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Taste for Truth: A 30 Day Weight Loss Bible Study
Do you ever feel like you'll never be able to lose weight and keep it off? This Bible study will help! Taste for Truth offers 30 days of Bible study and hands-on renewing of the mind help. You'll be taking off the lies that make you overeat and putting on the truth that will make you actually want to eat with control. Taste for Truth is a companion Bible study to I Deserve a Donut (And Other Lies That Make You Eat), which is available as a free iPhone and Android app and also in a book and Kindle format. The author also has a website and podcast that will encourage you as you go to God for help with breaking free from the control of food.
168 pages, Paperback
First published December 8, 2013
462 people are currently reading
655 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 31 reviews
June 30, 2014
I've struggled with my weight since high school but never more than since the birth of my daughter. It definitely has become an obsession and a series of successes and failures based on how diligent I'm being with my diet. The problem I've recognized is that it's all in my mindset. Am I willing to stop thinking about how delicious that cheesecake is? Am I wiling to stop thinking about that cupcake? Most of the time the answer has been, "NO!" But when I successfully lose weight the answer is, "there are more important things to me that that cupcake." This Bible study truly helps you turn your thoughts around and recognize how you put food ahead of everything. Yes, I've turned food into my idol. I didn't think of it that way until now, but it's true...and it's time to put it behind me and focus on Him. Glorify God in my body; stop indulging my evil desires. I can now have a bite of dessert and be satisfied. That is success. I pray that with His help, I'll be able to overcome this lifelong demon. Thank you for this book, Ms. Raveling. It's definitely been a blessing in my life.
February 9, 2018
This is my second book by Barb Raveling and I loved this book! A couple of friends and I did it together. Our approach was a little different in that we did one day a week. This way we could dig deep and get to some root causes. With holidays and all we spent 11 months on this book. We didn't just read it we did the hard work, the life transforming work. As a result we all experienced major breakthroughs.
The truths that are in this book, when applied to your life, will cause transformation. How much transformation is how ready you are to dig deep. Because we're talking about the Word of God even a surface dive into this book will cause transformation and a hunger for greater change.
The Bible study questions were thought provoking and caused open dialogue, and transparency with God and each other. You will learn about setting boundaries and how to keep them by renewing your mind with the Word of God. You will also learn that this is a journey and there is no quick fix. It's about lifestyle changes. If you're like me and have tried a lot of "diets" (which don't work because they have a start date and an end date - which means when it's over you return to the same behavior that caused the problem to begin with) you'll love this book. It's about lifestyle, spiritual warfare, God's love for us, the help we have available to us from the Holy Spirit, and so much more. It's also about applying God's grace to your journey.
I highly recommend this book and strongly suggest you get a partner or a group to travel with you. This way you can encourage one another along the way.
So, what's my plan now that I've finished the study?
Continue on the journey using the tools I've learned. Track, exercise, pray, faith confessions, read the Scriptures in I" Deserve a Donut," also by Barb, that relate to the emotions I'm feeling or the lies I might believe. Keep remembering that this is a lifestyle. Realize that I will make mistakes and when I do be gentle with myself while extending grace to begin again. Most importantly - don't give up!
The truths that are in this book, when applied to your life, will cause transformation. How much transformation is how ready you are to dig deep. Because we're talking about the Word of God even a surface dive into this book will cause transformation and a hunger for greater change.
The Bible study questions were thought provoking and caused open dialogue, and transparency with God and each other. You will learn about setting boundaries and how to keep them by renewing your mind with the Word of God. You will also learn that this is a journey and there is no quick fix. It's about lifestyle changes. If you're like me and have tried a lot of "diets" (which don't work because they have a start date and an end date - which means when it's over you return to the same behavior that caused the problem to begin with) you'll love this book. It's about lifestyle, spiritual warfare, God's love for us, the help we have available to us from the Holy Spirit, and so much more. It's also about applying God's grace to your journey.
