When a person is ready to enter treatment for an eating disorder, they require professional treatment programs run by trained clinicians. These programs provide both patients and their loved ones with information about these challenging mental health disorders. In addition, they can learn a lot by reading eating disorder recovery books. These books offer insight into the mind of someone with an eating disorder which proves helpful in learning how to support them. Trellis Recovery Centers provides multi-disciplinary, family-focused treatment for adolescents. Our staff creates a safe space for young people to heal. In addition, we advise our patients and their parents to take advantage of outside resources for support, including exploring book options.
Eating Disorder Recovery Books
The most important action someone with an eating disorder can take is going to treatment. Regardless of which type of eating disorder an individual has, they can receive valuable, life-saving help from treatment centers that offer focused, intensive care. In addition to this step, many people benefit from reading eating disorder recovery books.
A plethora of books are available and cover every type of eating disorder. As well, many are written by physicians, psychologists, and mental health counselors who have a rich history of treating people with eating disorders. Some books are also written by people who survived this dangerous mental health disorder. Books can also be found directed at family members who need help understanding how their loved one thinks and feels and how they can help them.
We have curated a list of 10 of the best eating disorder recovery books to give people a place to start in their search for reading material.
When Food is Love by Geneen Roth
The author uses her own experiences to explore how people who feel a lack of love from others and their selves use dieting and emotional eating as a substitute.
Eating Disorder Recovery Coloring Book by Lillian Bertram
Adolescents often turn to creative outlets to help express their emotions during the recovery process. This coloring book contains inspirational messages to color in such as “Don’t let your mind bully your body.”
The Eating Disorder Recovery Journal by Cara Lisette
This journal provides activities and inspiration like writing prompts, coloring pages, and positive affirmations drawn from techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness.
Eating in the Light of the Moon by Anita A. Johnston PhD
Using folk tales, legends, and other stories, the author provides insight and exercises to help discover the real issues behind obsessing over weight and food.
Recover Your Perspective: A Guide to Understanding Your Eating Disorder and Creating Recovery Using CBT, DBT, and ACT by Dr. Janean Anderson
The author uses lessons she learned in her own recovery to help people explore and understand their thoughts and emotions and how to change them. She draws on proven therapeutic methods used during treatment.
Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch
Years of dieting and disordered eating cause people to lose touch with their true hunger cues. The nutritionist authors help people reject diet mentality and relearn how to have and respect natural feelings of hunger.
Unpack Your Eating Disorder: The Journey to Recovery for Adolescents in Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa and Atypical Anorexia Nervosa by Maria Ganci & Linsey Atkins
This book helps teach adolescents that they can participate fully in their own treatment as they learn a sense of who they are and want to become.
Thin by Lauren Greenfield
A book of essays by eating disorder experts and profiles of several girls and women with eating disorders. The book contains photographs and was made into a documentary film.
By Their Side: A Resource for Caretakers and Loved Ones Facing an Eating Disorder by Lara Lyn Bell
A collection of experiences and advice from family members, treatment clinicians, and recovered people that helps empower those taking care of someone with an eating disorder.
Life Without Ed by Jenni Schaefer with Thom Rutledge
Schaefer learned to recover by treating her eating disorder like a separate entity and voice. This book chronicles her relationship and breakup with “Ed”.
Additional Eating Disorder Resources
In addition to books, many people find ideas and resources for support for both those suffering from an eating disorder and those who love them. These include:
- ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders)
- The Body Positive
- NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association)
- National Alliance for Eating Disorders
- Eating Disorders Coalition
- Eating Disorders Anonymous
Contact Trellis Recovery Centers About Eating Disorders Today
If you find yourself reading eating disorder recovery books but know your child needs formal treatment, Trellis Recovery Centers can help. Our residential center provides compassionate care from eating disorder professionals. We teach young people to rebuild their relationships with food, their body image, and how they move in the world. We treat diverse populations who experience complex disorders and get them into recovery.
If you would like to know more about how we can help rebuild your child’s health, contact us today. Our staff is ready to answer your questions and show your child how to live a healthy life.
