Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I received this book as a gift. The givers loved it, and I'm sure they meant well. I'm overweight but not obese and out of shape, and I am trying to turn over a new leaf and take better care of myself. I've completely changed the way I eat, am walking 4-5 miles and doing some light weights. I'm losing weight, and I know I'm healthier than I was six months ago. I was feeling pretty good about the whole thing until I read this book and learned that what I was doing was totally inadequate and, hence, pretty much worthless because it wasn't skiing in Aspen, doing spinning class with 20-somethings, going on biking tours of New England, and I don't have a personal trainer or belong to a gym. Alas, no heart monitor or thousand-dollar bike either. I should just give up and die right now, or I could continue what I'm doing--lifestyle change in moderation at a steady pace--continue losing weight, being more active, and buy a different book! The only thing positive I took away from it was the science, which I did find interesting. That was worth reading and reinforced the decisions I'd made already, but I've found other diet and fitness books that were far more helpful for me. Style-wise, I don't think it's cute and entertaining as some have said. Calling me a big fat piggy certainly isn't the way to encourge me or motivate me to do more. In my opinion, this book is not much more than a 200-plus-page ego stroke for an old guy with tons of time, money, and toys who is totally impressed with himself and wants to tell the world how wonderful he is. Judging from other comments, that's helpful for some folks but not so much for me.