Breaking Free from Emotional Eating

This book changed my life in all the ways I was longing for it to be changed. I read Geneen's work in the middle of my eating disorder. I didn't begin using it right away because I didn't trust it. I didn't like it. I didn't think it would work. It does. Different approaches work for different people. I think this worked for me because, deep down Geneen's philosophy is in accordance with my own. I wanted to be my own authority. I wanted it bad enough to give this a try. I didn't tell myself I had to do this forever. I didn't have blind faith. I also didn't give up on it in the first three months. I gave myself a year to decide. A year, where I promised myself I wouldn't diet. A year in which to work through every exercise I reasonably could. In addition to committing to this book, I continued seeing a therapist on a weekly basis. That helped, but this book is what ultimately gave me coping tools. I know that I was in the extreme, not everybody needs as much help as I did. I also know that distorted eating is very normal in this culture. I feel blessed to have been able to examine something so fundamental, and transform what was a problem to a benefit. I've read all of Ms. Roth's books and enjoyed each of them. This one has a great combination of explaining and exercises to do, which is why I chose it. However, the chapters are widely divergent in terms of work. Her other book "Why Weight" appears to be the same exact work better organized, but less expository. If you are unsure if this work is for you, buy or borrow "Breaking Free". If after reading through it you feel excited but overwhelmed by the work load, you may wish to try "Why Weight" as a work book. I rarely review books. I chose to review this one because it was life changing, and a big risk. Hopefully my experience is of some help.

As a serial dieter, I was skeptical of anything claiming to help me "break free" from this millstone around my neck. But as I read the book I began to see what a novel approach Ms. Roth has outlined. It is clear, well-defined and, I think, do-able in the long run. It is not a fast fix and I cannot yet testify to its effectiveness, but I am hopeful and look forward to the soul searching and self-discovery that lies ahead. If nothing else, it has calmed me down, taken away a large part of my dispair, and given me a glimpse of possible freedom from my addiction.