The Lean

A Revolutionary (and Simple!) 30-Day Plan for Healthy, Lasting Weight Loss

By: Kathy Freston

Narrated by: Karen White

If you’ve ever dieted, you’ve undoubtedly worked very hard to achieve results—only to experience the disappointment of having the pounds creep back on. But now wellness expert Kathy Freston lets listeners in on her secret: losing weight doesn’t have to be difficult, and it can last. With this book she shares the powerful concept of the Lean—a radically effective approach to positive change—with a practical 30-day plan to transform your health and jump-start weight loss in the most gentle, easy, and automatic way possible.

“Leaning in” is about setting an intention for what you want, regarding weight and health, and then nudging yourself ever so gently in that direction, even if getting there seems impossible. It’s about choosing to eat foods that are delicious, filling, and supportive of your goals.

Each day of the scientifically based, vegan-friendly Lean plan, Kathy shows how to make and commit to small diet and lifestyle changes that, over time, yield unexpectedly significant results—something as simple as swapping nondairy milk for cow’s milk, eating an apple a day, or having an afternoon power shake. These changes propel you almost effortlessly into healthier choices and work together to bolster your progress. There are only two rules:

1. All you need is the willingness to take just one step.

2. As you add the healthier foods to your diet, eat the new foods first.

By gradually adding in these nutrient-dense and fiber-rich foods, you’ll crowd out the problem foods, feel fuller longer, and simply stop having cravings. On Kathy’s Lean plan, listeners can experience healthy, permanent weight loss of one to three pounds per week—plus increased energy, improved digestion, clearer skin, and renewed purpose. Complete with exercises, recipes, and powerful testimonials, The Lean offers not only a truly leaner body, but also the little push we all need to get on the path to lasting change.

Kathy Freston is a best-selling author with a focus on healthy eating and conscious living. Her instant New York Times best-sellers include Veganist, Quantum Wellness, and The One. She has made frequent television appearances, including on Oprah, The Dr. Oz Show, Ellen, Good Morning America, The View, The Martha Stewart Show, and Extra, as well as on the Oprah Winfrey Network. She lives in Los Angeles.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2012 Kathy Freston (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Good content but poor narration

What made the experience of listening to The Lean the most enjoyable?

I thought the way the content was built step by step in the book was very well done. It was current, logical and beneficial to me.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narrator presented as if she were speaking at a senior center meeting. If the target was for 80 year old's who have trouble with comprehension then she was on target. If it was for the general audience, she was extremely condescending in tone.

A Great Way to Ease into a Plant Based Diet

What did you love best about The Lean?

I purchased this book because I had listened to Kathy's other book called The Veganist which for the most part I enjoyed. I have been following a plant based diet for almost a year now so much of what she had to say in this book I am already doing. Having said that I did pick up a few "morsels" that I will use to tweak my current way of eating.

For anyone who is considering switching to a plant based diet (vegan) or who is open to that idea, I think this would be a great book to listen to. She puts to rest a lot of the myths around things like getting enough protein on a vegan diet.

Also, there is an appendix that can be downloaded that includes recipes etc.

Who was your favorite character and why?

n/a

Would you listen to another book narrated by Karen White?

Not sure I like this narrator although maybe for a fiction book she would be fine.

She Lost Me at Breakfast

I really can’t believe this misinformation is still being touted. “ Eat toast or oatmeal to boost your metabolism for hours!” Seriously?! So unbelievably outdated! And recommending replacing meat with fo soy to overweight people?! Super retro!

Kathy Freston is no health expert!

Would you try another book from Kathy Freston and/or Karen White?

There's something about Kathy Freston that I don't like. It's hard to put my finger on it... Maybe it's the fact that she doesn't know what she's talking about! She's one of the only vegetarian/vegan writers that encourages people to eat fake food, e.g. veggie sausage and tofu-based packaged foods. She probably drinks diet soda. I don't trust her!