Oh My God I don't even know where to start.

First of all, someone who looks like Bechkham does NOT need to lose weight. What are we saying to young girls? That she's fat and ugly? Can you say eating disorder?

(I'm not suggesting that Beckham has one, but rather that why does she need a diet book??)

Second, one of the authors had no degree whatsoever. As a scientist this makes me nervous.

If the info is good, okay. Good for them. But I've only observed for two seconds and I think it suggests that skinny = healthy. Bull. And I can say that because I'm only 115 lbs. That does not equal health.

Posted by: Maya | June 15, 2007 02:41 PM

I am very disappointed in PETA for showcasing this book and Victoria Beckham out of all people! I care about animals but promoting anorexic women in their name. Disgusting!

Posted by: aj | June 15, 2007 04:27 PM

I am very disappointed in PETA for showcasing this book and Victoria Beckham out of all people! I care about animals but promoting anorexic women in their name? Disgusting!

Posted by: aj | June 15, 2007 04:27 PM

The point, of course, is that if people are going to be buying diet books, they should pick one that advocates a healthy vegan diet. Victoria Beckham obviously doesn't need to be on a diet, but it would be great if people who do want to responsibly lose weight followed this book rather than the godawful Atkins Diet.

Posted by: Coolidge | June 15, 2007 04:33 PM

Victoria Beckham is sublime and has a fabulous body and her vegan diet-book is evidently not meant for herself (I'm surprised that there are people suggesting this) but these delicious recipes are for example exactly for people like me; i'm a so-called pudding-vegetarian, who eats too much sweet - so I think this shall change when I shall study this very interesting new book - and above all - why should animal protectors become angry from a vegan recipe-book - or are they not!?!? (hm, I mean animal protectors)

Posted by: Rose of Sherwood | June 15, 2007 04:57 PM

I'm confused by some of these comments. Are the first few people to comment anti-healthy weight? Victoria Beckham can buy whatever she wants to buy. If it's something that happens to promote humane treatment of animals, so much the better. Will everybody just take it easy ? Thanks.

Nice out, Jack.

Posted by: Chris | June 15, 2007 07:10 PM

The book isn't promoting anorexia...the name is just kind of a joke. It promotes a healthy, vegan diet. The name is just in reference to how most vegans tend to be skinny...like I said, it's meant to be a funny title, not taken so seriously.

Posted by: Jason Levy | June 15, 2007 10:12 PM

Maya. your comments disturb me.

First of all, if you are a scientist, you know full well that just because someone managed to pick up a degree does not mean they are competent or knowledgeable or ethical in any way.

In fact, many "scientists" support the animal abusing industries with concocted, nonsensical "science."

Degrees are a dime a dozen in the American educational system.

also as a "scientist" you might be aware of the repeated positive results that calorie restriction for humans has in research.

However, with regard to diet plans or aids or health or whatever, the American degreed "science" community (in its many manifestations) has produced some of the biggest charlatans, quacks, and liars on the planet.

Posted by: kelly | June 16, 2007 12:15 PM

OMG. Eat what you want people!!!!! This is a load of Bullcrap!! I don't think it is wise to try and change people!!! Why Not write a book called "Get a better attitude." I Luv Peta! I do, but I'm so tired of cynical, skinny, little, bitches!! can we say> Hipster Trash. Why not >Healthy bitches. I don't know? This one pissed me off, but I still luv ya Peta, at least when you make points concerning compassion and not elitism. Viva la, elitist hipster trash revolt..arriba..arriba

Posted by: Stacy | June 16, 2007 09:46 PM

Kelly, my dear, those are quite large generalizations you're making. I won't be a jerk and say something like, "so what's your degree in?" but unless you're in the field, you shouldn't stereotype people so much.

As I said in my comment, it's not that I think the book is inaccurate, but rather that the name "Skinny Bitch" for a diet book worries me. Skinny people are not automatically more healthy than non-skinny folk.

If you're going to have such a flippant name for a book, you'd better have good credentials to back it up. Obviously that's just my opinion.

