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Unapologetic Eating: Make Peace with Food and Transform Your Life
Most women have spent time dieting and trying to change themselves in order to fit into a mold—and a body—that is deemed socially acceptable. Yet it is dieting that is the it disconnects us from our bodies wisdom and holds us back from living life to the fullest. The more time we spend trying to “fix” ourselves, the less time we have for the things that really matter. What presents as a problem about food is, in reality, much deeper and more complex.
In her new book, Unapologetic Make Peace with Food & Transform Your Life , registered dietitian and certified intuitive eating counselor Alissa Rumsey helps you explore your history with food and your body and question societal expectations to get to the bottom of the complexity and find a clear path forward—forever free from diets! Using a relatable four-step approach, Rumsey teaches you how to reconnect with your body using your relationship with food as the entry point. She provides actionable tools you can use to confidently nourish yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. You’ll learn how to make peace with food, improve your body image, trust your intuition, and reclaim the space to eat and live unapologetically. Say goodbye to the constraints of dieting and hello to the freedom and empowerment to live your most fulfilling life.
In her new book, Unapologetic Make Peace with Food & Transform Your Life , registered dietitian and certified intuitive eating counselor Alissa Rumsey helps you explore your history with food and your body and question societal expectations to get to the bottom of the complexity and find a clear path forward—forever free from diets! Using a relatable four-step approach, Rumsey teaches you how to reconnect with your body using your relationship with food as the entry point. She provides actionable tools you can use to confidently nourish yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. You’ll learn how to make peace with food, improve your body image, trust your intuition, and reclaim the space to eat and live unapologetically. Say goodbye to the constraints of dieting and hello to the freedom and empowerment to live your most fulfilling life.
400 pages, Hardcover
Published February 16, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 17, 2021
A must read for anyone interested in getting off the diet roller coaster and exploring intuitive eating, body liberation, and self-compassion. This book is a comprehensive resource that explains why we diet, what it does to us, and how we can heal our relationship with food & our body. Alissa provides tangible ways to work on making peace with food and writes from a compassionate, social justice and trauma-informed lens. I will absolutely be recommending this book to my clients moving forward.
April 4, 2022
I wish I would have picked this up so much sooner. It contains everything I’ve learned for the past 6 months, but in one place.
January 30, 2023
I am working through some STUFF when it comes to my body, food, exercise, all of it. This was recommended to me by both my therapist and dietitian, and I’m so glad they did. If you’re someone who is trying to stop being at war with your body, undo the damage done by years of diet culture and patriarchy, and just figure out a way to peacefully exist while eating food that nourishes both your body and your soul, and participate in movement that brings you joy, I suggest you pick up this book. It will be one that I refer back to again and again. It does sometimes feel a liiiiiittl self-helpy (“break the chains of diet culture by following this program and you’ll finally find food freedom”), but the content is overall great.
February 20, 2021
As a dietitian, I work with patients of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. I spend most of my time educating and counseling patients through disordered eating behaviors, their relation with food, and their relationship with their bodies. All of us have work to be done in these areas if we take the time to acknowledge and recognize the work to be done. I love using books to help guide my patients and will definitely be using this one! Before digging in, Alissa gives background on dirt culture and beauty idols, why we diet, and how dieting impacts us and our relationship with food. Such eye opening information! She does a great job presenting the research in a way that is relatable and easily understood. She then goes into incredible detail on intuitive eating and how we can make peace with food. Along the way she has stop and consider what we are reading and how to practically apply the information. She provides us with reflection questions to chew on, journal prompts, and exercises to practice mindfulness, self-care, and self-compassion. I have read many books out there on “how to eat” and this is the best one I have read to date. Everyone would benefit from reading this book. You will not be disappointed purchasing and working through it. (A note for dietitians, there are many tools in here to use with patients). As for myself, time to go read it a few more times and take it all in!
Disclaimer: I was sent an advance copy of this book to review.
Disclaimer: I was sent an advance copy of this book to review.
March 11, 2022
What does this book do?
It sets up a framework for living without a diet mindset in a world full of dieting and body prejudice. It mainly uses CBT techniques and other forms of mindfulness to achieve this.
Who is this book for?
People who are seeking to give up on dieting and body-weight valuations of self worth. Its examples are mainly through a feminine lens, so more masculine identified readers may find the book a bit alienating. It also takes a decidedly intersectional feminist approach which may come off as strong to some readers.
