Eating Disorder Recovery Workbooks

We
have a running joke with The Victorian clients,

“If the
combined weight of your eating disorder recovery books weigh as much as a human
being, you might want to consider professional treatment.”

The clients
bust up laughing at this because so many of them have tried relentlessly to
cure themselves of their disease; with the help of Barnes and Noble and Amazon.

Today
I’m going to be summarizing a few different books and workbooks that I have
personally reviewed. I’ll give you my honest opinion of them. If you’re
interested be sure to check them out through the links provided:

12 Steps and 12 Traditions of
Overeaters Anonymous + Workbook

By:
Anonymous

Research
has proven that eating disorders are a form of an addiction. Similar to alcohol,
gambling and sex addiction. The same part of the brain is triggered when a
person is acting out in their addiction. As well, the same brain abnormalities
and life deterioration follow these addictions. The success of the literature
used in the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous has been adapted
to the12 Steps and 12 Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous. Members love the use of
the workbook in conjunction to reading the 12 Steps and Traditions. Often
reading and working simultaneously with a sponsor this book and workbook make a
powerful duo in helping the reader apply the 12 steps to their life.

H.E.A.L. – Healthy Eating
Abundant Living

By:
Allie Marie Smith and Judy Wardell Halliday

A
recent study showed that 91% of women surveyed on a college campus had
attempted to control their weight through dieting. 22% dieted “often” or
“always.” The non-profit, Wonderfully Made has created the H.E.A.L. Workbook to
help young women on college campuses find eating disorder recovery. The
non-profit and workbook are Christian based. The workbook references bible
verses and most notable the verse in Psalm 139, “I praise you because I am fearfully
and wonderfully made.” The most noted element of the book is its ability to
bring college aged girls together for support of each others eating disorder
recovery. The use of Christian principles to address eating disordered behavior
is also a great tool for that distinct people group. However, the workbook is
largely based on Christians who deeply want recovery.

You Are More Than What You
Weigh + Workbook

By
Sharon Norfleet Sward, LPC

Written
by a licensed professional counselor, this book is a comprehensive guide
through what eating disorders are, identifying the emotions that go with them
and creating a plan of action to change behaviors. The workbook is a great
companion to the book with exercises and worksheets to help one on their
journey to positive self-evaluation.  As
well as great insight into how and why certain behaviors accompany certain
eating disorders and not others.

You’re Designed To Shine

By:
Christina DiMari

This
leaders workbook and student workbook is designed for girls in a Christian
setting. Perhaps a part of a weekly Bible group or attending summer camp. The
narrative parallels metaphors about the ocean. The teachings are revolved
around how how each girl is a priceless creation made by God. This is a preventative
and restorative book for “Girls from 8 to 88.” There is a great deal of
discussion about body image, however, no direct discussion around eating
disorders.

I hope one of these books spark your interest. If not, you
may want to search the term “eating disorder recovery books” into Amazon.com

Happy
Recovery,

Irvina