Praise

Thoughtfully educates the reader of the dangers of eating disorders that might not fit within the common public understanding.

- Lynn S. Grefe, president and CEO, National Eating Disorders Association

Anorexia Nervosa, a serious and potentially life-threatening disorder, is relatively rare. Much more common are subclinical symptoms which are nonetheless very distressing and problematic. Almost Anorexic uniquely and compellingly describes this important phenomenon and provides down-to-earth guidance on how to overcome such problems.

- B. Timothy Walsh, professor of psychiatry, Columbia University, and chair of the DSM-5 Eating Disorders Work Group

I wish Almost Anorexic had been written when my daughter was “almost anorexic.” This book might have given us the information we needed to intervene before our daughter moved into full-blown anorexia, and it might have helped us save her life.

- Kitty Westin, advocacy director, The Emily Program Foundation

A vibrant read with a fresh perspective on the perilous gray zone between healthy and anorexic.

- Cynthia Bulik, author of Midlife Eating Disorders and director of the UNC Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders

Eating problems are often ignored by assessment tests, health care professionals, media coverage, insurance companies, and even the person who is suffering. This book will help millions—including men!

- Leigh Cohn, editor-in-chief, Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention and coauthor of Current Findings on Males with Eating Disorders

Almost Anorexic puts a welcome end to the inaccurate belief that recovery is only possible for some sufferers of eating disorders, and shows that it is actually an action-oriented process that any one of us can choose. Grounded in practical changes readers can make in their lives, this book is evidence that there is hope.

- Marya Hornbacher, award-winning journalist and bestselling author of Wasted: A Memoir of Anorexia and Bulimia; Madness; Sane and Waiting

A comprehensive overview of research and information, combined with self-help exercises that will help people identify if indeed they have a problem with eating and what they might be able to do about it.

- Carolyn Costin, Monte Nido and Affiliates Treatment Centers, author of 8 Keys to Recovery from an Eating Disorder and Your Dieting Daughter

This is an incredible contribution to the literature on eating disorders—which I wish had come out ten years ago!

- Kirsten Haglund, Miss America 2008, National Eating Disorders Association ambassador

Written in engaging prose and based on current scientific research, this valuable book provides an empathic look at body image and eating concerns that technically do not meet diagnostic criteria for full syndrome eating disorders yet cause suffering to those who are in their grip.

- Ruth H. Striegel, professor of psychology, Wesleyan University and editor-in-chief, International Journal of Eating Disorders

Health practitioners and clients alike will appreciate the useful tools, charts, and case studies. . . Ultimately, this is a guide that will help you (or a loved one) get your life back.

- Evelyn Tribole, co-author of Intuitive Eating

Many of us struggle with food, eating, and/or body image. This book’s appealing mix of personal reflections and sound, up-to-date information will make it an important resource for anyone troubled by his or her relationship with food, or who’s concerned about a friend or family member.

- Harriet Brown, author of Brave Girl Eating

Dr. Jennifer Thomas and Jenni Schaefer are a dynamic duo who brilliantly illuminate the slippery emotional slope to anorexia.

- Susan Albers, author of Eating Mindfully

For patients, family members, and friends, this book validates the experience of an eating disorder that cannot be classified as anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder.

- Kamryn T. Eddy, Co-Director, Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program,, Massachusetts General Hospital

Jenni Schaefer has dedicated her life to helping people overcome their eating disorders and live life to the fullest. She is an inspiration to all!

- Dr. Phil

Goodbye Ed, Hello Me is a must-read for anyone suffering from an eating disorder. Schaefer’s first book, Life Without Ed, describes her escape from the prison of her eating disorder, while Goodbye Ed, Hello Me shows the freedom of full recovery, with its many challenges and its endless joys and surprises.

For those who doubt that recovery is possible, Jenni’s words give hope, perspective, and wisdom, not only about the journey through recovery, but about facing life without an eating disorder. Her strategies and insights will inspire and empower others to begin to move past their eating disorder and to deal with the underlying issues, like body image distortion, perfectionism, and the cultural messages that reinforce eating disorders. Jenni’s hope, resilience, humor, and common sense are refreshing antidotes to the poisonous grip of eating disorders.

Life Without Ed helped countless sufferers and their families to understand the power of an eating disorder, and Goodbye Ed, Hello Me will enable them to embrace and experience the power and potential of life free of eating disorders.

Jenni Schaefer is a true hero and great role model to other young women. As a clinician specializing in eating disorders, I hear the immeasurable impact of Jenni’s words on my patients everyday, as they desperately looking for hope and healing and find it in her example.

Thank you, Jenni, for walking the walk to recovery and, through Goodbye Ed, Hello Me, leading others along.

