Resources

This is the spot where I'll post books, physical rehabs and other useful resources to help you or a loved one who is struggling with compulsive eating.

Books:

Shrink Yourself by Roger Gould.

I love this book. It was written by a therapist who specializes in treating compulsive eating. It's like getting eight therapy sessions for the low, low price of $16.95! And I was never one to be able to resist a double entendre. Shrink your body and be your own shrink. Did I mention that I love it?

The main idea that I took away from this book is that when you feel like you're powerless to resist those brownies, if you really stop and take a look at what's going on in your life, you'll probably realize that you're actually feeling powerless over something else. Like your ability to control the people in your life that are making you crazy!


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Overeaters Anonymous
http://www.oa.org/

If you find yourself nodding your head in agreement when I talk about feeling like an alcoholic who eats instead of drinking, then you may be interested in OA. Their approach is based on AA's 12 steps, but there is alot more than just the traditional meetings that you've seen represented on TV. There are phone meetings, workshop meetings, books, and just the amazement of hearing other people describe exactly what you're going through.

The following is copied directly from the OA site...taking this short quiz changed my life.

Are You a Compulsive Overeater?

Welcome to Overeaters Anonymous. This series of questions may help you determine if you are a compulsive eater.

1. Do you eat when you’re not hungry?
2. Do you go on eating binges for no apparent reason?
3. Do you have feelings of guilt and remorse after overeating?
4. Do you give too much time and thought to food?
5. Do you look forward with pleasure and anticipation to the time when you can eat alone?
6. Do you plan these secret binges ahead of time?
7. Do you eat sensibly before others and make up for it alone?
8. Is your weight affecting the way you live your life?
9. Have you tried to diet for a week (or longer), only to fall short of your goal?
10. Do you resent others telling you to “use a little willpower” to stop overeating?
11. Despite evidence to the contrary, have you continued to assert that you can diet “on your own” whenever you wish?
12. Do you crave to eat at a definite time, day or night, other than mealtime?
13. Do you eat to escape from worries or trouble?
14. Have you ever been treated for obesity or a food-related condition?
15. Does your eating behavior make you or others unhappy?

Have you answered yes to three or more of these questions? If so, it is probable that you have or are well on your way to having a compulsive eating problem.