Hilda Lee has the mind of a scientist, the soul of an artist, and the voice of a gifted story-teller. She infuses the story of her own journey through binge eating with the latest research to produce a work of practical, useful art. This book is destined to touch the hearts and minds of thousands who binge eat as well as those who suffer from other addictions.
Hilda shares, in vivid detail, how she used food to soothe herself through the stifling shame, the chronic dieting, the weight cycling, her desperate pursuit of over-achievement and perfection, and feelings of failure that plagued her throughout her life. She presents, in an easy to understand way, the current binge eating research and shares strategies she used to conquer her demons.
Hilda Lee presents a deeply honest account of the waxing and waning and eventual taming of binge-eating disorder (BED). Her vivid prose captures what it feels like to be in the body and mind of someone with BED. Some parts may evoke strong emotions, so readers should monitor their reactions and titrate exposure accordingly. Ultimately, Lee artfully illustrates her personal pathway to recovery and demonstrates that even when countless unexpected obstacles are thrown at one’s feet, one can triumph over BED.
In the Labyrinth of Binge Eating is a major contribution to the literature on binge eating disorder. Many books have been written on the disorder, but only a small number with such power and honesty, by someone who has lived and struggled with the disorder. Hilda, like most people with the disorder, masked her deep feelings of shame and incompetence by pressing herself to be exceptional in all areas of her life. Readers will strongly identify with her unrelenting desire to be perfect, followed by her debilitating loss of control while bingeing. While Hilda's book serves as a powerful memoir about overcoming personal demons, it also describes effective strategies for dealing with binge eating. It is the gradual acceptance of herself as flawed and imperfect, yet still worthy of love, that is the most deeply healing aspect of her journey… In the Labyrinth of Binge Eating is a powerful testament that with courage, compassion, and persistence, healing is possible.
Dr. Hilda Lee’s book is about a healthy transformation that can help and inspire anyone who has felt stuck in a vicious cycle with food. I strongly recommend this book to my clients as well as treatment providers. Dr. Lee’s practical and thoughtful suggestions and skill-building activities to break the cycle of binge eating are extremely helpful. Her T-I-C-K-E-T acronym is an amazing tool!