Vitamin A to Z by Fiona Sutherland
Publication Date: 1 February 2021
*****
"In a culture of weigh less, and do more, nourishing ourselves can truly be a radical act. It’s your food. It’s your body. It’s your choice.”
There is no one right way to eat, or have a body, yet every day we are exposed to diet culture: dominant messages about what we “should” be eating and how we “should” be feeling about our bodies, constructed specifically to de-stabilise us and take our time, energy and money.
Drawing on more than 20 years’ experience as a Non-Diet Dietitian, Fiona Sutherland guides the reader through reflective, mindful and strengths-based approaches to practices that support is to name the BS, turn towards ourselves with the respect and care we all deserve and get on with a more meaningful life.
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Praise for Vitamin A to Z:
‘Oh Fiona thank you for getting this book written! This work is so nuanced and layered and DEEP. There’s only so much that can be unlearned and learned in a consultation, even in a year of consultations, and then our clients are back in the world swimming in diet culture. This book will be the lifeline and is exactly what is needed for day-to-day immersion in non-diet thinking. This book is so you, kind, clear, compassionate, fierce and sweary! It’s my new go-to reading recommendation. Congratulations on such a great piece of work.’ - Susan Williams, HAES®️ Eating Disorder Dietitian
“Vitamin A to Z captures the essence of non-diet, weight inclusive work in the most clever and digestible way. It's an incredibly helpful read for all- from those reconnecting to their inner wisdom to helping professionals who are supporting others. In today’s pervasive and unrelenting Diet Culture, this is just the book to help you create a solid foundation of self-care, mindfulness, and the fiery drive to make shift happen in the dialog of wellness. 5 stars without hesitation!" - Haley Goodrich, RD, LDN, CEDRD-S (she/her)
“Vitamin A to Z is an excellent resource for getting started on the path to peace with food and your body. Fiona Sutherland breaks down big concepts like mindfulness and self-compassion in a way that’s at once accessible and profound, thought-provoking and lighthearted. This book will help you clarify your values and build skills not only to heal from disordered eating and body-image concerns, but also to live a more fulfilling life.” — Christy Harrison, MPH, RD, CEDRD (she/her), author of Anti-Diet
“Reading Vitamin A to Z feels like you are sitting down to a cup of tea with Fiona and getting the chance to absorb all of her incredible knowledge and insight. Each chapter offers bite-sized nuggets of wisdom written in a way that feels fun, accessible, and validating, with a dose of Fiona’s trademark humor (I found myself snorting with laughter every few pages). Paired with the reflective exercises and prompts, Fiona gently encourages us to bravely lean into the discomfort that this thing called life brings up in order to connect more fully with ourselves and others. This book offers a relatable resource for anyone looking to find freedom and enjoyment with food and live a more authentic, meaningful life.” - Alissa Rumsey, MS, RD (she/her), author of Unapologetic Eating: Make peace with food and transform your life.
“When did the world of health, food and bodies become the domain of great thinkers like Gwyneth Paltrow and The Kardashians? The answer to that conundrum probably lies in the strange conflation of celebrity, privilege and commercialism that informs large swathes of health advice in the 21st century, from Pete Evans to Lite ‘n Easy. Many of us are tired of the (literally) sickening confection masquerading as good advice. We are looking for a way out! We are looking for something genuinely nourishing.
Cue Vitamin A to Z by Fiona Sutherland.
This sassy little pocketbook is the ultimate escape route out of diet fairyland. Written in Fiona’s uniquely courageous, irreverent voice, this book bats the rubbish myth of perfect eating, bodies and lives right out of the park. She sits with you in the space that leaves behind with compassion and offers a fresh, thoughtful perspective. This book offers genuine nourishment. Vitamin A to Z invites you to think about what your version of wellbeing means to you and how you best want to achieve it (or not!). It does this while honouring the impacts of being human; our traumas, illnesses, disabilities, stressors, and those pesky genetic codes that we all inherit. There are no silly promises and don’t expect to be told what to do (and certainly not what to eat). Written in easy-to-digest bite-size portions, this book is a small but powerful space, boldly calling you to pick your own best path to your own unique version of ‘well’ and ‘well enough’, or to simply honour where you stand. Fiona Sutherland argues that no one else has the right to pick your wellbeing path or to even demand you be on one. Vitamin A to Z is a guide to reclaiming the peace of mind that modern healthism culture steals, without permission.” - Tara Macgregor, PACFA REG CLINICAL & APD, G DIP COUNS, BSC, MSC H NUT DIET
“Vitamin A- Z is a beautiful mix of self compassion, mindfulness and nutrition. Fiona has blended her range of skills to create an easy-to-digest, practical resource.
It introduces people to a new way to relate to food and their bodies. As more people become aware of the harmful messages and practices in our culture, media and the past they are left with the question “what do I do instead?”
Vitamin A to Z always invites gentle curiosity and reflection while presenting new ideas and concepts. Inviting people to use the book in a way they feel most helpful. It offers practical activities but also the prose stands alone as thought-provoking and informative.
Fiona’s writing is similar to her spoken word; calming, methodical, humorous and in itself is a lovely balm for the nervous system.” Jo Money, APD, Director of Eat Love Live