Life Without Ed: How One Woman Declared Independence from Her Eating Disorder and How You Can Too (McGraw-Hill) by Jenni Schaefer with Thom Rutledge, LCSW

To read book excerpts, click here

Book Description:

Jenni had been in an abusive relationship with Ed (eating disorder) for far too long. He controlled Jenni's life, distorted her self-image, and tried to physically harm her throughout their long affair. Then Jenni met psychotherapist Thom Rutledge. He taught her how to treat her eating disorder as a relationship rather than a condition. By thinking of her eating disorder as a unique personality separate from her own, Jenni was able to break up with Ed once and for all.

Inspiring, compassionate, and filled with practical exercises to help you break up with your own personal Ed, Life Without Ed provides new hope for the disorders that plague millions of people. Beginning with Jenni's "divorce" from Ed, this supportive, lifesaving book combines a patient's insights and experiences with a therapist's prescriptions for success to help you live a healthier, happier life without Ed.

What people are saying about Jenni and Life Without Ed:

Jenni is truly a remarkable woman. She unselfishly shares her struggles and triumphs in something that will probably affect all of us in one way or another in our lifetime. Her candid and inspiring story will truly help those suffering from their own "Ed." I feel privileged to know her and her story.
- Jamie-Lynn Sigler

Infused with humor, rich in vivid imagery, and deeply compassionate, this book brings hope to those who suffer from eating disorders, offering them creative tools.
- David B. Herzog, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

I have a 21-year-old daughter who has been dealing with an eating disorder for about two years. I have read everything I could get my hands on about eating disorders so that I could learn as much as possible. Your book has been by far the best I have ever read.
- A mom in Ohio

This inspirational and practical book stands out among the many how-I-overcame-my-eating disorder genre. In particular, the author separates out the dysfunctional eating disorder voice (that she calls Ed) from Self. This simple step is the beginning of healing, which also helps to dampen a person's profound guilt with eating behaviors and body shame. The short chapters are written with wit and compassion.
- Evelyn Tribole, MS, RD, Co-Author of Intuitive Eating

Until I discovered your book, I had not gone more than three days without bingeing or purging. I am thrilled to say that tomorrow is day six. Thinking of Ed as another being has enabled me to separate from him in my thoughts and actions. I refer to your book daily for encouragement and hope.
- Lacey from Ontario, Canada

By creating a poignant analogy between eating disorders and an abusive romantic relationship, Jenni Schaefer's Life Without Ed offers us unique tools to explore and conquer the powerful disease.
- Emme, Television personality, author, lecturer, women's body issues and self esteem advocate, and mom

Life Without Ed is an intimate, deeply personal, account of the inner conversations between a young woman and her eating disorder. This book captures the essence of the struggle between health and obsession. Read slowly, over and over, bit by bit, Life Without Ed is a testament to recovery and gives us a rare glimpse into the private world of people with eating disorders.
- Douglas W. Bunnell, Ph.D., Clinical Director, Renfrew Center of Connecticut, and Past President, National Eating Disorders Association

Life Without Ed has so much honesty, I felt it unleashed some in me. In reading the book, I also decided I could divorce two other boyfriends, Al (Alcoholism) and Nic (Nicotine addiction). I thought the book was OUTSTANDING!!!
- Kris from Chicago, IL

Jenni's quick wit and brilliant honesty are an inspiration to anyone trying to divorce themselves from an eating disorder. And Thom's guidance will provide both therapists and clients with fresh insight into the healing process. This is an accessible, helpful must-read!
- Lindsey Hall, Author of Bulimia: A Guide to Recovery

This wonderful book reveals the eating disorder for what it is: an abusive relationship.
In an intimate, light-hearted, but straightforward way Jenni teaches the reader how to listen to the voice of Ed with a discerning ear, to recognize it as separate from one's true self, and to ultimately break free from its influence. Anyone longing for a life without Ed should read this book!
- Anita Johnston, Ph.D., Author of Eating in the Light of the Moon

I am seventeen years old and have been suffering from anorexia and bulimia for over six years...Your insightful words have proven one of the most important and helpful tools I have encountered in my recovery. Thank you so much for your book...it has given me hope and opened up a new door on my path to wellness.
- Christina from Danvers, MA

Jenni has been able to speak from the heart and get the message through of the pain and suffering of an eating disorder in a user friendly and engaging way that ultimately offers hope. This book has been a resource and companion to so many of my patients and their families as they find their way through the challenge of treatment and recovery. Thanks, Jenni, for making such a sensitive, real, and usable contribution to the tools that fosters healing.
- Sondra Kronberg, MS, RD, CDN, Director, Eating Disorder Associates Treatment & Referral Centers, and Board Trustee, National Eating Disorders Association

The first book I give to clients when they walk in the door...
- Wendy Oliver-Pyatt, M.D., Author of Fed Up! The Breakthrough Ten-Step, No-Diet Fitness Plan

How great to finally find a book that uses humor to discuss eating disorders! I'm happy to see that you filled a much-needed void by putting a positive, upbeat, humorous spin on a serious message.
- Emily from New Orleans, LA

Life Without Ed is the only book for sufferers that I recommended to my daughter during her illness. This is an engaging, practical, and positive approach to recovery, written by an inspirational young woman. Helpful for people with eating disorders and for those who love them!
- Laura Collins, Author of Eating With Your Anorexic

If your relationship with food is undermining your self-esteem, your honesty, your happiness and your joy, Life Without Ed is your lifeline for restoring your emotional well-being and physical health.
- Theresa Peluso, Co-author of Chicken Soup for the Recovering Soul