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Cravings: A Catholic Wrestles with Food, Self-Image, and God
In this first book on the topic written from a Catholic perspective, award-winning writer Mary DeTurris Poust offers personal, hard-won wisdom on the complex relationship between food and spirituality. Mary DeTurris Poust draws on the rich appreciation of meals she first gained at the tables of her childhood in an Italian-American family, leading readers into reflection on the connections between eating, self-image, and spirituality. Like Geneen Roth in Women, Food and God , but from a uniquely Catholic point of view, Poust helps readers spot ways they use food to avoid or ignore their real desires--for acceptance, understanding, friendship, love, and, indeed, for God. Poust draws from scripture and the great Catholic prayer forms and devotions to assist readers in making intentional changes in their use of food. She also offers reflections on fasting, eating in solidarity with the poor, vegetarianism, and the local food movement.
149 pages, Paperback
First published December 3, 2012
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January 12, 2013
I thought, as I picked up my copy of Cravings: A Catholic Wrestles with Food, Self-Image, and God, by Mary DeTurris Poust, that it would be a pleasant read (the author is an impeccable writer) that I would then pass along to a few people (which I will) and then move on.
After all, I do not have an eating disorder. I've only recently been able to gain weight. (Don't throw things. I can't help it.)
What I found, though, was not a book that was about recovering from an eating disorder. What I discovered within this book was a mindset that points to how disordered we are.
This book gave me a "Theology of the Body applied to life" sort of jolt. Everything we do with the physical impacts us spiritually. Without balance in eating--something we have to do, something we often want to do, but something we so often treat as incidental--we lose balance in much of the rest of our life, from how we relate to people to how we focus on God.
DeTurris Poust is a masterful journalist, and that's how she weaves interviews throughout this book in a way that's fascinating and inspiring. But she's also someone who's been there, who continues to struggle, and who has found a Catholic response.
What makes this book great is how DeTurris Poust bares her heart and shares her struggles. She's not the poster child for weight loss or being the perfect eating family.
She's a Catholic wife and mom who continues to struggle. She's a woman who has found peace...and it's not on the scale and, in fact, it doesn't even involve the scale.
The peace comes from a healthy relationship with that thing we do during so much of our waking time--eating.
This book isn't just wonderful for the theory it presents. Oh, no, you'll find practical solutions to...well, to the fact that you rush through breakfast and can't stop snacking all afternoon and wondering what exactly you ate for dinner. She doesn't give you a diet or a top secret "follow these seven steps to healthier living" list.
Instead, you'll find within these covers a challenge to embrace your faith, which means including your eating habits as part of your faith life.
Wait a minute. Whaaaa?
Yes. Really.
When's the last time you looked at your Cheerios and coffee as a chance to have a sacred moment? How often do you pause and NOT multi-task during your dinner? A snack is fine...but is it for your body or your mind?
After reading this book and considering my own life, I have to say this: I have a disorder. We all do. It's called sin. It infiltrates everything, and yet...and yet, we need look no further than our own Catholic faith to find redemption.
Mass is a meal.
A meal!
Yes, I knew it before. But the way it's drawn out in this book is truly wonderful and was, for me, a unique viewpoint It was not in a hammer-over-your-head experience, but more like the gentle melting of an Andes mint in your mouth.
There's a lot of good in this book, so much that I suspect this will be one of the top gifts I give close friends and family in the coming months. My copy's sure to get beat up (and accidentally lent to someone who won't return it, thus necessitating another copy).
After all, I do not have an eating disorder. I've only recently been able to gain weight. (Don't throw things. I can't help it.)
What I found, though, was not a book that was about recovering from an eating disorder. What I discovered within this book was a mindset that points to how disordered we are.
This book gave me a "Theology of the Body applied to life" sort of jolt. Everything we do with the physical impacts us spiritually. Without balance in eating--something we have to do, something we often want to do, but something we so often treat as incidental--we lose balance in much of the rest of our life, from how we relate to people to how we focus on God.
DeTurris Poust is a masterful journalist, and that's how she weaves interviews throughout this book in a way that's fascinating and inspiring. But she's also someone who's been there, who continues to struggle, and who has found a Catholic response.
What makes this book great is how DeTurris Poust bares her heart and shares her struggles. She's not the poster child for weight loss or being the perfect eating family.
She's a Catholic wife and mom who continues to struggle. She's a woman who has found peace...and it's not on the scale and, in fact, it doesn't even involve the scale.
The peace comes from a healthy relationship with that thing we do during so much of our waking time--eating.
