List Price: $17.95 Our Price: $9.99 You Save: $7.96 (44%)

Product Description

The bestselling Body-for-Life? program is now tailored just for women-to help them achieve dramatic weight loss and body-changing fitness in just 12 weeks!

The #1 New York Times bestseller Body-for-Life helped millions of people the world over to build stronger bodies and enjoy a higher quality of life. Now Pamela Peeke, M.D., M.P.H., bestselling author of Fight Fat After Forty, adapts the unique insights of the Body-for-Life program to the specific hormonal, metabolic, and physiological requirements of women so they can achieve the same life-transforming results.

Dr. Peeke draws on cutting-edge research as she fashions a 12-week eating, exercise, and emotional health program, specially tailored to women. Among the book's highlights: o Stunning new before-and-after photographs with testimonials o Over 100 black-and-white photographs demonstrating the exercises o A Q&A section that anticipates and answers questions the reader might have

Dr. Peeke's appearances on Oprah, Larry King Live, Dateline, Primetime, Today Show, CNN Headline News, and other shows illustrate how inspirational she can be-and never more than in this book, motivating and instructing readers to make the changes that will produce a lifetime of mind and body fitness.

It's not all about the jeans; flattening the tummy helps fight "Toxic Fat"--the disease-inducing weight Dr. Pamela Peeke teaches women how to conquer in Body-for-LIFE for Women. Her firm belief is, most women already know what they're supposed to do: eat a balanced diet, ditch junk food, exercise, think positively. Peeke strives to show her "girlfriends" how to accomplish these tasks, customizing plans for young and old. Clients' stories (including a 95-year-old who worked herself out of a wheelchair and into a martial arts class, and a 14-year old who replaced 90 lbs. of fat with a healthy load of self-confidence) lend credence to Peeke's 12-week weight reduction plan; so do the wowsie before-and-after pictures. Gender-specific scientific evidence supports Peeke's premise that women's bodies require different care than men's. But she doesn't stop there.

Amazon.com Interview Read our interview with Pam Peeke.

Peeke digs deeper for her audience, defining four hormonal milestones of a woman's life (menarche to beyond menopause) and customizing a physical and mental transformation plan to suit each. Easing off on strict calorie and weight guidelines, she focuses instead on serious fat reduction, muscle improvement, and practical suggestions for self-care. A handful of charts and formulae help readers assess their progress; sample exercises and fitness logs help, too. But for Peeke, weight reduction pales to bolstering a woman's self-worth through nurturing healthier habits. The only rough pill to swallow is Peeke's two-page list of smart foods: it lacks suggestions for turning acceptable proteins, carbohydrates and fats into palatable daily meals.--Liane Thomas

Customer Reviews:

• The Original is Better.
  Having long been a fan of Bill Phillips and devotee of Body For Life, I was intrigued by the idea of Body For Life For Women and bought a copy as a gift for my wife. Day One: I received the book in the mail. Day Two: My wife and I each read the book and discussed it. Day Three: I returned the book by mail. Why? Two reasons. First, the material about the four phases of a woman's life, although interesting, was quite useless to her exercise and nutrition program, and the rest of the material didn't offer more than that found in the original Body For Life. Second, we found the book not as well organized, presented, and illustrated as the original and it included many unnecessary charts and tables. Simply put, my wife decided she will stick with the Phillips original because it's complete and so much better. ...more info
• Skim it and take what speaks to you
  I work-out regularly---I have all my life. I gained weight because of a medication glitch. The nutritionist that I worked with to lose the weight recommended this book. I think that it is good for women who are just getting to know themselves physically and mentally. It was overkill for me. In order to keep my life sane, I adapted the workout routine in the book to fit with the fitness classes thet I was already taking. Had I tried to adhere to every tenant and suggestion in the book, I'd have been miserable and I'd have had to re-arrange my entire life. Plus, some of the weight-checking and note-posting that the author suggests would have served only to make me more depressed over my weight gain. I know myself and I took from the book what would work for me and left the rest. ...more info
• Unbelievable piece of junk!.. Somebody, please buy my copy!
  If you have extra money to waste, do me a favor - please buy my copy!.. I've purchased this audio book with the hope to stay motivated with the Body For Life program. Instead, I got SO SICK listening her annoying voice and stupid common sense bla bla! If you evere have been in the gym and tend to take care of your body - I can guarantee you - you'll know everything what you are about to "learn" from this author. Bill Phillips should demand her to change the title - it is SO misleading! ...more info
• "Not a Diet"
  This book offers a plan to help a women develop a 'life-change' in their eating and exercise. ...more info
• Good information
  I like the information in this book and how it is conveyed. It's easy to understand and follow....more info
• Amazing Book - Exactly what I Needed
  I'm a 40+ female who has 2 children under 4 years old. This book "sang" to me. Ever since I had kids and turned the big 4-0, something happened to my body where it just feel apart. If you wonder what is happening to your body, this book will explain to you all the different "phases" of a womans life cycle. Ever since I had my youngest child 3 years ago, I've had people asking me when I was due again and guessing that I was 5 months pregnant. This book did a wonderful job explaining that lovely fat just under your belly button, Pamela Peeke calls it the menopot. In 2 1/2 weeks my menopot has shrunk enough where I no longer look pregnant. Yes, I still have a small "love handle" under my belly but by reading this book it enlightened me to how I had to change my eating habits for the particular phase in my life and why. It also explained how to burn the fat off your body without killing yourself. I've dedicated just 30-40 minutes a day either with cardio or the sample weight lifting exercises in this book and its made a significant increase in my energy level. I used to sit on the couch in the evenings even too tired to walk to the bedroom. Now my energy level has increased so much I've had more time and energy to play with my young children.
  
