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Out of the Pantry: A Disordered Eating Journey
Ronni Robinson is pushing 40, stuck at home raising two kids, and is inhaling everything and anything in her pantry. For thirty years, from the day her mom first hid the cookies, through tween years, adolescence, and an abusive first marriage, Ronni's been secretly bingeing while trying to appear normal. All she wants is to live a life free of her crippling obsession before she becomes a slave to food forever.
- GenresMemoir
282 pages, Paperback
Published August 6, 2020
15 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 10, 2020
There is something endearing about Ronni Robinson. I enjoyed the straight-forward way she tells her story of being a binge eater and her healing journey.
The first part of the book includes a number of scenes that describe in detail her lusty binges on junk food, which might be a trigger to someone dealing with an eating disorder. At the same time, they help the reader really understand how food was her drug...and, in a way, her lover.
The second half offers great advice for how to heal from such an addiction. What I found key were: a) good therapy to understand what "hole" such eating was filling, and b) making her life bigger so that she had other things to focus on, softening the obsession with food. There is more to this healing process, which is definitely worth reading.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The first part of the book includes a number of scenes that describe in detail her lusty binges on junk food, which might be a trigger to someone dealing with an eating disorder. At the same time, they help the reader really understand how food was her drug...and, in a way, her lover.
The second half offers great advice for how to heal from such an addiction. What I found key were: a) good therapy to understand what "hole" such eating was filling, and b) making her life bigger so that she had other things to focus on, softening the obsession with food. There is more to this healing process, which is definitely worth reading.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2022
I wish Out of the Pantry had been available when I was a young OT on an eating disorders ward. Ronni Robinson’s memoir of her journey through a compulsive overeating addiction is much more personal, and much more compelling, than a dry old text book could ever be.
I was in tears for the young Ronni, substituting junk food for the love lacking in her homelife, and cheered for older Ronni, working to overcome her addiction for the sake of her own young family.
Largely based on blog posts, the book is written as a series of vignettes around various binge inducing events in the author’s life. It could have been disjointed – but it wasn’t. Instead, it is a well-written, insightful and emotional journey. Ronni’s vivid descriptions of the food she binged on, the tiny details of each mouthful, even how she ate each cookie in a different way, brought to life the obsessiveness of compulsion (and, I admit, made me drool at times!)
This book will help you better understand what makes an addict (of whatever type) but more than that, I hope it will make parents think about the love and attention a child needs and how important communication is in the home.
I was in tears for the young Ronni, substituting junk food for the love lacking in her homelife, and cheered for older Ronni, working to overcome her addiction for the sake of her own young family.
Largely based on blog posts, the book is written as a series of vignettes around various binge inducing events in the author’s life. It could have been disjointed – but it wasn’t. Instead, it is a well-written, insightful and emotional journey. Ronni’s vivid descriptions of the food she binged on, the tiny details of each mouthful, even how she ate each cookie in a different way, brought to life the obsessiveness of compulsion (and, I admit, made me drool at times!)
This book will help you better understand what makes an addict (of whatever type) but more than that, I hope it will make parents think about the love and attention a child needs and how important communication is in the home.
August 18, 2020
Out of the pantry is a self-help book and Ronni Robinson and her journey struggling with disordered eating. Ronni has a big secret, and she is ashamed of how food controls her life. She is a slave to food through emotional eating, binge eating, and unexplainable compulsion to eat more junk food. She relates the stigma to a time where her mother hides cookies from her, and the book then takes you on a journey with Ronni growing up and how she deals with this enormously crucial mental illness.
The book is brutally honest and walks on pervasive thoughts touching on the lightest of emotions and heartbreak. Ronni has to find the strength, courage and daring, in order to fight with this hurdle.
I found the book to be super emotional and lovely to read. Every aspect of the book was genuine and honest. There are rare books written like this letting people know the truth about certain disorders. I admired the author for baring no hidden agenda in writing this book.
It was apparent how dysfunctional families, teen health and body image were all such contributing factors to the cause. I recommend this book to anyone facing the same problem and would like to know about the topic.
The book is brutally honest and walks on pervasive thoughts touching on the lightest of emotions and heartbreak. Ronni has to find the strength, courage and daring, in order to fight with this hurdle.
I found the book to be super emotional and lovely to read. Every aspect of the book was genuine and honest. There are rare books written like this letting people know the truth about certain disorders. I admired the author for baring no hidden agenda in writing this book.
It was apparent how dysfunctional families, teen health and body image were all such contributing factors to the cause. I recommend this book to anyone facing the same problem and would like to know about the topic.
