The Things I've Seen People Do With And Without Food: Eating Disorder Your Struggle Is Real

*Independent Press Award:Distinguished Favorite 2023

* NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Award: Winter 2022

*Best Book Award 2022 "Finalist" in Self-Help: Motivational category

* International Book Award 2021 "Finalist" in Self-Help: Motivational category

Debra Spector,MS,RDN,CDN has taken years of stories she's heard while treating patients with eating disorders and provided a relatable feel as well as provided hope that you can achieve recovery. She knows, your struggle is real...

Living through a pandemic has ultimately changed our lives forever. Add to this the fact that people spent more time online with social media, the result became a mental health crisis and an explosion of people who are struggling to gain control of something and as a result, a surge in eating disorders. While not responsible for eating disorders, celebrities, influencers, and social media played a significant role in this result. There isn't just one face for eating disorders. Just like any disease, eating disorders are equal opportunity. Although my patients were from different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, the story of their inner struggle was universal. I believe by sharing these relational essays, I can help others see themselves in these essays and know there is help and opportunity for healing.

People struggle every day. Unfortunately, most people with eating disorders struggle internally and feel misunderstood. People in their lives cannot relate to their beliefs and inner dialogue, so they quietly go through this inner struggle alone. In my private practice since 1990, many patients have felt comfortable enough to share their personal stories and express their inner struggles with me. When I decided to write about eating disorders, I took a different approach. Instead of test cases, I gathered my patients' stories together to paint a vivid and relatable picture of the patients I have had the pleasure and privilege to help. I've put together this book of relational essays to provide a personal feel for those who struggle so they know they're not alone. In addition, I have included 23 pieces from recovered patients, parents of recovered patients and professionals I've had the pleasure of knowing, with their permission.
This past year and living through a pandemic has ultimately changed our lives forever. Add to this the fact that people spent more time online with social media, the result became a mental health crisis and an explosion of people who are struggling to gain control of something and as a result, a surge in eating disorders. While not responsible for eating disorders, celebrities, influencers, and social media played a significant role in this result. There isn't just one face for eating disorders. Just like any disease, eating disorders are equal opportunity. Although my patients were from different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, the story of their inner struggle was universal. I believe by sharing these relational essays, I can help others see themselves in these essays and know there is help and opportunity for healing.

Debra Spector is a Registered and Certified Dietitian/Nutritionist who has upheld a private practice on Long Island N.Y. since 1990 where she specializes in eating disorders, disordered eating, and other clinical disease states where she practices the philosophy of the anti- diet movement and body size acceptance.
 
Debra has spent years learning and receiving supervision from some of the best in the industry. She continues to attend innovative conferences and stays abreast of the most common research. Debra continues to educate people of different ages, races, ethnicities and professions on her philosophy of making all foods fit and intuitive eating.