  A few key points I took from this book:
  I only needed to workout 30 minutes a day to achieve a more physical fit body
  Muscle burns calories faster
  Always have a Plan A, Plan B....
  Eat Healthier and don't over indulge
  Keep Moving
  
  One Plan A, Plan B Option I had to figure out in the 2 1/2 weeks:
  It was raining significantly outside so I no longer could walk, Plan A - I bought DVDs and did my 30 minute cardio inside
  
  
  Keep those "Plan As and Bs" going and by reading this book, I truly feel many woman can significantly improve their health, energy level and lose weight. ...more info
• So bad, I returned it
  This book was so bad, I returned it. It doesn't even have a plan in it like the original Body for Life book. It talks about the stages of life for women - before baby, after baby, and menopausal. I didn't get any new information that I didn't already know. ...more info
• Negative Subliminal Messages... beware
  Why bother with this when you can get the real meat of the program in Bill Phillip's Body For Life minus the negative subliminal messages?
  Something I notice with women authors, ESPECIALLY when they write about women's health.. is they tend to predetermine what you will experience at what age.. ie, power of suggestion like "when you are past 40, your body won't digest as well as it did before" "When you get older, your bones start to become brittle" "When you get past 40 you tend to not have as much energy" YES.. she actually says this in her book!!!
  PLEASE!!! Woman.. why are you trying to reiterate the negative media about women and their health?
  AND....what really makes me mad is that she's using the good name of Body for Life to promote these subliminal messages!! You don't find any of that mess in the BFL book.
  I, myself, am over 40 and I have experienced none of what she said I "should be" experiencing.. my energy level, health, physical and mental stamina are all there just as much as they were when I was 20... I never expected them not to be. If you start believing these messages you will start to give up.. because you think you're "supposed to at this age". In the long run, it's all up to you what you decide to believe and experience and what suggestions you let into your mind. Whether it is intentional or unintentional, beware of bad messages wrapped up in a "positive" looking package.
  ...more info
• OK
  The book itself is great! I'm living well because of reading this. The book came w/o cover, where I must have either skipped the description not saying that, or it was not mentioned. The book is great though I think that the description saying it did not have a cover should have been mentioned more, if it was mentioned at all....more info
• Liked Bill's better
  This was an okay book. If I hadn't read Bill Phillips Body For Life first then I would probably love this book. But I did read Bill's book first and I found it much easier to follow. It had a better layout and was better written I believe. He added humor with the information, which made it easier to retain. Pam Peeke was inspiring and had a lot of good information, but I just felt like something was lacking. One reason I purchased this book is because I felt that the original was geared toward men and I wasn't always sure about how much weight I should lift. I really thought Body for Life for Women would address this issue. I thought it would be a lot like the original except tell you how much weight a women should start out with, using the same exercises that Bill's book used and also womens health, etc. I was a little disappointed when everything in the book was completely different! I felt like the two books had nothing in common and I don't understand why they would share a title. I would say this is a pretty good book, but I would recommend you get Bill Phillips original Body For Life book. ...more info
• Seriously?
  Are you kidding me? Let me start by saying that I have not read the entire book- but I don't need to!! Ladies- don't sell yourself short...why would you NOT follow the original BFL plan? Eat clean and balanced, train hard, believe in yourself...it's that simple. The very IDEA of "BFL book for women" suggests that women cannot/will not succeed with the original plan....ridiculous. Get Bill Phillips book instead and go get 'em girl!! ...more info
• It works
  Diets are boring; working out is worse. Then you find you have to do something because your doctor is on your case. This plan actually works. I was introduced to it by a trainer at a gym and I have not just my own progress to monitor but also a bunch of other over-the-hill types in the same boat as me. We're stronger, slimmer, and walk proud. It gives step by step instructions on weight lifting how-tos, power bars, the usual what-to-eat/what-not-to-eat, multi-vitamins - absolutely everything. Besides being a good read, it motivates the reader into action....more info
