From the First Bite: A Complete Guide to Recovery from Food Addiction

By Kay Sheppard and Kay Sheppard MA

Book Overview

Renowned therapist, eating disorder specialist and recovering food addict Kay Sheppard helps countless individuals win their battles over food addiction--people for whom diets, pills and purging have become a way of life. In 1993, her groundbreaking book, , explained the illness of food addiction from the physiological origins through recovery.

Today, obesity is on the rise. In addition to the 300,000 overweight people in this country, millions more who may not look overweight are unable to control their eating.

Sheppard's follow-up book, From the First Biteoffers the latest medical insights into food addiction coupled with time-tested, practical advice.

Unlike other books that are very dry in nature, this book includes compelling personal stories and do's and don'ts from other recovering and relapsed food addicts, including the author herself, who began her own recovery in 1967. The book explains how to avoid the physiological and situational triggers that lead to relapse; how to confront the emotional issues behind food cravings; how to establish a balanced food plan that eliminates cravings; and how to avoid hidden dangers in cleverly packaged foods. The book also includes a handy Twelve-Step workbook.

Just as Sheppard's first book broke new ground, her latest work offers a critical first step for food addicts on the road to physical, emotional and spiritual recovery.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1558747540
• ISBN13: 9781558747548
• Release Date: October 2000
• Publisher: Health Communications
• Length: 250 Pages
• Weight: 0.89 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

The Miracle of Recovery from Compulsive Overeating

I am a food addict. I have been for most of my 50 years. I have weighted close to 400 lbs. This book is THE BEST book I have ever seen that addresses food addiction. It is very similar to the OA (Overeater's Anonymous) position that compulsive overeating is a three-fold disease: physical, emotional & spiritual. For me, the physical side is the starting point. Just like the alcoholic, who can drink some things, i.e. water, milk and juice, but nothing containing alcohol; a food addict such as myself can eat some foods but not things containing sugar, wheat or flour. By following this food plan, I have NO CRAVINGS! A true miracle for someone whose life used to revolve around food. Yes, it takes some time to get started, learning to weight and measure, but I have developed a routine now. The food is good, and the food plan is very flexible, based on all the food groups, with no special gimmicks. It is based on healthy basic foods which are better for all of us anyway. I feel better than I ever have, and most important, I am saving my life. I have a disease that is fatal, progressive and incurable. However, by following this food plan, and following the other suggestions in the book (and the OA program) I have the opportunity to live a wonderful life that is happy, joyous and free. I recommend this book to anyone who feels they might have a problem with their eating behaviors. It just could change your life!!

This is the only book you'll need!

I have been following the food plan outlined in this book for over three years with truly miraculous results. Not only am I maintaining a weight loss of over 100 pounds, but my life has changed dramatically, as well.People tend to read books like this because they want to lose weight (I wanted this too). However, if you follow, not just the food plan, but the entire program of recovery outlined in this book, you will be amazed and delighted by how your life just seems to change for the better! That has been my experience! I have given away every diet book I own, probably 50 books! Diets are not the answer. I found what I need in this book. Try it, you won't be sorry.

The best book ever written on recovery from food addiction

This is the only book I will ever need! As a recovering food addict, this book has it all: Kay's excellent food plan, tips on getting abstinent and staying abstinent, how to deal with the food plan in various life situations (travel, family, etc.) and a wealth of experience strength, and hope from someone who really knows. If you have had a problem with food and can't seem to deal with it, do youself a favor and buy this book. Can't hurt -- what's ten bucks compared to all the money you spend in a day on food? It might just save your life. It saved mine.