I highly recommend this book and strongly suggest you get a partner or a group to travel with you. This way you can encourage one another along the way.
So, what's my plan now that I've finished the study?
Continue on the journey using the tools I've learned. Track, exercise, pray, faith confessions, read the Scriptures in I" Deserve a Donut," also by Barb, that relate to the emotions I'm feeling or the lies I might believe. Keep remembering that this is a lifestyle. Realize that I will make mistakes and when I do be gentle with myself while extending grace to begin again. Most importantly - don't give up!
Read
May 10, 2024After years of trying just about every diet possible, I'm so grateful to have found this book. It's not the food that needs to change, it's my attitude towards it. Every step I take toward obsessing more about which foods are right and wrong is a step I take away from God. This book has truly helped me begin to turn this around and refocus my heart on a God that loves me more than I can ever love food! Will definitely be a re-read in the future.
November 15, 2015
I have the rare blessing of knowing the author of Taste for Truth, Barb Raveling, personally. Barb and her family are members of the church that my husband pastors. Best of all I have been privileged to be a part of a small group that Barb taught on her renewing your mind concepts.
By looking at Barb you would never guess that she struggled a day in her life with weight issues. I have known her now for almost 4 years and her weight has never fluctuated nor has her commitment to Biblical truth and a proper stewardship of her gift of writing. Christ has given Barb control over her personal food battles through very relevant truths from the Bible and she shares those truths with us in Taste for Truth.
Understanding this book is easy....following it requires that you take seriously your relationship with Christ and understand that not everything in life that we are called to as believers will be easy. I know that this is the path I need to follow. Christ will provide....
For all of my reviews visit Blessed and Bewildered
By looking at Barb you would never guess that she struggled a day in her life with weight issues. I have known her now for almost 4 years and her weight has never fluctuated nor has her commitment to Biblical truth and a proper stewardship of her gift of writing. Christ has given Barb control over her personal food battles through very relevant truths from the Bible and she shares those truths with us in Taste for Truth.
Understanding this book is easy....following it requires that you take seriously your relationship with Christ and understand that not everything in life that we are called to as believers will be easy. I know that this is the path I need to follow. Christ will provide....
For all of my reviews visit Blessed and Bewildered
April 19, 2022
Great book that I did with a small group over the course of several months. I am glad we took longer than 30 days so we could really get one idea down before moving on to the next. The chapters cover a variety of issues, each person clicking with different ones. A great study and new ideas for me about both relationships with God and food.
It took a long time for me to figure out what the phrase "renew your mind" meant despite its continual use. I wish that had been addressed earlier in the book.
It took a long time for me to figure out what the phrase "renew your mind" meant despite its continual use. I wish that had been addressed earlier in the book.
February 24, 2017
The reason this book isn't just another diet book and is really helpful is because its purpose is to train us to take our mind, our thinking, and examine our thoughts by the light of God's word. It trains us to then take those false thoughts one by one and find the biblical truth that will transform our minds, renewing them to line up rightly with truth. Herein lies hope for change, because it's acknowledging God and His word as our source for help.
February 5, 2019
Encouraging and inspiring
March 6, 2017
A reminder of the importance of boundaries and living within them. Not only with food but in every area of life. She mentioned procrastination, as an example. And the lies we tell our self - and that others tell us. How to turn from them and replace with truth. This study guide hit home for me.
October 18, 2019
I love this book.
Barb Raveling has a gift for teaching us how to ask questions so we can really make progress. She is amazing.
Barb Raveling has a gift for teaching us how to ask questions so we can really make progress. She is amazing.
November 15, 2014
Excellent book. Has really helped me with my mindset about dieting and body image, etc. Will definitely read again and continue to think about and apply the lessons learned through this study.
