From the Publisher
“It is with clarity and wisdom that Deprogram Diet Culture takes anyone struggling with dieting, food, and eating on an engaging journey of awakening. Dr. Supatra Tovar skillfully weaves together real-life anecdotes, behavioral change practices, the power of mindfulness, and cutting-edge research to give readers the tools necessary to transform their experience with food, dieting, and body. If you want to get off the diet merry-go-round and heal your relationship with food, look no further. Deprogram Diet Culture is a pathbreaking book for realizing the peace, balance, and joy that are inherent in each bite and morsel.”
—Donald Altman, MA, LPC,former vice president, The Center for Mindful Eating; best-selling author, The Mindfulness Toolbox, Simply Mindful, Meal by Meal, and Simply Mindful Resilience
“In the fitness world, we often grapple with the perplexing maze of diets, each promising miracles but leaving us in a tizzy of guilt and shame. Dr. Tovar’s book is a breath of fresh air, guiding you to break free from the dieting hamster wheel. It’s not just about shedding pounds; it's about reshaping your relationship with food and yourself. For anyone tired of the endless cycle of dieting, this book is your ticket to a healthier, happier you, without ever having to diet again!”
—Tracey Mallett, world-renowned fitness and wellness expert; best-selling author of Sexy in 6 and Super Fit Mama; creator of workouts bootybarre and bbarreless
“As a woman whose career is centered in entertainment, I know firsthand what the demands of Diet Culture have produced in the way of insecurity in what perfection is supposed to look like, and I highly recommend Deprogram Diet Culture as a way of reimagining our relationships to food and ourselves.”
—Noelle Scaggs, co-lead singer of Fitz and The Tantrums, Scaggs Entertainment, Inc.
“Dr. Tovar shows us how to break free from unhealthy relationships with food to develop peace and power from a healthy relationship with eating. The key to the wisdom she provides is her integration of personal experiences, case examples, and the science of psychology. Deprogram Diet Culture is rational guidance in a world of senseless dieting.”
—Dr. William July, licensed clinical psychologist, national best-selling author
“From my journey exploring cheap eats to gourmet treats, I know the pressure of maintaining health when working in the food industry. Deprogram Diet Culture is a lifeline, offering realistic and healthy approaches to food while never losing the fun and joy that comes with eating and enjoying every single bite.”
—Ali Khan, television host on Food Network, Cooking Channel, PBS, and History Channel; food writer for The Takeout, Texas Highways, and Ali Khan Eats
“After teaching cooking and healthy eating for so many years, I was surprised to learn that Dr. Supatra Tovar’s book has completely opened my mind to a new way of looking and thinking about food. I instantly implemented the changes and noticed how I started to enjoy eating and had a better and healthier relationship with food. Dr. Supatra Tovar’s approach is wise, compassionate, full of common sense, and easy. I recommend everyone reads this book as it will improve your relationship with food and make you feel better about yourself (and as a side effect, you will come back to your normal weight without worrying about it). A must-read!”
—Alexander Gershberg, award-winning chef; cooking teacher; author of Vegan for Friends, Energy, and Plantbased cookbooks
“As a fellow psychologist, nutritionist, and passionate advocate for women's well-being, I'm delighted to endorse Deprogram Diet Culture by Dr. Supatra Tovar. This book brilliantly addresses the unique challenges women face with dieting, especially during midlife. It offers a refreshing perspective on why diets fail and guides you toward a healthier, more sustainable relationship with food and yourself. Buy this book and ditch dieting forever.”
—Dr. Ellen Albertson, The Midlife Whisperer®
“As a professor committed to improving individual and community health, I appreciate the approach of Deprogram Diet Culture. Dr. Tovar’s book offers practical, science-based strategies for lifelong healthy eating habits, free from the constraints of traditional dieting.”
—Dr. Kathryn Hillstrom, EdD, MPH, RDN, FAND, professor and chair, Department of Nutrition and Food Science, California State University, Los Angeles
“As an eating disorder survivor and previous co-owner of an eating disorder clinic, I found Dr. Tovar's Deprogram Diet Culture extremely insightful, educational, and helpful for those struggling with their relationship with food. The practices within the book are explained in a way that makes them accessible to anyone on their journey to break free from Diet Culture. A must-read for anyone who’s ready to live a life of food freedom while nourishing and honoring their body!”
—Natalie Leon, wellness speaker, fitness and body image advocate
“As a trainer who values the importance of integrating science-based perspectives to educate how we create change in our body, I applaud Deprogram Diet Culture for incorporating this empowering approach. Dr. Tovar’s book provides this valuable support and much-needed encouragement to redefine our relationship with food and self.”
—Kimberly Spencer, joint mobility and Pilates specialist
“In her kind, compassionate, and insightful style, Dr. Tovar’s knowledgeable approach emphasizes mindfulness and awareness to help readers manage their physical and mental wellness healthily. Bravo!”
—María Botero Omary, PhD, MPP, principal, The Omary Group; former faculty member, Departments of Human Nutrition and Food Science, Cal Poly Pomona and California State University Los Angeles
“In this easily digestible book, Dr. Tovar helps readers take the stress out of eating. Her focus on mindfulness and behavioral change science are invaluable for anyone wanting to stop dieting and finally start living.”
—Chantal Donnelly, physical therapist; best-selling author of Settled: How to Find Calm in a Stress-Inducing World
“Dr. Tovar’s book, Deprogram Diet Culture, has saved me from the crushing influences of today’s diet-driven culture. With easy-to-understand bites of science, psychology, and real-life stories, she has taught me that no food is bad, perfection is an illusion, and that I am worthy. The book teaches how to use small achievable steps to gain a healthier relationship with food and ultimately myself by bringing mindfulness and balance into my daily journey with food. I have learned to slow down my eating, enjoy all foods, and to not look at my body in the formerly negative fashion that has plagued me for a long time. This new way of thinking has helped me to maintain a healthy body weight and improved my self-esteem and overall compassion with the world around me. From my personal experience, I highly recommend Deprogram Diet Culture to anyone struggling with the pressures of our hyper-intensive diet culture as a way to break free and start a meaningful new relationship with food and yourself.”
—Scott Peebles, television video editor
