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Food: The Good Girl's Drug: How to Stop Using Food to Control Your Feelings
A guide to ending compulsive emotional overeating and establishing a healthy relationship with food.
Sunny Sea Gold started fighting a binge eating disorder in her teens. But most books on the topic were aimed at older women, women she had a hard time relating to. Calling on top psychiatrists, nutritionists, and fitness experts, Sunny offers real advice to a new generation fighting an age-old war. With humor and compassion from someone who's seen it all, The Good Girl's Drug is about experiences shared by many women-whether they've been struggling with compulsive overeating their whole lives, or have just admitted to themselves, that yes, it's more than just a bad habit.
Sunny Sea Gold started fighting a binge eating disorder in her teens. But most books on the topic were aimed at older women, women she had a hard time relating to. Calling on top psychiatrists, nutritionists, and fitness experts, Sunny offers real advice to a new generation fighting an age-old war. With humor and compassion from someone who's seen it all, The Good Girl's Drug is about experiences shared by many women-whether they've been struggling with compulsive overeating their whole lives, or have just admitted to themselves, that yes, it's more than just a bad habit.
256 pages, Paperback
First published April 5, 2011
103 people are currently reading
556 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 11, 2011
I don't think the other negative reviews I've seen give the book justice, or gave it a chance. As someone who struggles with the issues discussed in this book, I felt it was very helpful. When I got through the first chapter I was in tears because I knew for the first time that there were others out there like me and I wasn't some lunatic with food issues. Sunny was great at taking you through the process of healing. It doesn't just jump-in to the therapy. First you have to accept what's happening, learn about it, learn WHY you do what you do. Then she gives countless types of therapy; actual therapists, meditation, spirituality, things to do when you feel a binge coming on... there are so many things that can help.
I didn't mind or even notice the verbage she used like others pointed out, what I got out of this book weighed more than her calling us "girls" instead of "women". I am a girl, I'm okay with that.
I'd highly recommend this if you KNOW you have BED. My world gets to have a reset button and I'm grateful for that.
I didn't mind or even notice the verbage she used like others pointed out, what I got out of this book weighed more than her calling us "girls" instead of "women". I am a girl, I'm okay with that.
I'd highly recommend this if you KNOW you have BED. My world gets to have a reset button and I'm grateful for that.
October 24, 2014
Food: A Good Girl’s Drug, written by Sunny Sea Gold is a novel about the unrecognized importance and escalation of binge eating disorders or ‘BED’. The importance of this disorder is often overlooked because it’s “not as glamorous as anorexia or bulimia.” By reading this book, I learned a lot of eye opening information on the severity of this disorder and those like it as well. There was not only a lot of information in this book, but there were also many helpful tips and ‘solutions’ to problems and emotions that people with BED may experience. For example: at the end of every chapter there would be a page of questions that you could answer regarding the topics that were covered in the given chapter.
Although there were many things that I liked about this book, there were also a few that I didn’t enjoy as much. One thing that I liked about this book was that Gold used real life stories and profiles in this book. This made the book seem much more relatable and it also created many different points of view on the one topic, therefore resulting in more ‘in depth’ facts. For example, In chapter 2, Gold documents: “When I (Amanda) was in college, I often hid the fast food bags from my boyfriend because I was so ashamed of my situation.” This gives another perspective into the problem as well as gives more examples as to how people with BED feel. Something I enjoyed was the way Gold worded this book. It felt natural. The facts didn’t seem forced or exaggerated as they often are in many non fiction books. I was never a fan of non fiction simply because when I read non-fiction books, it felt like i was reading a list of facts and it would drone on and on. This book changed my view on non fiction because it felt more like a novel. The author was actually trying to be personable, which made this book so much more interesting to read. One thing that I however did not like about this book was that some of the chapters seemed far too similar to those that came before. I found myself going back because I was convinced I had already read the exact same thing 2 chapters ago.