• Body for life for Women
  Dr Peeke shows women the way to a more fit and healthly body.The layout is geared toward the women who trains at home, the program can be done in the gym just as easyly.Loved the chapter on hormones and weight gain and the foods to help fight the battle of the tummy. Good pictures throughout the book....more info
• my review
  fast shipping love the book it gets a little preachie but it keeps you sayin i wanna lose weight...more info
• What a disappointment!
  I got this book expecting updated information, women specific, for the same great program that was in the original book. What I ended up with was a bunch of advice that basically allows women to continue to take it slow, make excuses and put off getting their butts up off of the couch. None of the women featured in the pictures followed this watered-down approach. They ALL got those fabulous results with the original Body for LIFE program by Bill Phillips. Save the money you'd spend on this, quit making excuses and jump in with both feet on the original program. Skip this hooey altogether, if you truly want that awe-inspiring body you've been dreaming of!...more info
• Wow, finally a plan that works!
  On a regular trip to the library with my kids I checked out "Body for Life for Women" expecting to follow my usual routine; check out diet book, read some pages, realize it won't work and return it. I tried them ALL...Richard Simmons, Atkins, South Beach, just to name some popular ones...and nothing helped. Actually, I had been dieting my whole life! I was only 20 pounds overweight but it looked like much more due to my fatty ugly areas. But this book I couldn't put down, it was different from ALL the rest. 'Body for Life for Women' doesn't dictate what you should eat with daily menus, it gives YOU the choice of what you will eat from a large list of 'good for you' foods! This book was easy to read and even easier to follow. Even the excercises are easy to do! After just 2 months I had lost 3 inches off my thighs, amazing! I have been physically AND mentally transformed thanks to Dr. Peeke and "Body for Life for Women".
  Dr. Peeke's book changed my life in a way only those that read the book and follow the plan will ever understand. I feel great and know in my heart by following this program I will maintain my healthy (low) weight. I went from a size 8 to a size 0 and my doctor says I've never been healthier! If Dr. Peeke is ever in my area I would love to introduce myself and thank her in person and extend my gratitude for such a great book and a caring support staff..It's been over 10 months and but just a little swaying during the Holidays (sweets get me every time!); I have maintained the good eating habits that I established after starting Dr. Peekes program. I have worked at the same company for over 20 years and we employ over 2000 associates (I personally know about 75% of them) and as I see each and they notice my transformation I encourage them to change their life with "Body for Life for Women". I will forever continue to recommend this book to everyone I talk to. I have never felt as good about myself as I do now and I owe it to Dr. Pamela Peeke and 'Body for Life for Women'! I HIGHLY recommend this book.
  
  ...more info
• Not as easy as Dr. Peeke makes it sound......
  This book has some interesting ideas but it does not give you a complete layout to follow, it does talk about the diet, the good foods and the bad and it does give you a workout schedule and the exercices.....but for me it is more like this is the big picture if you can put it together then you will succeed. I took the information part of this book and will walk the weight off one walking day at the time.........more info
• Not at all what I was hoping for.
  I already have Bill Phillip's original book, and I'm beginning my second challenge. I never completed my first.
  
  I was hoping to get Mr. Phillip's information tailored for a woman. I was hoping Dr. Peeke would realize that many women would like to achieve the Plan's dramatic results, but are intimidated by the first book's matter-of-fact information on weightlifting which seems to assume you're comfortable figuring it out on your own.
  
  I'd like to know what exercises give women the best results, and how to perform them. The first book doesn't tell you where to start. How about some idea of how much weight an average woman should try for a given exercise? Maybe a sample page of exercises and weights?
  
  No, Dr. Peeke wants me to tape a note on my refrigerator reminding me not to eat. She wants me to stay strong as the raging monthy hormone changes shatter my resolve to stick to my diet. I don't know who this book was written for, but it certainly isn't me.
  
