The Zen of Eating: Ancient Answers to Modern Weight Problems

by Ronna Kabatznick

Book Overview

When it comes to weight loss, the emphasis today is shifting away from fad diets and compulsive workouts toward sane, sensible techniques that incorporate both the mind and the body. This is the first... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399523820
• ISBN13: 9780399523823
• Release Date: March 1998
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 4.9" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

EXELENTE LIBRO , PERDI 20 LIBRAS sin Dieta EL SECRETO

Este Libro es el Mejor para todas esa Pesonas como Yo que Luchan con la Dificil batalla de la Obesida , En este Libro me enseno a Conocer como trabaja la Obesidad y que TODOS somo Gordos Mentales , Que todo el Problema esta en La Mente no en la Comida . Baje 20 libras desde hace un ano y no he vuelto a subir nada mas Y me encuntro mas Feliz que nunca en mi Vida

Thought provoking and very helpful

It has been a long time since I have savored a book as much as I have been this one. I hope I do not repeat what other positive reviews have said, and if I do, I apologize. I liked the combination of using real life examples rather than antidotes for showing how people behave and how they can change for the positive, and let go of negative desires. I say negative because as the author wisely notes on page 58 "Letting go doesn't mean annihilating, rejecting feelings, or pretending that you don't have strong feelings". Or on page 62 "Letting go doesn't mean any of these desires disappear. It means that they no longer have control over you". The author notes that we can still like a certain ice cream or treat and enjoy it, but that the treat doesn't have to become an obsession. But more a take it or leave it way of eating. And that once we let go of the habitual desire that food even begins to taste better.My husband and I grew up in the 40-50's and he remarked that growing up he often was hungry which is why he probably eats "stuff" because he wants to feel full and not wanting. In the late 40's when I was a toddler a sibling often stole food so we could eat. So I to grew up wondering if I would ever not have to worry about food. It has only been since I have been serious about finding out how to let go of the fear-desire issue that my weight started to drop, and I became healthier. Its also interesting how the author explains how often people drink, smoke, eat wrong because of some issue of fear, be it speaking up when someone says something bad, or when we are faced with a challenge we are afraid of, or because we are afraid of the unknown, like being rejected.This is a thoughtful and helpful book and one I am so pleased I bought.

Gracefully written...

"The Zen of Eating" is a gracefully written fusion of psychology and Buddhism, the best example I've seen of applying spiritual principles to behavioral problems. Ronna Kabatznick writes beautifully and simply -- a peace will take over you as you read this, which is never easy to do given the serious subject matter.I am somewhat new to Buddhism, so I was particularly impressed with the efficient way the principles are explained, and the seemless way they are applied to eating problems. The book is full of folklore and anecdote, but is never glib or condescending. I came away with a greater interest and understanding of Buddhism.The author doesn't soft sell -- she states clearly that the principles are easy to grasp but difficult to follow. I'm not sure how successful readers of this book will be, but "The Zen of Eating" is well worth the read.

The Best Introduction and Explanation of Zen Available

The best introduction to Zen that I've ever read. Many introductory books on Zen lack a practical explaination of Zen's more esoteric concepts, such as 'emptyness' and 'suffering', and fail to apply these concepts to the ups and downs of everyday life. This book goes beyond the concepts of Zen to make Four Noble Truths accesible through simple explanations. Additionaly, the author makes these Truths come alive by applying them to the very real problem of being fixated on food. However, even if you do not have a problem with food, by seeing the Truths applied in the real world you will imediately see the power that they offer to anyone who is struggling with a problem.The book is organized around the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Each recieves its own chapter containing an explaination and several examples of how individuals applied the concepts discussed to their fixation on food.This book is for anyone searching for an accessible introduction to Zen or for learning how to apply the basic concepts of Zen to their everyday life.

truth in simplicity

This is a valuable book on several different levels. By using the Four Noble Truths and The Eightfold Path, the author not only gives us what I consider the best book I've ever read about dealing with the compulsion to overeat, but also a very simple, yet straightforward introduction to Buddhism.There is no secret to losing weight: you eat less and exercise more, but until you understand what is at the root of the compulsion to overeat, you'll never keep the weight off. By applyling the principles of Buddhism, which may be the best model that exists for how a person should live their life, there is hope that by being mindful, the constant yo-yo that is dieting can be eliminated.