Almost Anorexic: Is My (or My Loved One's) Relationship with Food a Problem? (The Almost Effect)

Although this might be helpful to read if you are concerned about a loved one, I wouldn't recommend reading it to evaluate yourself unless you get a second opinion. I may just be paranoid, but I had basically diagnosed myself with an eating disorder by the time I finished the book, despite the fact that I don't count calories, simply because I eat healthily and avoid processed foods and sugar. Thankfully, I talked to my parents and realized that I don't have any serious problems with my eating. One of my main concerns with this book is that the authors seem to be going by the standard guidelines for nutrition that are backed by the food industry. They say it's a problem to avoid starchy carbs and sugar but don't say anything about dietary fat. Avoidance doesn't necessarily equal fear, although these authors imply that it does, and avoiding fat is a much more serious problem for physical health in any case. I also disagree with their stance that sugar is not addictive. As a recovered sugar addict, I can tell you that although it may not be the case for everyone, sugar is very addictive for some and certainly is for me. Thus my avoidance of sugar is like a former alcoholic avoiding alcohol and there is nothing disordered about that! This book was intriguing and written in an engaging manner, I'll give it that, but I ultimately found this book to be a waste of time and more discouraging than helpful.

This book is very well done. The authors have a nice balance between research and clinical examples. I appreciated the authors' sensitivity to triggers and their straight-forward explanations of why they talk about certain things the way they do. They seemed to be very up front and transparent about their reasoning and logic, which was wonderful.It was great that this book was able to address the new DSM-5 diagnoses and also discuss the area that is not officially diagnosed, yet extremely critical to discuss. The authors provide a clear review of the field at this point in time, including great references to the current experts and resources out there.I would highly recommend this book to anyone that is interested in eating disorders for various reasons including their own struggles, friends and families, or are looking to be a part of the field in some way!

Haven't finished yet but seems well written and gives me an insight on suspected eating disorder for a relative

They get it. I couldn't agree with my psychiatrist diagnosis of anorexia. There were discrepancies from the DSM book and my symptoms for that diagnosis. I can keep my weight on the low side of what is considered normal for my height, but I am constantly restricting. Obsessed with what I can or cannot eat. Reading this book is like looking into my soul. The thoughts, tricks and games I play with myself and others are almost all written out to read about. They offer advice and give you worksheets( or websites for downloads). I have personally met Jenni(Shaefer) recently and it was honor. I would highly recommend this book to both the one who struggles with eating or constant dieting and the family and/or friends of that one.

The use of "anorexic" in the title is a bit unfortunate since many people who struggle with the issues covered in this book don't consider themselves anywhere near anorexic. This book is a much needed resource for anyone who struggles with food issues or works with those who struggle with these issues. Whether one restricts food intake, compulsively overeats or binges, feels compelled to punish themselves for eating, or a number of other dysfunctional behaviors this book is helpful. The combination of Jenni Schaeffer's personal experience and approachable communication style with Jennifer Thomas' professional expertise is powerful and engaging. There are great resources introduced in the book that readers can find online to use in their recovery or with clients or patients.

Very good book about all sorts of Eating Disorders.One place I disagree was that they say refined sugars are not addicting. Like alcohol is addicting to some, that pure white stuff is addicting to some, but not all. Books like Sugar Blues have been around for a long time for a reason, and this information may be crucial for someone trying to beat binge eating disorder.

Every time I read this I learn more about my E.D. It has helped me to see the E.D. for what it is.

This book is amazing whether you are reading it for yourself, a loved one, or as a clinician. I would recommend this book to anyone struggling with food and body image or anyone working with individuals who do! As a person who treats individual with eating disorders this is one of my go to books.

Absolutely fantastic, this is aimed at people who don't meet the very strict criteria for anorexia but are not deemed "ill" enough for proper support or may not even recognise that they need it. If you or someone you know has become obsessed with their body image, is frequently negative about their looks and is showing strange habits or rituals around food see some help now. Be firm with your GP don't let them dismiss you as not being "ill enough" once symptoms become further entrenched they become harder to address.

Really helpful for me: I am at a point in recovery from anorexia where I am no longer severely unwell and can live a 'normal' life outside of hospital but I still have problems with food and weight that affect my health,

I feel this book has a lot of good information and covers a wide range oftopics. It is a good book to have on hand just to know about Anorexia.I have several books that deal with issue and awaiting 3 new more books.I recommend this book.