Again, skinny does not automatically equal healthy. That's a scientific fact.

So stop stereotyping scientists. There are all different types. And if you think degrees are a dime a dozen, I wonder where on earth you attended grad school.

ps I admire your devotion to animal causes. I hope eventually you and I can be on the same page.

Posted by: Maya | June 17, 2007 03:51 PM

Im not against vegan or anything, but I HATE victoria beckham. And I am sort of disapointed in Peta for supporting anorexia.

Posted by: Krissie Shadows | June 17, 2007 09:01 PM

hey being thin is healthy. so what's wrong with promoting being thin? i think it's great, if everyone were thin there'd be a lot less dead animals (meat eaters), disease from obesity, liposuction, people depressed because they hate being fat, and so on. i think it's great that this book came out and promotes the vegan diet while also promoting the healthiness of having a low fat body. Beckham probably wants to know how to STAY thin, so more power to her for picking up this book.

Posted by: vegan4animals | June 18, 2007 11:34 AM

Just because someone is skinny does not mean they are healthy, BUT if you are truly healthy, you WILL BE skinny! Skinny mabye a negative word for some people, but most people classify body types as skinny, fat, or average. There may be semi-healthy average weight people, but anyone truly healthy will be classified as skinny. Our society is so fat now, that when they see someone like Victoria Beckham, they think she's too skinny. She's not in my opinion. If you look at most vegans, who have been vegans for a few years or raw vegans, you will find that they are pretty skinny too, but these are usually pretty healthy folks, unless they are a vegan that just eats a lot of junk and sweets.
Skinny is good. Fat is bad. Deal with it.

Posted by: Veronica R | June 18, 2007 01:22 PM

Some of the previous posters should be ashamed of themselves for being so critical of Victoria for wanting to control what she eats in an attempt to get healthier. (if, in fact, this book is for Victoria herself) Nobody (especially outsiders) has the right to make any such hasty, false generalizations.

(1) If any bothered to look up more information on the book: "The Skinny Bitch guide encourages women to eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables while urging them to abandon dairy products, eggs, meat and fish." Hello?

(2) "The book was written by two LA fashion luminaries - former model Kim Barnouin, who has a degree in holistic nutrition, and ex-Ford model agent Rory Freedman."

My, how quick we are to rail against the oppressive standards of beauty in our culture, only to turn around and dish someone for being too fat or too skinny, etc. It's pathetic.

Posted by: K | June 18, 2007 03:56 PM

Well, said "K."

I'm ever so tired of people bashing, trashing and smashing women who want to be thin, or women who already are thin, or women who actually enjoy and have fun with the fashion industry (sans animal torture, of course). Look folks, 180 degrees from sick is still sick...

Maybe, just maybe Mrs. Beckham was simply doing a wee bit of PR work for the book and made a point of picking it up for the cameras, did anyone ever consider that? Or perhaps, she is indeed getting it for a friend? Or even to flip through herself? Who said you have to be portly to pick up a book about improving your health? Settle down and let skinny vegetarians buy the books they'd like to buy...

Posted by: CupcakeMagee | June 18, 2007 04:59 PM

As long as this book results in less animals killed and more people turning vegan and healthy ..who cares if the devil himself buy it!! We are working to end ANIMAL suffering and abuse not to please people!!! Hello!!

Get real! Stop whinning and start helping animals folks!!
Well done Victoria B!!

Posted by: Gerardo Tristan | June 19, 2007 08:59 PM

Victoria Beckham is unhealthy and too skinny. Vegetarianism is not healthy, especially if you eat those fake vegetarian processed products. If you stick to vegies, fruits, nuts and seeds, seaweeds and good vegetarian protein sources than it can be called healthy.

Posted by: Sue | June 20, 2007 01:35 AM

No post toasty my last comment. Oh well, Probably for the best I went the F off about god knows what? Anyways, I guess it's a personal thing w/ me I hate all effing celebrities but, I want to help the animals.

