MeaningFULL book cover with five people celebrating.

WARNING: Reading this book can result in discomfort, life-changing growth, or both. 

MeaningFULL: 23 Life-Changing Stories of Conquering Dieting, Weight, & Body Image Issues is a blend of motivational self-help, memoir, psychology, and health and wellness. Alli Spotts-De Lazzer is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, an expert in eating and body image issues, and a woman on the other side of her own decades-long struggle with mild to severe food battles and body dislike. loathing. 

A $702 billion global diet/nutrition and weight loss industry* shows that people worldwide are devoted to achieving maximum health and their desired bodies. Yet mainstream approaches are failing these individuals, and sadly, science proves this. Intent on gaining the “health” and “happiness” that diets promise, consumers keep trying. They become sad and frustrated, believing they’re failing when they’re not. They simply need a legitimate, alternative path, which MeaningFULL offers. Through the contributors’ real-life and diverse mini-memoirs, the power of storytelling, and Spotts-De Lazzer’s own struggles, readers will learn about themselves and discover their own unique, unconventional formulas for overcoming their issues. Along the way, readers will discover something even better: the value of self-appreciation, wellness, and fulfillment.  

*Global Wellness Institute, 2017

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Activists/Advocates, Caregivers, & Health Professionals...
MeaningFULL offers learning where there has previously been a gap. Through 23 mini-memoirs followed by a specialist’s clinical commentaries, readers will increase their knowledge about the following: 
  • a range of eating issues from “normal” or subclinical to serious eating disorders; 
  • subtle nuances between different feeding and eating disorders; 
  • common medical and nutritional concerns related to these issues; 
  • pertinent resources to support those struggling with these problems; and 
  • the subjective experiences of people who have experienced these issues. 
Though not a traditionally academic book, MeaningFULL has been included in academic courses.

Reviews

READ SOME OF THE REVIEWS

“I went into this book expecting a normal weight loss self-help manual but it ended up being so much deeper and more powerful than that.” –Bookgirl86

“I expected to read story after story about other people. But, as I dug deeper, I realized, I was reading about parts of myself and parts of my family and friends within each story. I cannot recommend this book enough.” –Amazon Reviewer

“If you think you even struggle just a tiny bit with your food rules...get the book. I promise you that the stories will be relatable and honest. And it will paint a future that is the kind of life you want to live someday.” –Sam S

“With the rise of social media, it seems this book is timeless and timely. I especially appreciated the authors notes and professional insights at the end of each story guiding me thru reflection and to dig deeper.” –Vanessa Vicente

“This book is an incredible resource for everyone and anyone, exploring the concepts of diet culture and the impacts it has on mental and physical health.” –Amazon Reader (NOTE: MeaningFULL has been in included in graduate course recommended reading lists) 

“If you or a member of your family is suffering from the fear of gaining weight, or the insecurities of hating your body, you need to read this book, I feel certain it will give you insights and clarity of the problems and pain... AND...this book will give you hope..” –Miller

More reviews can be found at Amazon

ENDORSEMENTS

"Have you ever thought that the painful experiences you've had after falling off a diet or being uncomfortable with your body are yours alone? No one else could have ever felt as sad, frustrated, or disappointed as you have! No one else could have struggled with self-esteem or a lack of inner trust as you have! The truth is that these feelings and experiences are universal in a world of diet culture, that only values you for an idealized size or shape of your body and judges you for your eating choices. MeaningFull is a relatable, down-to-earth book that can help you to not feel so alone and isolated in your relationship with food and your body. By reading the stories of a multitude of people who have found their way out of the trap of diet culture and by reading the clear and valuable guidelines and advice that Alli Spotts-De Lazzer presents, you will finally find the hope for a future of joy and satisfaction in your eating and a sense of respect and dignity for the miraculous body that is yours."

Elyse Resch, MS, RDN, CEDRD-S, FAND
Nutrition Therapist
Author of The Intuitive Eating Workbook for Teens and The Intuitive Eating Journal
Co-author of Intuitive Eating, The Intuitive Eating Workbook, and The Intuitive Eating Card Deck


In "Meaning Full" Alli Spotts has put together a trove of inspiring stories for anyone interested in tackling problems with eating, weight and body image. The various contributors in the book take readers on a summary of their own healing journey providing useful ideas and strategies that others can apply where appropriate. Readers not only get honest, personal, accounts, but Alli's summary at the end of each case provides clarification, cites research, and gives further resources on the various subjects brought up. It is refreshing to read a book where individuals dealing with weight and body image struggles describe overcoming their plight.

Carolyn Costin, Director of the Carolyn Costin Institute
Author, 8 Keys To Recovering From An Eating Disorder


For parents who have a child struggling with any kind of eating or body image issues, it's common to feel isolated, scared, confused, and even ashamed. The stigma and stereotypes around these issues and sometimes serious illnesses add an extra burden for so many families, and it can be hard to find other people who truly "get it." Parents looking for hope, insight, and connection will find many poignant stories in MeaningFULL. Caring for a young person through healing from these issues-from seemingly minor self-image problems to serious eating disorders-can take an emotional toll, and families often need a lot of support. Alli Spotts-De Lazzer's collection of diverse personal stories can help parents feel less alone, shed the guilt or self-blame, and start to see a light at the end of the tunnel.

Oona Hanson, MA, MA
Educator and Parent Coach

More Reviews to Come!

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