Given that this book was quite long and very factual, I learned a lot about this topic. The author clearly believes that binge eating disorder is causing girls to feel ashamed about themselves and is leading to many health problems. Before reading this book, I honestly hadn’t pondered on this certain disorder as much as others that are more frequently discussed such as anorexia or bulimia. This seemed ridiculous to me as I got farther into the book. So many more people are dealing with this disorder than any other. You would think that binge eating would be more commonly talked about because of it’s bluntness, but this is not the case at all. While reading this book, I began to question how people in our society view this issue, how many people it actually impacts and in what ways.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is 12 years or older. Although the vocabulary is fairly simple to understand, some of the concepts portrayed in this book may be confusing to younger children. However, I think this book is suitable for anyone that is interested in learning more on this topic because its a very interesting, eye opening read.
Although there were many things that I liked about this book, there were also a few that I didn’t enjoy as much. One thing that I liked about this book was that Gold used real life stories and profiles in this book. This made the book seem much more relatable and it also created many different points of view on the one topic, therefore resulting in more ‘in depth’ facts. For example, In chapter 2, Gold documents: “When I (Amanda) was in college, I often hid the fast food bags from my boyfriend because I was so ashamed of my situation.” This gives another perspective into the problem as well as gives more examples as to how people with BED feel. Something I enjoyed was the way Gold worded this book. It felt natural. The facts didn’t seem forced or exaggerated as they often are in many non fiction books. I was never a fan of non fiction simply because when I read non-fiction books, it felt like i was reading a list of facts and it would drone on and on. This book changed my view on non fiction because it felt more like a novel. The author was actually trying to be personable, which made this book so much more interesting to read. One thing that I however did not like about this book was that some of the chapters seemed far too similar to those that came before. I found myself going back because I was convinced I had already read the exact same thing 2 chapters ago.
Given that this book was quite long and very factual, I learned a lot about this topic. The author clearly believes that binge eating disorder is causing girls to feel ashamed about themselves and is leading to many health problems. Before reading this book, I honestly hadn’t pondered on this certain disorder as much as others that are more frequently discussed such as anorexia or bulimia. This seemed ridiculous to me as I got farther into the book. So many more people are dealing with this disorder than any other. You would think that binge eating would be more commonly talked about because of it’s bluntness, but this is not the case at all. While reading this book, I began to question how people in our society view this issue, how many people it actually impacts and in what ways.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is 12 years or older. Although the vocabulary is fairly simple to understand, some of the concepts portrayed in this book may be confusing to younger children. However, I think this book is suitable for anyone that is interested in learning more on this topic because its a very interesting, eye opening read.
March 16, 2018
I picked up this book based on a recommendation on a unhealthy eating habit forum and this book has not disappointed me. Gold has included examples of relatable women throughout the book and, personally, she has covered any and all topics related to eating disorders. At the end of every chapter a section titled ‘Your Turn’ is included where she asks questions so the readers can dive as deep as they want into their own psyche. I highly appreciated these questions. I love journaling and have felt that it has greatly benefited my mental health. I am interested in purchasing this book and I would go as far as saying this book is equivalent to a thousand therapy sessions.
September 29, 2020
Powerful and healing.
So much we have been experiencing — clearly not alone — in silence. The book is a short accessible text speaking out about a range of eating behaviours rooted in diet culture and emotional eating. I had to skip through parts because it is generally oriented towards women and girls with eating disorders. But I found the content resonating as a queer man who does not have an eating disorder but with some history of eating issues. Although we often compare ourselves to others, "you can't compare the way you feel on the inside to the way someone appears on the outside.”
The author sprinkles short anecdotes and case studies throughout the text. I liked the fact that these were concise, especially because it can be upsetting to read serious cases of disordered eating. As well as this, the author also provides advice that is genuinely practical and useful, right from the start. Everyone has a different experience and this book does not assume that we will all follow the same path to recovery. And even though the author recommends ‘spirituality’ as part of this journey, the author is not referring to an exclusively religious outlook: it is about being vulnerable and present.
Overall, in my opinion the book was heartfelt and authentic, and it was written by exactly the right person to do the issue justice.
So much we have been experiencing — clearly not alone — in silence. The book is a short accessible text speaking out about a range of eating behaviours rooted in diet culture and emotional eating. I had to skip through parts because it is generally oriented towards women and girls with eating disorders. But I found the content resonating as a queer man who does not have an eating disorder but with some history of eating issues. Although we often compare ourselves to others, "you can't compare the way you feel on the inside to the way someone appears on the outside.”