- Margo Maine, Ph.D., FAED, An expert in eating disorders for nearly three decades and Author of Effective Clinical Treatment of Eating Disorders: The Heart of the Matter (with Davis and Shure), The Body Myth: The Pressure on Adult Women to Be Perfect (with Kelly); Father Hunger; and Body Wars.

This book is a rewarding journey into the tapestry of a life in “full recovery” from an eating disorder. Jenni’s story of life after her eating disorder is a story of honesty, wholeheartedness, and great joy. Professionals will find clinical wisdom, and those searching, will find guiding principles and a panoramic view of a life full of hope and happiness. This book is relevant, beautiful, and good for the soul.

- Michael E. Berrett, Ph.D. Psychologist, CEO, Co-founder, Center for Change Co-author, Spiritual Approaches in the Treatment of Women with Eating Disorders

Goodbye Ed, Hello Me is a thoughtful follow-up to Jenni Schaefer’s initial book, enriched through her longer-term perspective on the hard work – and the rewards – of recovering from an eating disorder. The central themes of “Goodbye Ed” distill important principles for both patients and professionals.

- Kelly Vitousek, Ph.D. Co-Director of the Center for Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy at University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, and the Director of the Eating Disorder Program

When Jenni asked me to write an endorsement for this book, she politely said that if did not have the time she would understand. My reply was that there are some things in life for which we cannot afford to not make the time.  This is one of them.

This book is another “rock” on the shelf for those who are seeking the inspiration and direction to fight to understand who they truly are. A rock that many will use as a stepping-stone towards a life of recovery. Life Without Ed showed many women how to find their way towards recovery. Goodbye Ed, Hello Me will help them complete that journey. It’s a helpful guide on how to live after “divorcing ED” but most importantly a roadmap to finding your true self.

This book also represents another step in the progression of an exemplary life; the life of a young woman who was able to overcome illness and adversity. Jenni was able to transform herself from being a victim of her eating disorder (in reality from being oppressed by her own inability to see her true self) to someone capable of giving hope to the many women that have been inspired by her writings, her story, and the success of her journey. She has not only found her true self along the way, but has managed to show others that there is a way out towards a life of fulfillment and gratitude.

- Ovidio Bermudez, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Eating Recovery Center

This book is exactly what the eating disorders community needs. We don’t need one more book on the pain and struggle of ED and recovery. Goodbye Ed, Hello Me breaks the chains of the ‘recovery’ journey and embarks on a whole new frontier; real life.

Jenni’s signature wit, sense of humor, and authenticity help the reader, whether they are parent, patient, or professional, to get past looking at the disease, and turn the focus to what matters–the person. Jenni has the amazing ability to relate to readers, whatever their story. The freedom, heartaches, joys, and revelations that she intimates affect us, and help us know that life AFTER Ed is possible and real. Providing enduring hope and inspiring her readers to action, Jenni has done it again!

- Kirsten Haglund, Miss America 2008

The beauty of Jenni’s written journey through her tormented relationship with Ed is that it is honest, passionate, hopeful but most importantly, it ultimately assures the reader that life really can move on. Jenni is finally emotionally free to form new life relationships; as a wonderfully talented writer she is now able to create new stories and characters of another texture; and as a woman, poised to set an example for others through her health, evident joy and wisdom. She may someday be named the trend-setter for the miraculous word “recovered.'”

- Lynn Grefe, CEO, National Eating Disorders Association

Sharing the wisdom of experience and a delightfully lighthearted approach to life without an eating disorder, Jenni writes with the immediacy of a best friend. Although no longer a perfectionist, she is a perfect role model for what full recovery is really like. Every young woman and man interested in overcoming disordered eating should read this treasure of a book.

- Leigh Cohn, MAT, CEDS, Editor-in-Chief, Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention

In Life without Ed, Jenni gave us the promise that breaking up with Ed is possible and recovery from an eating disorder can happen with plenty of hard work and commitment. In Goodbye Ed, Hello Me Jenni takes her message further and gives us a stunning  personal account of what life can be when you truly, really, completely recover from an eating disorder. She promises “full freedom” and assures us that a life filled with love, laughter, and true happiness is waiting. Thank you, Jenni, for sharing your journey and telling all those who suffer from eating disorders “yes you can”!

- Evelyn Tribole, MS, RD/Newport Beach, CA Nutrition Therapist and Co-author Intuitive Eating

Jenni Schaefer’s Goodbye Ed, Hello Me is a powerful answer to the question many sufferers of Ed have: What will my life look like when it’s not controlled by Ed? By highlighting her own struggle along the way to her recovery, Schaefer demonstrates there is hope for everyone who chooses to start along the path. As she rightly notes, ‘with recovery, anything is possible!'”