  I bought this book at first sight, glad that someone had taken the time to adjust the plan for me (or so I thought). I am really sorry it's not seriously written to help women get more out of the Body-for-Life plan....more info
• Good Product
  I did like her version of Body for Life but the original book was easier to follow, especially when it came to the body building tips. It brought up some unique women issues but I did like the tips in the original Body for Life better....more info
• Go for the original body for life book
  I am so disappointed in this book. It was just too general in the workouts and not very inspiring. Certainly not as inspiring as the original Body for Life book.
  
  Unless you are already going through menopause and want to read what she has to say about that, don't bother with this book. I am not menopausal and it seemed like a huge portion of the book was about menopause...
  
  I completed the body for life once before and lost 15 pounds and got down to 21% body fat. I was in great shape and kept it off till I got pregnant. Now 4 years later (15 pounds heavier) and at age 37 I am ready to try again and thought this book would be a great addition to the first.
  
  I shouldn't have bothered. I gave this book away to a menopausal friend who I knew would never do the original body for life book but thought this might be more her style. (really though I hate to pass it off because the first book was SO MUCH BETTER!)
  
  If you have to choose between this book and the original go for the original!!
  
  
  ...more info
• Very inspiring
  I found this book very inspiring. I have just finished it and am making plans to follow the guidelines in the book and look forward to the results. I like that it involves the mind and emotions and is not just about dieting and working out....more info
• I Want To Die Very Young At A Very Old Age
  In June 2005 I walked into a bookstore and happened to notice the book "Body For Life". I looked it over and thought "what the heck, I've tried everything else". The information in this book is transforming my life. It has given me the knowledge to understand the changes my body has and is going through thus making all the difference to my mental as well as my physical well-being. This book has finally taught me 'mind over matter'. I am 51, 5'7" and in just 12 short weeks, I have gone from 190.5 pounds to 169.5 lbs., removed 21 inches, gone from a size 16 to 12 and feel wonderful. And, I did it 'my way'. No diets, no pills, this is a commitment to a healthy way of life. Halfway to my goal, I urge everyone to get this book. If it weren't for "Body For Life", well I'm not sure...but it has changed my life and more than likely, saved me from a future I never want to imagine! ...more info
• Practical and inspirational
  I found the book to be both practical and inspirational. So many books on losing weight just recycle the same methods and this book breaks that pattern. The women described are people I could find in my own friendship network or see in any mall when I shop. Like me, they have busy lives and find it hard to make time for themselves. But with the program outlined in this book, I see a way for me to reset my patterns and lose weight and to do so within the context of my whole life, not just as a sidebar to everyday living. I think Dr. Peeke took a big risk in writing this book because it does break the rules - it faces the issue that "traditional lessons" in the world of weight loss need to be re-examined. At times,the book seems to be talking directly to me, showing me that she truly understands the special issues that women face in the daily challenges of working hard to be fit and healthy. I'm charged up with practical information that I can put to work today and I've already started the 12 week plan! It is my intention to not only reshape my body, but reshape my life as well so that I've got a long range plan that will sustain me over the many years I've got left. ...more info
• Winning Words on Mind, Body and Health for Women
  As a former professional athlete, I have and always will be interested in fitness and a healthy body and mind. As a result, I have read numerous books on the subject, and I think Dr. Peeke's book ranks at the top of the best. Not only does she lay out an easy to read guide for weight reduction and fitness strengthening, but more importantly, Dr. Peeke focuses on women-specific needs and issues which ultimately lead to a healthier mind and body. For those readers that may take issue with some of Dr. Peeke's advice, you should know that she can't hold everyone's hand in achieving a healthier life. She gives you the tools you need, and the rest is up to you. The evidence in her book in the way of testimonials and pictures speaks volumes. I hope that she keeps writing....more info
• Good information
  I like the information in this book and how it is conveyed. It's easy to understand and follow....more info
• AWESOME BOOK!
  I've bought many books on excerise and losing weight and this is by far the best book (especially for woman) that I have ever bought....more info
• A must read for every woman of every age!!
  I am a typical 40 year old woman who was fit and healthy BK (before kids!!). I kind of lost myself after having my children and had a hard time getting back into an exercise routine and healthy lifestyle! This book is all those wonderful things that I already knew to be positive and healthy but had a hard time putting back into my day. This book gave me the strength to get back on track and to take the necessary steps to a better life. I have lost 12 lbs. and have about 10 to go!! I know that with the support of Dr. Peeke and her words of strength and wisdom I will make it without any trouble!! I have shared this wonderful book with so many people and I hope every woman regardless of her age will read it!! ...more info
• Disappointed
  I thought this book would be an adaption of Bill Phillips Body for Life adjusted to fit womens needs. I felt there was very little of Phillip's principles in the book. The menu is changed. There is no discussion of Bill's work out regiment - which is the core of his program! This book is geared toward middle-aged women who have no program....more info
• Almost as good as the real thing
  Pam Peeke expanded Bill Philips BODY FOR LIFE into a plan just for women. The book offers special features like focusing on weight loss/work out programs for women at various stages of life. That's good. There's even special diet recommendations for women depending on their age. I liked all that. There is also great motivation tools in here with plenty of goal setting for you to work through. And if you don't have Bill Philips BODY FOR LIFE, you'll love this book by itself. I just couldn't give it 5 stars merely because it just doesn't QUITE match up to the best of the best--the original BODY FOR LIFE by Philips. The bottom line, this book is for women with little to no knowlege or interest in weight training but willing to give it a try to obtain the body they always dreamed of. If you're intimidated by a program written for both men and women, get this book instead of Philips (but you can't go wrong getting both--I did and was glad I did....more info
• Not as good as the original
  