The author sprinkles short anecdotes and case studies throughout the text. I liked the fact that these were concise, especially because it can be upsetting to read serious cases of disordered eating. As well as this, the author also provides advice that is genuinely practical and useful, right from the start. Everyone has a different experience and this book does not assume that we will all follow the same path to recovery. And even though the author recommends ‘spirituality’ as part of this journey, the author is not referring to an exclusively religious outlook: it is about being vulnerable and present.
Overall, in my opinion the book was heartfelt and authentic, and it was written by exactly the right person to do the issue justice.
September 29, 2020
Reading someone else's experience of binge eating Reese's peanut butter cups and a 20 box of McNuggets... or making makeshift nachos in the microwave definitely landed closer to home than I had anticipated when I picked this book up.
For me, I really resonated with the author's experiences and anecdotes (although I do not have an eating disorder myself, but definitely guilty of emotional eating!).
Unlike some other self-help books, the advice begins quite early on after an initial outline of the various ways people may be relying on food. The advice for me was really practical and actionable - she took her time to provide a lot of depth and consideration in that advice which helps to be able to take away something tangible from the book. In particular, I thought her list of alternative activities (when you're feeling like eating to deal with your feelings) was a real winner, and I love that she associated them with different feelings.
Overall, the book was quite short (the right length!), super easy to read and had some real gems of advice. A definite recommendation!
For me, I really resonated with the author's experiences and anecdotes (although I do not have an eating disorder myself, but definitely guilty of emotional eating!).
Unlike some other self-help books, the advice begins quite early on after an initial outline of the various ways people may be relying on food. The advice for me was really practical and actionable - she took her time to provide a lot of depth and consideration in that advice which helps to be able to take away something tangible from the book. In particular, I thought her list of alternative activities (when you're feeling like eating to deal with your feelings) was a real winner, and I love that she associated them with different feelings.
Overall, the book was quite short (the right length!), super easy to read and had some real gems of advice. A definite recommendation!
May 30, 2017
Easy to read, I knew much of what the author wrote about beforehand, I know where my negative relationship with food and self-image stem from, but it was good to refresh my memory of tools I can use to regain control and try to maintain a healthy body image and relationship with food.
January 31, 2021
I have never felt so understood by a book in my life. Sunny, thank you for writing such a provocative read. I no longer feel alone in my struggles, and this book served as a beacon of hope for recovery.
August 10, 2017
Good book for people suffering eating disorders/ binge eating, would recommend if you have a bad relationship with food. Also very good insights and very informative.
July 28, 2020
3.5 stars
I accept that BED is real. I accept that ED treatment should be uncoupled from weight loss. What I'm looking for is a book to recommend to friends and family who are willing to learn more, but are currently still heavily invested in diet culture. What I want from such a book (followed by a note identifying whether I feel this book met that criterion):
-an appeal to basic respect for all people, regardless of their body shape (maybe sorta kinda?)
-an acknowledgement that not all people are currently at their optimal weight (yes)
-an acknowledgement that not being at our optimal weight can contribute to negative health outcomes (yes)
-a convincing argument that intentionally attempting to achieve our optimal weight through behavior change is not just futile, but actively harmful to our health (no - the author specifically discusses her own intentional weight loss success story post ED recovery, though she acknowledges that it took 10 years from starting to address her ED and to her final weight - which is basically her settled weight with consistent intuitive eating, but she doesn't discuss it in those terms)
-a comprehensive summary of peer-reviewed research showing that, since 1969, studies consistently find that 90-95% of people who intentionally lose weight by dieting regain it within 6-24 months, that 24 months is not "long-term" when examining weight maintenance, and that a truly long-term study of 5 to 10 years would show even higher rates of weight regain (the fact is acknowledged but not discussed in any detail)
-a discussion of "cognitive restriction" and its negative health consequences (no - in fact she discusses her own intentional restriction in detail and talks about why it was valuable TO HER that she was able to achieve that without a relapse)
-a definition of "diet", including an explanation for why Weight Watchers IS a diet, even in its current formulation (no)
-an acknowledgement that the fundamental difference between intuitive eating/eating disorder treatment and prescriptive diets is the goal/philosophy/motivators for behavior change (weight-neutral self-care vs. weight loss), NOT in the lifestyle recommendations (eat a "varied" / "balanced" diet, get more exercise/movement) (no)
-an acknowledgement of the tension between HAES's recognition that lifestyle choices play only a small role in our overall health outcomes and simultaneous expectation that people to work toward lifestyle changes (sort of - this book is not explicitly HAES; and it does advocate for lifestyle changes to improve overall health status; but she also talks in some depth about factors that contribute to BED, from genetics to family environment to trauma to social inequity)
-an acknowledgement that in our society as it exists, complete with fatphobia and diet culture, profound social inequality, inaccessible child care options, oppression and marginalization of essentially every social group except rich cis/het white men, and a pathological obsession with the virtue of work, asking people to do the work of body acceptance and intuitive eating takes time and energy that many, many people simply don't have, and will not have without widespread social change (no)
I think if I weren't looking so specifically for particular book with a particular message, if I were a person with BED and I was looking for some support to figure out what was happening with my body and my brain, I would have liked this more.
