Deprogram Diet Culture: Rethink Your Relationship with Food, Heal Your Mind, and Live a Diet-Free Life

Ditch the Diet and Gain a Healthy Relationship with Food

Narrated by Dr. Supatra Tovar
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Pub Date Sep 09 2024 | Archive Date Dec 24 2024
ANEW | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks

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Description

Dieting is one of the greatest contributors to weight gain. Yet the pressure to be thin is always present through advertising, social media, and even subtle influences from family and friends. As a young woman, Dr. Supatra Tovar was trapped in the frustrating cycle of dieting and disappointment and was determined to break free from the Diet Culture hamster wheel. Combining scientific research with clinical work as a licensed psychologist, registered dietitian, and fitness expert, Dr. Tovar developed a unique approach that has helped her and her clients naturally achieve sustainable health.

Now Dr. Tovar will teach you the steps to eliminate Diet Culture’s negative influence by explaining the science of why diets fail, while providing simple steps to help you achieve a healthy mind-body-soul relationship. By focusing on scientifically proven methods to change your mindset, tune into your body, and eat mindfully, she will help you reshape your relationship with food, heal your mind, and live a diet-free life.

Join a community of those seeking a healthier way. You will hear transformative stories, work through simple exercises, and gain access to valuable resources including meditation videos, a mindful eating journal, a workbook, and a cookbook—all in support of your journey to a more joyful, balanced, and self-accepting life. 

Dieting is one of the greatest contributors to weight gain. Yet the pressure to be thin is always present through advertising, social media, and even subtle influences from family and friends. As a...


A Note From the Publisher

Print ISBN: 9798886451948

Print ISBN: 9798886451948


Advance Praise

“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

“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...


Available Editions

EDITION Audiobook, Unabridged
ISBN 9798218485610
PRICE $14.99 (USD)
DURATION 3 Hours, 40 Minutes, 18 Seconds

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Shelf App (AUDIO)

Average rating from 39 members


Featured Reviews

This is a positive and body affirming book. The author (who also narrates her own work), is well qualified to advise on this area, being as she is, a psychologist and dietitian (among many other impressive qualifications!). This well narrated book is the antidote to the despondency that comes with diet culture, and instead amongst the chapters lie more holistic and long term solutions to our heal our poor relationship to food that has suffered from years of immersion in diet culture. Expect mindfulness, compassion and many other beautiful solutions!

I love the warmth and authenticity embedded in the narration of this book - I am 100% sold and absolutely recommend this book to anyone else who needs their relationship with food and body image healed!!

My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.

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A good, practical guide to healing your relationship with food and your body. Tovar does a really good job of moving through this information with positivity and compassion. The narrator has an extremely soothing voice that allows you to tackle some tough subjects (like disordered eating) without feeling triggered.

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An accessible and evidence based practical guide to tackling a challenging issue for many people. As a qualified psychologist and dietician the author writes from a credible position and offers a helpful guide for those interested in this field be it as a professional or patient.
The audiobook was very well narrated by the author herself.
I am grateful to the publishers and NetGalley for an advanced listener copy of this helpful book.

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I’m always hesitant with self-help books. I often find them patronising or just a re-hashing of existing ideas.
That said, the idea of this one really intrigued me so I gave it a go.

It’s really well written and uses medical research and practical techniques to -as the title suggest- reprogram your mind when it comes to diet culture. It’s definitely a worthwhile read for anyone who finds themselves on an endless diet.

Will the advice make a difference? Only time will tell, but I can say that I finished the book with a very positive and determined attitude to employ some of the strategies.

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This is an encouraging, accessible overview of the CBT steps needed to unlearn diet culture and relearn more natural eating habits. I love that the author is both a clinical psychologist and a registered dietitian, lending huge credibility in an age of faux experts on social media. It’s also fantastically short- 4 hours on audio, less than 200 pages in hardback- without excessive stories or flowery language. To boil this book down any further would be a PowerPoint presentation, and I appreciate that in nonfiction. 4.5⭐️!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced listener copy in exchange for an honest review.

