Food Mad
The Nutritional Neuroscience of the Starved Brain
Food Mad is a practical, compassionate, and science-grounded book about what happens to the brain when the body is under-nourished, and why nutrition is not optional in recovery from eating disorders.
This book was written for people who want to understand why thinking changes, why insight can disappear, and why eating is not a reward, a choice, or a behavioural add-on, but the treatment itself.
Who this book is for
Food Mad is written for:
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People with lived experience of eating disorders
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Parents, partners, and carers trying to understand what is happening to someone they love
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Health professionals who want a clearer, brain-based framework for risk, recovery, and care
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Anyone who has felt confused by “normal blood tests,” “normal weight,” or apparent insight in someone who is clearly not well
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You do not need a science background to read this book. Complex ideas are explained clearly, without oversimplifying or minimising risk.
What this book covers
This book brings together nutritional neuroscience, clinical experience, and real-world systems knowledge to explain:
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How starvation and under-nutrition alter brain function, judgement, and emotional processing
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Why eating disorders are not driven by vanity, control, or choice
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Anosognosia and why people may genuinely not recognise how unwell they are
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Why weight, blood tests, and appearance can be misleading indicators of safety
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How nutrition affects neuroplasticity, learning, and recovery capacity
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Why delayed nutritional rehabilitation causes harm — even when intentions are good
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The role of families, clinicians, and systems in either supporting or obstructing recovery
This is not a meal plan.
It is a framework for understanding.
What makes Food Mad different
Most books focus on psychology without adequately explaining the brain.
Food Mad centres nutrition as the foundation, not because food is the problem, but because the brain cannot heal without it.
The book:
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Integrates neuroscience with real clinical scenarios
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Explains why certain approaches fail, not just that they do
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Acknowledges harm done by well-meaning but under-informed systems
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Avoids blame, shame, and simplistic narratives
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Is written by a clinician who works daily with high-risk, complex cases
This book does not promise quick fixes.
It offers clarity.
Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation.
$1 from every book sold is donated to EDCS, contributing to education, support, and advocacy for people affected by eating disorders.