The Zen of Eating: Ancient Answers to Modern Weight Problems

This book was recommended to me by my psychologist as insight into my eating patterns. The basic premise of the book is that all eating disorders, or any disorder for that matter, originates from unfulfilled desire. The "answer" that the book delivers, in alignment with the Buddhist school of thought, is to make peace with where you are and release all desire to be elsewhere. The first half of the book also addresses the difference between optional suffering and inevitable suffering.The 2d half of the book went further into the morals of helping others eat, such as volunteering at a food kitchen, etc. The book's main underlying theme seems to be: appreciation for food will set you free from a relationship of struggle with eating. I agree that a shift in perspective will assist in remedying eating disorders, but I am not so sure there is one right path to achieveing that shift, such as volunteering at a food kitchen, or relinquisihing critical speaking. I think each individual person, through trial and error, will have to carve out their own path to achieve a change in perspective. But, all around worth a read.

I have read many, many books on the subject, but this is by far the absolute best. Just a delight. Yes! When I have trouble staying within the limits of my normal, healthy diet, it is because something is wrong emotionally. This book addresses the issue head on. It is about being mindful of what we are doing and why, what we are eating and why, has personal stories, and has touches of a self help book - I loved it.

I purposely sought-out a book on the Zen of Dieting, and this was what came up in my search, so I bought it. I was not familiar with Zen beforehand, but I knew that all the dieting knowledge in the world was not helping me, that it was time to address the mental/psychological/spiritual attitude behind eating. This book was an excellent start. Some of the principles were too earthy and idealistic for me, but that did not prevent me from the benefits of many other lessons in the book. As they say "Take what you need and leave the rest."

I love Ronna Kabatznick's prose and tone. It's so encouraging and peaceful. And the things she proposes very much shine the light of truth on the the underling causes of obesity that lie within the human psyche. The she give you specific and practical way to help change your thinking regarding food and eating. I've found this book very helpful, but also, my weight remains problem.

While there are no silver bullets to kill the demon that drives us to eat mindlessly and unhealthfully, there are tools that we can use to take back control over what we eat. Mindfulness and the practices and ideas in this book DID help me in my years-long journey to remove the craving and the bad habits. I found it to be one of the best tools in my arsenal--and as anyone with a food problem knows--it takes lots of tools to kill the food demon.

Perhaps one of the best introductions to Buddhism I've ever seen. It's not just a diet book, and it explains how a simple change in diet will not bring about the change in weight or fitness you may be looking for. It introduces the four noble truths in a comprehensible and relatable way. Long had I tried to find a way to understand the practice of Buddhism through meditation, but this book really opened the doors for me and allowed me to understand the things I had not understood before. If you are dissatisfied, not just with your weight, if you seek peace, read this book.

I dig mindfulness -- have been meditating for years -- but I must say that applying Buddhism to my eating habits seems a bit of a stretch. I appreciate the effort the author put into this book and her explanation of Buddhism was practical and enlightening. But I would have liked more examples -- more detailed examples -- of how to apply these principles to my daily eating. Oh well, I'll go back and re-read parts of the book. A good effort -- just perhaps a little too vague for me.

Always recommend this clear, insightful and well written book. The author has mastered her topics so that it is extremely informative without being simplistic. In the last dozen plus years many volumes have appeared with titles linked to Zen. Most of them are reductionist and opportunist. Kabatznick has written the real thing--a very helpful understanding of an ancient philosophy linked to a modern problem. An added bonus is that it's not pedantic and -applies to much more than eating! I've bought at least a dozen copies and given them to friends.

I bought this 2nd hand as a gift for another & then read it myself and I can say that for me it was a paradigm shift - not just re: weight but re: attachments, suffering (that which can not be avoided & that we create ourselves), mindfulness and I guess the key to the beginning of personal growth & enlightenment.(This all sounds very grandiose and so it may be rather a personal thing to me as I am not averse to spiritual & "what is the best way to live" type of thoughts!)I am not overweight but put it on very easily & did have a fear of blobbing out & I certainly have dieted & fretted about myself,in the past. I do get a bit stressy about "right" & "wrong" foods, however I did't feel I had a problem with food (even less so after reading) thus some of the examples eg desiring a muffin didn't mean anything to me. However, if I saw the food part as just a metaphor, as an example to illustrate the point, and read this in terms of zen (& essentially basic principles of Buddhism)then this was a lovely read and led me to read more on the subject.I would recommend it to anyone unhappy with themselves weight wise and who would also like to feel generally happier.Nb It seems to be more aimed at overweight, rather than say anorexic traits and is an american author. It is not specifically religious and so do not let "Buddhism" put you off - Having had a Christian upbringing, nothing in it is incompatible!I have since bought the books for several others.

Personally this book didnt resonate with me , although well-written, and the author has taken time and consideration in her methods of eating and diet for a healthy mind and body. It's about mindfulness and mindful eating which is a popular concept at the moment. However, I prefer Beyond Chocolate or Normal Eating for Normal Weight as easier methods to look at eating and eating disorders..

The book doesn't offer any istant solution as there is no instant solution. It just guides you to understand and let go your emotions and thoughts that lead you to mindless (over)eating. But you have to work on yourself, no any book may help you until you put some effort. The book is clear and easy to read, wise.

I'm going back to read this book again. Kabatznick writes with the equanimity that convinces me she knows what she is talking about. The cornerstone of her advice is so easy to say and so difficult to make part of your life: Desires arise, and they pass away; watch they rise, do not pig out, and watch them pass away. Of course it is difficult, as is anything worth achieving.