Monday Project book review

2010 April 9
by Karena

I’ve been writing so much lately on this topic, it seems a bit redundant to even write this review. But not everyone stops by every day, so not all of you are privy to the incredible change in mindset that’s been going on around here! So please, grab a glass of wine, pull your rolly chair a little closer, and let’s chat!

For this special edition Monday Project, I chose to read Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch. First, let me explain what this book is not. It is not a diet. It’s not a quick fix. It is not giving up, nor free license to overindulge.

Rather, this is a relationship book. It’s about changing your relationship with food. And your body. If you are, like me, a repetitive yo-yo dieter, this book is for you. They discuss everything from the disordered eating of the yo-yo dieter to the very serious eating disorders, and the many steps along the continuum. And the fact that it doesn’t have to be that way. The *secret* is rediscovering intuitive eating.

You understood it when you were a kid. You ate when you were hungry. You stopped when you’d had enough. You didn’t eat an entire jar of peanut butter because there was no need: peanut butter wasn’t a taboo food. You knew you could have more if you wanted some the next day. So you didn’t feel deprived. And you didn’t feel guilty for having a spoonful. And therefore didn’t lick the jar clean so you could start over again tomorrow with no temptation in sight. But then someone commented that you were “filling out.” So you started dieting, and following rules, and ignoring your body when it wanted something not on the “approved list”. And you felt guilty when you finally gave in. And you overindulged because you’d restrained yourself for so long. And then you went on another, more rigorous diet. And. And. And. And here you are.

THIS is the book that helps you rediscover the intuitive eater inside you. That will let you see food as a source of fuel AND pleasure, rather than a necessary evil. You CAN eat what you want, when you want. And you CAN stop when you’re satisfied, not bursting at the seams. To help you do so, the authors break the process down into 10 principles:

    1. Reject the Diet Mentality
    2. Honor Your Hunger
    3. Make Peace with Food
    4. Challenge the Food Police
    5. Respect your Fullness
    6. Discover your Satisfaction Factor
    7. Honor your Feelings Without Food
    8. Respect Your Body
    9. Exercise
    10. Honor Your Health

So, this has actually become an eleven-part series, at the very least! I’ve linked to a post I’ve already written about Rejecting the Diet Mentality. Others coming swiftly. Be sure to stop back often to learn more!

from → intuitive eating

  • seemamarun
    I *need* this book. So much. Great review, Karena!
  • Awww, I'm really glad to hear that! I really *needed* this book too. I'm so glad I found it!
  • I am so proud of you. This is a journey - but not of weight loss or diets. It is a journey of learning to love yourself enough to trust yourself. I can't wait to read the next 9 installments.
  • It really is a journey, Kirsten! "Learning to love yourself enough to trust yourself" -- what a great statement.
  • anng
    May have to run to the library and see if they have this book. Sounds like something I need to start reading, as I seem to be in a BAD place again. Of course, then I would have to actually find time to read and I'm not sure what I would have to give up to do that.
    I'm so happy that you are finding a solution to your yo-yo dieting.
  • Ann, I'm so sorry things are tough for you right now. I know when home life and financial worries take over, you've little time for yourself. Breathe, girl. Stay away from the Coke, stay away from the snack machine. Other than that, give yourself a bit of a break. The situation with your husband's job won't last forever. You WILL be able to get back to normal -- maybe a new normal, though! - at some point.
  • So eloquently put!
  • Aw, thanks! I found it very hard to sum up something I'm finding life-altering in a single blog post!
  • BrookeF
    i'm going to see if they have this at the used bookstore on Monday. :)
  • If not, check the library! I'd loan you my copy, but I'm trying to commit it to memory! I think you're in a good place right now, Brooke. Don't diet your way UP the scale like I have. I don't mean to sound like an IE-evangelist, but I think it would be great if you could make peace where you are, without having to go through all this. If you're a pear, you're a bit of a pear. That's so much healthier than being 30 pounds over your ideal weight as a result of yo-yo dieting, and STILL being a pear!
blog comments powered by Disqus