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Published Feb 2017
288 pages
Genre: Biography/Memoir
Publication Information
A no-holds-barred account of folk legend Judy Collins's harrowing struggle with compulsive overeating and of the journey that led her to a solution.
Since childhood Judy Collins has had a tumultuous, fraught relationship with food. Her issues with overeating nearly claimed her career and her life. For decades she thought she simply lacked self-discipline. She tried nearly every diet plan that exists, often turning to alcohol to dull the pain of yet another failed attempt to control her seemingly insatiable "cravings."
Today, Judy knows she suffers from an addiction to sugar and grains, flour and wheat. She adheres to a strict diet of unprocessed foods, consumed in carefully measured portions. This solution has allowed her to maintain a healthy weight for years, to enjoy the glow of good health, and to attain peace of mind.
Alternating between chapters on her life and those of the many diet gurus she has encountered along the way (Atkins, Jean Nidetch of Weight Watchers, Andrew Weil, to name a few), Cravings is the culmination of Judy's genuine desire to share what she's learned - so that no one has follow her heart-rending path to recovery.
"Starred Review. Collins's radiant memoir shines a light on her almost deadly struggles while vividly celebrating her new life free from cravings and sharing hope with everyone who suffers from food addiction." - Publishers Weekly
"A compelling read for fans of Collins and/or those confronting their own addictive behavior." - Kirkus
"Judy Collins has looked at life from both sides: as an incredibly successful singer and as a person tormented by addiction - to alcohol, substances, and, worst of all, food. In Cravings her candid recounting of her long and ultimately successful struggle, and of the insights she gained from various diet gurus, will give comfort and guidance to the many people trying to improve their relationships with food." - Andrew Weil, author of 8 Weeks to Optimum Health and Eating Well for Optimum Health
"Cravings is a detailed history of recovery and the power of the life force. It's not only the story of addiction and recovery in our culture but also an inspiring autobiography of one passionate individual finding a way of living that radiates health. Judy Collins is a beacon of hope for us all." - Erica Jong, author of Fear of Flying
"Brave in its candor and clear-sighted in its solutions, full of heartbreak but also tremendously uplifting, Cravings spotlights a path of spiritual and physical renewal for everyone." - Ron Chernow, author of Alexander Hamilton
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Judy Collins has recorded more than forty albums over her illustrious career. With several top-ten hits, Grammy nominations, and gold- and platinum-selling albums to her credit, she has also written several books and has her own music label, Wildflower Records.
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