrific job of explaining how to lose weight.Overall this book is very well written and can definitely help with the weight loss battle. I think everyone is different, however, which means that some parts of the book can be ignored while other parts should be taken very seriously. I definitely recommend this book to all who, like me, have tried and tried but can't lose much weight. This is definitely the best book I've read about weight loss because it's unique, truthful and effective.

I bought this book because I do well in my career and the title just struck me as different from all the other selp-help books. The book is frank, open, and she expresses her own fears and troubles witht losing weight. She focuses on you and wants you to do the same.One thing she said in this book that has really struck a chord with me is this: If you don't have the time to lose weight because you work full time, then quit. I know that is a very very strange answer. But it is so true. I really did not have the time - I have 4 children, one is 12 mos old, I work full time in HR, and I go to college full time. I honestly had no time to take care of myself. I have decided to quit my job and stay home. I realize this is not ideal for all and that some out there are struggling... but if you can, do it! I can't wait to spend time with my family and do daily outings to the gym.I wish this lady was in my town because I'd book sessions with her in a heartbeat. The book will have to do for now. Good luck everyone, it's tough stuff.

I enjoy Ms. Castillo's "no excuses" approach. She challenges you to be both honest with yourself and to redefine the way you look at carrying extra weight and why. Personally, I would recommend reading the entire book and then returning to read it more slowly and doing the exercises thoroughly. Even when you think the exercise is not worthwhile, after you have completed it and honestly reflected upon it, you will see the value. Enjoy!