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I think books like Deprogram Diet Culture are important reads for everyone. We could all learn a lot of slowing down and being more mindful with our consumption of all things.

I love the overall message. We tear ourselves apart to fit an image that is often unreasonable.

Thank you to NetGalley, Dr. Supatra Tovar, and ANEW for the opportunity to read it. I have written this review voluntarily.

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I follow anti-diet culture and intuitive eating accounts on my social media and was curious to see if the messages online paralleled what would be in this book. It was validating to listen to the audiobook and have my beliefs and online teachings reconfirmed for me. What makes this book stand out from when I see on my online feed are the techniques introduced on how one can become a more intuitive and mindful eater. Although the audiobook format has guided meditations included, I think buying the physical book is more beneficial because there are some writing exercises recommended for the reader to do and having a way to book mark those prompts/questions for when you have your next meal would be helpful. It also sounded like you can scan a QR code while reading the physical book to access the same guided meditations and audio bonuses.

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Format Review 🎧
I’m developing a deep love of audiobooks narrated by the author and this is no exception! Dr. Tovar has such a gentle and warm speaking style that made me feel supported and encouraged me to slow down.

Content Review 📖
I’m not on social media and don’t watch TV which, I thought, had protected me from a lot of diet culture’s influence. As I was listening to this book though, it became apparent that childhood and social experiences have wormed their way into my psyche unconsciously and insidiously. I could see myself and humans I love reflected in the stories and experiences shared in the book.

I learned a lot of interesting things, backed by science, while working through this audiobook: the body’s starvation response, tapping into hunger/fullness cues, setting boundaries with people while on a fitness journey, the dangers of mindless and emotional eating, and the harm we do ourselves by labelling food as good or bad when food is neutral. I also appreciated Dr. Tovar’s gentle approach normalizing setbacks and relapse and what we can do when we experience same.

While this book is repetitive in parts, it feels intentional as we work through unspooling harmful inner dialogues and ingrained destructive thought patterns. The language was accessible and plain without being patronizing.

I didn’t like the foreward: it’s hard to take a “mindset expert” seriously when he’d literally never considered applying his own methodology about business to eating challenges. 🙃

I’m so glad I listened to this short, but powerful audiobook, and highly recommend it. I think there’s something here for everyone and have already recommended it!

I’m deeply appreciative of ANEW for making this audiobook available on NetGalley. ✨

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Informative and helpful insight into sensible, healthy eating to obtain a healthy weight, by eating consciously and mindfully. The author of the book is also the narrator and she does this perfectly.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me an early audio of thus helpful audio/book.

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This is a book that I wished I had read as a young adult (I am now 55). I grew up in a culture where skinny was in, and it was and still is encouraged through almost every type of communication I encounter. With this mindset, it has been so hard to accept myself as I am, excess weight and all. The author described how to change my mindset about food and my relationship with it. Dr. Tovar doesn't talk down to the reader yet explains in terminology that is easily understood, provides examples that are relatable, and makes suggestions on what and how to change the way we think about food, including how to just think of food as just food. I am currently seeing a dietician to help me eat better, and I am going to recommend this book to her at our next meeting. Every person who has struggled with their weight and the way they view themselves based on their size should read this book. While it's not a resource-laden, highly sophisticated lecture on what to eat, when to eat, or how much to eat, it does give sound advice on changing our brilliant minds to the way we were meant to think about food....as sustenance. I also enjoyed that I could listen to this in one sitting; it was short enough and engaging enough to listen to in one afternoon. Great read!

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A positive and practical book with personal stories which you can actually relate to. Really easy to listen to, and it was lovely to hear the author read her book. There's always a doubt in my mind when reading books like this that it's going to be the same info repeated in different words, but this included medical research and a different perspective I actually enjoyed.

