Michelle Johnson-Farley’s The Same 20 is a candid, detailed, and emotionally resonant guide for anyone who has ridden the “diet roller coaster” of losing and gaining the same 20 pounds over and over. Drawing from her personal experiences as a registered dietitian and personal trainer, Farley offers a buffet of dieting strategies—from calorie counting and keto to veganism and intermittent fasting—interwoven with scientific explanations, motivational advice, and emotional introspection. The book encourages readers to uncover their why, make sustainable lifestyle changes, and ditch the destructive cycle of fad diets in favor of holistic well-being.

Farley’s writing is grounded, funny, and vulnerable in just the right doses. I appreciated how she didn’t sugarcoat the science or the mental toll dieting takes. Her breakdown of how diets mess with metabolism, hormones, and emotional health hit close to home. And her tone is friendly but firm, like a coach who won’t let you quit, even on your worst day. It was refreshing to see a book that doesn’t glorify quick fixes but instead champions small, meaningful shifts.

Her thoroughness is undeniable. The practical meal plans, science-backed explanations, and gentle encouragement make it more than just a guide—it feels like a survival kit for dieters who are emotionally drained and physically stuck. I found myself highlighting phrases like, “Life is short, eat a cupcake,” not just because they’re witty, but because they get to the heart of the matter: balance.

The Same 20 is a perfect read for people who are exhausted by diet culture but still crave guidance to take charge of their health. It’s for the parent juggling kids and self-care, the young adult burnt out by trends, or the midlifer trying to finally “get it right.” If you’ve ever stood in front of a mirror thinking, “Here we go again,” this book is for you.

Pages: 402 | ASIN : B0BPF293WD