September 4, 2022
Out of the Pantry by Ronni Robinson is a poignant personal narrative about disordered eating and our relationship with food. The author balances heartache with humor and honesty. Any of us who have struggled with food issues and/or body image will find validation within these pages. The author shares her battles, her losses and her victories on the way to sustained recovery, and this reader feels seen and supported in her own journey. Thank you.
(I received a free copy of this book from a contest.)
(I received a free copy of this book from a contest.)
July 29, 2020
I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Fact: I have known Ronni since elementary school, though we never really were good friends, one sometimes looks back on their classmates as friends, especially when you look back at a class photo and can still point out everyone and remember their names!
I was not at all sure what I would be getting myself into, and very soon I was completely absorbed in Ronni's real life story. I would have never known what Ronni was dealing with, as even throughout high school, she appeared athletic, active, healthy and happy. Her book moved me in a way that not many books do. If you have ever had a weight problem, a difficult relationship with food (who hasn't) or beaten yourself up over either of the above, you will blow through this book.
Ronni's honesty and vulnerability are all over the pages of this book. I admire her for being able to share this part of her life, as so many of us have similar issues, but never open up enough to share them with our loved ones, let alone the world. The ebb and flow of the book makes it an easy read, and she gives many fact based details and examples ( as well as a bibliography with other book choices) to help those who look to this as a self help read.
Ronni's ability to conquer her demons (sharing what helped her along the way), be honest with herself and with those that she loves gives the book its true meaning (in my opinion). It helped her to get "Out Of The Pantry". Her family is so lucky...because of her fight she is that much stronger, healthier and capable of loving them and herself!
Fact: I have known Ronni since elementary school, though we never really were good friends, one sometimes looks back on their classmates as friends, especially when you look back at a class photo and can still point out everyone and remember their names!
I was not at all sure what I would be getting myself into, and very soon I was completely absorbed in Ronni's real life story. I would have never known what Ronni was dealing with, as even throughout high school, she appeared athletic, active, healthy and happy. Her book moved me in a way that not many books do. If you have ever had a weight problem, a difficult relationship with food (who hasn't) or beaten yourself up over either of the above, you will blow through this book.
Ronni's honesty and vulnerability are all over the pages of this book. I admire her for being able to share this part of her life, as so many of us have similar issues, but never open up enough to share them with our loved ones, let alone the world. The ebb and flow of the book makes it an easy read, and she gives many fact based details and examples ( as well as a bibliography with other book choices) to help those who look to this as a self help read.
Ronni's ability to conquer her demons (sharing what helped her along the way), be honest with herself and with those that she loves gives the book its true meaning (in my opinion). It helped her to get "Out Of The Pantry". Her family is so lucky...because of her fight she is that much stronger, healthier and capable of loving them and herself!
July 24, 2020
I've been looking to add more serious nonfiction and mental health lit to my review list, so when the author offered me a copy of this memoir for review, I was thrilled.
It feels superfluous to put a content warning on this when the words "disordered eating" are literally on the cover. But I will say that the descriptions of eating are very in-depth, so anyone with an unhealthy relationship with food will likely struggle. There should also be content warnings for emotionally abusive relationships.
There may also be some extra struggles for those struggling with their bodies in general. As a plus-size woman over 200 pounds, hearing 172 described as a very large weight was difficult. But it is not too big of a focus, so it should be fairly simple to ignore for those that struggle.
The book is well-written and flows easily. The mix of general life-overview and descriptions of specific incidents work well together in a kind of showing and telling format. While there are definitely struggles, the tone of the book as a whole is uplifting and advice-giving in a pragmatic way. It is an insight into the author's life, dark moments included, but it never feels like a pity party.
Admittedly, the in-depth descriptions of eating were a bit of a turn-off for me. But I'm fairly certain that was the point. And it is not helped by the fact that I do not have much of a sweet tooth. I focused much more on the work in therapy and the literature the author mentions. There are several books she quotes directly, with a bibliography at the end.
The book is positioned as a kind of first point of contact for those that don't know much about compulsive eating. While it may not be wholly comprehensive, it's a great way to dip your toe in.
It feels superfluous to put a content warning on this when the words "disordered eating" are literally on the cover. But I will say that the descriptions of eating are very in-depth, so anyone with an unhealthy relationship with food will likely struggle. There should also be content warnings for emotionally abusive relationships.
There may also be some extra struggles for those struggling with their bodies in general. As a plus-size woman over 200 pounds, hearing 172 described as a very large weight was difficult. But it is not too big of a focus, so it should be fairly simple to ignore for those that struggle.
