5 BEST BOOKS ABOUT EATING DISORDERS RECOMMENDED BY A REGISTERED DIETITIAN

5 Best Books About Eating Disorders Recommended by a Registered Dietitian

Takeaway: Eating disorders affect millions of people worldwide. Unfortunately, the many misconceptions surrounding these disorders can prevent people from getting the help they need. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most common myths about eating disorders and give you the real information you need to know.

Navigating an eating disorder or supporting someone who is struggling can be one of the most challenging experiences one may encounter. Finding the right tools and resources can be crucial to healing and recovery.

As a Registered Dietitian with expertise in treating eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, and Orthorexia, I understand the significance of having access to literature that offers support and guidance to individuals during recovery and their families who wish to gain further insight while providing support.

As someone dedicated to helping individuals recover from disordered eating, here are five books I recommend that are tailored to support your healing process.

Embarking on the journey to eating disorder recovery requires courage, resilience, and commitment. Having the right resources and support systems is important as you or a loved one navigates this challenging path. This section presents five transformative books recommended by a Registered Dietitian, designed to provide insights and guidance as you embark on your healing journey.

1. Intuitive Eating Book and Workbook by Evelyn Tribole, MS, RDN, CEDRD-S & Elyse Resch, MS, RDN, CEDRD-S, FAND

For Individuals: If you are tired of dieting and ready to break free from the cycle of restrictive eating, this book is an excellent resource. It takes a compassionate and evidence-based approach to rediscovering a healthy relationship with food. The accompanying workbook provides practical tools and exercises to help you cultivate intuitive eating habits by reconnecting with your body’s internal cues through techniques such as mindful eating.

For Individuals: "Anti-Diet," written by Christy Harrison, challenges the harmful messages perpetuated by diet culture and empowers readers to reject restrictive eating patterns in favor of a more balanced, gentle, and compassionate approach to health. By debunking diet myths and promoting body acceptance, this book can help individuals reclaim their autonomy over their bodies and minds and focus on their life values.

For Loved Ones: Caregivers can learn about the harmful impact of diets on society and gain valuable insight on how to support their loved ones in developing body acceptance and practicing self-care. By shifting the focus away from body image, weight, and appearance, caregivers can create a nurturing environment that prioritizes well-being and safety in one’s body.

For Individuals: "Sick Enough" by Dr. Jennifer Guadiani provides a comprehensive understanding of eating disorders from a medical perspective, offering a valuable understanding of these complex illnesses' physical and psychological aspects. By debunking myths and misconceptions, this eating disorder book empowers individuals to seek appropriate treatment options and advocate for their recovery.

Seeking treatment for an eating disorder can be overwhelming. You may not know where to start or which treatment options are the best fit for you. This is where we can help! Our team of expert clinicians, including both mental health professionals and registered dietitians, have extensive education and training in treating eating disorders of all kinds. We are passionate about providing effective and comprehensive care around treatment of eating disorders. Through our robust programming, we are able to tailor treatments to your unique situation, needs, and goals to create the one of a kind support you need to thrive.

While undergoing treatment, you can expect to build strong relationships with your treatment team. These connections are meant to create a safe space for you to freely discover and express your authentic self. In the end these relationships can help you foster the one that matters most: your relationship with yourself.

During our work together, we can help you find the freedom to enjoy food again, embrace your body, and learn new ways to care for your emotional, physical, and mental well-being. If this sounds good to you, Reach out today to get started. We can't wait to meet you!

Services we offer

We provide a range of services tailored to your specific requirements at our eating disorder treatment center. Our program offers a significant level of support for people in recovery with comprehensive services similar to those found at formal intensive outpatient settings.
Get in touch to find out if we are the right fit for you!

Individual therapy

Individual therapy is a key piece towards recovery for many people with eating disorders.. Studies have shown that individuals with eating disorders are also at a much higher risk of developing a mental illness. At Restored Purpose Counseling, our clinicians use evidence-based psychological treatments to treat eating disorders, and many clinicians also have lived experience which further connects them to the work. When you reach out to start services, you will be connected with a mental health professional whose style and approach best resonate with you to ensure you feel understood and supported.