Does this book succeed?
Yes. In terms of “self help” books this one is by far the most useful I’ve read, as it focuses a lot on you developing your own reasons for becoming anti-diet. It was written by an anti-diet dietitian and her expertise flows throughout the book, and her stories and techniques are quite useful and relevant to each chapter.
The book is somewhat scarce on data points and hard evidence, though it does have more than enough to make its case. The book is not concerned with convincing you to abandon diets however, as the premise of the book basically relies on you already wanting to commit to that change.
Overall I recommend this book to anyone seeking to give up the focus on body weight as health and wanting to learn how to redirect your focus to other realms that matter more to you.
It sets up a framework for living without a diet mindset in a world full of dieting and body prejudice. It mainly uses CBT techniques and other forms of mindfulness to achieve this.
Who is this book for?
People who are seeking to give up on dieting and body-weight valuations of self worth. Its examples are mainly through a feminine lens, so more masculine identified readers may find the book a bit alienating. It also takes a decidedly intersectional feminist approach which may come off as strong to some readers.
Does this book succeed?
Yes. In terms of “self help” books this one is by far the most useful I’ve read, as it focuses a lot on you developing your own reasons for becoming anti-diet. It was written by an anti-diet dietitian and her expertise flows throughout the book, and her stories and techniques are quite useful and relevant to each chapter.
The book is somewhat scarce on data points and hard evidence, though it does have more than enough to make its case. The book is not concerned with convincing you to abandon diets however, as the premise of the book basically relies on you already wanting to commit to that change.
Overall I recommend this book to anyone seeking to give up the focus on body weight as health and wanting to learn how to redirect your focus to other realms that matter more to you.
May 17, 2021
Even if you’re not ready to stop dieting, read this book anyway.
I have read a few intuitive eating books over the years. I was familiar with the many of the concepts presented in the earlier chapters—diet culture, colonialist roots, sexist roots, whiteness, etc. but I loved how it was presented in this book. And although my mind was aware of the soul-crushing effect dieting was having on me, my heart was not ready to give up on diet culture, until now.
My favorite question from the book: “…if no one else was around, would you still be doing what you are doing right now?” Would I still eat that muffin if I didn’t care that my pants didn’t fit? Would I still go to the gym? Does it really make me feel better or does it exhaust me and am I going to impress others?
There are many topics, ideas, and thought starters in this book. It took me a lot of time to absorb and process. I took a lot of notes that I hope will turn into action…and benefit myself and others around me.
I have read a few intuitive eating books over the years. I was familiar with the many of the concepts presented in the earlier chapters—diet culture, colonialist roots, sexist roots, whiteness, etc. but I loved how it was presented in this book. And although my mind was aware of the soul-crushing effect dieting was having on me, my heart was not ready to give up on diet culture, until now.
My favorite question from the book: “…if no one else was around, would you still be doing what you are doing right now?” Would I still eat that muffin if I didn’t care that my pants didn’t fit? Would I still go to the gym? Does it really make me feel better or does it exhaust me and am I going to impress others?
There are many topics, ideas, and thought starters in this book. It took me a lot of time to absorb and process. I took a lot of notes that I hope will turn into action…and benefit myself and others around me.
November 10, 2022
For me this was more like a reference guide to life than a typical non-fiction book. Something to read slowly and savor and think deeply about. Many of the ingrained behaviors we have around food are tied to society’s manipulation and control over women and black people. Alissa helps to trigger mindfulness and compassionate awareness when negative self talk arises around our bodies and food. It feels like a little victory at fighting this system of oppression when I consider the donut, make a decision about whether I want to eat it or not based on my body cues and not on how it will make me look later, and after eating it (if I decide to do so) I move on with my life with no regrets.
May 21, 2026
She’s got some extreme takes that I don’t find helpful in the long run for women’s health and body image (though I’m sure she’s found these ideas helpful for her as a practicing nutritionist). There are two ways towards contentment in any area; achievement of the goal, or acceptance of the status quo. I think most often personal fulfillment requires a combination of both. Her insistence on accepting any body without participation in any talk about weight in regards to health doesn’t engage me; there’s too much science to support the existence of health risk factors with obesity. However, some interesting concepts here that overlap with previous readings:
1) Embodiment and being in your body overlaps with the Bob Proctor concept of the mind being in your pinky finger just as much as it’s in your head. Awareness of the physical body I think is often overlooked but might be an important aspect of contentment with one’s body. I’d like to look into more physiological perspectives.