This book isn't just wonderful for the theory it presents. Oh, no, you'll find practical solutions to...well, to the fact that you rush through breakfast and can't stop snacking all afternoon and wondering what exactly you ate for dinner. She doesn't give you a diet or a top secret "follow these seven steps to healthier living" list.
Instead, you'll find within these covers a challenge to embrace your faith, which means including your eating habits as part of your faith life.
Wait a minute. Whaaaa?
Yes. Really.
When's the last time you looked at your Cheerios and coffee as a chance to have a sacred moment? How often do you pause and NOT multi-task during your dinner? A snack is fine...but is it for your body or your mind?
After reading this book and considering my own life, I have to say this: I have a disorder. We all do. It's called sin. It infiltrates everything, and yet...and yet, we need look no further than our own Catholic faith to find redemption.
Mass is a meal.
A meal!
Yes, I knew it before. But the way it's drawn out in this book is truly wonderful and was, for me, a unique viewpoint It was not in a hammer-over-your-head experience, but more like the gentle melting of an Andes mint in your mouth.
There's a lot of good in this book, so much that I suspect this will be one of the top gifts I give close friends and family in the coming months. My copy's sure to get beat up (and accidentally lent to someone who won't return it, thus necessitating another copy).
June 29, 2019
This book has such a refreshingly holistic approach to food: not just nutrition, or mindfulness, or release from societal pressures, or community or spirituality, but rather all of them woven together in a beautifully cohesive whole. The author's overriding theme is that food is a sacred thing, and that we would do well to take our cues on how to eat from the way we prepare and receive the Eucharist.
I was especially convicted about her section on mindful eating and its power to cure many excesses. With two little kids, I am increasingly guilty of not sitting down to a meal, eating at the counter, stress/boredom eating and overeating because I am in a rush or simply because the amount of cacophony at the dinner table is stressful. Although she did not offer direct solutions for me in my state of life (I gather her children are older than mine), I was encouraged and challenged to make mealtime more slow, peaceful and deliberate.
I was especially convicted about her section on mindful eating and its power to cure many excesses. With two little kids, I am increasingly guilty of not sitting down to a meal, eating at the counter, stress/boredom eating and overeating because I am in a rush or simply because the amount of cacophony at the dinner table is stressful. Although she did not offer direct solutions for me in my state of life (I gather her children are older than mine), I was encouraged and challenged to make mealtime more slow, peaceful and deliberate.
April 7, 2021
I read maybe 20 minutes of this book and I can tell you right now it is not. Intuitive eating/body positivity/ HAES Aligned at all !
It’s just another diet book form a catholic perspective and full of potential triggers for people recovering from diet culture.
I was hoping this would be more intuitive eating from a faith perspective but no this book is full on diet culture.
Including labelling multiple foods good or bad.
I had to put it down with major side eye after reading this particular quote
“Many people who struggle with food addictions and obsessions do so because they lack faith “
🤨ummmm really ???
It’s just another diet book form a catholic perspective and full of potential triggers for people recovering from diet culture.
I was hoping this would be more intuitive eating from a faith perspective but no this book is full on diet culture.
Including labelling multiple foods good or bad.
I had to put it down with major side eye after reading this particular quote
“Many people who struggle with food addictions and obsessions do so because they lack faith “
🤨ummmm really ???
August 22, 2017
If you are like me and have read every diet and nutrition book out there and are still disappointed with the results or lack thereof, perhaps Cravings, A Catholic Wrestles with Food, Self-image, and God by Mary DeTurris Poust is the book for you. I bought this little book about two years ago and just this August finally decided to crack it open and I’m awfully glad I did. First let me say, if you are looking for a diet and exercise plan you will not find it in the pages of this book. If you are looking for quick weight lose tips, again, you will not find it here. But, if you are looking for a real solution or a meaningful guide of self-evaluation and discovery of what motivates us to eat or overeat then perhaps this book is for you.
In Cravings, Mary Deturris Poust tackles some heavy issues that caused me to pause and self-evaluate my relationship with food. Cravings showed me, as well as it will any reader, that most likely our hunger goes deeper than the need for food, but a spiritual hunger that only we can fill with a relationship with God. She talks about mindless eating and the emotions that make us snack or binge. She talks about loving ourselves where we are now in order to work on the self we want to be. She tackles our attitudes about food and why, how, what and where we eat. Although she does not offer a diet or food plan, she does talk about what has worked for some people she knows and she talks about getting our family and table back to basics. Buying good, wholesome, if possible local meats and produce to get the most nutrition and vitamins out of our food. Like anything else, our meals should be a celebration of taste, family and love, giving thanks for what our bodies are going to consume. As she points out in various ways we are what we eat, and if we want to be whole and temples of the Holy Spirit the food we buy and consume should reflect just that. Her ideology is not strict, but one that makes sense and can change our lives and attitudes about how we feel about ourselves and the food we eat.