The book is well-written and flows easily. The mix of general life-overview and descriptions of specific incidents work well together in a kind of showing and telling format. While there are definitely struggles, the tone of the book as a whole is uplifting and advice-giving in a pragmatic way. It is an insight into the author's life, dark moments included, but it never feels like a pity party.
Admittedly, the in-depth descriptions of eating were a bit of a turn-off for me. But I'm fairly certain that was the point. And it is not helped by the fact that I do not have much of a sweet tooth. I focused much more on the work in therapy and the literature the author mentions. There are several books she quotes directly, with a bibliography at the end.
The book is positioned as a kind of first point of contact for those that don't know much about compulsive eating. While it may not be wholly comprehensive, it's a great way to dip your toe in.
April 19, 2021
Ronni Robinson has a difficult relationship with food.
Since her childhood she's been a compulsive overeater, obsessing over her next 'fix' and taking comfort and solace in bingeing sweet treats and then dealing with the shame and embarrassment that inevitably follows.
An honest and thoughtful memoir, "Out of the Pantry" takes us through Ronni's early life in the US where you see the problem start to take root. Seemingly starved of affection by her parents and distant from her older brother, it seems clear quite early on that Ronni is subconsciously trying to fill the emotional hole that she instinctively knows is there - but with food - and as is usually the case, it's the most unhealthy (and so delicious) foodstuffs she can get her hands on that best fill the gap. Sweets, biscuits, cakes - she scoffs them all down, moves the remainder around in the packets so you can't tell and hides the wrappers in the trash. It's immediately obvious to us as readers that this little girl has a problem, even if she can't see it herself.
Little Ronni is big on sports but even so, her clothes start to get obviously tighter. Eventually Mum gets sick of the treats disappearing and her daughter's expanding waistline, but instead of speaking to her daughter about it, she basically hides the snacks, reinforcing Ronni's feelings of embarrassment. Ronni's not going to ask where the cookies are, so she starts to use her saved-up pocket money to buy treats and eat them all herself, hiding the evidence in the bottom of the trash can or in bins near the store. It really feels like some understanding and affection could have headed off a lot of what Ronni has gone through in her life from this point onwards, but sadly, this wasn't offered to her and her obsession took a far more destructive route.
Sporty all her life, Ronni would often keep to a 'healthy' weight as she could work off a lot of what she was bingeing on, however the weight still found her eventually and the figures she shares about her yo-yo'ing weight and how much she has lost and gained over the years is quite extraordinary. Her mother's comments when she returned back from college really ram the point home of what she was trying to compensate for with the things that made her feel good. If her parents had done their job properly and made her feel good about herself, then she might not have turned to food to make her feel good, then bad again, almost immediately afterwards. She might not have temporarily ended up in the arms of a narcissistic bully either, but that's another chapter.
Some of the scenarios Ronni recounts must have been hard to talk about. Hanging around the fryers at her first job in Burger King, eating handfuls of hot fries straight from the basket so quickly they burned her mouth, buying pints of ice cream, donuts, cereal and milk, cookies and chocolate bars and eating the lot in the car, verging on rudeness at social events because she was so focused on what food was coming out where and when, right up to the point where the book starts, and she's eating her daughter's discarded pizza crust out of a trash can at a school event, realising that people may be watching her do it.
One of the things that stood out for me as quite upsetting in this book was realising that for the longest time, Ronni didn't think that there was anything unusual about what she was doing, or that she needed help because compulsive overeating wasn't (isn't?) really as acknowledged, or treated as sympathetically as other eating disorders, for example, anorexia or bulimia nervosa; if she had known this she may have looked for help earlier and her earlier story may have been different.
I was given a copy of this book to review, and although it made me sad at times, I thoroughly enjoyed Ronni's writing. She's funny, brave, vulnerable and most of all, she's strong. Through her honesty and the support of those that love her she was able to discover her own truth and what she needed to do to take control -and then used that to start a blog to help others suffering from compulsive overeating and other food issues, which in turn led her to write this book.
An engaging and well written life story, painfully honest in places, but ultimately a triumph. If you've ever struggled with food, or indeed anything that was supposed to be a comfort that has become a struggle or an addiction instead, then this book will speak to you.
Since her childhood she's been a compulsive overeater, obsessing over her next 'fix' and taking comfort and solace in bingeing sweet treats and then dealing with the shame and embarrassment that inevitably follows.
