This unusual dieting book was written by Julia Cameron, the bestselling author of The Artist’s Way. Cameron claims that she discovered The Writing Diet by accident. She was teaching courses about channeling one’s creativity, when she noticed that her students were shrinking. Not her class sizes – her students’ sizes. Literally. As they wrote about their lives, grew more in touch with who they were, they started to lose weight.
A light bulb popped on in Cameron’s creative head, and The Writing Diet was born.
How does the Writing Diet Work?
The Writing Diet all starts with journaling. Cameron asks you to write 3 pages a day. This might sound like a lot for some, but she urges you to trust her. She wants you to journal about anything and everything, but especially about how you feel when you want to eat, what you eat, how you eat it, and how you feel after you eat. (And yes, my hand was cramping up.) From there, Cameron walks her readers through some common sense weight loss information. She also urges walking as not only exercise, but also as a way of channeling creativity and self-awareness. Overall, Cameron’s point is that creativity can block overeating, that when we truly know ourselves, we can care for ourselves without falling into the trap of self-medicating with food.
Does the Writing Diet Work?
The book is full of success stories. Students came running to Cameron, one right after another, exclaiming about their newfound love for self and weight loss. I don’t mean to sound skeptical. Reading the stories of these students is motivational and inspiring. They just make it seem so easy. I guess that means I need to do more journaling.
How Much Weight Will I Lose?
The students that the book mentions lose upwards of 20 pounds, though most reported losing approximately a pound per week. Jennifer Peaslee, an Amazon reviewer, says:
"From the second I purchased this book I was not able to put it down. It is simply inspirational. I have already implemented Cameron’s advice into my daily life and have noticed changes not only in my weight, but also in my psychological well-being."
Side Effects
Only the hand-cramping.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- You will get to know yourself better.
- Journaling will help you track your eating.
- This diet encourages regular walking.
- This diet approaches us as whole people, with diverse needs.
- The diet is inexpensive and simple.
- There are no pills or concoctions to consume.
Cons:
- Journaling for 3 pages each day is time consuming.
Problems and Complaints
Some reviewers have complained that Cameron does not go deeply enough into the nutritional aspect of dieting. People have been bothered that she recommends consuming artificial sweeteners, and eating things like diet jello. However, Cameron never claims to be a nutritionist. She just claims to be a creativity expert. You could read this book, and employ all of the basic tenets of the diet, without having to get anywhere near jello.
This book is easy to customize to individuals and their personalities. Don’t expect this book to give you calorie counts, or list the benefits of agave nectar. Do, however, expect it to be a journey toward self-awareness, something every dieter needs.
Despite several positive reviews, this book is currently in Amazon’s Bargain Bin, and is available in limited quantities for $5.58, truly a steal. It’s a slim little volume, and an easy read.