Welcome. Buy my books. You’ll get an idea of the philosophy that’s worked for me: Embrace whole foods and love yourself through the journey. If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired about your approach to food, and really want to manage overeating, stick with whole foods and once again, love yourself along the way.
Steve Mittleman
There Is No Wagon
“As a primary care physician certified in Family Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine, I firmly believe that practical, sustainable lifestyle advice is as vital as the scientific knowledge behind it. Steve Mittleman’s There Is No Wagon offers a relatable, down-to-earth approach that empowers individuals to embrace lasting health changes without guilt or perfectionism. The icing on the cake, no pun intended, is the book’s witty and clever humor—often self-deprecating—which makes the journey toward healthier living not only accessible but genuinely enjoyable. It’s a resource I would gladly recommend to my patients, friends and family as part of their journey to better health.” — Steven Lawenda MD
There is No Wagon! takes you on an eye-opening journey through the highs and lows of the food addiction struggle. Steve Mittleman, once trapped in the never-ending cycle of dieting, weight loss, and guilt, shares his personal story and breakthrough realization: the “wagon” mentality doesn’t work when it comes to food.
For years, Steve believed he was falling off some invisible wagon every time he “cheated” on a diet, giving in to overeating and processed foods. He felt guilty, stuck in a vicious cycle of self-denial and emotional eating. But what if there is no wagon? What if the key to breaking free from this harmful on/off mindset isn’t about dieting, but about shifting how we approach food altogether?
In this candid and humorous account, Steve explores the damage done by the all-or-nothing approach to dieting, which has kept many of us trapped in a constant state of defeat. Through his personal experience, he uncovers the truth: food isn’t like alcohol. There’s no wagon to fall off. The answer isn’t perfection—it’s progress. By embracing whole foods and letting go of the guilt, we can build a healthier relationship with food and our bodies.
Whether you’ve been caught in the weight loss rollercoaster or are simply looking for a new perspective on your eating habits, There is No Wagon! offers an insightful, compassionate approach to breaking free from the diet mentality and finding a path to lasting change. If you’re ready to stop the endless cycle of losing and gaining, this book is your guide to finally finding peace with food.
Let go of the wagon, and embrace a new way of living.
Reviews of ‘There Is No Wagon’
Fun and Humorous Read with Sage Advice
“There Is No Wagon is funny man Steve Mittleman’s loving approach to healthy living. The book is a fun and humorous read with sage advice for living a vibrant, well-balanced life.”
— Brian Wendel, founder of Forks Over Knives
Embrace a sustainable, self-loving approach to health and happiness – one mindful bite at a time
“Steve Mittleman’s There is No Wagon is an eye-opening, laugh-out-loud, and deeply relatable guide to escaping the endless cycle of dieting guilt. With humor and heart, Mittleman inspires readers to embrace a sustainable, self-loving approach to health and happiness—one mindful bite at a time.”
— Chef AJ, the Queen of Quick and Easy plant-based recipes”
Steve Mittleman …wants you to make good choices, but most importantly, live your life well.
“After reading There Is No Wagon, I found Steve Mittleman’s book useful, uplifting, and inspiring. Steve leverages a lifetime of experience paired with common sense to help us identify and understand why we eat the way we do and how we can eat in ways that work best for us as individual. We are all different and that is a key premise of the book, but the bigger premise is we should eat in such a way that is best for your body and embrace it.
Whether it’s the concept that “falling off the wagon” is a misnomer and really doesn’t’ exist or pointing out that despite people identifying as big boned, “Have you ever seen a big boned skeleton?”, Steve skillfully balances observational humor with a keen understanding of the dietary struggles people from all walks of life deal with on a daily basis, but in a way which is not preachy. The book is a series of well thought out, common sense talking points clearly compiled from a lifetime of real experiences as an entertainer on the road and a regular person trying to get through this thing we call life. These are practical observations which are meant to give you pause so you realize what you are doing, why you are eating what you are eating, and helping create insight into choices which can be better for your body. These are morsels of insight with smart ingredients.
