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I Deserve a Donut (And Other Lies That Make You Eat): A Christian Weight Loss Resource
When you’re in a tempting situation, all you can think of is the food. How good it looks. How good it smells. How good it will taste. What you need is a way to break the hold food has on you. I Deserve a Donut will help. It is a hands-on, use-it-in-the-thick-of-the-battle book that will help you renew your mind right when you need it. It's filled with 150+ Bible verses, 37 sets of questions, and 20 sets of tips—all specifically chosen to help you take off the lies that make you eat and put on the truth that will set you free. As you renew your mind, you’ll notice your desires changing. You’ll actually want to follow your boundaries. And that will make it easier to say no to the donut. If you'd like a companion Bible study to this book, check out Taste for A 30 Day Weight Loss Bible Study , also by Barb Raveling. Both books can be used alongside any healthy weight loss program.
131 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2013
683 people are currently reading
532 people want to read
About the author
Barb Raveling
11 books45 followersBarb Raveling writes Bible studies and books on Christian weight loss and the renewing of the mind. She is planning future studies and books on relationships, breaking habits, overcoming procrastination, and a closer walk with God.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 25, 2022
5+ stars & 8/10 hearts. Wow, wow, wow. I picked this up as a random freebie, not expecting much good from it. But not having anything to read, I decided to look through it one bored afternoon… and couldn’t put it down.
Barb Raveling lists basically all the possible reasons we have for eating—bored eating, angry eating, worried eating, hopeless eating, etc—and gives a list of questions to think about in that particular circumstance, as well as a paragraph or two of encouragement and plenty of Bible verses about the given topic. She gives action plans for pursing weight loss, all the while repeating the Biblical truth about the thin/fat issue and giving plenty of hope for the future. I found this such an encouraging, helpful resource for my eating issues, and I plan to look through this book frequently and put in practice Mrs. Raveling’s advice.
I know this isn’t a very glowing review, but believe me, this is the best weight loss resource I’ve found. The mixture of Bible, encouragement, truth, AND action filled with me motivation and hope, and changed my mindset on food, eating, and weight loss or gain.
A Favourite Quote: Hopeless eating is an attitude that says I’ll never get over this, so why bother? It usually kicks in after a period of failure. The key to overcoming hopeless eating is to realize that failure isn’t the end of the world. It’s just another step on a path that is heading toward victory. Use your failure as an opportunity to go to God and learn from your mistakes. If you renew your mind every time you break your boundaries, the truth will eventually change you. Not as soon as you’d like, but it will happen eventually. Just keep plugging away and have faith that God will work in you.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: I, on the other hand, walk by that same cinnamon roll, and think, That looks like the most incredible cinnamon roll in the whole wide world. I should eat it right now this very minute. And then I do. So here’s my question. Is there hope for those of us who want to eat everything in sight?
Barb Raveling lists basically all the possible reasons we have for eating—bored eating, angry eating, worried eating, hopeless eating, etc—and gives a list of questions to think about in that particular circumstance, as well as a paragraph or two of encouragement and plenty of Bible verses about the given topic. She gives action plans for pursing weight loss, all the while repeating the Biblical truth about the thin/fat issue and giving plenty of hope for the future. I found this such an encouraging, helpful resource for my eating issues, and I plan to look through this book frequently and put in practice Mrs. Raveling’s advice.
I know this isn’t a very glowing review, but believe me, this is the best weight loss resource I’ve found. The mixture of Bible, encouragement, truth, AND action filled with me motivation and hope, and changed my mindset on food, eating, and weight loss or gain.
A Favourite Quote: Hopeless eating is an attitude that says I’ll never get over this, so why bother? It usually kicks in after a period of failure. The key to overcoming hopeless eating is to realize that failure isn’t the end of the world. It’s just another step on a path that is heading toward victory. Use your failure as an opportunity to go to God and learn from your mistakes. If you renew your mind every time you break your boundaries, the truth will eventually change you. Not as soon as you’d like, but it will happen eventually. Just keep plugging away and have faith that God will work in you.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: I, on the other hand, walk by that same cinnamon roll, and think, That looks like the most incredible cinnamon roll in the whole wide world. I should eat it right now this very minute. And then I do. So here’s my question. Is there hope for those of us who want to eat everything in sight?