I just don't like Euthanasia, in any kind of shelter. I wish all Shelters were NO KILL. But then again that's very idealistic of me and euthanasia is humane as long as there's no cruelty involved. I used to work in a veterinary clinic so, I get that.

Okay, enough ranting for me I think I'm going to go donate $$ to my local animal shelter now.

P.S. If ya don't see how this comment pertains to the blog, it's because they didn't post my last comment, which was very out there.

Posted by: Stacy Pfeifer | June 20, 2007 06:58 PM

Veronica--I'm afraid that you're wrong about healthy people necessarily being thin. I'm healthy and though I'm not heavy, I'm not skinny by any definition of the word. I never have been. And I've been vegan for three years now. You're right that vegans are often thinner than the general population, but to imagine that we can change our actual body types with any sort of diet is irrational.

However, I have no problem with people wanting to buy a book that promotes a truly healthy vegan diet as part of weight loss. (Victoria Beckham is really freaking skinny, though who knows if the book is for herself. Or maybe she's looking for an easy way to stay thin!)

Posted by: Canaduck | June 20, 2007 10:20 PM

Im a vegetarian and a beginning vegan, im also a scientist and have had a past with eating disorders including anorexia and bulimia. I think that previous comments on science are not applicable to all scientists. I study wildlife biology,and i am saddened by the circumstances surrounding the poor creatures i dissect (I will also be dissecting humans in the future, albeit, they die natural deaths). but i also know i do not support scientific research which harms animals in any fashion, i want to preserve nature and i have strong feelings towards animal cruelty. i just feel i dont have a say in some matters - how else could i learn about animal anatomy?

as for victoria beckham supporting this new book, a wrong message can be inferred. for starters -- the description of the book says nothing about vegetarianism. is Victoria a vegetarian? she looks healthy but we all know that physical beauty is only part of the package.

at any rate, i hope we can all learn to respect people too

Posted by: stasya berber | June 21, 2007 01:58 PM

I would be the first person to agree about promoting the wrong message. However I would suggest that people read the book before they make opinions here. I just finished reading the book and it promotes EATING! HEALTHY EATING! "Skinny" has gotten a bad reputation. Now people hear skinny and think Nicole Richie. That's not "skinny" that is malnurished and unhealthy.

Go spend an afternoon at a Whole Foods or a Wild Oats and you'll find all of the food that this book talks about. Organic fruits and vegetables, whole grain pastas and breads, legumes and rice and delicious soy products.

I just ask that you all PLEASE read the book before you jump to conclusions. I don't have an opinion about Victoria Beckham because I don't know her, but I do know that the book has a lot of cold hard facts and good information.

Posted by: Pamela G | June 21, 2007 05:44 PM

I am no great admirer of VB but this book did convert a heavy duty carnivore such as myself to becoming vegan, and loving it! Many people (such as myself)don't realise the crulty involved in the meat industry and if it takes a book with a daft title to bring it home to us so be it.

Posted by: Faye | June 23, 2007 04:18 AM

I've read the book. I love the book. How is the promotion of eating healthful a bad thing? Skinny does NOT mean healthy at all, but someone who eats pure healthy organic foods (legumes, fruits, veg, etc) has a 'healthy' look, the clear skin, toned body, and so forth. Go Victoria!

Posted by: Kristin | June 23, 2007 10:19 AM

I just flipped through this book at the store yesterday. It is a book that advocates a vegan, non-chemical, non-caffeine, super healthy diet AND exercise. PETA is right to support it!!! The title is misleading and really just a marketing tool. The fact that someone was photographed with the book... well, that doesn't mean said person can even READ! If I was photographed with a golf club in my hand, that doesn't make me Tiger Woods. The book is good, and if Posh-Tart accidentally finds herself promoting a vegan diet, then so be it!
PS: The descriptions of slaughterhouses, etc. in this book are VERY graphic and have affected even the most traditional of meat eaters I know.

