Product Description

Everyone who has struggled with food--whether they're an overeater, undereater, or somewhere in between-- would like to know how to eat "normally." This commonsense approach combines cognitive-behavioural techniques and mindfulness to get pleasure and satisfaction from eating. Filled with humour, compassion, insight, and practical wisdom. An ideal self-help book for chronic dieters, individuals recovering from eating disorders, and anyone who is not comfortable with food. This book is unlike any other published by Gurze Books, but it is should appeal to all of our readers.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #183658 in Books
• Published on: 2005-01-14
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Customer Reviews

A really good book
Authors who have a first-hand personal experience with the topic they are tackling usually gain greater trustworthiness. Karen Koenig seems to really own the psychology of the 'non-normal' eater, whichever the category one falls into.

I personally don't like the "rules" approach to anything, but I find that people generally are attracted by structuring thoughts and behaviours througj "rules". The basic rules of 'normal' eating suggested in this book are simple (like the Paul McKenna approach) but also well-explained in order to avoid oversimplification and over-optimism. Generally, the book offers a realistic approach to change.

One of the greatest assets of this book are the long lists of irrational and rational beliefs over eating. After having proposed a way (too CBT for my taste, I admit)of identifying feelings (a great incorporation of emotional literacy suggestions) there are a lot of handy explanations on cravings, hunger, satisfaction, etc, so that the reader learns more on how to stay tuned with the body's needs. Finally, there is a lot to read on taking care of oneself, learning how to behave around food in various circumstances and situations, and finally on body acceptance. The book offers a great ground for preparation for change (and it is a difficult task to change eating behaviours) in a way that does not promise easy (and temporary) solutions but makes sense.

Generally I would say that this book offers an easy language, but at the same time is really handy for professionals, too. I am delivering workshops on the psychology of eating and I am enthusiastic when I have a book on my hands that I can both use myself as a resource and also recommend to non-professionals.

Koenig
A good commonsense approach to normalising your approach to eating. Not as easy a read as some authors who spend time telling you how they "did it" but is a sound basis for tackling eating issues. Well worth a place on your bookshelf!