Book Review: "How to Nourish Yourself Through an Eating Disorder: Recovery for Adults with the Plate-By-Plate Approach"
- sarahelder
- Mar 16
- 3 min read
As a dietitian specialising in eating disorders, I often find myself evaluating resources that support clients in navigating the complexities of these conditions. When I first came across 'How to Nourish Yourself Through an Eating Disorder: Recovery for Adults with the Plate-By-Plate Approach', I was admittedly unsure of its place in a professional setting. Would it be in-depth enough for practitioners? Would it offer something beyond the basics? My initial concerns were based on the fact that many resources designed for individuals with eating disorders don't always dive deep into the clinical nuances that health professionals like dietitians and nutritionists need.
Who is this book for?
At first glance, 'How to Nourish Yourself Through an Eating Disorder: Recovery for Adults with the Plate-By-Plate Approach' makes it cleat that it is targeted toward individuals struggling with eating disorders, rather than the professionals treating them. However, as I progressed through the chapters it became clear that it also provides valuable insights that will benefit healthcare providers working in the field of eating disorders.
I initially thought it might lack the depth needed for health professionals, but I soon found that it offers a great starting point for dietitians and nutrition professionals. The book does a wonderful job of emphasising the importance of working alongside dietitians or nutrition professionals, which is a crucial point. For dietitians and nutritionists, this book offers a gentle but informative resource to refer to when supporting clients through recovery, especially when paired with more in-depth clinical guidance.
Focus on Nutrition
The nutrition aspects of the book are practical and are based on research and the"plate by plate" method, which I found to be a helpful, structured way for individuals to break down meals and take control of their nutrition. This method, however, does come with its challenges. The book dedicates a chapter to exploring barriers to using this approach, which I found particularly useful. It’s refreshing to see such a balanced view, recognising that some people might struggle to implement this.
How to Use This Book
'How to Nourish Yourself Through an Eating Disorder: Recovery for Adults with the Plate-By-Plate Approach' is best used as a complementary resource for dietitians working with clients in recovery. While it may not provide the in-depth clinical insights that a textbook might (if you have the text book send it my way as i'm still looking!), it serves as a valuable introduction to many key topics in eating disorder nutrition and recovery. I would recommend using this book alongside your own clinical approach, perhaps to reinforce the ideas and techniques you already use with clients.
As a dietitian, I found the book to be a reassuring confirmation that my approach aligns with many of the ideas presented within it. While it may not offer all the answers, it provides an excellent jumping-off point for deeper discussions and interventions.
Final Thought
While I wasn’t initially convinced that 'How to Nourish Yourself Through an Eating Disorder: Recovery for Adults with the Plate-By-Plate Approach' would meet my needs as a health professional, it turned out to be a helpful resource that confirmed many of my clinical approaches to eating disorder recovery. The "plate by plate" method, in particular, is a valuable tool to have in your toolkit, and I appreciate the authors’ acknowledgment of the barriers that can come with it. The book is inclusive, accessible, and encourages readers to approach recovery with compassion and patience.
For dietitians and nutrition professionals working in eating disorders, this book is an excellent resource to recommend to clients as a starting point for recovery. It also acts as a gentle reminder of the importance of working alongside health professionals in any eating disorder recovery process.
If you're a dietitian or nutrition professional working in the field of eating disorders, deepen your understanding and expand your toolkit by attending our upcoming webinars and workshops either on demand or online.
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