2) “The Kindness Method” by Shahroo Izadi mentions her struggles with weight loss and utilization of a positive inner narrative (I haven’t finished it yet). And Kristin Neff’s “Self Compassion” is some of the original literature on that. Repeatedly I’m seeing a positive inner narrative is radical.
I like how she clarified that shame removes pleasure from the sensation. If you’re seeking satisfaction and shame enters, the satisfaction isn’t reached, hence binge behaviors could appear to try and achieve the relief the body is looking for.
I think it’s a great introductory book aimed at her clients specifically with some interesting strategies but I’m not particularly satisfied with all her assessments.
1) Embodiment and being in your body overlaps with the Bob Proctor concept of the mind being in your pinky finger just as much as it’s in your head. Awareness of the physical body I think is often overlooked but might be an important aspect of contentment with one’s body. I’d like to look into more physiological perspectives.
2) “The Kindness Method” by Shahroo Izadi mentions her struggles with weight loss and utilization of a positive inner narrative (I haven’t finished it yet). And Kristin Neff’s “Self Compassion” is some of the original literature on that. Repeatedly I’m seeing a positive inner narrative is radical.
I like how she clarified that shame removes pleasure from the sensation. If you’re seeking satisfaction and shame enters, the satisfaction isn’t reached, hence binge behaviors could appear to try and achieve the relief the body is looking for.
I think it’s a great introductory book aimed at her clients specifically with some interesting strategies but I’m not particularly satisfied with all her assessments.
July 27, 2022
Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Anti-Diet Approach by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch is for sure the place to start if you're ready to dip your toe into the waters of Anti-Diet life, but from that jumping-off point, there is so much more to dig into, and this book is definitely has a lot to contribute. Unfortunately, it's been a few months since I read this (I am a couple dozen books behind on reviews and have finally started dedicating a couple of evenings a week to catching up) so things have gotten a bit foggy, but one thing I do remember is that the formatting felt weird. There were too many headings, subheadings, and sub-subheadings and they seemed to make things less organized rather than more organized. Regardless, lots of great information and perspective, as well as a really comprehensive list of resources included in the back to keep you going for a while.
August 2, 2022
Thank you to #partner Victory Belt Publishing for our copy of Unapologetic Eating: Make Peace with Food and Transform Your Life by Alissa Rumsey. This book is available now.
Rating: 5 star
Genre: Nonfiction/Non-diet/Health/Wellness
Thoughts: This book blew my mind in the best of ways! From the start, the author takes us through the history of beliefs around food, bodies, and beauty practices. I was totally enthralled and learned so much. One of my favorite parts of this book is that there are questions or exercises for the reader to consider. As a soon to be RD, I wrote so many of these down. They were beautiful! This will be a book I continue to reference!
Read this book if you:
-Want to learn more about beliefs around food, eating and bodies.
-Are ready to become curious about our societies views on bodies and eating.
-Would like practical steps to make peace with your thoughts around food, eating, and your body!
Rating: 5 star
Genre: Nonfiction/Non-diet/Health/Wellness
Thoughts: This book blew my mind in the best of ways! From the start, the author takes us through the history of beliefs around food, bodies, and beauty practices. I was totally enthralled and learned so much. One of my favorite parts of this book is that there are questions or exercises for the reader to consider. As a soon to be RD, I wrote so many of these down. They were beautiful! This will be a book I continue to reference!
Read this book if you:
-Want to learn more about beliefs around food, eating and bodies.
-Are ready to become curious about our societies views on bodies and eating.
-Would like practical steps to make peace with your thoughts around food, eating, and your body!
March 20, 2021
This is a MUST READ!!! One of my current favorite anti-diet books along with More Than a Body and Anti-Diet. This book incorporates anti-diet, body liberation, social justice, and so much more!!!! Please read this book ASAP. As she writes towards the end, "I hope this book enables you to get one step closer to figuring out who you are and what is important to you. One step closer to caring less about what other people think of you and more about what you think of yourself. One step closer to being unapologetic about how you show up and take up space in the world. One step closer to living a life where you feel so unwavering in your power that you can eat, move, sleep, and act without apology. One step closer to being unapologetically you." <3
April 24, 2023
3.5 rounded down. The premise is intriguing and the content is well-researched. I especially appreciated how the author acknowledged the experiences of various groups in society.