I liked this book for so many reasons, but the number one reason was it made me evaluate why I was constantly snacking. I kept a food diary as the author suggested and wrote down what I was eating and how I was feeling at the time I was eating it. What an eye opener!! Most of my snacking occurred when I was stressing or had an unpleasant task ahead of me. It made me realize that some of my eating was not from hunger, but mindless, stress related eating that left me feeling worse the next day. If nothing else, the self-awareness I obtained from this book was invaluable. It also made me aware that I was not always turning things over to God or asking for help from a friend or family member when I had too much on my plate. We all stress about the lack of hours in our day when all we need to do is reach out and ask for help. The second thing I liked about the book was the author used herself as an example when giving examples or pertinent information. It helped to know that she experienced many of the food related issues I did. Being vulnerable and putting herself out there made me realize that food is not always the issue. Changing attitudes about what I was eating, my self-image, and my willingness to spend time with my family and a God who loves me would go further than any diet could. Last, but not least, I treasured the Food for Thought section at the end of each chapter. The personal questions related to the chapter topic was invaluable. I recommend everyone to read these question and take the time for self-examination. It’s amazing what you may learn about yourself.
I recommend Cravings, A Catholic Wrestles with Food, Self-Image, and God by Mary Deturris Poust for anyone who wants to try a different approach to better health, mindful eating and an improved spiritual connection to God. I recommend when reading Cravings you take the time to savor the words, ideas and questions contained within. No matter where you are in your life journey, Cravings has something to offer to everyone.
In Cravings, Mary Deturris Poust tackles some heavy issues that caused me to pause and self-evaluate my relationship with food. Cravings showed me, as well as it will any reader, that most likely our hunger goes deeper than the need for food, but a spiritual hunger that only we can fill with a relationship with God. She talks about mindless eating and the emotions that make us snack or binge. She talks about loving ourselves where we are now in order to work on the self we want to be. She tackles our attitudes about food and why, how, what and where we eat. Although she does not offer a diet or food plan, she does talk about what has worked for some people she knows and she talks about getting our family and table back to basics. Buying good, wholesome, if possible local meats and produce to get the most nutrition and vitamins out of our food. Like anything else, our meals should be a celebration of taste, family and love, giving thanks for what our bodies are going to consume. As she points out in various ways we are what we eat, and if we want to be whole and temples of the Holy Spirit the food we buy and consume should reflect just that. Her ideology is not strict, but one that makes sense and can change our lives and attitudes about how we feel about ourselves and the food we eat.
I liked this book for so many reasons, but the number one reason was it made me evaluate why I was constantly snacking. I kept a food diary as the author suggested and wrote down what I was eating and how I was feeling at the time I was eating it. What an eye opener!! Most of my snacking occurred when I was stressing or had an unpleasant task ahead of me. It made me realize that some of my eating was not from hunger, but mindless, stress related eating that left me feeling worse the next day. If nothing else, the self-awareness I obtained from this book was invaluable. It also made me aware that I was not always turning things over to God or asking for help from a friend or family member when I had too much on my plate. We all stress about the lack of hours in our day when all we need to do is reach out and ask for help. The second thing I liked about the book was the author used herself as an example when giving examples or pertinent information. It helped to know that she experienced many of the food related issues I did. Being vulnerable and putting herself out there made me realize that food is not always the issue. Changing attitudes about what I was eating, my self-image, and my willingness to spend time with my family and a God who loves me would go further than any diet could. Last, but not least, I treasured the Food for Thought section at the end of each chapter. The personal questions related to the chapter topic was invaluable. I recommend everyone to read these question and take the time for self-examination. It’s amazing what you may learn about yourself.
I recommend Cravings, A Catholic Wrestles with Food, Self-Image, and God by Mary Deturris Poust for anyone who wants to try a different approach to better health, mindful eating and an improved spiritual connection to God. I recommend when reading Cravings you take the time to savor the words, ideas and questions contained within. No matter where you are in your life journey, Cravings has something to offer to everyone.
