Renowned therapist, eating disorder specialist and recovering food addict Kay Sheppard helps countless individuals win their battles over food addiction-people for whom diets, pills and purging have become a way of life. In 1993, her groundbreaking book, , explained the illness of food addiction from the physiological origins through recovery.

Today, obesity is on the rise. In addition to the 300,000 overweight people in this country, millions more who may not look overweight are unable to control their eating.

Sheppard's follow-up book, From the First Biteoffers the latest medical insights into food addiction coupled with time-tested, practical advice.

Unlike other books that are very dry in nature, this book includes compelling personal stories and do's and don'ts from other recovering and relapsed food addicts, including the author herself, who began her own recovery in 1967. The book explains how to avoid the physiological and situational triggers that lead to relapse; how to confront the emotional issues behind food cravings; how to establish a balanced food plan that eliminates cravings; and how to avoid hidden dangers in cleverly packaged foods. The book also includes a handy Twelve-Step workbook.

Just as Sheppard's first book broke new ground, her latest work offers a critical first step for food addicts on the road to physical, emotional and spiritual recovery.