Edited November 2014
I just finished going through this book for the second time this year. This time though I downloaded the leaders guide from the website and went through it with a few friends. I have been so blessed by this study and the time with friends going through it with me. This is a study I can see myself repeating yet again. While it focuses on eating issues, the truths in it..and especially the truth journalling...are so practical and helpful on so many other issues that it's way more than a weight loss book in my opinion.
Edited November 2014
I just finished going through this book for the second time this year. This time though I downloaded the leaders guide from the website and went through it with a few friends. I have been so blessed by this study and the time with friends going through it with me. This is a study I can see myself repeating yet again. While it focuses on eating issues, the truths in it..and especially the truth journalling...are so practical and helpful on so many other issues that it's way more than a weight loss book in my opinion.
March 11, 2015
This is an excellent resource for a Bible study concerning "renewing our minds" about our relationship with food. I appreciate Barb’s matter-of-fact style. She assures that our thinking can and will change over time as we renew our minds, though the same temptations can come up again any time and we need to keep bringing our thoughts captive to God’s truth.
July 7, 2015
Great for group study! Renewing the mind with Truth.
November 6, 2016
All of her books and her app, I will b e using the rest of my life. Renewing your mind with God's word is how we will break any strongholds in our lives. Wonderful guidance and truth
October 22, 2017
Wasn't sure I was going to like this study but each day I was surprised at how God spoke through these pages and Scriptures.
July 1, 2018
My neighbor was using this with aBible study group and gave me a copy. The whole thesis is based on one of my favorite Bible verses, Romans 12:2... "don't conform to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind" - what I call spiritual cognitive therapy. Each chapter the author explores how to replace the lies we tell ourselves ("I deserve that donut...") by being really truthful - and scriptures are given to help see God's truth. She suggests individuals to set their own "boundaries" with very little guidance (since there are plenty of diet books out there, and she's not promoting a diet, but lifestyle changes). I think it would be a good study, (especially with a trained nutritionist). The lists of verses for transformation are a great resource. She even adapts "Stages of Change" principles to dealing with personal readiness, success, and slipping from "boundaries", such as no seconds, nothing to eat after 7 p.m., etc.
May God open the door for this to help others accept new life protections and choices in eating and health.
May God open the door for this to help others accept new life protections and choices in eating and health.
May 14, 2022
Very Helpful in both Spiritual and Practical Ways
I have been working my way through several Bible studies and devotionals that relate to depending not on a diet, but on God for successful weight loss and maintenance and for a better health plan. This has been one of the better books I’ve read on the subject, and I was thrilled with the free “I Deserve a Donut” app that I can carry around on my phone. I had read that book (also a great book) but didn’t realize there was an app. I will be reading whatever books are left that Barb Raveling has written on this subject. I also appreciate all of the Bible verses that were included in both this book and the other one. I’m working to memorize them so that I can easily recall them when I need them the most. This book helped me tremendously to learn to lose weight on God’s plan, and I feel that for once in my life, I will be able to keep it off and not gain it back.
I have been working my way through several Bible studies and devotionals that relate to depending not on a diet, but on God for successful weight loss and maintenance and for a better health plan. This has been one of the better books I’ve read on the subject, and I was thrilled with the free “I Deserve a Donut” app that I can carry around on my phone. I had read that book (also a great book) but didn’t realize there was an app. I will be reading whatever books are left that Barb Raveling has written on this subject. I also appreciate all of the Bible verses that were included in both this book and the other one. I’m working to memorize them so that I can easily recall them when I need them the most. This book helped me tremendously to learn to lose weight on God’s plan, and I feel that for once in my life, I will be able to keep it off and not gain it back.
August 21, 2021
Finally! Just what I needed!
Weight loss on my own has always been a huge struggle. Barb gave me the tools and encouragement I needed to turn it from a me, myself and I journey to one of growing closer to God through renewing my kind and grace that can be a lifelong change rather than a 20-30 day fix that I give up as soon as my “challenge” is done. Thank you God for using Barb in this journey!
Weight loss on my own has always been a huge struggle. Barb gave me the tools and encouragement I needed to turn it from a me, myself and I journey to one of growing closer to God through renewing my kind and grace that can be a lifelong change rather than a 20-30 day fix that I give up as soon as my “challenge” is done. Thank you God for using Barb in this journey!
May 7, 2020
Best book ever
This book is truly the best Christian diet plan
I struggle with boundaries and food so these combined has really opened my eyes.the scriptures and questions are brilliant and really make you think about the truths and the lies of eating issues I could so highly recommend this book and the app that goes with it. Fantastic. Must buy book
This book is truly the best Christian diet plan
I struggle with boundaries and food so these combined has really opened my eyes.the scriptures and questions are brilliant and really make you think about the truths and the lies of eating issues I could so highly recommend this book and the app that goes with it. Fantastic. Must buy book
July 13, 2020
It was great to do this book after doing Bright Line Eating for a year and a half since some of the things she talked about were already taken care of for me. BLE takes care of the boundaries part which is a huge first step; they work very well together. Now I just need to practice the things the book covers to see the transformation sustained.
December 2, 2020
This is such a great Bible study! What I love about it is that most of the questions lead you to look up Scripture to answer them, not to read the author's words. She constantly points you toward what God says, not what she thinks. And you have to decide for yourself if you are going to follow what He says in this area. This book has truly helped me develop the right mindset about food.
July 17, 2018
Inspirational
I found the book very inspiring and honest. The discipline it took to do every helped with the discipline of eating. Would recommend get getting companion book, "I Deserve A Donut", in book form.
I found the book very inspiring and honest. The discipline it took to do every helped with the discipline of eating. Would recommend get getting companion book, "I Deserve A Donut", in book form.
July 28, 2020
This book changed my entire view on dieting
Thank you Barb Raveling! This bible study refreshed my soul and mind and gave me direction to finally break the dieting cycle. I wish I had found this book years ago.
Thank you Barb Raveling! This bible study refreshed my soul and mind and gave me direction to finally break the dieting cycle. I wish I had found this book years ago.
July 12, 2019
This is the best, most practical and helpful book I have ever read about overcoming destructive eating behaviours. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
July 19, 2019
God focused
God is the way the truth and the life. This book puts Hod where He belongs and weight loss where it belongs. So good.
God is the way the truth and the life. This book puts Hod where He belongs and weight loss where it belongs. So good.
April 6, 2020
Great study!
I will probably do this again. It was very helpful and along with the app on my phone, which will continue to help me with renewing my mind.
I will probably do this again. It was very helpful and along with the app on my phone, which will continue to help me with renewing my mind.
November 18, 2021
Challenging book to help you really get control of your mindset regarding nutrition! Changed my perspective and is the key ingredient to making any weight loss program a success.
June 30, 2022
Really great tips on renewing my mind and helping me create boundaries with food.
December 30, 2019
I found this to be a very helpful start to my new eating habits. It was encouraging and offered many good tools and bits of advice. I loved how God-centered it was - constantly reminding me that he is the point, not my waistline. It was also great to get advice from someone who has been there. All throughout, I felt like I had a friend leading me along a well-traveled path that she had taken many times before. I was never afraid of getting lost. I also appreciate the App she made I Deserve A Doughnut, which will help me to keep renewing my mind even now that the devotional is done. I highly recommend taking this devotional slowly. Backtrack if you need to, but never rush it or cram 2 days reading into one. let things sink in.
August 3, 2023
This book is fabulous. It will make you examine your boundaries with food, and in life, as well as your relationship with God. 30 days will change you and how to relate to food. You'll be encouraged to renew your mind often and examine your heart. Don't hesitate to start this journey. Even better doing this one with friends or someone for accountability.
July 7, 2016
I like this book so much. It made me think about the renewing of mind as a necessity, helped me see the real nature, the rebellious heart, that make me struggles with issues. well done, Barb
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews