The Inside Scoop on Eating Disorder Recovery: Advice from Two Therapists Who Have Been There

by Colleen Reichmann, Jennifer Rollin

The Inside Scoop on Eating Disorder Recovery is a fresh, smart, how-to book that helps people with eating disorders to heal their relationship with food, their bodies, and ultimately themselves.

Written from the perspective of two eating disorder therapists, both of whom are recovered from their own eating disorders, the text uses humor, personal narratives, and research-proven techniques to offer specific actionable guidelines on how to reclaim one’s life from an eating disorder. The authors explain the difference between dieting and eating disorders, break down the stages of recovery, and provide tips on how to thrive in each stage. The book provides powerful myth-busting on topics that have historically not been addressed in eating disorder recovery books, such as clean eating and orthorexia, exercising in recovery, and fat positivity. Tangible exercises at the end of each chapter provide readers with advice and tips on implementing this approach to recovery in their day-to-day lives.

The humorous and down-to-earth tone of the book creates an authentic and genuine feel that leaves those who struggle with chronic dieting, eating disorders, and negative body image feeling connected and heard.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Mental Health, Psychology, Counselling, Science

184 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2021

Reviews

[Naomi Shmueli · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book means really well and I feel like it deserves three stars BUT I literally am struggling to finish it only because the writing is so cringe. It’s written so recently but the authors say things like “Le Sigh” and “*eye roll*”. I would rather read the driest scientific studies than information presented in such a way that’s trying so hard to be cool. I don’t want to shit on all the important work these therapists have done and I am impressed they are able to encompass so many topics in a clear and concise way. But the writing. Oh my god. It’s unreadable.

[nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a school read, and I wish I enjoyed this book more. Although it had a wide array of useful information and nice exercises to use with clients (why it’s 2 stars not 1), it was written sooooo bad. So so cringey it pained me it felt like millennial women stuck in 2011 tumblr writing things like “Le sigh” “Facepalm” “mmmkay?” like come on I’d rather read dense dry academic papers. Also its methods and approaches preached flexibility and gray areas but felt like a lot of absolutism still. Some of the “science” felt disingenuous and largely ignorant of universal truths.

[Linda]

respectfully, this was the least copy-edited book I have ever read in my entire life.

[Madison R · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concepts introduced in this book seem effective and genuinely heartfelt, and I think I learned some therapeutically valuable stuff from reading it. However, there are parts of this book that are so full of misused slang that it was challenging to understand what was being said. A good book coming from what seems to me like a good place, but I’m not sure I would feel comfortable giving this to a client due to the delivery.

[Annabelle Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have tried to read so many eating disorder recovery books and i never could finish any of them. I have been in therapy for a while and my therapist recommended this book. I let it sit here for a while and finally started it. It helped me. I understand it may not do that for everyone. But they never said numbers. They weren’t triggering. They gave space for journaling and some really resonated with me. They tried to touch on aspects of all eating disorders but it’s hard. I do wish they talked more about certain things but they did do alot. They use so much research but make it understandable. They both suffered from one and they made it easy to read and they did not make me feel guilty. I know some people didn’t like their side notes but i personally found it fun and made it more light and personal. If you are stuck in your eating disorder i recommend. Or if you aren’t and just want to learn more it touches on so much! everyone could read this book and benefit. Okay i’m done now, i recommend that’s why im giving it 5 ⭐️

[Katy Stanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Early in this important book by Colleen Reichmann and Jennifer Rollin, the authors cite a study which claims, “up to 75% of women have some sort of disordered eating.” If that estimate is true—and I am convinced it is--than most of us are struggling with food issues ourselves or we know someone who is. My conclusion from reading this book is that we all need the wisdom, encouragement, and practical advice given by these two experts. I expected a book on eating disorders to be dry, serious, and research based. Instead, I found a book that shares research in a breezy tone along with the authors’ compelling personal narratives. The authors also share techniques they practice as mental health professionals to help people suffering from eating disorders find healing and peace. In a world where many cannot afford treatment in a clinical setting, this book will bring trusted therapeutic practices home to them.
How I wish this book could have been there to help our family when my sister was struggling with eating disorders, but I’m grateful that it will help other people who are striving to reach and maintain recovery. I believe that this is a book that will save lives.

[Iveta Vi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Exercise doesnt effect weight? Do not go to exercise if you dont feel like it? Cancel your gym membership? Its ok to be fat? Bodies at all shapes and sizes can be healthy (unless youre too skinny i guess). Or other stupid exercises like Think about what you want your gravestone to say?
Although the book has good points, they are not for me and overall are pointless if you don’t go to therapy. Maybe this book is shit, maybe I couldnt take it seriously cuz of annoying writing, maybe Im too fatphobic, maybe Im not ready to deal with this at this point of my life or maybe its maybelline.

[Lexie Kattelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore how I can hear the authors voice in their writing and vocabulary. It’s written in a way that is easy to understand and engaging. There are a variety of swear words if that bothers you. I will definitely be using this book as a reference, guide for clients and caregivers, or even just to give certain chapters to family and friends.

[Stacie Sonnakolb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend!!!

[Madeline Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an extremely approachable and practical guide for people struggling with an eating disorder (diagnosed or not). I think it would also be a useful read for people who have loved ones struggling. The authors give actual concrete steps to take throughout recovery and explain the research and reasoning behind every topic they mention, without getting bogged down with scientific language. I could see this being a great tool for ED therapists and I highly recommend it to anyone struggling in their relationship with food and their body.

[Sophie Schnake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book a lot and it has helped reinforce my motivations for recovery. It lost a star because the authors are trying way too hard to use "hip young lingo" and it comes across as horribly lame. But hey, they were trying their best. If you can get past that, it's very helpful and insightful, I reccomend it a lot.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book contained many really useful tools and ways to challenge the eating disorder within. It looks beyond what is considered as the definition of eating disorder and broadly encompasses anyone with any disordered eating, that dictates what one feels they should have, should look like, and should look like they were having. It challenges the definition itself, and paves the way to one realising you don't have to be 'that bad' to seek help, especially when help may only be forthcoming when things do indeed get 'that bad'. Touches on intuitive eating as well, and the freedom of actually completely diminishing all rules around food and helping to reconnect with what the body wants and needs, instead of the very embedded diet culture we live in, and the messages we're constantly surrounded in. Full of personal stories, explanations, and many journalling tips.
My main qualm with the book is the tone of writing. Jokes are fine, of course, but the super casual, overly trying casual way of writing/speaking was not to my liking, and diminished the book's credibility even. And certain mistakes, which I may have picked up on less as I listened to it, but when it listed certain factors where ~2/6 were socio-economic status, I did wonder, how did the narrator keep a straight face and continue reading it out, instead of doing further editing for the sake of the listeners.

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connect with me: Books for my Obsession on Instagram or via Linktree.

This book was recommended to me—among others—by my therapist. I think it’s a really solid starting point for anyone who’s beginning to realize that their relationship with food, dieting, exercise, and body image might not be as healthy as they thought.

I’ve struggled with disordered eating (in various forms) and a distorted body image for many years, and I’m only just beginning what I hope will be the start of my recovery journey.

I noticed some negative comments about the writing style, but personally, I had no issue with it. In fact, it felt very natural to me—almost like how I talk about these things myself. You know, “jokes based on my pain, haha,” that kind of tone. So if you’re expecting a dry, clinical textbook, this probably isn’t the book for you.

What I especially appreciated were the practical tips, journaling prompts, and exercises, and the compassion that comes through in the writing. And that kind of gentle tone can be really comforting—especially if self-compassion doesn't come easily to you.

[Anmarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for those actively working towards eating disorder recovery, those fully recovered or folks in the field. The book reviews, in my opinion as a ED therapist as well, the most fundamental steps in recovery. I enjoyed that it condensed such valuable information in an easy to read and down to earth way.

A lot of the critiques of the book have been the use of the authors voice and personal style instead of a more rudimentary and sterile approach — and I thought that was refreshing and relatable!

Some author’s goals are to reach their audience through empathy and relatability which is hard to achieve by utilizing intellectualized language and psychology jargon.

Another critique is that there isn’t any new information— this is true, as I didn’t read anything that I hadn’t read or seen before through other avenues. However, I think the compassion, practicality and sharing of their own personal experiences that they bring to it make up for a lack of new material— and they do offer unique writing prompts and exercises.

I really encourage folks to read this one.

[Esther Chaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little disappointed with the writing style; it felt very much like it was trying a little too hard to be "cool" and relatable, but that also might just be a personality thing.

I do appreciate the amount of information that is in this book, and that it's presented in such an accessible way. Hearing from two professionals who have also undergone the recovery experience really made this book resonate and make it feel like recovery is accessible and that it's okay for it to take the time and path it takes. Also appreciated the nuance present throughout, as well as the variety of topics covered.