An honest and thoughtful memoir, "Out of the Pantry" takes us through Ronni's early life in the US where you see the problem start to take root. Seemingly starved of affection by her parents and distant from her older brother, it seems clear quite early on that Ronni is subconsciously trying to fill the emotional hole that she instinctively knows is there - but with food - and as is usually the case, it's the most unhealthy (and so delicious) foodstuffs she can get her hands on that best fill the gap. Sweets, biscuits, cakes - she scoffs them all down, moves the remainder around in the packets so you can't tell and hides the wrappers in the trash. It's immediately obvious to us as readers that this little girl has a problem, even if she can't see it herself.
Little Ronni is big on sports but even so, her clothes start to get obviously tighter. Eventually Mum gets sick of the treats disappearing and her daughter's expanding waistline, but instead of speaking to her daughter about it, she basically hides the snacks, reinforcing Ronni's feelings of embarrassment. Ronni's not going to ask where the cookies are, so she starts to use her saved-up pocket money to buy treats and eat them all herself, hiding the evidence in the bottom of the trash can or in bins near the store. It really feels like some understanding and affection could have headed off a lot of what Ronni has gone through in her life from this point onwards, but sadly, this wasn't offered to her and her obsession took a far more destructive route.
Sporty all her life, Ronni would often keep to a 'healthy' weight as she could work off a lot of what she was bingeing on, however the weight still found her eventually and the figures she shares about her yo-yo'ing weight and how much she has lost and gained over the years is quite extraordinary. Her mother's comments when she returned back from college really ram the point home of what she was trying to compensate for with the things that made her feel good. If her parents had done their job properly and made her feel good about herself, then she might not have turned to food to make her feel good, then bad again, almost immediately afterwards. She might not have temporarily ended up in the arms of a narcissistic bully either, but that's another chapter.
Some of the scenarios Ronni recounts must have been hard to talk about. Hanging around the fryers at her first job in Burger King, eating handfuls of hot fries straight from the basket so quickly they burned her mouth, buying pints of ice cream, donuts, cereal and milk, cookies and chocolate bars and eating the lot in the car, verging on rudeness at social events because she was so focused on what food was coming out where and when, right up to the point where the book starts, and she's eating her daughter's discarded pizza crust out of a trash can at a school event, realising that people may be watching her do it.
One of the things that stood out for me as quite upsetting in this book was realising that for the longest time, Ronni didn't think that there was anything unusual about what she was doing, or that she needed help because compulsive overeating wasn't (isn't?) really as acknowledged, or treated as sympathetically as other eating disorders, for example, anorexia or bulimia nervosa; if she had known this she may have looked for help earlier and her earlier story may have been different.
I was given a copy of this book to review, and although it made me sad at times, I thoroughly enjoyed Ronni's writing. She's funny, brave, vulnerable and most of all, she's strong. Through her honesty and the support of those that love her she was able to discover her own truth and what she needed to do to take control -and then used that to start a blog to help others suffering from compulsive overeating and other food issues, which in turn led her to write this book.
An engaging and well written life story, painfully honest in places, but ultimately a triumph. If you've ever struggled with food, or indeed anything that was supposed to be a comfort that has become a struggle or an addiction instead, then this book will speak to you.
December 23, 2021
I loved Ronni's honest, well-written, detailed and relatable account of binge eating. I was rooting for her from the start and loved her detailed descriptions of secretly stealing treats from her dad's truck and coveting them. She adeptly ties in her longing for food to her longing for love from her parents, so aptly characterizes food as a friend, and has me cheering for her as she vows to do things differently with her kids. For those of us who struggle with disordered eating, especially sweets binge-ing, she expertly describes the battles we've all faced including trying to be "good" being happy in the binge moment and then miserable afterwards, hiding what we eat, being more interested in scoping out the dessert table at parties than in conversing with the guests. Like Ronni, we've all probably eaten enough chocolate to last a lifetime!
She articulates the steps of ridding herself of the behavior, and figuring out what caring for herself looked like, in great detail, which I found really enlightening. Having a strong family and therapy are definitely key; her insights there were very relatable again. The idea of making other things "bigger than food" and not letting food have "the control" are integral to breaking the cycle. Her openness, ease of explaining what she was feeling and doing, and her endearing portrait of herself as a kid just wanting some love made this book all the more special. I just bought it for a relative who is going through a similar struggle.
If you've ever struggled with binge eating, or with finding yourself in the wake of the lack of family love, this book is for you.
She articulates the steps of ridding herself of the behavior, and figuring out what caring for herself looked like, in great detail, which I found really enlightening. Having a strong family and therapy are definitely key; her insights there were very relatable again. The idea of making other things "bigger than food" and not letting food have "the control" are integral to breaking the cycle. Her openness, ease of explaining what she was feeling and doing, and her endearing portrait of herself as a kid just wanting some love made this book all the more special. I just bought it for a relative who is going through a similar struggle.