Posted by: athenart | September 3, 2007 07:19 PM

Hey if she confortable and if she feels great and heathy
people should mine there own business on what she looks like............

Posted by: lori | September 19, 2007 12:32 AM

Other reports clarify that VB didn't buy the book, just picked it up and looked at it. Obviously, she looks amazing and doesn't need to lose weight. This book is a great way to make people aware of what they are contributing to through the diets they eat. Also, let's keep in mind that a degree does NOT make you educated. The world is full of educated morons!

Posted by: Mindy | November 21, 2007 01:39 PM

This book doesn't promote anorexia at all! One line from the book even says we want to be skinny bitches not scrawny bitches. It's about being healthy. I have already met people that were influenced go vegan because of this book.

Posted by: carrie | December 10, 2007 02:05 PM

You people who sit here and say they are promoting anorexia are dumb. The book is a healthy guide to slim down. The name is simply a joke. It is showing support for PETA. If you aren't a fan, here's a clue, don't read the book.

The girls aren't anorexic. They are helping people to find a healthier diet than hamburgers and beer. If you don't want to feel good about yourself...EAT UP!!!

Posted by: kerstin | December 10, 2007 08:48 PM

I find it ridiculous to see that some people who blog about the book have clearly not read it. People would be more knowledgeable of the contents if a person would have got past the title, as I did, and read it cover to cover like I did.

This book is common sense, and it is quite sorry on Maya's part for anyone to think that common sense of the relationship between plant and animals and sustaining a healthy body is promoting people to be skinnier and skinnier. Aren't we the world's heaviest country? Could some obese citizens lose a few pounds from eating healthy? I think that may be the consequence of using common sense and a knowledgeable mind.

And also Kerstin, a person can still drink beer, but it is advised to drink organic and additive-free.

Posted by: Danniell | December 20, 2007 12:32 PM

this book is not promoting anorexia in any way! its just the title "skinny bitch" is meant to grab your attention, in the book it clearly states that it is not about being skinny, it is about being healthy! it substitutes unhealthy things like chocolate with a more healthy option - no harm done! this book is gr8! :)

Posted by: Dee | January 10, 2008 07:17 PM

I own the book and think everyone is missing the entire point: It's revealing the harsh reality of the cruel farming industry and exposing the dangers of animal consumption. The second book is even more valuable because it provides nutritional recipes and protein substitutes. Please get off the Beckham topic. She's supporting the cause just as you are.

Posted by: Christina | January 26, 2008 05:28 PM

I've read this book and I think its great! My mom has followed the same diet for years not with the goal of being freakishly skinny but of being healthy. The foods the authors tell you to eat will make the average person lose weight because it is all non-processed foods. I think the book is great and its a much more healthy alternative to the thousands of other diets and fads people try these days.

Posted by: Emily | February 4, 2008 10:32 AM

I recently read this book.

About 4 years ago when I was a freshman in college I became very interested in eating whole minimally processed foods and began reading nutrition literature. I also did a research report on how food companies use false advertising to market their products - mainly on grains and high fructose corn syrup in snack foods and cereals.

I agree that the title is simply a Marketing Tool used to capture the attention of young women. I am a marketing major and I think it is genius. It appeals to women brought up on Cosmo and America's Next top model but it promotes a message not about being skinny but about being responsible for who you are and what you are eating. It is suggested that my generation is has been so over marketed to that we don't want to deal with the bullshit anymore we just want truth and facts to support it and this book does that. Skinny Bitch is based on research - not simply the authors’ opinion and all facts are properly cited. In all actuality it reads more like a research report.

After reading the book I used the reference section to do my own research - which is how I found this website.

Benefits:
I had some idea about what went on in the meat and dairy industry but no idea how horrible it actually was until I read this book. Since reading it I am no longer eating meat or dairy - and I feel so much better about myself inside and out!

I have been trying to get my roommate to eat healthier and after I shared this book with her she gave up Raman noodles and started eating more fruit and veggies!

Don't knock it before you try it...

Posted by: Lindsay | February 29, 2008 12:00 PM