One thing I did *not* like was that she frequently refers to all female-aligned people as "girls", not "women", which feels infantilizing -- even if her target audience is teens/young adults, I feel like "women" is the preferred term here.
I accept that BED is real. I accept that ED treatment should be uncoupled from weight loss. What I'm looking for is a book to recommend to friends and family who are willing to learn more, but are currently still heavily invested in diet culture. What I want from such a book (followed by a note identifying whether I feel this book met that criterion):
-an appeal to basic respect for all people, regardless of their body shape (maybe sorta kinda?)
-an acknowledgement that not all people are currently at their optimal weight (yes)
-an acknowledgement that not being at our optimal weight can contribute to negative health outcomes (yes)
-a convincing argument that intentionally attempting to achieve our optimal weight through behavior change is not just futile, but actively harmful to our health (no - the author specifically discusses her own intentional weight loss success story post ED recovery, though she acknowledges that it took 10 years from starting to address her ED and to her final weight - which is basically her settled weight with consistent intuitive eating, but she doesn't discuss it in those terms)
-a comprehensive summary of peer-reviewed research showing that, since 1969, studies consistently find that 90-95% of people who intentionally lose weight by dieting regain it within 6-24 months, that 24 months is not "long-term" when examining weight maintenance, and that a truly long-term study of 5 to 10 years would show even higher rates of weight regain (the fact is acknowledged but not discussed in any detail)
-a discussion of "cognitive restriction" and its negative health consequences (no - in fact she discusses her own intentional restriction in detail and talks about why it was valuable TO HER that she was able to achieve that without a relapse)
-a definition of "diet", including an explanation for why Weight Watchers IS a diet, even in its current formulation (no)
-an acknowledgement that the fundamental difference between intuitive eating/eating disorder treatment and prescriptive diets is the goal/philosophy/motivators for behavior change (weight-neutral self-care vs. weight loss), NOT in the lifestyle recommendations (eat a "varied" / "balanced" diet, get more exercise/movement) (no)
-an acknowledgement of the tension between HAES's recognition that lifestyle choices play only a small role in our overall health outcomes and simultaneous expectation that people to work toward lifestyle changes (sort of - this book is not explicitly HAES; and it does advocate for lifestyle changes to improve overall health status; but she also talks in some depth about factors that contribute to BED, from genetics to family environment to trauma to social inequity)
-an acknowledgement that in our society as it exists, complete with fatphobia and diet culture, profound social inequality, inaccessible child care options, oppression and marginalization of essentially every social group except rich cis/het white men, and a pathological obsession with the virtue of work, asking people to do the work of body acceptance and intuitive eating takes time and energy that many, many people simply don't have, and will not have without widespread social change (no)
I think if I weren't looking so specifically for particular book with a particular message, if I were a person with BED and I was looking for some support to figure out what was happening with my body and my brain, I would have liked this more.
One thing I did *not* like was that she frequently refers to all female-aligned people as "girls", not "women", which feels infantilizing -- even if her target audience is teens/young adults, I feel like "women" is the preferred term here.