  I love the Body for Life program and started it in 1999 when Bill was on Montel. I was excited to see the Body for Life for Women book and thought it would be a great book to refresh my workout/eating and get more motivation from the book. It was nothing like the original Body for Life. There is some good information, but really the BFL book outlines and gets you motivated to change your life. This book did not.
  
  If you are starting out and want to change your life please pick up the original BFL. Good Luck! ...more info
• Can we have something that doesn't assume women are stupid and shallow?
  OK, that title is not quite fair because Ms. Peeke does her best to inspire her readers and really means well, but... I wasn't looking for something that reads like a mainstream women's magazine.
  
  I bought this book after getting the original Body For Life because I thought it would be a useful adjunct from a woman's point of view. The only reason I am giving it three stars is for its list of exercise equipment and the list of exercises that don't require a gym.
  
  I know lots of people like to believe that weight loss is all about calorie theory but that's not remotely where the cutting-edge nutrition researchers are these days. They're learning that the human body processes different macronutrients in different ways, and not all calories are used or stored. So I really didn't need another book about calorie theory: when I can eat 2000 to 3000 calories a day and still lose weight, AND be eating high-fat, AND am not exercising regularly, something ain't kosher in the land of Denmark. I would like dietary advice that doesn't ask me to starve myself, thanks.
  
  I also did not need an essentialist tome about how DIFFERENT women are from men. Granted, there are some physical differences, but they are not so great as to be insurmountable. And I am not a "girl," and I do not necessarily feel I am part of this great gender monolith of people who all think alike just because they were born with XX chromosomes.
  
  I will use this for the exercise tips, but otherwise I prefer Bill Phillips's book (although his has flaws as well). Also, the original BFL shows you how to participate in the Program, and this one is not connected to the Program at all. So if you're a woman and haven't bought the other book yet but think this one will help you do that twelve weeks properly, you've now been warned....more info
• This book WILL keep you motivated!!!
  I have been trying to lose the same 25 pounds for the last 11 years. Although I started healthy eating prior to reading this book it has been a GREAT tool. It has educated me on proper eating habits and has wonderful workout tips not to mention the awesome success stories that have been a constant source of motivation for me. I am 14 pounds lighter and have gone from a 12/14 to a slim size 8 but this book hasn't just changed my body it has changed my life!!! If you are even thinking of trying to lose weight I truly believe you will have a better chance of sticking to it and reaching your goal if you read this book. I love this book and disagree with other reviewers that said it's not worth the paper it is printed on. If you are a professional weightlifter and dietician this book is not for you. If you are over weight, eat crap and are ready to fess up to your unhealthy life style this book is for you!...more info
• Nutrition and exercise for those over forty
  I listened to the audio version of this book first, and then read the actual book. The audio version was a little more interesting, and doesn't have as much information thrown at you. It was basically an overview, and obviously did not contain the different charts and success stories.
  
  "Body For Life for Women" is mainly geared for women over forty. I would not recommend it to anyone thirty or under, even though she mentions a few things for women in their reproductive years.
  