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This was quite the Informative and helpful book. It gave a lot of insight into sensible, healthy eating in order to maintain a healthy weight. The key is eating consciously and mindfully. The author did a great job as the narrator - you can feel that she really knows her stuff and is passionate in her quest to help. It'd highly recommend this to anyone looking to readjust their eating habits and learning how to be healthier.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the early look at this audio book. I found it very helpful.

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This is a short and accessible guide to approaching food in a mindful way. It is well organized and mixes stories of people who have improved their health with simple activities that readers/listeners can implement.

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I loved listening to this audiobook. It is read by the author, and her voice is very soothing and motivating. I would sometimes listen to the book on my daily walks and found it very calming and therapeutic. When the author said that carbs were not bad and that our brains and body needed them, I was all in! I could tell the author was both knowledgeable and passionate about the information she was sharing. I found myself putting some of the tips and tools to use before I had even finished the book. One thing she said was to sometimes pause which I did before eating a second sandwich, and found that after a short pause, I no longer wanted the sandwich. I loved the 2 min mantra which I have started using along with creating tiny helpful and anchoring habits. This is a book that is good to have on your bookshelf as well as an audio version on your phone. I will put many of the tools to practice and keep revisiting this book. The author makes it easy to revisit chapters, by restating in each chapter which chapter you can find specific topics in. I really appreciated the way she gave an overview throughout chapters. This is a wonderful and helpful book to read.

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I recently had the pleasure of reading a truly exceptional literary work that has left an indelible mark on my mind. This masterpiece is a testament to the author's skillful storytelling, weaving a narrative that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

From the opening pages, I was drawn into a world that was both familiar and yet, utterly unique. The author's use of language is masterful, painting vivid pictures with words that transported me to a realm that was both fantastical and grounded in reality. The characters that inhabit this world are multidimensional and relatable, with complexities that make them feel like old friends.

One of the standout aspects of this book is its ability to tackle complex themes and ideas with nuance and sensitivity. The author tackles difficult subjects with a deft hand, never shying away from the tough questions, but instead, presenting them in a way that is both accessible and thought-provoking.

The pacing of the book is expertly managed, with a narrative that flows effortlessly from one chapter to the next. The author's use of plot twists and surprises kept me on the edge of my seat, eager to discover what would happen next.

What truly sets this book apart, however, is its ability to evoke emotions. I found myself laughing, crying, and cheering alongside the characters, invested in their journeys and outcomes. The author's writing is evocative, conjuring up feelings and sensations that linger long after the final page is turned.

In short, this book is a triumph. It is a must-read for anyone who loves literature, and a testament to the power of storytelling to transport, educate, and inspire. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a truly unforgettable reading experience.

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I found this book helpful and it came to me at the perfect time. After moving three months ago and stuffing whatever food I could in my mouth while life felt so busy the scale started really creeping up. The reminder to slow down and practice more mindfulness was definitely needed. I appreciate the copy of this book through NetGalley.

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This was an enjoyable audiobook narrated by the author herself. I was engaged and interested throughout as the author has a very calming and encouraging voice. She does an excellent job incorporating mindfulness and other similar techniques to encourage the reader to improve their perception and relationship with not just food, but also overall health and wellbeing. The author uses many real-life examples to make the content more relatable. As someone who works in the healthcare field, I personally felt much of the information presented was common sense and not really groundbreaking or new in this field. I do think this is a helpful read for someone not as familiar with the subject to understand why diets often fail and how it is more important to make long term lifestyle changes rather than short term extreme changes that are unsustainable. I have been trying to be more mindful about my eating since listening to this and feel it is very helpful! I am glad I listened to this one and would recommend it for those interested in learning more on this topic! Thank you to NetGalley and Dr. Supatra Tovar for the gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review.

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Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

Dr. Supatra Tovar’s Deprogram Diet Culture is a transformative guide that challenges the pervasive and often harmful narratives surrounding diet and body image. Narrated by Dr. Tovar herself, this audiobook offers a deeply personal and scientifically grounded approach to healing one’s relationship with food and body.