July 5, 2021
3.5 Stars. This quick read presents a unique approach to weight loss. It provides practical help to addressing one's mindset related to weight loss. I enjoyed the use of scriptures from the Bible to provide strength and support for managing and responding to weaknesses. The author discusses developing boundaries that align with God's will and help one strengthen the ability to manage weight loss. She also addresses factors that weaken us....worry, stress, entitlement, expectations, etc. These concepts and the questions to consider can be used to strengthen one's goals and boundaries in other areas of life. The Bible verses can provide "mantras" to strengthen one when struggling to maintain boundaries.
November 2, 2020
Christian approach
Great helpful tool for weight loss or maintenance. Gets at the root of the desire to overeat and helps you renew your mind.
Great helpful tool for weight loss or maintenance. Gets at the root of the desire to overeat and helps you renew your mind.
April 13, 2023
This is a simple book. There are wonderful lists of Scriptures to pray and use for meditation.
March 25, 2019
This is a book I go back to and flip through it. Barb Haas an unique way to help with the sins we have trouble with be it food or drugs, sin is sin of you out it before God
June 10, 2017
This is a highly useful, practical resource on the subject of holding to proper habits in eating. It is focused on weight loss, but many of the principles can carry over to other areas of life -- any areas where you're struggling to hold to good habits or to drop bad ones can have similar ideas applied.
One note to make sure you have the right expectations going in: this book does not suggest actual weight loss strategies. It's a book about sticking to what you've decided to do, breaking free mentally from the control our bad habits exert over our life, and slowly allowing God to transform your mind to be more and more capable of dealing with the temptation to deviate from your plan.
The book is primarily a set of bible studies and questions to ask yourself in the moments where you are struggling to hold to your intentions -- or when you've already fallen short and you're seeking to recommit to your habits and course-correct. You figure out the main reasons you're wanting to (or already did) deviate from the plan, and read the appropriate study and bible verses.
It's a practical approach to initiating the renewing of your mind, as referenced in Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." The scriptures and questions inspire you to recall your goals, to regain a Godly perspective, and to not let one stumble turn into surrender or resignation.
There's also another set of studies on the back end of the book that deal with digging a little deeper into the emotions that might be provoking your desire to break your boundaries, as well as an appendix that talks a bit more about establishing boundaries in the first place.
Overall, I find this and Barb's podcast to be excellent resources that offer a much needed perspective: God's. Weight loss is about getting more healthy, but it's also about not turning food into something it was never meant to be: a coping mechanism for the stresses of life. The book helps us turn the desires we may have pointed at food back towards our Heavenly Father, where they belong.
One note to make sure you have the right expectations going in: this book does not suggest actual weight loss strategies. It's a book about sticking to what you've decided to do, breaking free mentally from the control our bad habits exert over our life, and slowly allowing God to transform your mind to be more and more capable of dealing with the temptation to deviate from your plan.
The book is primarily a set of bible studies and questions to ask yourself in the moments where you are struggling to hold to your intentions -- or when you've already fallen short and you're seeking to recommit to your habits and course-correct. You figure out the main reasons you're wanting to (or already did) deviate from the plan, and read the appropriate study and bible verses.
It's a practical approach to initiating the renewing of your mind, as referenced in Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." The scriptures and questions inspire you to recall your goals, to regain a Godly perspective, and to not let one stumble turn into surrender or resignation.
There's also another set of studies on the back end of the book that deal with digging a little deeper into the emotions that might be provoking your desire to break your boundaries, as well as an appendix that talks a bit more about establishing boundaries in the first place.
Overall, I find this and Barb's podcast to be excellent resources that offer a much needed perspective: God's. Weight loss is about getting more healthy, but it's also about not turning food into something it was never meant to be: a coping mechanism for the stresses of life. The book helps us turn the desires we may have pointed at food back towards our Heavenly Father, where they belong.
March 11, 2015
This study is based on Romans 12:2: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” The book is divided up into reasons – or lies – that cause us to eat and different emotions that can lead us to eat. For example, under the first section are categories like Entitlement eating (“I deserve this”), Garbage Disposal Eating (“I don’t want this to go to waste”), Good Food Eating (“That looks good. I should eat it.”), and Social Eating (“She’s eating. I should eat.”) The next section lists just about every emotion that could lead you to eating, with the understanding that the problem there is not just eating for the wrong reasons, but dealing with the underlying emotions as well.