August 27, 2017
As someone who has grown up with a problematic relationship with food, I found this book refreshing and actually quite kind in its approach to eating disorders. I liked the fact that the book made many recommendations to sites like HealthyGirl.org (Sunny Sea Gold's website) and other safe spaces online for people to find others who can help them. Personally, this book has helped me a lot with how I see food and my health. In other words, great book!
July 26, 2021
This book is about Binge Eating Disorder (BED) but would be helpful for any kind of disordered eating, I believe. I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever struggled with emotional eating, binge eating, or body-image issues. The book has some very helpful insights as well as real-life examples and stories that make the concepts clear. One of my favorite quotes from the book is, “It’s not about the way your body looks, but the way you look at your body.”
May 15, 2022
So glad I got this book! It is so helpful with tons of resources to get help, insightful exercises, and tools you can use in your own life. The book walks you through what binge eating disorder is and offers real clients stories who struggled with some form of BED or related disorder. I wish I had found this years ago so I could have implemented the techniques in my life sooner. A wonderful read for anyone suffering from disordered eating and or body issues.
January 4, 2024
I found this very informative and compassionate. The multiple stories gathered from people with ED was heartening in understanding how prevalent and difficult it is to have it. While by no means a complete comprehensive study of eating disorders, this focuses a bit more on binging, it seems like a good book for getting someone to understand and come to terms with their own struggles by recognizing themself in the pages.
November 4, 2021
I think this book would be a good read for teenage girls going through a binge eating disorder. I did find some of it insightful. I believe it helps open your eyes to the disorder, and shows you that you need to get professional help to recover.
April 14, 2024
Wow. What an essential read.
It amazes me that these days we are still making “The Catcher and The Rye” required reading in High school, and not this book. I complained about this fact multiple times while reading this book. What I love so much about this book is how I finally felt SEEN.
Mostly was it’s mentions and studies on binge eating disorders. This is an eating disorder that is often over looked because it lacks the ‘glamor’ and ‘concern’ that others such as Anorexia or Bulemia typically manage to cultivate. That might sound bitter, but it’s true, and the author makes this very point quite well.
Sunny digs deep into a more widespread concern: your relationship with food.
Her analogies and examples as a recovered binge eater were sometimes downright chilling, because I could see elements and a certain mind set that I myself could sometimes relate too that gave me chills. Honestly, wether you believe you have a great relationship with eating or not, you should read this book. It’s a quick, gentle read. Sunny is kind and caring with every word.
It amazes me that these days we are still making “The Catcher and The Rye” required reading in High school, and not this book. I complained about this fact multiple times while reading this book. What I love so much about this book is how I finally felt SEEN.
Mostly was it’s mentions and studies on binge eating disorders. This is an eating disorder that is often over looked because it lacks the ‘glamor’ and ‘concern’ that others such as Anorexia or Bulemia typically manage to cultivate. That might sound bitter, but it’s true, and the author makes this very point quite well.
Sunny digs deep into a more widespread concern: your relationship with food.
Her analogies and examples as a recovered binge eater were sometimes downright chilling, because I could see elements and a certain mind set that I myself could sometimes relate too that gave me chills. Honestly, wether you believe you have a great relationship with eating or not, you should read this book. It’s a quick, gentle read. Sunny is kind and caring with every word.
May 7, 2018
Sunny did a terrific job throughout this book. Very helpful read. Thank you.
February 18, 2019
Definitely good insight to how food addiction and past experiences and can trigger those instances! I definitely learned a lot about myself! Felt it was informative!
April 8, 2019
I thought this book held a good perspective of recovery from an eating disorder. What I learned the most from it was celebrating small victories, and I have made progress and it is a slow process.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2021
For anyone struggling with their relationship with food, this is a must read. Especially for girls and young women.
March 24, 2021
Good information. Really liked the Your Turn sections at the end of the chapters. I plan to go back and use those as journaling prompts.
March 26, 2021
This book was super helpful!
June 7, 2022
Inspiring ending, all in all the message seems to be to love yourself and do things mindfully.
October 16, 2023
Wasn't for me; weirdly light-hearted and cutesy, kind of juvenile? Made me think of those unhinged Barbenheimer memes.
May 9, 2020
Rating: 3 stars.