  Overall, I found this book a little boring, and there wasn't much new that wasn't already in the original "Body For Life". However, a few things that I did find helpful were recommendations for supplements for women that are in perimenopause and menopause, some of the things your body will go through in those stages and how to counteract that. I also liked the section "The Muscle Formula at Work: The Body for Life for Women Training Method". Dr. Peeke covers how to measure your workout and diet progress, gives a workout schedule, and then in the Appendix she provides pictures of Upper body and Lower body weight lifting exercises....more info
• Back to Basics!
  This book is inspiring and very easy to read. Dr. Peeke's down to earth, tell it like it is advice is refreshing. This is really just back to the basics... eating 5 small meals per day and exercising 6 times per week. Dr. Peeke gives food suggestions and workout instructions. I've been keeping track of everything in my Mind, Mouth, Muscle journals and am comforted to know that we're not all perfect, and if you can follow the simple plan at least 80% of the time, you're doing great! After my 2nd child, I've struggled to take off the 55 pounds I gained during pregnancy and bedrest. This plan has made me feel better than I have in a long time and my clothes are getting big! Thank you for an easy, healthy, non-fad way of living, eating and working out! ...more info
• Original BFL is Better
  I like the original BFL book- this one has too much unneeded information, plus it is not very clear on the actual plan!...more info
• Too "Women Unite" for Me
  I agree with reviewers who liked the original Body For Life very much and got this thinking that, as a woman, perhaps this would be even more helpful to me.
  
  Well, it wasn't. There is some good information but far too much, in my opinion, women empowerment--a word I've come to hate--and weird psychobabble philosophy.
  
  The exercises are pretty much the same. Which is good since those in Bill Phillips' book cover everything. I liked the nutritional advice and meal plans in Phillips book much better also. Just too much of the same of everything but what is different wasn't particularly inspiring to me.
  
  My advice is to stick with the original. I highly recommend it.
  ...more info
• great for women
  I liked this book. It is written in a casual yet straight forward way. The plan is easy to follow and tailored to the busy woman....more info
• Body For Life For Women
  great help and pratical advice. it is working! Thank you this is the turning point i needed. I do feel much better when following the eating and exercise plan....more info
• Thank you for this book
  The book Body for Life for Women was great! Just good basic sense. I am 68 and have exercised all my life but still need shaping up! Also the section about "menopot", my daughter has said "Well don't think you can escape that". I told her she needs to read the book now.
  
  Thank you for such a wonderful book.
  Dee
  ...more info
• I'M RECOMMENDING IT TO MY CLIENTS
  I have a lending library of books that I recommend to my clients and Body for Life for Women is among them. It may have some of the flaws that other reviewers have noted, but this book still has a lot of strong, useful advice to offer. Pamela D. Blair, Author The Next Fifty Years: A Guide for Women at Mid-Life And Beyond...more info
• very inspirational, but....
  This is a great book, and it will inspire you to get off your butt and strive for those "after" pictures featured inside the front and back covers (and they are really something), and the fact that Dr. Peeke breaks down a woman's life into hormonal milestones is very useful.
  
  But allow me to nit-pick--on a practical level the charts that are included in the book are almost useless. In fact, I ended up throwing my photocopies away and I'm logging freehand. For example, Dr. Peeke recommends lifting weights in sets of three, increasing the weights and decreasing the reps each subsequent set. But on the weight lifting charts, there's no space to record this. In the diet section, Dr. Peeke is very thorough about how much protein, fruit, simple and complex carbs etc. one should have, taking into account age, activity level, and BMI. But on the daily food log chart,what you're asked to check off boxes for only water, protein, and calcium rich foods (and a 'mini-chill" (chocolate)--can't argue with that!)in addition to logging your food intake by the hour. By the way, planning what you're going to eat really DOES work--completely eliminates the frantic eat-anything moments.
  
  Anyway, my point is that when I got to the end of the book, I was fired up, and ready to go. I looked in the bookstores for a pre-printed logbook or journal specifically for Dr. Peeke's book (there is one for Body-for-Life), and resigned myself to spending big bucks at Kinko's. Fortunately I didn't waste too much money on the photocopies, so do yourself a favor and just buy a big blank book instead--the info is easy enough to write out.
  
  Another small quibble--only deep somewhere in the text does Dr. Peeke admit that those dramatic before and after pictures were women who "probably" exceeded the cardio and lifting guidelines she sets forth, and encourages us not to get discouraged if we don't look like them after twelve weeks. I'm still hopeful, but it seems like a bit of false advertising.
  
  By the way, anybody else over forty looking for some serious inspiration (for you or maybe somebody you love), also check out Younger Next Year for Women. It will change the way you think about movement and relationships forever.
  
  What are you doing still at the computer? Go put your running shoes on and get out the door!!!...more info
• Stick to the Original Body for Life
  The message I got from this book is:
  If you are past menopause, forget about looking good. Your goal with the Body for Life program, in this final, last phase of your life (phase 4,) should be to live independently as long as you can, with out getting sick.
  
  Just five years ago I did the original Body for Life and had great success. I thought this book would be an accompaniment to the original Body for Life by Bill Phillips, with more emphasis on how to tailor the program for women. For the most part, it was about Dr. Peeke's research into the four phases of a woman's life and how they contribute to weight gain.
  
  Long on data and cute remarks "girlfriend", short on motivation and help.
  
  
  
  ...more info
• Overall - good purchase
  This book spells out how to eat and live a healthier life. However, it is for women who are in different stages of life. As a result, you have to weed through a lot of material that doesn't really apply to you. The layout is organized so that you can easily skip the sections that do not apply to you.
  
  Overall, I am pleased with the book. The author provides a hard dose of reality. ...more info
• Body For Life - lite
  My wife and I are reviewing this book together. She opted to straighten up the kitchen if I did the typing. Works for me! Be aware that we are tough graders. If you don't tell the bad with the good then these reviews aren't worth much.
  
  The book has some merit that I'll get to in a minute, but first the negatives (for us, anyway). Over all it seems to be the output of a marketing buzz saw, not much more. In Texas they might say "big hat, not many cattle." It obviously attempts to ride on the success of the original BFL book by its layout, color, and dimensions but that's were the similarity ends. The two are night and day. It takes about 85 pages or so before it says anything particularly actionable. Up till then it plays up the "woman as victim" and "it's not my fault" routine big time. We don't really see anything new added to the health and fitness discussion in either the diet or exercise area, and what real content there is, is contained in just a handful of tables and pages that is readily available on the Internet for free.
  
  Positive: If you lack self confidence and need some encouragement and hand-holding, the book does do a lot of that. If you are the kind of person that gets inspired by before & after photos and reading brief "changed my life" testimonials, this could be the book for you. Actually, the book goes beyond typcial b&a photos- it give you before, after, AND several years after (unfortunately, if you look close you can see a high percentage of back-sliding in the third photo! We appreciate the editors honesty.)
  
  The best part of the book in our oppinion is appendix C, the six pages of daily recording templates for diet and exercise. We believe using such devices can really help a person that is struggling with change, keeping you on track. Appendix A, the actual exercise photos and descriptions is pretty useful also as a reference.
  
  All in all, the book will likely be useful for only those that have little to no experience with health and fitness programs. Its main positives are it encourages and provides basic information. Be wary of self-help books that the cover is dominated by a photo of a person with a stethescope hanging around their neck and a forward from a celebrity - Cindy Crawford, in this case (what does she not endorse, anyway?) ...more info
• Body For Life For Women
  great help and pratical advice. it is working! Thank you this is the turning point i needed. I do feel much better when following the eating and exercise plan....more info
• Time to take control
  I'd just like to say I have read the book from cover to cover. Absolutely great.
  
  Being a body for Life believer in the past. Was great to see one for women put together.
  
  Its all about the lifestyle change. We can all loose weight short term but keeping it off is more of a challenge.
  
  ...more info
• Excellent guide to women's weight removal through healthy eating and exercise
  In Body for Life for Women, Dr. Pamela Peeke takes the original Body for Life concepts and gears them more specifically towards women. In particular, she focuses on the four "hormonal milestones" of a woman's life (menstruation/early adulthood, childbearing years, perimenopause/menopause, postmenopause). Not only does Dr. Peeke clearly understand the special needs of women in each of these stages, but also she tailors her advice to match each stage.
  
  Dr. Peeke presents a simple weight removal program (she doesn't like the term "weight loss," which implies that the weight has gone missing and you want it back!) which focuses on three main areas: Mind, Mouth, Muscle. Mind involves dealing with the psychological/emotional obstacles to removing weight, and Dr. Peeke offers specific suggestions for how to identify your own personal motivation and to persevere. Mouth addresses your eating habits. Rather than offer a specific diet plan, Dr. Peeke presents simple eating guidelines. She classifies food into three basic categories--smart protein, smart carbs, and smart fats--and explains exactly how many portions you will need from each category in order to meet your goals. The final segment of the program, Muscle, is the exercise component; here, Dr. Peeke stresses the importance of both cardio AND weight training to achieve success. She presents a variety of cardio options, and the weight exercises are clearly described and illustrated in the appendix.
  
