Mormon mom writes about the diet miracle without the pill

"MIRACLE PILL," by Tres Prier Hatch, Tres Bon Publishing, $23.97, 256 pages

ALPINE — Surprise!

There's no miracle pill touted in Tres Prier Hatch's diet and lifestyle book "Miracle Pill, 10 Truths to Healthy, Thin and Sexy."

In fact, the book is focused on achieving and maintaining the weight you want without expensive pills, serums or surgery.

Hatch instead, promotes listening to one's body and learning to respect the role that consistent, moderate exercise can play.

"Miracle Pill is simply a tongue-in-cheek term for giving my body great fuel and exercising consistently. That's it, no magic secret," she said. "The real challenge is changing our behaviors in a permanent way, seeing the world through a new lens, anchored in a desire to eat healthy and exercise regularly."

Hatch, a 43-year-old Mormon wife and mother of three, wrote the book because she wanted to share the things she came to understand as she battled weight gains.

"I was so exhausted with my battle with my body," she said. "To have concrete, simple answers that generally produce an ideal weight was wonderful."Two medical professionals who endorse the book agree with her thinking.

"Finally a common sense approach to weight loss that isn't a diet or a program but a healthy way of life," Dr. Richard R. Orlandi said.

"She approaches the subject with proven science that has to do with eating less and exercising more, and getting back to whole foods," Dr. Peter V. Sundwall adds.

"It took 12 years total to write which is good because I think it adds depth. I know that these truths are permanent," said Hatch, who is an experienced television chef, caterer and food educator for the University of Utah. She lectures across the country on food and lifestyle choices.

Her "truths" are based on 16 years of results ?— results that came slowly but consistently after Hatch decided to no longer subscribe to the fat life. She weighed 235 pounds when she heard the "click." She'd just had a baby and realized she needed to change her life patterns so she could be around to care for her daughter.

"It was at that moment I had a very spiritual experience," Hatch said. "Despite the unattractive flesh in the mirror, I felt God's love for me. I saw my body as a truly remarkable gift, warts and all."

She started really listening to her body's cues and eating foods she really enjoyed, discarding empty calories and fake foods.