- Jess Weiner, Self-Esteem Expert and Author of A Very Hungry Girl and Life Doesn't Begin 5 Pounds from Now

Readers are not only going to learn how to fall in love with life, but they will also fall in love with Jenni Schaefer’s second book, Goodbye, Ed, Hello Me. Jenni has beautifully crafted a tale of her journey into wellness that is at once practical, poetic, and promising.  Both clinicians and clients alike can benefit from this inside look at what it takes on a body/mind level to fully recover from the tenacious grip of an eating disorder. Especially helpful is Jenni’s focus on body image, the steps needed to take in order to shift away from the disease identity, and how to overcome feeling “weird” when you are actually feeling “good.”

- Adrienne Ressler, LMSW, CEDS, Body Image Specialist, and Vice President of Professional Development, The Renfrew Center Foundation

What an inspiration to read Jenni’s amazing story about recovering from an eating disorder and falling in love with herself and life. Written from the heart with sincerity and wisdom, she provides insight, hope and motivation for those in a battle with their body and self. This uplifting book is a must read for anyone with an eating disorder or cares about someone who suffers from anorexia nervosa or bulimia.

- Ann Kearney-Cooke, Ph.D., Distinguished Scholar, Partnership For Gender Specific Medicine, Columbia University, and Author of Change Your Mind Change Your Body, Feeling Good About Your Body and Self After Forty, and Expert and Media Spokesperson for Dove Real Beauty Campaign and Girls Self Esteem Fund

If you or someone you love has an eating disorder, this is the book to read.

- Dr. Phil

Of all the great books written on eating disorders, none has had a wider reach than Life Without Ed. Those suffering have found connection and hope, family members have found understanding and empathy, professionals have learned from it, and praised it. It will remain a classic for decades to come.

- Michael E. Berrett, Ph.D. Psychologist, CEO, Co-founder, Center for Change Co-author, Spiritual Approaches in the Treatment of Women with Eating Disorders

Life Without Ed is one of the top-selling eating disorder books of all time—and for good reason. It was the first to teach readers that they can not only separate from their eating disorder, but also disagree with and disobey it. I wholeheartedly recommend this witty, hopeful guide to patients, carers, professionals, and anyone else who wants to understand what it’s really like to live with an eating disorder and ultimately triumph over it.

- Jennifer J. Thomas, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School Co-Director, Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital

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, Actress

Life Without Ed is an inspiring and empowering tribute to the fact that full recovery from an eating disorder is possible. Written with honesty, clarity, and compassion, Life Without Ed shows how we can “divorce” ourselves from “Ed” through an internal dialogue that recaptures our voice and inner strength.

After reading Jenni’s book, I began the process of believing in myself again, fighting back against “Ed” and, ultimately, living a recovered life. As a male who struggled with an eating disorder for several years, I can say without hesitation that Life Without Ed is an invaluable resource for individuals of both genders and all backgrounds. It’s also an indispensable resource for parents of children with eating disorders as well as anyone who seeks to understand this complex and powerful illness. Jenni is truly an inspiration.

- Adam Lamparello, Author of Ten-Mile Morning: My Journey Through Anorexia Nervosa

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 Anorexia

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., Chief Clinical Officer, Monte Nido Eating Disorder Treatment Centers- East Coast, 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. 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

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

Life Without Ed guides readers through what may be the most difficult journey of their lives and helps them to see the rewards on the other side.

- Joseph A. Donnellan, M.D., Medical Director, Eating Disorders Program and Chief of Psychiatry Somerset Medical Center, Somerville, New Jersey

A personal and honest account of the struggle with and recovery from ED.

- Ira M. Sacker, M.D., Co-author, Dying To Be Thin

Many women who come to The Ranch for help with their eating disorders have already read Life Without Ed and are beginning to understand the abuse they have endured from “Ed.” Clients bought an “Ed” chair, painted it, and put it in the corner of the house so they can talk back to “Ed!

- Toril Newman, LCSW Former Clinical Director, The Ranch

Jenni Schaefer has an important message that all should hear. Her willingness to share the intimate details of her personal journey had a tremendous impact on all the Yale students who heard her speak—and sing!

- Harvey Kliman M.D., Ph.D, Yale University School of Medicine

Jenni Schaefer’s frank, funny, and wise way of engaging an audience is unique. Every person in the room feels included, respected, and better informed. She is a treasure.

- Laura Collins, Writer and Advocate

Without doubt, Jenni was engaging, confident, organized and an extremely powerful speaker…

- Hugh H. Fuller, United States Production Manager (ret.), ExxonMobil Corporation

Jenni instilled hope and inspiration into the hearts and minds of audience members. Her reflection on her own recovery was exactly what students needed to hear to motivate them toward their own self-discovery.

- Claudette Peck, Co-chair Dartmouth College’s Eating Disorder Consultation Team

Excellent, wonderful speaker. Speaking from the heart! The song said it all.

- Participant, Atlantic Psychiatric Conference, Prince Edward Island, Canada

Having Jenni come speak to our Mom’s group was such a huge blessing! Women were blessed by Jenni’s authenticity, gentle humor, and amazing ability to help us see ourselves in a more beautiful light, so that we can bring our children up to have a happy and healthy self-image—something so important to every mom. Jenni’s musical talent was a delight as well. Such a ministry to our group and to my heart!

- Brandyn White Quay, Co-coordinator, MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)

Jenni has a wonderful spirit which permeates throughout her speech. Jenni’s impactful message provided a gateway for discussions with my loved one about her illness. Jenni’s style will touch everyone in her audience.

- Cynthia Scroggins, Senior Vice President and Banking Center Manager, Centennial Bank, Fredericksburg, Texas

My class read your book and came to your awesome presentation! Although I have not personally struggled with an eating disorder, I have (like so many of us) struggled with a degree of perfectionism, anxiety, depression, and negative body image. There were so many things in your book that stood out to me—your faith in God, your joy for life, your acceptance of your imperfections, and your hunger to grow everyday in life. These personality traits that shined through your book were verified through your incredible talk at Cortland! I am so overjoyed by your story of learning to love life. It is so inspirational to see someone not only be able to express their growth through the written page but to also see the joy seep through them in person!

In short, thank you for sharing your joy and passion for growing, learning, and loving life! It was truly a blessing to meet you.

- Mairead Fogarty, student at the State University of New York, Cortland

Jenni Schaefer is an engaging speaker with a message that needs to be heard by many people.

- Linda Moore, Northwest Austin Business Connections, Vice President in Charge of Programs; Real Estate Agent

Jenni Schaefer’s inspirational story and spirit may be just the things necessary to help others begin and to sustain their own recoveries from eating disorders.

- Joel Yager, M.D., Past-President, Academy for Eating Disorders; Chair, Clinical and Scientific Advisory Council, National Eating Disorders Association

Jenni has made significant contributions to our eating disorders conferences here in Michigan every time we have invited her to be a part of the programs. A picture of an eating disorder in recovery is Jenni Schaefer. A simple analogy would be: A picture is worth a 1000 words.

- David G. Hall, Ph.D., Lecturer, teacher, consultant and therapist, specialist in eating disorders

I can’t tell you how much your talks help me and open my eyes up to what I still need to work on!

- Erika, St. Louis, Missouri

I can’t tell you how many years I have waited for a CD of this nature. I have used Jenni’s music in my therapy groups and can definitively say that it has touched many lives and has been a catalyst for change.

- Lynette Taylor, MT-BC, Music Therapist, Center for Change in Orem, UT

Jenni’s songs cut to the heart of what really matters when living a soul-filled life. Through them she offers up an invitation to actually feel the sensations of authentic, embodied joy that come with freedom, recovery, and wholeness!

- Anita Johnston, Ph.D., Author of Eating in the Light of the Moon

I love to listen to “Its Okay To Be Happy” when I’m feeling down, because it always lifts me up!

- Lanie from Sheboygan, WI

Jenni’s music crosses an emotional barrier like very few I have ever encountered. The song lyrics and performance allow the listener to truly feel the message — that recovery really is possible. Jenni metaphorically puts her hand on the listener’s shoulder and says, “It will be okay.” Her music is full of hope and is sure to inspire anyone who listens to it.

- Vic Avon, Author of My Monster Within: My Story

After I played Jenni’s music for the support group, I got this message: “I just wanted to thank you so much for playing that song. Music moves me like nothing else, and Jenni has a great voice. I have been dancing to ‘It’s Okay to be Happy!'”

- Kris Shock, Facilitator, ANAD Support Group and Executive Director/Founder, SOAR

Jenni’s music keeps me motivated when all seems to be hopeless.

- Robert from Washington, D.C.

Jenni’s song (“Life Without Ed”) is full of hope, peace, and truth. It gave me the inspiration I needed to push through another day. I often listen to the song when I feel trapped in Ed’s lies and am comforted knowing that life without Ed can be a reality.

- Kelly from Houston, TX

I’ve been playing “Life Without ED” for my patients during sessions. I can see it touch their souls.

- Marcia Herrin, Ed.D, MPH, RD, LD, nutritionist and co-author of the Parent's Guide to Eating Disorders