Then, after you look up whatever situation or emotion is causing you to want to eat, you’ll find a series of questions concerning that situation or emotion, a list of Bible verses, and some tips. For example, a couple of questions under Entitlement Eating are “What do you feel like eating? Why do you feel like you have a right to eat in this particular situation? Do you think God would agree with your outlook?” plus six more. There are about six Bible verses listed, among them Philippians 4:11: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” There are about five short paragraphs of tips, including:
Excellent resource - highly recommended.
Then, after you look up whatever situation or emotion is causing you to want to eat, you’ll find a series of questions concerning that situation or emotion, a list of Bible verses, and some tips. For example, a couple of questions under Entitlement Eating are “What do you feel like eating? Why do you feel like you have a right to eat in this particular situation? Do you think God would agree with your outlook?” plus six more. There are about six Bible verses listed, among them Philippians 4:11: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” There are about five short paragraphs of tips, including:
The best way to break free from entitlement eating is to adopt a biblical perspective of life. God never said, “You deserve the good life, and of course you have a right to eat.” Instead, He said, “If you want to follow me, you have to be willing to give up everything.”
Excellent resource - highly recommended.
February 25, 2017
I wasn't too sure what to expect when I started to read I Deserve A Donut (And Other Lies That Make You Eat) by Barb Raveling. It's not quite a diet book, but more of a "renewal of your mindset" about the way you are eat.
The author breaks down the different reasons why we eat, (which was right on the spot) and then categorizes the scriptures to remind us what God would have us do about the situation we are in that would cause us to break our "boundaries" that we have set for ourselves in our eating habits.
You as the reader, are to identify the current problem you are in, refer to that section in the book (also in iPhone app), and read the listed scriptures that would help us understand what God would have us to think upon, renewing our strength in Him.
The whole essence of this book is to change our mind in the way we eat, so that we will become pleasing to God and comforted by Him. "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2
I loved and enjoyed all the scriptures that the author provided, but found this book to be more of a bible type study book, as it would help us in our daily walk with God, but not so much as a diet book. Maybe it's just me who feels this way about this book, as I have read the reviews already posted, and it seems to have helped other people with their struggle with food.
After reading the listed scriptures, I would like healthy food suggestions, meal plans, activities, along with maybe some Christian group interaction to help actually take off the pounds. I felt the author left us with the question of... what do I do next with my hunger?
The author breaks down the different reasons why we eat, (which was right on the spot) and then categorizes the scriptures to remind us what God would have us do about the situation we are in that would cause us to break our "boundaries" that we have set for ourselves in our eating habits.
You as the reader, are to identify the current problem you are in, refer to that section in the book (also in iPhone app), and read the listed scriptures that would help us understand what God would have us to think upon, renewing our strength in Him.
The whole essence of this book is to change our mind in the way we eat, so that we will become pleasing to God and comforted by Him. "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2
I loved and enjoyed all the scriptures that the author provided, but found this book to be more of a bible type study book, as it would help us in our daily walk with God, but not so much as a diet book. Maybe it's just me who feels this way about this book, as I have read the reviews already posted, and it seems to have helped other people with their struggle with food.
After reading the listed scriptures, I would like healthy food suggestions, meal plans, activities, along with maybe some Christian group interaction to help actually take off the pounds. I felt the author left us with the question of... what do I do next with my hunger?
February 22, 2018
Something to think about
I love how the author broke down the reasons we eat. Her questions to ask were so thought provoking that I found myself in some "ah ha" moments. This is an excellent read!!
I love how the author broke down the reasons we eat. Her questions to ask were so thought provoking that I found myself in some "ah ha" moments. This is an excellent read!!