If you've ever struggled with binge eating, or with finding yourself in the wake of the lack of family love, this book is for you.
October 29, 2020
Ronni shares in this memoir what living for 30 years with binge-eating disorder/compulsive over-eating is like, how it developed and how she eventually found a way out.
She did a lot of research about compulsive overeating and she shared some of her findings in the book which I thought was really nice. For that reason I found this memoir more helpful than others. The titles of books she found helpful and websites you can go to are included at the back.
For Those Who Suffer from Compulsive Overeating
She was very lucky to have a supportive husband when she was healing. If you have no one supporting you, it will be a lot harder but you can still heal. If you have someone supporting you like Ronni did though, that would be so much better.
Final Thoughts
I think the memoirs about this disorder help those who don’t suffer to either understand someone they know and what they are going through OR to at least understand members of society that they don’t personally know but are out there. I love memoirs for this reason. I get to see how others live and what others are going through.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
She did a lot of research about compulsive overeating and she shared some of her findings in the book which I thought was really nice. For that reason I found this memoir more helpful than others. The titles of books she found helpful and websites you can go to are included at the back.
For Those Who Suffer from Compulsive Overeating
She was very lucky to have a supportive husband when she was healing. If you have no one supporting you, it will be a lot harder but you can still heal. If you have someone supporting you like Ronni did though, that would be so much better.
Final Thoughts
I think the memoirs about this disorder help those who don’t suffer to either understand someone they know and what they are going through OR to at least understand members of society that they don’t personally know but are out there. I love memoirs for this reason. I get to see how others live and what others are going through.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 18, 2021
What I Didn’t Like:
-Some of the details are excessive and slow the pace of the story (most food descriptions). I will say I honestly think that was the point, but it’s still worth mentioning.
-Content warning: weight, compulsive eating, and unhealthy relationships all come up in this one. Stay clear if you must.
What I Did Like:
-Honest and real. There’s no about that this is Ronni’s real story, shared for all of us to relate to and connect with.
-Relatable and important. Ronni pulls no punches talking about her battle with compulsive overeating. That makes the story insightful in a perfect way.
-Well written. The language makes the story flow and connects you to Ronni. I found no glaring errors that got in my way and thoroughly enjoyed the writing.
Who Should Read This One:
-Anyone who wants to learn about compulsive eating! If you or someone you love is plagued by the same disorder and want to understand or connect, this is great. It’s also valuable for people like me who just like to understand others. This is a seriously well written account!
My Rating: 4 Stars. This is a well written memoir that will appeal to its intended audience!
-Some of the details are excessive and slow the pace of the story (most food descriptions). I will say I honestly think that was the point, but it’s still worth mentioning.
-Content warning: weight, compulsive eating, and unhealthy relationships all come up in this one. Stay clear if you must.
What I Did Like:
-Honest and real. There’s no about that this is Ronni’s real story, shared for all of us to relate to and connect with.
-Relatable and important. Ronni pulls no punches talking about her battle with compulsive overeating. That makes the story insightful in a perfect way.
-Well written. The language makes the story flow and connects you to Ronni. I found no glaring errors that got in my way and thoroughly enjoyed the writing.
Who Should Read This One:
-Anyone who wants to learn about compulsive eating! If you or someone you love is plagued by the same disorder and want to understand or connect, this is great. It’s also valuable for people like me who just like to understand others. This is a seriously well written account!
My Rating: 4 Stars. This is a well written memoir that will appeal to its intended audience!
July 24, 2022
I received a free copy of this novel.
A difficult part of the memoir genre is author's propensity to paint themselves in a positive light. Robinson bypasses this and writes her real authentic self, not who she wants to be portrayed as. She even writes about eating food out of the garbage. How much more real can one get?
The writing is beautiful. I loved the scenes where she describes her binge eating. These scenes read poetically. I've seen a couple reviews state this may be triggering to someone suffering an eating disorder. Perhaps, but this was vital to the story to foster empathy and understanding for those who don't struggle with binge eating. I am not a fan of trigger warnings but since I am on the topic, all I will say that this book does mention weight in numbers. But again, Robinson wrote authentically and doesn't filter herself.
Robinson does recover from BED, however I would not recommend this book for insights on FULL recovery as she did trade one addiction (BED) for another (extreme sports) but this memoir would still be extremely helpful for a general roadmap of someone else's experience.
