Author Archives: Christina Greer, PhD

Dr. Christina (Fisanick) Greer is the author of more than 30 non-fiction books and multiple articles about writing. Two-Week Wait is her first book-length memoir. She has been teaching college writing for 20 years. Currently, she is an Associate Professor at California University of Pennsylvania, where she passes on her love of storytelling to future generations of writers and teachers. Christina lives in her home state of West Virginia with her two cats, husband, and son, who was worth every single two-week wait.

Coming Out of the Dark

By Christina Fisanick, PhD It took me a long time to understand the primary reason I continuously relapsed in my recovery. I thought my inability to stay abstinent from foods that harmed me was simply a lack of willpower, despite what I know…

Hiding Under a Blanket of Fat

I have told the story of my relapse in this space and others before: I walked into a coffee shop one morning after losing more than 100 pounds and was visually assaulted by a table full of men. I know that may sound…

The Shape of Me

by Christina Fisanick, Ph.D. I remember when I first heard the lyrics of Ed Sheeran’s smash pop hit, “The Shape of You.” I rarely listen to Top 40 these days, but I overheard it at a coffee shop one afternoon. The beat caught…

Why Before and After Photos Can Compromise Binge Eating Disorder Recovery

I have lost 100 pounds four times in the last 25 years. Yep. That is 400 pounds lost and found. Every single time I proudly posed for photos on the day I started my magical weight loss journey and at points along the…

Relapse-Resistant Recovery: A Snapshot

Of course, we should maintain our abstinence no matter what, but sometimes we don’t. Sometimes we slip. Sometimes we fall. Sometimes we don’t get back up for a long time. And there we have the million dollar question: Why does recovery seem easier…

A New Spin on an Old Tradition

Aren’t we all pretty sick of New Year, New You resolutions that we never quite keep? And then we punish ourselves when we fail. What sense does that make? Part of the problem is that we choose changes that are so big and…

The Devastating Legacy of Diet Culture

As the founder of a support group for food addicts in recovery, I have come to dread the new year. Towards the beginning of December, my group is suddenly overwhelmed by people wanting to join with the obvious purpose of marketing their dieting…

Using Vision Boards in Recovery

by Christina Fisanick Greer The Optimistic Addict Sustained recovery requires a host of practices, at least it does for me. While I understand the need for keeping it simple, as many people in recovery programs advocate, I find that I need to breakdown…

Surviving the Holidays Gratefully

‘Twas the night before Thanksgiving in the food addict’s home. All the relatives were sleeping, and the food addict sat alone. “Should I eat some pie in this peace and quiet? Or should I be a good girl and stick to my diet?”…

I Keep on Climbing

by Christina Fisanick Greer, Ph.D. The Optimistic Food Addict At least ten times during my ascent up the mountain I was sure that I wouldn’t make it. My son, husband, and I decided to hike to the top of Seneca Rocks, the only…

About Us

Christina Fisanick Greer, Ph.D. is a writing professor and published author. Her goals are to help as many people in recovery as possible through writing and creativity. Christina can be reached at clfisanick@aol.com.

Testimonials

Kelly M. ---The resources on this site really helped me in my recovery from food addiction. Lisa F. ---Christina goes above and beyond to help people in recovery.

Optimistic Food Addict

OptimisticFoodAddict.com is a website devoted to supporting recovery from Food Addiction and Binge Eating Disorder. Christina Greeer, Ph.D., the founder and editor of this site, is not a physician but a writer and food addict who aims to help all.