Hi Ladies! I'm about halfway in the Women Food and God book and I take back my preliminary assessment. This book has got me thinking quite a bit. But, half way through, I've decided it would be more appropriately titled "Women Food and Compulsive Eating" {that wouldn't sell as many books though}.
Here are some choice bits:
"Sometimes people will say, "But I just like the taste of food. In fact I love the taste! Why can't it be that simple? I overeat because I like food." But. When you like something, you pay attention to it. When you like something--love something--you take time with it. You want to be present for every second of the rapture." p 53
"A talk show host once asked me how people could change their relationship with food. When I answered that understanding was the first step, he said, "That's it? That's all? We're supposed to believe that change happens by going around understanding ourselves?" Yes, as the first step. Because until you understand who you take yourself to be, true change is not possible. Even if you are lucky enough to get every single thing you think you want, the person who gets those things--your sense of yourself--will still be poverty-stricken and miserable and fat." p. 78
"Change, if it is to be long lasting, must occur on the unseen levels first. With understanding, inquiry, openness. With the realization that you eat the way you do for lifesaving reasons." p. 80
The unseen levels. That's where it's at ladies. Hope you've been spending time understanding your unseen levels! O.K. that's it on my book report. You'll just have to pick it up yourselves. Right, Jenn?!
Those are so profound statements and so true! Thanks for sharing... you've got me thinking!
ReplyDeleteYour commitment to never quitting on a book, unlike you know who, has paid off!
ReplyDeleteI love the statement on how Change needs to be made. So true and so profound. Could explain why fad diets generally only work temporarily. You have to truly Change to make it work.
ReplyDeleteHm. I like the bit about unseen levels. Very true!
ReplyDeleteI have been wanting to read this book for a while now but don't want to wait 100 years for it to be available at the library. I think I am just going to go buy it. (Maybe tomorrow) Seems to delve into the deeper issues which I am really "craving" right now.
ReplyDeleteYes, this book is a treasure. I was all prepared to do a post on it months ago but it meant so much to me that I sort of wanted to keep it to myself. Selfish, I know. I think I've been processing/writing since I started reading her book.
ReplyDeleteShe has been on Oprah a couple times and man were they powerful episodes. Really gets to the "why am I eating when I'm not hungry" issues some of us have.
And she also addresses deprivation/binging cycles.
I too have read this book and have loved it. I have a hold on her other books at the library. This is the first time ever, that I finally get it. I will say this, Women, Food, and God only touches the surface. Yes, read it, but then read her other books to dig deep. She puts a title on all people as to why they are a certain way in the book I'm reading. And I don't necessarily agree with it. She believes that all compulsive eaters (mind you this is not overeaters. She is talking about those people who emotional binge eat.) are do to hidden emotions from their childhood. Created by their parents. Yes, I fit her mold, but I'm not sure if every single emotional binge eater does.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think that acquiring a "pause button" when it comes to eating is really, really crucial. You have to take a few seconds, or minutes, and think about why you want to eat at any particular moment. Is is because your body is telling you it needs sustenance, or because your emotions are holding the reins of your appetite? Good things to think about.
ReplyDeleteWhat other books are you reading, Alicia? I'm on hold for "When Food is Love." Have you read that one?
ReplyDeleteJennifer, that's the one I'm reading. I also have Why Weight, but I haven't gotten into it yet. I love the book, but don't know if everyone fits into the mold she's talking about. I think I love it so much because I do fit her mold and totally understand now and relate to what she's saying. She had a horrible childhood. Mine doesn't even compare to her's. Just a divorce family, with parents who still loved me, but emotionally issues I've been dealing with since then. I've always felt my emotional eating is due to my childhood situations, but it just validates that it's not in my head.
ReplyDeleteAlicia, we should get together and talk! Maybe join Cammy and I when I go to her neighborhood for our morning exercise.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about it not being for everyone. My first impression with Roth was first and foremost validation. Oh, she so understands!! Then I thought every women should read this...when they are ready. Otherwise it could easily be tossed aside even though it could be the most important work they do.
It has definitely been eyeopening for me. Although I'm doing a lot of other reading as well (not weight-related).
Let's chat!
Jennifer, absolutly! I have felt so lost, confused, frustrated, alone, etc. for so many years. Thinking I am the only one going through this. I loved Audrey's post about her emotional eating because I thought, "finally, someone who is going through and understands what I feel." I would love to chat. (although I have done a lot of traveling the last month and a half, and no running. You'd kick me to the curb!)
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