May 28, 2017
A book aimed at Catholics who want to have a healthier relationship with food and self-image. I read this for an academic class and I enjoyed it. There were some good tips that anyone can do, whether they are Catholic or not, and I was struck by the fact that, unlike some of the other Christian weight loss books, this one really didn't push calorie counting and the ideal physical body. There was more emphasis on mindful eating and adapting to a healthy diet slowly. Interesting stuff.
October 19, 2021
Inspirational
Solidly based in scripture and in many of the Catholic greats, but so nice to read. Inspiring. Will keep it handy for reference and re-reading.
Solidly based in scripture and in many of the Catholic greats, but so nice to read. Inspiring. Will keep it handy for reference and re-reading.
March 11, 2013
So many parts of this book felt like they were written just for me. It definitely gave me a lot to think about, and I think it is one that I will refer back to from time to time. I enjoyed the author's approachable style and the fact that the book wasn't overly long.
Although re-establishing a healthy relationship with food is a major focus of the book, it covers so much more than that. Other topics touched upon include: incorporating prayer and mindfulness into our eating (this is the main theme), being in tune with the seasonal rhythms of fasting and feasting, the importance of family meals, the role of food traditions in fostering community, the monastic approach to eating, the beauty and joy of nourishing our bodies, and, most importantly, how surrendering all things—even our eating—to God is the true path to peace and fulfillment. It also gives very practical tips and everyday steps that can help one to adapt a prayerful and mindful attitude towards eating—and living. I also loved the poetic meditations at the end of each chapter.
In short, there was very little I didn't like about this book. I'm so thankful for discovering this gem, and I highly recommend it. I'm glad I have my own copy, because I did lots of underlining while reading!
P.S. There are some mentions of the author practicing yoga; she even goes on a yoga retreat. I'm not really sure what to think about yoga. I did it for a brief time a few years ago, but just recently I learned more about its connection with transcendental meditation (which I'm definitely not a fan of). So I'm just throwing it out there that it's mentioned here. Since otherwise the book is so good, I'm willing to give it the benefit of the doubt in this case.
Although re-establishing a healthy relationship with food is a major focus of the book, it covers so much more than that. Other topics touched upon include: incorporating prayer and mindfulness into our eating (this is the main theme), being in tune with the seasonal rhythms of fasting and feasting, the importance of family meals, the role of food traditions in fostering community, the monastic approach to eating, the beauty and joy of nourishing our bodies, and, most importantly, how surrendering all things—even our eating—to God is the true path to peace and fulfillment. It also gives very practical tips and everyday steps that can help one to adapt a prayerful and mindful attitude towards eating—and living. I also loved the poetic meditations at the end of each chapter.
In short, there was very little I didn't like about this book. I'm so thankful for discovering this gem, and I highly recommend it. I'm glad I have my own copy, because I did lots of underlining while reading!
P.S. There are some mentions of the author practicing yoga; she even goes on a yoga retreat. I'm not really sure what to think about yoga. I did it for a brief time a few years ago, but just recently I learned more about its connection with transcendental meditation (which I'm definitely not a fan of). So I'm just throwing it out there that it's mentioned here. Since otherwise the book is so good, I'm willing to give it the benefit of the doubt in this case.
July 5, 2015
If we believe we are made by our Creator to be exactly who and what we are - nothing more, nothing less, nothing better, nothing worse - we can begin to let go of some of the shackles that bind us to false ideas..." Mary DeTurris Poust, Author, Cravings (Ave Maria Press)
A few months ago, a spied a book, I know I just had to read. Cravings: A Catholic Wrestles with Food, Self-image and God by Mary DeTurris Poust. The word WRESTLES leaped from the cover and spoke to my heart. Yes, wrestle, struggle, and sometimes even get pinned. For years, I have been held to the mat by my cravings, and more specifically the emotions that were tied so closely to them. I requested the the book from Ave Maria Press (*review of books received from publishers always welcomed never expected and never influenced). After I finished the introduction, I decided to blog my journey, when I reached chapter 3, and read that I should be consider keeping a journal, I know I was on the right track with Cravings! More importantly, I knew I was on the right path to finding a new peace and place with food, my own self-image and yes, even God.
It has not been the a fast tracked trip to weight loss that I had hoped, maybe that is because Cravings IS not a book about losing weight or even gaining weight, it is about shifting our thoughts from mindless to mindful consumption of food. I CANNOT recommend this book enough - IT is LIFE CHANGING!