The book begins with Dr. Tovar’s own struggles with diet culture, providing a relatable and authentic foundation for her insights. She combines her expertise as a clinical psychologist, registered dietitian, and fitness expert to dismantle the myths perpetuated by diet culture. The narrative is structured around practical steps and exercises designed to help listeners shift their mindset, tune into their bodies, and embrace mindful eating.

Dr. Tovar’s narration is a standout feature of this audiobook. Her calm and reassuring voice adds a layer of authenticity and empathy to the content. As the author and narrator, she brings a unique perspective and personal touch that enhances the listening experience.

The writing is clear, concise, and compassionate. Dr. Tovar skillfully blends scientific research with real-life anecdotes and practical advice. Her use of relatable examples and straightforward language makes the content accessible to a wide audience.

Deprogram Diet Culture explores themes of self-acceptance, body positivity, and the rejection of restrictive dieting. It emphasizes the importance of listening to one’s body and developing a healthy, intuitive relationship with food.

Deprogram Diet Culture is a powerful and empowering audiobook that offers a refreshing alternative to traditional diet books. Dr. Supatra Tovar’s holistic and compassionate approach provides listeners with the tools they need to break free from the cycle of dieting and embrace a healthier, more balanced relationship with food. Her narration adds a personal and engaging touch, making this audiobook a must-listen for anyone looking to heal their mind and body.

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A useful and insightful book, which has given me much to think about. It has certainly made me review my relationship with food and I will return to it in the future, I’m sure.

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Positive and encouraging.
“If you want temporary change focus on your behaviors, if you want permanent change focus on your thoughts.” (Stephen Covey)

Things that stood out:
Helpful tips to analyze your social media and other advertising exposure.
Change your thoughts, not just behavior.
Exercise shouldn’t feel like a punishment, it should be enjoyable and leave you feeling happy and energetic. She suggests Yoga and Pilates.
Food is just food, drop the labels of good food and bad food.
Listen to your body. Relearn your hunger and fullness cues and pay attention to your body.
Distinguish between emotional/situational reasons vs physical reasons to eat:
Rumbling stomach, lightheadedness, and lack of energy = physical reasons.
Triggered by stress, sadness, or boredom and craving specific food = emotional reasons.
Respond to emotional need with self-care practices and physical with nourishing meals eaten mindfully.
Mindless vs mindful eating.
Realistic tiny specific goals.
Anchor new behaviors to existing habits.

5 stars! I listened to the audiobook read by the author in a pleasant calm voice.
Thanks to the publisher for a temporary digital copy via NetGalley.

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Dr Supatra Tovar (clinical psychologist, registered dietician and fitness expert) presents information in an accessible and informative way, to dismantle the harmful narratives around food and diet culture; and support informed decisions towards better health. This is a very practical book, with many anecdotes and scientific research to support the various recommendations. Dr Tovar offers strategies to support changing our mindset around food, to change our emotions toward food, to ultimately modify our food behaviors, for sustainable health.
With thanks to the publisher for the listening review copy, via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
While mindful eating and tuning into bodily cues is not a new concept, I appreciate how Dr Supatra Tovar addressed the science behind why diets fail, along with various behavior change practices that can support us to reimagine our relationship with food.

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As a mental health professional specializing in eating disorders, I loved this book! It has practical exercises to help individuals while they find a professional. The information was great and so easily digestible. I even learned some things I want to take into my practice.

Thank you Dr. Supatra Tovar, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks, and NetGalley for providing me with an Advanced Listener Copy in exchanged for a fair and honest review. I thoroughly appreciated it.

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Dr Supatra Tovar in this book gives us the starting points looking at our weight issues differently, instead of lurching from diet to diet.

I found listening to this book (I listened to the audiobook) enlightening and has given me the enthusiasm to delve deeper. As advised small steps move you forward better than fixed unachievable goals.

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