About the Book
Life as an adolescent is scary and confusing. In a weight-obsessed world that dictates what a "perfect body" should look like, teens who are insecure about their bodies see food as the enemy and reason they can't fit in with the popular crowd. Plus, in a volatile season of quick romances and breakups, strained or broken family ties, and academic expectations, food and emotional eating can be a teen's only coping mechanism to soothe a broken heart or deal with poor grades.
Part accessible self-help guide and part constructive hands-on workbook, It's Not What You're Eating, It's What's Eating You teaches young people who struggle with low self-esteem and body insecurity to stop focusing on food as an answer to life's problems and to start getting to know themselves and what they value and want in life. Covering addictions and disorders like anorexia, bulimia, obesity, and binge eating disorder, this book also shows teens how to stop negative thought patterns, maintain meaningful and healthy relationships, indulge in self-care, love their own bodies, be happy, and take charge of their lives.
With personal anecdotes, practical tips, and hands-on writing exercises, author Shari Brady redefines our dysfunctional relationship with food. Instead of allowing food to dictate our emotions, let it nurture and nourish our bodies and souls, as it is meant to!
About the Author :
Shari Brady, LPC, CADC, is a licensed clinical therapist focusing on addictions, eating disorders, and adolescent issues. She suffered from anorexia during high school and is now recovered. Her fiction debut, Wish I Could Have Said Goodbye, covers the topics of addiction and co-dependency. She lives in Chicago, Illinois.
Review :
"It’s Not What You’re Eating, It’s What’s Eating You is a book full of practical exercises and insights to help understand your relationship with food and emotions. . . . Shari Brady has presented an authentic and accessible way to love yourself to prevent eating disorders."
—Maria Malayter, PhD, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
"A wonderful read for people who have begun to get control of their eating and are ready to address the underlying issues that led to their eating disorder or disordered eating. Shari Brady makes the big problems in life small and personal enough to help people begin to approach them. Her stories are good illustrations of the points she makes. Her recommendations are clear, specific, and actionable. I will recommend it to my adolescent and young adult clients."
—Robin S. Ross, PhD, founder of Chicago Area Eating Disorders Network
"It's Not What You're Eating, It's What's Eating You provides adolescents with a clear and practical framework to understand the emotional pain and dysfunctional thought patterns behind disordered eating behavior. It invites readers to take charge of their lives through a journey of self-reflection and self-compassion and to choose action in order to overcome these destructive patterns. The specific tools and skills presented come to life with the help of Shari's powerful personal narrative which she weaves throughout the pages."
—Maureen Keeshin, PsyD, department chair, The Chicago School
"Inspiring and informative. Each chapter is carefully written and meaningful. For the adolescents struggling with complex eating disorders, and for the helping professionals that treat them, It's Not What You're Eating, It's What's Eating You is an outstanding resource."
—Abigail Levin, LSW
"It’s Not What You’re Eating, It’s What’s Eating You is a book full of practical exercises and insights to help understand your relationship with food and emotions. . . . Shari Brady has presented an authentic and accessible way to love yourself to prevent eating disorders."
—Maria Malayter, PhD, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
"A wonderful read for people who have begun to get control of their eating and are ready to address the underlying issues that led to their eating disorder or disordered eating. Shari Brady makes the big problems in life small and personal enough to help people begin to approach them. Her stories are good illustrations of the points she makes. Her recommendations are clear, specific, and actionable. I will recommend it to my adolescent and young adult clients."
—Robin S. Ross, PhD, founder of Chicago Area Eating Disorders Network
"It's Not What You're Eating, It's What's Eating You provides adolescents with a clear and practical framework to understand the emotional pain and dysfunctional thought patterns behind disordered eating behavior. It invites readers to take charge of their lives through a journey of self-reflection and self-compassion and to choose action in order to overcome these destructive patterns. The specific tools and skills presented come to life with the help of Shari's powerful personal narrative which she weaves throughout the pages."
—Maureen Keeshin, PsyD, department chair, The Chicago School
"Inspiring and informative. Each chapter is carefully written and meaningful. For the adolescents struggling with complex eating disorders, and for the helping professionals that treat them, It's Not What You're Eating, It's What's Eating You is an outstanding resource."
—Abigail Levin, LSW