  Although the above program is structured, it is by no means overly strict. Dr. Peeke encourages you to go at your own pace: if you want to begin by making dietary changes but aren't yet ready to tackle exercise, she tells you to go for it. In fact, throughout the book, she comes across as extremely supportive, caring, and encouraging (although I found her "you go girl"-type statements to be a little over-the-top at times). Her writing is very straightforward, and she maintains a "you can do it!" attitude throughout. But, if you need further encouragement, you don't have to look any further than the amazing book jacket "before and after" photos and the truly inspiring success stories contained within the text.
  
  This book is ideal for any woman who is ready to follow an uncomplicated weight removal plan that will lead to lifetime changes. My only caveat would be to mention that if you are looking for a program that more regimented and restricted, this book might not be for you, but I highly recommend it to all others....more info
• Often inspiring
  To be honest, I had expected something else. Dr. Peeke's book Body For Life for Women has many success stories, but those where not really interesting to me because I believe it will help.
  
  I had expected a more detailed eating plan and training plan, because I thought men and women are different. I was not looking forward to a body building body, but a more lean body.
  
  The exercises mentioned in this book contained less reps than the ones Billy presented. An explanation about why women had to do less reps, where not mentioned. To be more aware about my training would give me more understanding how to treat my body. What will increase my metabolism and how? Another thing which was not really clear to me was the total reps, do rep 12 to 20 reps, then 12 to 15 reps and 8 to 10 reps. So this was not very clear to me, so I chose the highest number, thinking that must be good.
  Doing the abs crunches was a bit unclear, I had not been able to find the number of reps and sets it was required to do these exercises, since you don't have weights. Maybe you can, but put them on you chest or so.
  
  I was told that people have different body types and that the training has to be adjusted according, pearshapes, versus apple etc. Unfortunately, this information was not available.
  
  However the explanation about the different milestone, where interesting, same as the information about losing muscle was an eye-opener to me.
  
  If one person has to train at home, how would the training program look like, instead of buying all kinds of stuff, where you have no place to put. What kind of exercises should a person do. Like walking up de stairs for your calves and legs and so on.
  About the mouth part, the body for life smart foods table, is that all? I am a chinese woman and I do eat different types of chinese veggies, which are available in chinese grocery stores, how many can I eat of those? How about different kind of herbs like basil, koreander, mint etc. I use lots of herbs and I am not sure whether it fits in the eating plan. How about small chilipeppers,is that okay?
  
  I do consult the book often if I am buying groceries and I review the training exercises. The language is very easy to read and it the content is very encouraging as well, which does help.
  
  ...more info
• Looking forward to my new body and mind.
  I'm 43 yrs. young,just read Body for Life For Women,I've accepted the challenge to remove the 40 lbs. in excess that I'm carrying for over 5 yrs.,especially with my rising LDL.I applaud all the women that have made those incredible(should I say credible!)changes and in the near future I would like to say I did it too.I exercise 6 days a week,actually training for the 10K comming next February 26 in San Juan,PR.Would also like to learn more about the retreats since I believe is a very special treat to share some time with women in search of an optimal state of health.Looking forward to meet Dr. Peeke in one of her retreats and express my gratitude in person.
  Jacqueline Ormaza,
  340 Las Cumbres Ave.apt.2405
  San Juan,PR 00926...more info
• Too many excuses not to do it!
  I ordered both the original Body for Life (which I love) and this other "for Women" version when I was deciding to make a change in my life. While the original is short, succinct and very well organized, the "for women" version is too long, too involved and seems to list tons of reasons why women won't be able to succeed at this plan! This is one time when simple is best - man or woman, go with the original Body for Life instead of this knockoff that tells us we'll never really look that good and probably won't get through the program because we're too emotional, but all that's ok because WE ARE WOMEN. It's poopy!...more info
• Opinion on Body for Life shipment
  Finally a book about women FOR women. Let's face it, we can't lift weights, do military-style push-ups, and squats like the guys--but we can do good things for our bodies and have a good attitude about it. Pamela Peeke shows us how and how other women have succeeded before us. I really like the before and after pictures....more info
• Inspiring
  I found this to be a great book! I have the first one by Bill Phillips and found that good as well, but in many ways lacking for me because it's geared for men. Dr. Pam Peeke takes care of that to the tenth degree! You can reach your goal, even when you have a crazy lifestyle that makes most plans seem impossible. ...more info