For Loved Ones: Parents and caregivers can support their loved ones in their journey toward healing by understanding the principles of intuitive eating. Caregivers can play a crucial role in promoting a healthy relationship with food by learning how to create a positive food environment and avoiding negative body image beliefs. This book is especially helpful in guiding caregivers towards utilizing positive language surrounding food, body image, eating behaviors, and navigating conversations around diets.

Nutrition counseling

During the recovery process, physical and mental health work together. Our team of registered dietitians are specially trained in the treatment of eating disorders and help our clients learn how to properly nourish their bodies in a sustainable manner. For those in recovery, food can often bring up a lot of emotions and at our practice, we incorporate this awareness in the process of helping you heal your relationship with food and your body.

Group therapy

Support from peers on the same recovery journey as yourself can be incredibly healing alongside individualized support. Group therapy is a powerful reminder that you are not alone in this struggle and being able to connect with other people with eating disorders can also help you gain new perspectives, feel validated in your experience, and build a community to help support your recovery.

Meal support

We understand that mealtimes are unfortunately stressful for people in eating disorder recovery, however, they cannot be avoided. We offer customized meal support which includes helping you learn how to navigate meal planning, cooking, and eating. Our team of professionals will work to make mealtime more manageable by working with you to determine the best level of support required.

5 EATING DISORDER BOOKS TO AID YOUR RECOVERY

Best Book for Those Stuck in the Dieting Cycle

Best Book for Debunking Diet Culture Beliefs

2. Anti-Diet: Reclaim Your Time, Money, Well-being, and Happiness Through Intuitive Eating by Christy Harrison, MPH, RD

Best Book for Understanding Eating Disorders Medically

3. Sick Enough: A Guide to the Medical Complications of Eating Disorders by Jennifer Guadiani, MD, CEDS, FAED

For Loved Ones: Parents and caregivers can gain a deeper understanding of the medical aspects of eating disorders, such as Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa, and learn how to support their loved ones through treatment. By recognizing the severity of these illnesses and the importance of early intervention, caregivers can play a vital role in facilitating recovery.

Best Book for Inspiration and Hope in Recovery

4. Goodbye Ed, Hello Me by Jenni Schaefer

For Individuals: In "Goodbye Ed, Hello Me," author Jenni Schaefer shares the story of her journey from the grips of an eating disorder and mental illness to a life of recovery and self-discovery. By sharing her experiences and insights, Schaefer's story offers hope and inspiration to individuals struggling with similar challenges, reminding them that recovery is possible.

For Loved Ones: Loved ones can gain insight into the lived experience of someone with an eating disorder and learn how to provide support and encouragement along the journey to recovery. In my experience, by understanding the challenges and triumphs of recovery, family and caregivers can offer empathy and a sense of validation to their loved ones.

Best Book for Practical Strategies in Overcoming Disordered Thoughts

5. Life Without Ed by Jenni Schaefer

For Individuals: "Life Without Ed" by Jenni Schaefer personifies the eating disorder as "Ed" and offers practical strategies for separating oneself from disordered thoughts and behaviors. By externalizing the eating disorder and identifying it as a separate entity and person, individuals can gain perspective and reclaim control over their lives. This process involves visualizing a life beyond the disorder, which can empower individuals to recognize and challenge the destructive thoughts and behaviors associated with "Ed." By distancing themselves from "Ed" and envisioning a future free from its influence, individuals pave the way for long-term recovery and a healthier relationship with food and body image.

For Loved Ones: Understanding the concept of externalizing the eating disorder, as depicted in "Life Without Ed," can be immensely beneficial for caregivers. By comprehending the role of "Ed" as a separate entity influencing their loved one's behaviors, caregivers can gain insight into the dynamics of the disorder. This understanding enables caregivers to provide more effective support by recognizing when their loved one's thoughts and behaviors are influenced by "Ed." By supporting their loved ones in challenging "Ed's" influence and encouraging them to separate themselves from the disorder, caregivers can create an environment conducive to the family's struggle toward recovery and healing. This awareness empowers caregivers to offer empathy, validation, and guidance, ultimately facilitating their loved one's journey toward recovery.