We all know how to lose weight. Calories in. Calories out. Exercise. Eat right. And, of course, we all know there is no magic pill. If you accept these basic premises and stop looking for a quick fix, you will be able to enjoy Lisa Delaney’s journey from a fat girl to a size 0. Further, your enjoyment will be enhanced if you recognize that Delaney’s memoir, Secrets of a Former Fat Girl , does not focus on the nuts and bolts of her weight loss success but rather focuses on the emotional journey that, she says, enabled her to finally stick to a healthy eating and exercise plan. So, no, Delaney will not share the intimate details of what she ate at every meal, but she will share the details of her physical and mental transformation from a size 16 to size 2. The result is an inspiring story that might be just the impetus many of us yo-yo dieters need to emulate her success.

Delaney does give some practical advice in her memoirs, but it relates to how to stick to the diet and exercise program that you know (deep down) you will have to follow to lose the weight. My personal favorite is the use of “INO” (short for “It’s not an option!”) when you feel an urge to deviate from a routine of healthy eating. Specifically, she says you should train the voices in your head to say (or, if warranted scream) “ino” when tempted to indulge. Do you want a piece of cake? Of course, but INO! I am trying to lose weight. The technique really is that simple, and I can tell you, from personal experience, it really does work.

Along these same lines, Delaney suggests taking small steps towards a weight loss goal rather than attempting to make radical changes overnight. On the most basic level, she suggests starting to exercise for a few minutes each day and building up your stamina on a steady basis. The same advice pertains to eating healthy, she says, since you can still eat your favorite foods and lose weight. In contrast to the mainstream advice that suggests partnering with a weight loss buddy, she suggests keeping this information to yourself to prevent sabotage or even well-intentioned family members and friends from undermining your efforts.

Whether or not you enjoy Secrets depends upon what you are looking for. If you are looking for a structured weight loss plan, a fitness routine, or a list of permitted foods along with those to avoid, then this book is not for you. However, if you have already found a plan that will work for you (possibly from the countless weight loss books that do offer such a guide) and you are seeking extra motivation to stay on track, then run to your local bookstore for a copy of Secrets because it really is a satisfying treat.