July 7, 2015
Barb Raveling has taken the mystery out of overeating. You may not like it though. It's so simple yet so hard to follow through. Luckily she gives you a step-by-step approach, not to losing weight, but to help you achieve victory over lies. I Deserve a Donut - And Other Lies That Make You Eat is a handbook of questions to ask yourself and scriptural answers to help fill you with Truth and Hope. She addresses 20 lies we tend to believe that lead us to eat more than we need. She also goes through a list of Emotions That Make You Eat, again with questions to ask yourself and scriptures to lead you to victory. This is not a "make you feel all better about yourself" book. It's also not a book to make you feel like a failure who has to completely change your lifestyle in order to ever get out of the rut you are in. This is a book about changing your thought process about food, eating, and setting realistic boundaries for your health.
May 1, 2014
I've marked this as read but haven't actually read the whole book...but I have read...and reread...and read again the sections that apply to me. It is definitely a very helpful tool. I am on an extended trip visiting my family and have made it a regular event to read the section on vacation eating, I have not had access to a scale to be sure I've not gained weight, but I do know for certain my habits have been much better and my clothes are not getting tighter after 3 weeks of traveling, visiting and eating out waaaaay more than is typical.
December 2, 2014
Barbara Raveling, Has done God and herself well.
This book is the greatest book on losing weight, while gaining self respect.
All of this is done by revelation. Day by day so many things are opened up to
Heal your heart from self doubt. Let's you know just how much you are loved
By God, through Christ Jesus.
I did this as a bible study along with Ms. Ravelings. Taste for Truth..
There is a wealth of knowledge from these two books. Barbara, has gone through all of these same problems, and helps with every single aspect in
The weight reduction business.
This book is the greatest book on losing weight, while gaining self respect.
All of this is done by revelation. Day by day so many things are opened up to
Heal your heart from self doubt. Let's you know just how much you are loved
By God, through Christ Jesus.
I did this as a bible study along with Ms. Ravelings. Taste for Truth..
There is a wealth of knowledge from these two books. Barbara, has gone through all of these same problems, and helps with every single aspect in
The weight reduction business.
December 16, 2014
The weight loss solution I've looked for my entire life
As a lifelong frustrated dieter, I've always felt there was something I wasn't "getting" that was causing me to fail again and again. When I was blessed to discover this book and others by Barb Raveling, God revealed to me what that was--I had to change my MIND to change my BODY. The renewing of the mind with TRUTH is the only key to permanent weight loss. This book is a MUST READ for anyone who is weary of the diet struggle and looking for a lasting solution to weight issues. Many thumbs UP!
As a lifelong frustrated dieter, I've always felt there was something I wasn't "getting" that was causing me to fail again and again. When I was blessed to discover this book and others by Barb Raveling, God revealed to me what that was--I had to change my MIND to change my BODY. The renewing of the mind with TRUTH is the only key to permanent weight loss. This book is a MUST READ for anyone who is weary of the diet struggle and looking for a lasting solution to weight issues. Many thumbs UP!
April 3, 2014
This is not only a weight loss book, it's really a healthy-heart-and-mind resource.
The book cuts straight to the heart and opens up our motives and what causes us to do what we do, the things we struggle with. Barb goes on to point us to the Truth in Scripture to help us overcome wrong habits and attitudes.
The book will challenge you to meditate on God's Word as the solution to any challenges you may have in your life.
The book cuts straight to the heart and opens up our motives and what causes us to do what we do, the things we struggle with. Barb goes on to point us to the Truth in Scripture to help us overcome wrong habits and attitudes.
The book will challenge you to meditate on God's Word as the solution to any challenges you may have in your life.
April 2, 2014
God help book, not a self help book.
This book can help in all aspects of your life, not just eating. It teaches you how to transform your thinking and see yourself (and situations) from God's point of view.
I've read this book more than once.
This book can help in all aspects of your life, not just eating. It teaches you how to transform your thinking and see yourself (and situations) from God's point of view.
I've read this book more than once.
February 12, 2015
Very helpful
I really like how this book has sections with questions to ask yourself about each emotion that triggers mindless eating. I wish she would have addressed boredom as well. I find myself utilizing it often.
I really like how this book has sections with questions to ask yourself about each emotion that triggers mindless eating. I wish she would have addressed boredom as well. I find myself utilizing it often.
October 16, 2017
Heart changing if you are willing to engage!
Practical, real help for emotional eating. How to truly renew your mind for transformation from the inside out. A good companion to Freedom from Emotional Eating by the same author.
Practical, real help for emotional eating. How to truly renew your mind for transformation from the inside out. A good companion to Freedom from Emotional Eating by the same author.
September 15, 2014
I am marking this as read but its one i refer back to often depending on the situation so I don't think I'll ever be finished reading it, really. Great resource.
February 11, 2017
Great book
I enjoyed this book. The categorical bible verses were very inspiring. The questions really helped in determining the reasons you are overeating.
I enjoyed this book. The categorical bible verses were very inspiring. The questions really helped in determining the reasons you are overeating.
March 28, 2020
Lots of good information to make you think about why you may be overeating and ways to put God first in your life instead of indulging your desires.
April 3, 2021
This was a super quick read with a unique biblical approach to why we shouldn’t overeat. The author uses a category approach to list the lies that make you eat and the emotions that cause us to binge food. She nails the different categories and I cannot think of a single one she missed. The only issue I have with the book itself is you are unlikely to be carrying it around for reference when you really need to see the questions she suggests you ask yourself before you break your boundaries. Well lucky for us, it’s all in an app, too. Frankly you could just buy the app—it’s her book in app form, very well done.
February 14, 2024
I LOVE this little book! It’s more of a reference guide than a book to read. If you struggle with emotional eating/overeating and want to face the lies you believe about food head on (with scripture) this is the book for you. She offers questions to ask yourself in a variety of situations and struggles and then corresponding scriptures to fight the lies. A great book to keep on hand and refer to again and again.
January 8, 2026
The questions alone make it worth it. It got into psychological terms from a Kingdom perspective toward the end, too. It looked at weight loss God's way from many needed standpoints. The part on boundaries was the most important for me. I would have liked to hear something on moderation, but boundaries cover that, I guess. Two thumbs up! I highly recommend this if you are looking for some beginning-of-the-year weight loss motivation.
January 2, 2020
I loved this book!! It was just what one needs when trying to figure out whether you're motivated enough to put down the donut and do something more healthy and useful. Heck, eating a donut every now and again is okay. Just not too much! With wit, scripture, and insight, this was definitely an unexpected delight!
January 13, 2020
Where Have You Been All My Life?
If you are a Christian who has struggled with overeating or your weight, this book may be exactly what God wants you to read. She has done an incredibly thorough job of identifying every possible reason or excuse you may have used to justify bad food choices and responds with wisdom from the Scriptures to help you fight against the temptation.
If you are a Christian who has struggled with overeating or your weight, this book may be exactly what God wants you to read. She has done an incredibly thorough job of identifying every possible reason or excuse you may have used to justify bad food choices and responds with wisdom from the Scriptures to help you fight against the temptation.
March 10, 2020
Decent quick guide
This book really is like a guide and you flip through and find the issue you’re having to get questions to walk through and Bible verses. It’s got great info and is an easy read and has some good points, just be aware not something you can just read straight through and really follow
This book really is like a guide and you flip through and find the issue you’re having to get questions to walk through and Bible verses. It’s got great info and is an easy read and has some good points, just be aware not something you can just read straight through and really follow
October 7, 2020
Soulful
I know God directed me to this book. Having just finished another I looked at the library and thought this title looks interesting. So much so, half way through I ordered the paperback. I intend to have it spiraled at Staples. This is a book I will reference again. It is about what's eating you and my response was not Godly.
I know God directed me to this book. Having just finished another I looked at the library and thought this title looks interesting. So much so, half way through I ordered the paperback. I intend to have it spiraled at Staples. This is a book I will reference again. It is about what's eating you and my response was not Godly.
June 7, 2023
Good Reference
I read this on Kindle Unlimited and think I may purchase a physical copy because it is a very good reference, not just in relation to food but in renewing our minds in general as well. This is not so much a book to read cover to cover (though I did) as to visit when things come up.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited and think I may purchase a physical copy because it is a very good reference, not just in relation to food but in renewing our minds in general as well. This is not so much a book to read cover to cover (though I did) as to visit when things come up.
April 27, 2018
I was expecting more from the book. More laughter and anecdotes. I did however love the verses she chose for the chapters though I wouldn't have repeated them over and over. It still had a good message.
June 18, 2020
Very nice book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews