Kim Bensen knows what it’s like to be fat. At 350 pounds, she has been there with so many people who struggle with their weight, year after year. In her book, Finally Thin! How I Lost 200 Pounds and Kept Them Off—and How You Can, Too, Bensen describes so many humbling, embarrassing, and telltale moments that those of us who’ve struggled with our weight can groan or gasp or nod with and say, “Yeah, I’ve been there! That is me.” Bensen’s bravery in sharing these stories helps create a bond between her and the reader right off the bat.

Bensen then catapults the reader into the world of dieting—what has worked, what hasn’t, and her own experiences in the dieting world. BMI, caloric intake, exercise, and other factors are all explored. Most readers will probably already be familiar with these diets; Bensen says that while many of these plans did not work for her, they can work for others; depending on who you are and what you’d like to accomplish, any diet could possibly work for you. She then provides her own ten steps toward succeeding in your own weight loss journey.

While Bensen’s tips are very helpful, it all comes down to whether or not you are truly ready to lose the weight. One recurring theme in Bensen’s book is the yo-you routine that so many of us have experienced—losing and gaining, then losing and gaining again. Bensen went through her own yo-yo routine for decades, as have hundreds of other people; I think that no matter what approach you use, really being ready and sticking with your goals is very important.

The rest of Bensen’s book contains over 70 awesome recipes to use in your weight loss journey. Her whole wheat pizza crust contains less than 100 calories per serving, and her chocolate banana milkshake, which will surely satisfy any sweet tooth, is only 128 calories per serving. Other delicious recipes, such as coffee treats, artichoke cups, wontons, cheese dip, salads, and many more, are included. Bensen says that she is no cook herself, and that if she can cook any of these recipes, anyone can. (Her husband, she notes, agrees.)

She also lists several snacks under 100 calories, as well as under 50 and 25 calories, such as tomato juice, jell-o, cool whip, shrimp, and tomato slices. This will come in handy for planning your daily snacks and meals.