January 16, 2024
I feel like this book wasn't as helpful as I was expecting it to be, but I honestly think it is because I have already read so much and learn so much about binge eating disorder that nothing I read was new to me neither eye-opening, and I personally went into the book with that mindset and intention. However, the little exercises at the end of every chapter are really helpful and fun to do! It does help you understand yourself better and even though sometimes could be hard to re-live certain moments, I know that's the whole point of it so I can work on my food issues. It honestly made me more aware of my eating habits and my feelings when it came to me eating from stress or boredom! and after reading the book I have honestly been eating better and also making more conscious decisions about food (like why am i eating? am i truly hungry? should i really eat this?) and it has also helped me to not be os hard on my self when I don't do so well :)
January 8, 2020
While this struck a cord with me as far as really seeing myself within these pages, this book was ultimately lacking in depth. This is a great introduction to the topic of binge eating disorder and I think it would be amazing for a young adult audience (teens/20's) but it felt too simplistic and basic for me and where I'm at, at this point in my life.
March 21, 2017
A bit simplistic, but stories were helpful
Nice to hear other people's stories. It wasn't anything new or astounding, just comforting to read. Writing style was simplistic, but did it's duty.
Nice to hear other people's stories. It wasn't anything new or astounding, just comforting to read. Writing style was simplistic, but did it's duty.
October 9, 2012
I initially gave this book 3 stars but decided to raise it to 4 after reading (or rather, starting) another book on the same topic. After thinking about the approach this book takes in contrast with the more rigid and structured methodology of the other book's "detox" approach, I can really appreciate the benefits of the more introspective and nurturing approach taken by this author.
The anecdotes really bring to life the various manifestations of a food addiction/binge syndrome. And the emphasis on journaling and becoming more mindful, and even more important, FORGIVING setbacks as you work to change your relationship with food, seem to promote much more sustainable life changes.
While the book is light on the science behind eating disorders (my husband pooh-poohs these experiments as non-reproducible "soft science" but I still like to read about dopamine and PFC changes, etc), I think the true stories are much more valuable and inspirational. It's a quick, easy read, and very important in shedding light on a problem that hasn't had much attention.
The anecdotes really bring to life the various manifestations of a food addiction/binge syndrome. And the emphasis on journaling and becoming more mindful, and even more important, FORGIVING setbacks as you work to change your relationship with food, seem to promote much more sustainable life changes.
While the book is light on the science behind eating disorders (my husband pooh-poohs these experiments as non-reproducible "soft science" but I still like to read about dopamine and PFC changes, etc), I think the true stories are much more valuable and inspirational. It's a quick, easy read, and very important in shedding light on a problem that hasn't had much attention.
December 7, 2015
I wouldn't say I'm "done" reading this, but I did read it all. Despite the tone of the writing, which at times is almost fluffy (I gave the author some leeway as a writer for Glamour for many years-- I'm sure that magazine copy style is hard to shake), this book has real practical advice in it along with real stories from people with binge eating disorder. As a person whose entire family struggles with disordered eating and actual full blown eating disorders, this book's easy approach to getting help and getting perspective was comforting to me in its way. I imagine it being more helpful for people who haven't already done a ton of work in therapy-- and maybe that's the point of the light tone. The exercises are definitely helpful, and probably something I'll return to, since living with / through disordered eating is something you always have to do, even after you're "recovered"
January 14, 2013
I did not pick up this book expecting to be cured of my tendency to over eat, binge eat, or diet. I picked up this book because it did not promise a cure. It was helpful (for me) that other people shared their feelings and thoughts throughout the book. I found myself relating to some topics and feeling a sense of relief when I couldn't relate to some.
It was also a reminder that we are very impressionable when we are young and not always taught to respect our bodies or the food (fuel) it needs. The lessons we are taught at a young age and the self image we develop is affected greatly by our parents, and peers, and their relationship to food.
This is a good read for someone who is or has struggled with weight issues, binge eating, etc.
It was also a reminder that we are very impressionable when we are young and not always taught to respect our bodies or the food (fuel) it needs. The lessons we are taught at a young age and the self image we develop is affected greatly by our parents, and peers, and their relationship to food.
This is a good read for someone who is or has struggled with weight issues, binge eating, etc.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews