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

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What I loved about this book is exactly what I like about Deb Spector, it's a real account, tell it like it is version. Like the words on the front of the book, "Your struggle is real", addresses the validation that is so needed when working with disordered eating clients. Debra has a real relationship with her clients and you can genuinely feel it throughout the book. What beautiful ways she has connected, taught, and given to all of us. Thank you for this wonderful book and for offering such hope!
"Your Struggle is REAL"-Jeanette Lorandini, LCSW-R, Owner of Suffolk DBT

 I had the opportunity to read this book, and I am so glad I did. Having worked in the eating disorders field for several years, reading all of the client experiences, Deb-ism's, and frankly, no bs conversation about eating disorders, is refreshing and much needed.
Too often ED focused resources are too curated or too polished; here we have the opportunity to hear about real client experiences with real solutions from an experienced professional (with real credentials to back her up). I would definitely recommend this for anyone who is searching for support, has questions, or maybe wants to expand their knowledge of ED's.
"Real talk, No sugar coating, Real insight"- Diana Loomis: Regional Outreach Manager, Long Island at Monte Nido & Affiliates

I was kindly gifted this book from a close friend and I am so so happy I was. As someone who doesn't know Debra on a personal level, I now really wish I did. This booked helped me put my complicated feelings into simple words and really made me feel understood. The whole book is now covered in post-its and I even made my family read certain sections so they could truly understand how it feels to suffer from disordered eating. I recommend you read this book whether you struggle with an eating disorder or not because the text is eye opening and you may learn some things about yourself you didn't even notice. Thanks Debra!
"Everyone needs to read this book whether or not they are struggling"-Richard Dutton
 
This book...
I purchased this book to help me cope and understand eating disorders more, as my daughter is struggling. Once I opened the book I could not put it down. There is so much to take away, and not only with eating disorders. It has changed my outlook in a lot of ways. Debra thank you for bringing so much insight and light to this disorder. I will be passing this book along to hopefully open up more eyes and hearts to this disorder that goes unspoken of so often.
"Wow, so much to take away for anyone!"-Nancy

​This book really speaks to all who have ever struggled with their relationship with food. I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting because the author spoke to me in a language that resonated with me and my struggles. It is real and honest. I recommend this gem to anyone who has the unwanted chatter in their head that never shuts up. I recommend it to men and women who have ever used food for any reason other than nourishment. This book is nourishment for the soul. "A Gem."- Andrea Heller

I loved this book! So much of it resonated with me. Not only did I relate to it for myself, but as a mom it really struck a cord. Every mom who is helping their child navigate through teen years of figuring out how to be healthy should read this book. With all the fads and trending diets out there, not to mention social media- finally there is a book that combines being healthy and kind to your body without depriving yourself. A must read! 
"Finally a book we can ALL relate to!"-mommyhandsfull

As an RN who has struggled on and off with an eating disorder for over 40 years, I can relate to every chapter in this book! Deb explains from the heart how "Your Struggle is Real". I highly recommend this book for anyone struggling with an eating disorder and especially for their loved ones to truly understand how difficult this can be.
"Very relatable to anyone struggling with any form of an eating disorder!"-NurseKa

* NABE Pinnacle Book Acheivement 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 acheive 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.

Thank you for taking a chance on this book. The book became an indie project that brought the utmost respect to any author with an idea while not having a publisher or literary agent to help put their thoughts into publication.

To say this book has been on a journey in and of itself would be an understatement. The journey began in 2016 and has evolved, changed hands as well as direction more times than you can imagine!

I've said, "I quit, this is too hard and too much work" way too many times and would have loved to chuck it in the f**k- it bucket more times than imaginable!

I strongly believe in guiding teenagers and adolescents away from the "good food vs. bad food" or "healthy vs. unhealthy" philosophy and would love to encourage them to find a way to make "all foods fit".

My decision to put together this book of relatable essays was primarily based upon the fact that I believe most people who struggle with eating disorders are either silently struggling alone or misunderstood. I believe everyone who struggles with an eating disorder should find their inner voice and be heard. More importantly, I want those suffering to know that they are not alone.

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.