A difficult part of the memoir genre is author's propensity to paint themselves in a positive light. Robinson bypasses this and writes her real authentic self, not who she wants to be portrayed as. She even writes about eating food out of the garbage. How much more real can one get?
The writing is beautiful. I loved the scenes where she describes her binge eating. These scenes read poetically. I've seen a couple reviews state this may be triggering to someone suffering an eating disorder. Perhaps, but this was vital to the story to foster empathy and understanding for those who don't struggle with binge eating. I am not a fan of trigger warnings but since I am on the topic, all I will say that this book does mention weight in numbers. But again, Robinson wrote authentically and doesn't filter herself.
Robinson does recover from BED, however I would not recommend this book for insights on FULL recovery as she did trade one addiction (BED) for another (extreme sports) but this memoir would still be extremely helpful for a general roadmap of someone else's experience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2020
This well-written memoir begins with Ronni as a young girl who clearly develops an unhealthy relationship with food because she feels invisible in what seems like a normal, loving family. To fill the void she seeks comfort in the cookie jar, becoming secretive and resorting to stealing to stop the feelings of loneliness.
The chapters where Ronni describes how her parents reacted to her weight gain were particularly heartbreaking. The coldness and disconnection she felt from her mother really resonated with me and how she went on to have a cold, controlling relationship purely down to low self- worth. I was glad that Ronni found personal happiness in later years and finally felt that she could share the truth of her addiction…and so begin the road to recovery.
We follow Ronni’s thirty-year journey of compulsive eating and the different therapies she has tried to overcome the illness. This honest and courageous account will be hugely relatable to anyone suffering from an eating disorder. Ronni’s words shine a beacon of hope, warmth and understanding to others in a similar position.
The chapters where Ronni describes how her parents reacted to her weight gain were particularly heartbreaking. The coldness and disconnection she felt from her mother really resonated with me and how she went on to have a cold, controlling relationship purely down to low self- worth. I was glad that Ronni found personal happiness in later years and finally felt that she could share the truth of her addiction…and so begin the road to recovery.
We follow Ronni’s thirty-year journey of compulsive eating and the different therapies she has tried to overcome the illness. This honest and courageous account will be hugely relatable to anyone suffering from an eating disorder. Ronni’s words shine a beacon of hope, warmth and understanding to others in a similar position.
Read
August 10, 2020I found Out of the Pantry at once engaging and accessible. The author does a great job and "normalizing" a cycle that is in fact disorderd by very matter of factly helping us to step inside her process. With food addictions being so prevalent, the more honest accounts like this that we have, the more equipped we are to understand and support those with eating disorders as well as for those struggling with them to find a sense of community and hope. I found the author's realization of her disorder super compelling as well as the part when she and her partner share this information with their daughter. So many mother's especially struggle with this sort of the thing and the attempt to keep it secret often perpetuates the disorder generationally. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in memoir, mental health stories and especially those dealing with addictions. Thank you so much for sharing your story!!
September 6, 2020
I really loved this well written and engaging story about an out of control binge eater. Ronnie tells her story of the long battle with her compulsive binge eating starting from a very early age. After many years she seeks much needed help and therapy to deal with this under talked about disorder.
Written with moving and transparent honesty, this book details the everyday embarrassments Ronnie had to endure to satisfy her irrational cravings. Starting as a child through adolescence and then to adulthood Ronnie describes her experiences, the help on offer and what worked for her.
I liked that Ronnie took the trouble to write a blog about her recovery, undoubtedly giving hope to others. I am sure it is an extremely valuable source of information for those suffering similar struggles.
I am happy to hear Ronnie is now able to control her food addiction helped by her wonderfully supportive husband and children. Teamwork at its best!
Written with moving and transparent honesty, this book details the everyday embarrassments Ronnie had to endure to satisfy her irrational cravings. Starting as a child through adolescence and then to adulthood Ronnie describes her experiences, the help on offer and what worked for her.
I liked that Ronnie took the trouble to write a blog about her recovery, undoubtedly giving hope to others. I am sure it is an extremely valuable source of information for those suffering similar struggles.
I am happy to hear Ronnie is now able to control her food addiction helped by her wonderfully supportive husband and children. Teamwork at its best!
September 14, 2020
Ronnie Robinson was very young when she began to rely on food to satisfy her unmet needs. It wasn’t until a couple decades later that she figures out she has an eating disorder and joins overeaters anonymous and begins her recovery. Follow Ronnie as she takes us on a journey through her child, teen and adult years as she struggles with weight and trying to overcome the need to eat excessive amounts of sweets.