A few months ago, a spied a book, I know I just had to read. Cravings: A Catholic Wrestles with Food, Self-image and God by Mary DeTurris Poust. The word WRESTLES leaped from the cover and spoke to my heart. Yes, wrestle, struggle, and sometimes even get pinned. For years, I have been held to the mat by my cravings, and more specifically the emotions that were tied so closely to them. I requested the the book from Ave Maria Press (*review of books received from publishers always welcomed never expected and never influenced). After I finished the introduction, I decided to blog my journey, when I reached chapter 3, and read that I should be consider keeping a journal, I know I was on the right track with Cravings! More importantly, I knew I was on the right path to finding a new peace and place with food, my own self-image and yes, even God.
It has not been the a fast tracked trip to weight loss that I had hoped, maybe that is because Cravings IS not a book about losing weight or even gaining weight, it is about shifting our thoughts from mindless to mindful consumption of food. I CANNOT recommend this book enough - IT is LIFE CHANGING!
December 29, 2014
I'm afraid I had an unfortunate experience with the paperback version of this book (some missing chapters, others appearing more than once) which may have coloured my opinion of this book. I couldn't return it since I had already started taking notes when I noticed the mistakes.
I was very much looking forward to reading a book on this subject from a Christian (particularly Catholic) perspective. But while the author makes some good points, I feel the title is a bit misleading. I don't mind the author exploring Eastern philosophies and religions and using them in her book, it's her book, but if she does that, she can't really promote it as a Catholic book. Most of the Christian ideas backed up by Eastern philosophies could quite easily stand on their own.
Having said that, I did a lot of underlining and took lots of notes throughout the book, and will implement many of her ideas. At times I felt she was inside my head and began to cry from the enormity of it. Her thoughts on using the Eucharist as a guide, and embracing food as part of our faith, spoke straight to my heart.
I may still purchase it on Kindle. Reading it again as it was intended may give me a better view of the book.
I was very much looking forward to reading a book on this subject from a Christian (particularly Catholic) perspective. But while the author makes some good points, I feel the title is a bit misleading. I don't mind the author exploring Eastern philosophies and religions and using them in her book, it's her book, but if she does that, she can't really promote it as a Catholic book. Most of the Christian ideas backed up by Eastern philosophies could quite easily stand on their own.
Having said that, I did a lot of underlining and took lots of notes throughout the book, and will implement many of her ideas. At times I felt she was inside my head and began to cry from the enormity of it. Her thoughts on using the Eucharist as a guide, and embracing food as part of our faith, spoke straight to my heart.
I may still purchase it on Kindle. Reading it again as it was intended may give me a better view of the book.
June 22, 2013
This book was good. It was well organized with clear writing. Every chapter had a main idea with the obligatory questions at the end. But she also had a practice and a meditation. I almost always skip the questions at the end of chapters in books but I quite enjoyed the "practices" and "meditations".
In her book she draws on the reflections of many people and not just Catholics. She pulls a lot from Eastern Traditions on being mindful as well. I thought it was a very well done book. She brings together a lot of ideas from eating locally, to shopping on the outer edges of the store, to prayer before meals, to communal meals and of course ties it all in to the Eucharist.
I think the attitudes in this book were much healthier than in Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God, Not Food.
In her book she draws on the reflections of many people and not just Catholics. She pulls a lot from Eastern Traditions on being mindful as well. I thought it was a very well done book. She brings together a lot of ideas from eating locally, to shopping on the outer edges of the store, to prayer before meals, to communal meals and of course ties it all in to the Eucharist.
I think the attitudes in this book were much healthier than in Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God, Not Food.
March 18, 2013
This book offers a new way to look at food. It is not about dieting, it is more about focusing on what we do eat. It shows us to slow down and pay more attention to how we prepare, present and eat our food taking time to give God thanks for all.
April 12, 2013
As someone who has struggled with food for most of my life, this book was truly a blessing. I especially appreciated the connections made between our spiritual lives and the way we eat. I like that Ms. Poust included fasting and I look forward to incorporating this into my daily life.
September 18, 2024
I really loved this book. I had set it aside for a few months, but when I picked it back up, I devoured it. So much wisdom and a fresh way to put my eating in sync with my Catholic faith. Definitely recommend.
February 4, 2013
Excellent book on changing your relationship to food and eating as a spiritual practice. Recommended.
Read
May 7, 2013This is an approach to eating that shows how one should approach food from the spiritual approach and how food becomes sacramental in the eyes of God and thus one should eat mindfully.
January 2, 2015
This book interestingly explored the connection between how we eat and our relationship with God. It gives good pointers on living a healthy life, and was thought-provoking.
September 12, 2019
Faith and food go hand in hand. We crave relationships that are often satisfied with food. This is a good way to help resolve and re-form our relationship.
Reading again!
Reading again!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews