Founders of the website and blog Not Plant Based, Laura Dennison and Eve Simmons’s book EAT IT ANYWAY has been acquired by Mitchell Beazley (part of the Octopus Publishing Group).
Hattie Grunewald has sold World English Language rights to Editorial Director Eleanor Maxfield. It will be published on 17th January at £10.99.
Not Plant Based are on a mission to help you love food again. The principle is very simple: eat what you like and don't worry about it. This is a game-changing narrative for anyone who has struggled to find a balance between healthy and happy, between empty and full. The definition of 'healthy eating' has been chewed up, spat out and re-digested enough times to make Joe and Josephine Public give up and seek out their nearest branch of McDonald's. Our mindless obsession with eating 'right' is such that we're now more concerned about what our Instagram followers think of a poorly lit picture of our dinner than we are of its effect on our own palate. Or, indeed, our happiness. We seem to be living in a time where we no longer eat with our hearts, emotions or heritage – but with our waistlines (and followers) in mind.
Throughout the book, Eve and Laura call on experts to debunk myths and provide a balanced exploration of our attitude towards food, with some delicious recipes thrown in along the way from food heroes such as Ruby Tandoh, The Hairy Bikers, and Angela Hartnett. They discuss their own experiences of eating disorders and offer personal tips and coping mechanisms to help rid you of anxiety linked to food. No one is saying healthy eating is bad; there is simply a lot of misleading information out there. More to the point, food is so much more than just healthy eating: it’s family, friends, enjoyment and memories.
From sugar to fat, clean eating and the #fitspo generation, chapters call out the fads, debunk myths and teach you how to reinstate food happiness. It’s a menu that’s especially delicious, “guilt-free” and requires a hell of a lot less money spent in health food shops.
Eleanor Maxfield said of the acquisition ‘I am incredibly proud to be part of such an important message about the relationship between food and anxiety. Readers will relate to this powerful, yet accessible journey through our relationship with eating, and Eve and Laura’s vital advice can help all of us. Long live cake.’
Laura Dennison said EAT IT ANYWAY is the book I wish I had when I was in my teens and tortured by food. Had it reached the shelves during my worst eating battles, I truly believe that I wouldn’t have wasted so many years desperately trying to look like anyone but myself. I can’t wait to see how many lives this book will change.’
Eve Simmons commented ‘It is beyond thrilling that Octopus has granted us the chance to spread our message of wholehearted food celebration to the masses. In our ever-unstable world of belfies, protein powders and fitspiration we feel our tale of the sanctity of a peaceful relationship with food couldn't come at a more perfect time. We hope we can help a nation of anxious eaters to feel the feel, harness it, and goddamn eat it anyway.'
About the Authors
NOT PLANT BASED is a blog for the troubled eater co-edited by writers and journalists Laura Dennison and Eve Simmons. Not Plant Based was founded by Laura, after years of troubled eating led her to conclude that really, she will always love ALL food. Both Laura and Eve have suffered from eating disorders and are telling their stories to dispel dietary myths and help others reignite their passion with the grub they love, with the help of professional dietitians and medical experts. Particular passions include melted cheese, Kit-Kats and jacket potatoes.
Laura Dennison is a journalist and writer with a particular interest in writing about the food she puts in her gob - most recently entwining her work with the subject of mental health. She previously worked as a digital reporter at the Press Association for two years - the UK's leading news agency - but now is a freelance journalist who dedicates most of her time to the Not Plant Based cause.
Eve Simmons is a journalist and writer, specialising in women's interest issues. From Irish abortion laws to female autism diagnoses, Eve has written features with an aim to uncover untold women's stories. Eve is currently flexing her millennial muscles as Deputy Health Editor at the Mail on Sunday, and has contributed to publications such as Grazia, VICE, The Debrief, The Daily Mail, The Telegraph, The Evening Standard and The Financial Times.
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