I thought Robinson has done a brilliant job in sharing her story with us. It’s not an easy thing to do and it was brave of her. This has been my first book on the subject and it has been an eye opener. When you think of eating disorders automatically Anorexia and Bulimia are what comes to mind. You don’t often think of compulsive or overeating as another one of these disorders. I definitely recommend reading this one. Also thanks to the author Ronnie Robinson for sending me a copy to read!
July 12, 2020
Memoir is one of my favorite genres and after reading Andie Mitchell’s “It Was Me All Along” and Tommy Tomlinson’s “The Elephant in the Room” I naively thought I’d read all I needed to better understand eating disorders & binge eating. I was wrong.
Ronni Robinson takes the reader back to where it all started, her early years as a little girl who was loved and cared for, but pretty much ignored and never made to feel special. She does not devote her story to pointing fingers and blaming her parents at all, but she does an excellent job of showing the reader how food took on a very meaningful role in her life to make up for what was missing.
I highly recommend this memoir! It’s a candid story of perseverance that will offer hope and encouragement to everyone who reads it. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ronni Robinson takes the reader back to where it all started, her early years as a little girl who was loved and cared for, but pretty much ignored and never made to feel special. She does not devote her story to pointing fingers and blaming her parents at all, but she does an excellent job of showing the reader how food took on a very meaningful role in her life to make up for what was missing.
I highly recommend this memoir! It’s a candid story of perseverance that will offer hope and encouragement to everyone who reads it. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2020
Out of the Pantry by Ronni Robinson speaks to the heart of anyone who has struggled with disordered eating, or who has been close to someone with disordered eating. But this book also speaks to anyone who has sought comfort but found addiction.
The author is masterful with the pacing, slowing down when necessary offering more of a contemplative experience for the reader, and speeding up at times to help the reader experience the shear force of addiction.
Robinson offers a clear understanding for the complexity of the problem. Then once the reader understands the problem, Robinson shows us the beautiful catharsis of recovery. She shows us how she makes it back to her body through an anonymous recovery group, books, therapy, and more books.
You won’t want to put this one down! Hear Ronni Robinson when she says, “You are not alone!” And join her on the empowering journey.
The author is masterful with the pacing, slowing down when necessary offering more of a contemplative experience for the reader, and speeding up at times to help the reader experience the shear force of addiction.
Robinson offers a clear understanding for the complexity of the problem. Then once the reader understands the problem, Robinson shows us the beautiful catharsis of recovery. She shows us how she makes it back to her body through an anonymous recovery group, books, therapy, and more books.
You won’t want to put this one down! Hear Ronni Robinson when she says, “You are not alone!” And join her on the empowering journey.
November 9, 2025
Ronni Robinson opens the door to the reality and pain of disordered eating. She shines a light in the darkest of places where eating disorders live. If you’ve never had the urge to binge on food, you might not understand this author’s journey. But my guess is most women (and some men) have experienced some level of shame around their eating habits. I was affected by the diet culture in my late teens, and it wasn’t until decades later that I learned to eat in a healthy manner, so this book really hit home for me. I appreciated Ronni’s insights into how her out-of-control eating habits were tied to the lack of emotional comfort she felt in her early home life. Out of the Pantry doesn’t leave you in a dark place but offers inspiration as the author shares how she breaks the bonds of compulsive eating and learns how to shift her focus away from the siren call of food.
May 8, 2021
With Out of the Pantry, Ronni Robinson brings to life her struggle with disordered eating. Robinson begins at the beginning—when she was a child—giving the readers a glimpse into the loneliness and vulnerability young Ronni lived with. To deal with those feelings, food, especially sweets, became a comfort, and Robinson binged on cookies or compulsively ate with no idea why. I applaud Robinson’s decision to be so frank with her readers—the bravery shown here will help others who might live with similar issues. This book is a must-read for anyone who has a complicated relationship with food. It says, “You’re not alone,” and “You can find help.” Thank you, Ronni Robinson, for writing such a poignant book.
August 2, 2020
You think you know someone and then you read their memoir...
I have known Ronni for almost 30 years and was shocked to learn only a few years ago of her eating disorder. I learned so much more about her through her vulnerable sharing of her deepest secrets. I admire her more today for her ability to recognize the cause and find a solution to her Eating disorder.
This almost 300 page book captured me from chapter 1. Imagine reading “ I ate the pizza crust out of the public trash can”... 2 days Later I was Sad to reach the end but thrilled for Ronni’s ongoing recovery! I am looking forward to reading other reviews and am not surprised at all by the positive press this book is receiving!
I have known Ronni for almost 30 years and was shocked to learn only a few years ago of her eating disorder. I learned so much more about her through her vulnerable sharing of her deepest secrets. I admire her more today for her ability to recognize the cause and find a solution to her Eating disorder.
This almost 300 page book captured me from chapter 1. Imagine reading “ I ate the pizza crust out of the public trash can”... 2 days Later I was Sad to reach the end but thrilled for Ronni’s ongoing recovery! I am looking forward to reading other reviews and am not surprised at all by the positive press this book is receiving!
August 28, 2020
I'm always impressed by anyone's ability to write a frank memoir about their own struggles in which they objectively present their neuroses and challenges, particularly in mental health, and lay themselves bare for others to read. I think it's tremendously valuable and marvelous that people do so, because without a shared identity and story it is very difficult for people struggling with their own demons to realize that there is another side from which one can emerge during the course of such a battle. I am always moved by the bravery inherent in any such undertaking, and Robinson's story provides a fine example of this in an area that I think often gets pushed under the rug, particularly in the annals of eating disorders: compulsive overeating.
Robinson's tale is a moving one, and she tells it with aplomb. In an unabashed and unapologetic style, she relates her experiences, feelings, and struggles in a way that is resonant and from the heart. It was an engaging read - her voice is very relatable, as are many of her situations and experiences. I applaud her for her courage in sharing her story and am delighted for her in her recovery!
Thanks to the author for my obligation - free review copy.
Robinson's tale is a moving one, and she tells it with aplomb. In an unabashed and unapologetic style, she relates her experiences, feelings, and struggles in a way that is resonant and from the heart. It was an engaging read - her voice is very relatable, as are many of her situations and experiences. I applaud her for her courage in sharing her story and am delighted for her in her recovery!
Thanks to the author for my obligation - free review copy.
November 15, 2021
This author bravely chronicles the raw and honest journey of her eating disorder. As a little girl and into adulthood and motherhood, this author battles demons that misguide her in her search for self love and acceptance. Lacking a deep and loving relationship with her parents, she seeks the constance from food to fill her body and soul. This is a must read for anyone who has ever battled any addiction, not just to food, because it speaks to the very important journey we all must travel to harness self love and acceptance.
August 3, 2020
A captivating story about the author’s decades-long battle with compulsive eating. Through self-examination, therapy, and support, Robinson realizes the root of her disorder and gathers the strength and willpower to overcome it. Once I started reading, it was hard to put this book down. It’s honest, engaging, and so relatable. This memoir will have you examining your own habits and give you the courage to make a change. Well done!
June 3, 2021
CW: specific weight numbers mentioned in the first half of the book.
This is a wonderful memoir about one woman’s experience with binge eating through childhood and adulthood and her process for healing. The author’s personality and relatability really shines through. Definitely a great resource for someone who wants to learn more about it or wants to read the story of someone they can relate to.
This is a wonderful memoir about one woman’s experience with binge eating through childhood and adulthood and her process for healing. The author’s personality and relatability really shines through. Definitely a great resource for someone who wants to learn more about it or wants to read the story of someone they can relate to.
August 25, 2021
A fair amount of this book, particularly in the first half, reads like a detailed love letter to food, and thus it's almost certainly triggering for anyone who relates enough to pick up the book in the first place. I found myself skimming paragraphs and pages for that reason. Still, it's an insightful, honest, and thoughtful reflection on a difficulty faced by more of us than most people realize, and the author's success in overcoming the challenge is inspirational.
August 14, 2025
Ronni is brutally honest about her struggles with food. Starting in childhood, it was the one constant in her life, and the only thing that made her feel good. Until it didn't. But she still couldn't stop eating. I have seen friends and family suffer with eating disorders, although these were the opposite end of the scale: hiding the fact that they weren't eating. So finding out the back story of food obsession was a relevation to me. Well written and an enjoyable read.
December 24, 2020
This book is excellent, easy to read and Ronni brings us right into the pantry where her binge eating began and continued for over thirty years. Ronni shows that recovery is possible but only with hard work and therapy. An important read.
February 26, 2021
Beyond relatable
So happy I came across another person that enjoyed this book and shared the title with me.Certain pages we're like I had written them,I cannot believe that I am not alone In this.Such a good read!!
So happy I came across another person that enjoyed this book and shared the title with me.Certain pages we're like I had written them,I cannot believe that I am not alone In this.Such a good read!!
September 15, 2021
A clear-eyed view of one woman's struggle and triumph over her addiction to food. When she realizes she is feeding her need for love, approval and affection, she is free and ready to love herself in ways that are nurturing and empowering. An uplifting and inspiring story, whatever your struggles.
August 22, 2020
Will follow shortly.
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