Steve is not telling you to feel guilty for ordering the $5.00 24,000 calorie craving meal from taco bell. What Steve is saying is that you should consider that what you put into your body is what you get out of your body, so instead of consuming 24,000 calories in one sitting, making deals with yourself to do better, and living off the readings from your bathroom scale; if you are aware of the issue, you can choose to make better choices. That’s power. The power of awareness and choice. The key to weight loss is smart choices, a bit of exercise, and finding ways to be happy. Celebrate life. It’s the only one you have. And ignore the scale. The scale is a distraction.
I enjoyed the writing style and found it to be an easy read, hearing the author’s voice as I read. I also appreciated the way it is written in the respect that it does not have long, winding chapters which allows you to easily pick up where you left off. The book is constructed in short sections, each one just a few paragraphs. Read the paragraph and then read it again. It’s insightful and real. Digest it, if you’ll pardon the expression. Steve Mittleman makes good sense and wants you to make good choices, but most importantly, live your life well.“
— David Goldstone, Founder, The Small Marketing Agency; Mostly retired Actor, Writer, Comedian, Working Father & Husband
A fresh, positive take on weight loss and health
“There Is No Wagon by Steve Mittleman is a book that immediately sets the tone for a supportive, no-judgment approach to dieting and health. The cover is approachable, clear, and inviting—no mystery about what this book is offering. The tagline, “When It Comes to Dieting, You Can’t Fall Off”, instantly reassures readers that this isn’t about rigid rules or guilt trips, but rather about a realistic and encouraging perspective on food and weight.
The design, while simple, does a great job of reinforcing the book’s theme. The image of a smiling, well-dressed author standing in front of an old, broken-down wagon makes the metaphor obvious—there’s no wagon to fall off of, because this is about a sustainable, practical mindset toward health. The bright green background adds an upbeat energy, making this feel more like a motivational pep talk than a lecture on dieting.
A fresh, positive take on weight loss and health that focuses on long-term well-being rather than strict dieting. Mittleman likely provides humor, wisdom, and real-world advice on how to have a better relationship with food without feeling like you’re constantly failing. This seems like a great read for anyone looking for encouragement and a healthier perspective on dieting.”
— Gary Apple
Everyone would benefit from reading this book
5.0 out of 5 stars If you struggle with your weight, this book is for you.
“The author of There Is No Wagon, Steve Mittleman, has written a book that will help many. He tells his personal journey. For much of his life, Mittleman had weight issues and endured the continual cycle of gaining or losing a considerable amount of weight. He tried one diet after another. Finally, he said “enough” and threw away his scales. This was a major step as it changed his perspective of being critical of himself to that of an attitude of a kinder, more accepting being.
This was a huge transition for Mittleman and allowed him to put into place changes which have substantially improved the quality of his life. Today he exercises regularly and his diet consists of eating “natural foods.” Gone are the days of eating sweets, lots of carbohydrates, and red meat. Now he focuses on primarily eating vegetables, fruits, and grains. The net result is that his weight is appropriate, and he’s a much happier person.
Everyone would benefit from reading this book…especially those who struggle with their weight.”
— Roger BelAir
An enjoyable and digestible perspective that can help guide others in the same way
“I’m lucky to have received my Dad’s insight and encouragement on health and well-being throughout my life. He’s inspired me to see my mind and body as extensions of the natural world, and to take care of them accordingly. I’m grateful he’s now published his new book There Is No Wagon, an enjoyable and digestible perspective that can help guide others in the same way.”
— Griffin Mittleman
Loving Insight into the battles of selflessly loving oneself
“Steve is naturally a teacher and researcher and a most compassionate human… I’m so lucky to call him my brother… There Is No Wagon. Just amazing Steve Mittleman with loving insight into the battles of selflessly loving oneself with kindness and humor.”
— Coco Paladino
Bring Steve’s Health Philosophy to Your Audience
Steve Mittleman brings to the stage more than just his comedic talents; he brings a heartfelt message about health and transformation. Book Steve for events where he shares the principles of ‘There Is No Wagon,‘ combining humor with practical wellness advice. His dynamic presence and relatable stories will inspire and engage audiences, offering a new way to think about health and happiness.
Inspire Your Audience
Steve combines humor with health advocacy in a way that captivates and educates. Whether for virtual gatherings or in-person events, Steve delivers engaging talks that leave a lasting impact. Share in his journey towards health, as he blends personal stories with actionable insights. Book Steve to inspire your community with laughter and learnings on achieving a balanced, happy life without the traditional ‘wagon.’