However, there was a lot of repetition, so much so that it appears the author cobbled together several similar articles to create a book.
Despite what the author says, readers are still being told how to eat: jettison all the diets and do this! As well, although most people would likely benefit from relaxing about their eating habits, there are still individuals whose weight affects their overall health and require support to eat healthily.
However, there was a lot of repetition, so much so that it appears the author cobbled together several similar articles to create a book.
Despite what the author says, readers are still being told how to eat: jettison all the diets and do this! As well, although most people would likely benefit from relaxing about their eating habits, there are still individuals whose weight affects their overall health and require support to eat healthily.
September 7, 2024
Objectively and intellectually this book is a 5 star and one I will recommend ad nauseam…. But it is incredibly long winded if you’re some one like me who’s read a bunch of fat liberation and fat positive books as well as intuitive eating books this is a lot of them, sited and referenced throughout, to hammer home the point so it felt like overkill to me. However I can easily recommend this because it covers all the basis. If you’re struggling with yourself and wanting to break out of the diet industry’s multibillion dollar clutches give this a read. It’ll make you love yourself more and a better member of the world.
December 29, 2021
Denounces diet culture & advocates for intuitive eating. At 16 hours, it's too long & overuses quotation marks. Great points with respect to how we think & talk about food & nutrition. I read this to challenge my own thinking. 3 years ago I started a rigid nutrition plan to lose weight. It worked for me & I've maintained the weight loss. I still follow the nutrition plan most days even now. But interested in the PoV that any food rules are problematic. Especially interested in learning about how to - and not to - talk about nutrition with others, especially the teenage students I work with.
March 8, 2021
This book blew me away with its in-depth research, approachable writing, and the many tools and exercises incorporated into each chapter that helped me implement the concepts shared into my own life in a practical way. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is ready to be kinder to themselves, reconnect with their bodies and their intuition, eat in a way that nourishes themselves physically and mentally, and ultimately show up more fully in the world.
April 13, 2022
The idea of intuitive eating has changed my whole view on food. I grew up in a family that has always had a dysfunctional relationship with food.
The only critique I had was that it never acknowledged that men struggle with our society’s impossible weight and beauty ideals. She does a wonderful job of exploring how women are targeted.
The only critique I had was that it never acknowledged that men struggle with our society’s impossible weight and beauty ideals. She does a wonderful job of exploring how women are targeted.
January 26, 2024
As a healthcare provider I have patients who are constantly commenting on how they’re being talked to in regard to their bodies. This book highlights the importance of awareness and gives vernacular on how to mindfully converse about the body. It’s also incredibly eye opening as a human being and would recommend this to anyone who is looking to be considerate to both themselves and others.
June 23, 2025
I'm recovering from body issues and an ED, and I found this book to be very helpful. I like that it not only addresses topics like intuitive eating and HAES but also the social justice/activism side of recovery, like how diet culture is rooted in oppression and hatred.
April 27, 2026
Read for school but definitely a rec for future clients. Written for anyone, backed by evidence. Intuitive eating vs. mindful eating explained well. A good educational resource for creating sustainable behavior change.
April 2, 2021
An amazing must read! Empowering and informative. I loved it!
July 24, 2021
Highly recommend this book!
May 10, 2022
Incredible book - truly life-changing
November 26, 2024
There is a lot of good stuff in this book, but I found it to be almost an exact copy of Intuitive Eating by Resch & Tribole and Anti-Diet by Christy Harrison. I liked both of those books better.
July 27, 2022
Empowering
Great prompts to challenge diet culture and fatphobia. Alissa connects fatphobia to larger issues - racism, empowerment, community. She acknowledges the fat activism movement respectfully. Great beginner anti diet book for white women who are sick of explaining themselves around food.
Great prompts to challenge diet culture and fatphobia. Alissa connects fatphobia to larger issues - racism, empowerment, community. She acknowledges the fat activism movement respectfully. Great beginner anti diet book for white women who are sick of explaining themselves around food.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews