Weight-loss books are one of the most popular types of self-help books on the market today and the people who buy them generally know what to expect. Most weight-loss books provide advice concerning what to eat, how to plan meals, how to exercise, and what to do in order to successfully reach a weight-loss goal. I think all of these things are excellent components to a weight-loss book and that’s why I have included them in my new book that is coming out in the late summer or early fall of this year. However, my book also has something new: poetry!

The name of the book is No Salads Required! How I Lost 159 Pounds without Salads, Celery, Sit-Ups or Surgery and How You Can Too! It contains seventeen poems that are designed to both entertain the reader and also present the various ideas in the book in a creative and memorable way.There is a poem in the introduction, the conclusion and the reader’s discussion guide as well as at least one in each chapter of the book.

I realize that poetry about weight loss is unconventional to say the least, but that’s exactly why I wanted to both write it and include it in my book. Readers are always looking for something fresh and different and I wanted my book to be just that. No Salads Required! also contains my personal weight-loss story. This gave me the opportunity to include both humor and insights into what I experienced as  during my weight-loss journey.

This photo was taken before I began my weight-loss program. I weighed about 281 pounds at the time.
This photo was taken before I began my weight-loss program. I weighed about 281 pounds at the time.

Recently I have been thinking about how much I enjoyed using poetry to discuss weight loss and I decided to write a special poem specifically for the readers of my blog. Here it is:

Why Weight-Loss Books Are Popular

The choice to try to lose weight

Isn’t always easy.

Sometimes just the thought of it

Can make a person queasy.

But, once the door is opened

And a new you is in sight,

Suddenly the prospect

Can fill you with delight!

Imagine what you want to be

Then make those dreams come true.

If you really want this,

It’s possible for you!

Choose healthy food you like to eat

And eat it every day.

Do exercise you like to do,

And pounds will melt away!

Of course, it helps to have someone

Who’s been there before,

To walk you through the process

And tell you what’s in store.

That’s why folks buy weight-loss books

To show them what to do,

And teach them and encourage them

As they do something new.

In fact, some people never try

To lose weight on their own.

They like the hope a book provides

So they don’t feel alone.

If what you need is a good book

To get your engine fired,

Be sure to go out and buy mine

It’s called No Salads Required!

As I mentioned earlier, No Salads Required! will be available either late summer or early fall of 2015 . You will be able to order it from Amazon.com and other stores. I wish each of my readers great success on their weight-loss journey and I hope that my book will be an important part of that!