[Eileen Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

At only ~150 pages and touching on everything from eating disorder categorization, early recovery, HAES, IE, movement, body image, etc., this is a high-level and reader-friendly introduction to recovering from any level of disordered eating or chronic dieting. This would be a good starting place for anyone who hasn’t already delved into the other in-depth books like Heath at Every Size, Anti-Diet, and Intuitive Eating, which are all referenced in this book. It could be good for friends and family too, since it introduces the most important points without delving into so much detail.

[G Wethers · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this book is pretty much just a recycled collection of blog posts, platitudes, and appropriated AAVE run rampant. It tries to be folksy and down to earth, but the writing is ultimately really grating and poorly edited, and there’s virtually no new information in it. The only good chapter was the one with other people’s experiences and thoughts. Save your time and focus on meeting with a therapist, or just scroll “recovery instagram” for about five minutes to get exactly the same content.

[leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

The attempts at humour and relatability just didn't land for me. It felt like millennials trying to be cool and "not like other therapists". This took me out of the experience and made the reading experience significantly less enjoyable for me.

However, I would recommend this book to someone who is starting their journey in recovery. The authors make the language and concepts very accessible to people new to the ED recovery space, and cover a variety of important topics and tools to aid people on their journey.

[Shelby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written very well & very insightful. I do disagree with many opinions on eating disorders described in this books, but that’s not to minimize the authors’ experiences or opinions. I very much respect them. I just have different experiences. It was also mildly triggering for me, & I discovered that I was not in the headspace that I originally thought I was in relation to my eating disorder. Just a heads up for others, have someone you trust that you can talk to about this book & how it makes you feel.

[Kait Vanderlaan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a lot to offer and will be relatable to certain people. I appreciate how personal experience, clinical experience, and research is woven together to inform this book. However, all of the jokes and comments within parenthesis after every few sentences felt excessive and made it hard to get through. Personally I wish the writing was more to the point but I’m sure there are people who will appreciate the conversational aspect of this book.

[Jordan Ormsby · Rating 5 out of 5]

um. this book changed my life. so much food for thought. so many things I can use both for myself and those I help along their own journeys. a motivator to stay in the gray area and stay the course. literally tears. for now I will be focused on cultivating the life I want as a compassionate, effective therapist for those along their own recovery journeys while becoming the best daughter, sister, wife, mom, friend, human I can be.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is written primarily for a slightly younger audience than myself but I found that the information in this easy-to-read book was amazingly helpful. This was helpful not just for understanding those with EDs, but also for helping me with my own unhealthy relationship with food, and with learning great new tactics for clinical work in general.

[Paula Mock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really really think this book changed my life for the better--gave me real steps that I can take and put into writing lots of the things I have felt but not been able to voice. The writing was incredibly cringy and the writers clearly tried wayyyyyy too hard to be relatable to their audience, but if you look past that there's very valuable information in here :)

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had some issues and could have used an edit or two. It is a HAES-focused book in two of the chapters and had some good advice but even with that I didn't feel like it was for me. As someone with an ED, I just didn't click with what this book was saying. It could have been the cringe text or how I felt this mainly focuses on those who restrict.

[Katharine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like others have said, the content of the book is solid, but the writing style/cringey slang really detracts from its value. As an RD, I’m not sure I’d recommend this to any clients. I feel bad saying this bc I’ve heard both authors in podcast interviews and really enjoyed them!! Maybe they will release an updated version with only about 10% of the chummy language in the current version??

[Meghan McGann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is easy to read, practical, and as funny as books about eating disorder recovery can be. As a dietitian treating eating disorders, I know I will be recommending this to my clients moving forward and think it could also be a great resource for family/friends of people struggling with EDs.

[Illysa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great overarching and inclusive look at eating disorders. I thought the authors had approachable and refreshing voices. The journal prompts, in particular, were really great and I will start incorporating things I learned from the book working with clients!

[l a u r ə n · Rating 2 out of 5]

More disingenuous dietary and weight science by HAES advocates. Strong recommendation to skip chapters 7 and 8. From my own recovery process, therapists should stay in their lane on this one because using dishonest and misrepresented science only makes the ED double down once it finds out.

[Molly A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super easy read and very informative. I love how they make it relatable while citing real scientific evidence! Highly recommend all to read just even to be more informed about fatphobia & diet culture

[Julė Jankauskaitė · Rating 3 out of 5]

LOVED: practical exercises, journaling prompts, authors' compassion.

DIDN'T ENJOY: writing style & editing. I liked that it wasn't too medical or dramatizing, but all of *le sigh*s made my eye twitch. If I see "shouting from the rooftops" again, my head might just explode.