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Be Good to Your Body: Getting Back to God's Design in a World of Wellness Trends, Quick Fixes, and Conflicting Health Advice
The bestselling author of Own Your Everyday and Embrace Your Almost leads you on a journey of health and faith as you pursue wellness as a way to worship God without turning wellness into a god you worship.
For too long, women have been caught in the relentless cycle of dieting fads and fleeting body-positivity trends, quick-fix weight-loss solutions, and intimidating lifestyle overhauls. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by society’s false promises and conflicting advice, you’re not alone.
Jordan Lee Dooley knows this struggle well. She has navigated the same confusing landscape, all while grappling with the constant feeling of never doing enough.
In Be Good to Your Body, Jordan invites you on a powerful journey of health and faith. She shows you how to pursue wellness as an act of worship to God, rather than making wellness itself an idol. Drawing on scientific research, Scripture, expert insights, and her own experiences, she reveals
● how to view your body as a God-given gift, not a project to fix
● the pitfalls of diet culture and self-love—and why neither extreme satisfies
● the biblical principle of stewardship as a path to holistic health
● practical steps and daily habits to align your health practices with God’s design
Jordan points you back to biblical foundations and the goodness of God, asking: What if the real solution to the extremes of diet culture and body positivity has been there all along, nestled in the pages of the Bible—the Word of the One who created our bodies and knows exactly what they need to thrive?
Discover the joy of honoring your body as you return to the good things God made for you as you embrace a wellness journey that nourishes your spirit and brings you closer to your creator.
For too long, women have been caught in the relentless cycle of dieting fads and fleeting body-positivity trends, quick-fix weight-loss solutions, and intimidating lifestyle overhauls. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by society’s false promises and conflicting advice, you’re not alone.
Jordan Lee Dooley knows this struggle well. She has navigated the same confusing landscape, all while grappling with the constant feeling of never doing enough.
In Be Good to Your Body, Jordan invites you on a powerful journey of health and faith. She shows you how to pursue wellness as an act of worship to God, rather than making wellness itself an idol. Drawing on scientific research, Scripture, expert insights, and her own experiences, she reveals
● how to view your body as a God-given gift, not a project to fix
● the pitfalls of diet culture and self-love—and why neither extreme satisfies
● the biblical principle of stewardship as a path to holistic health
● practical steps and daily habits to align your health practices with God’s design
Jordan points you back to biblical foundations and the goodness of God, asking: What if the real solution to the extremes of diet culture and body positivity has been there all along, nestled in the pages of the Bible—the Word of the One who created our bodies and knows exactly what they need to thrive?
Discover the joy of honoring your body as you return to the good things God made for you as you embrace a wellness journey that nourishes your spirit and brings you closer to your creator.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published October 21, 2025
230 people are currently reading
4363 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
January 10, 2026
I never write long book reviews, but I felt obligated to write one for this book.
This book has a compelling premise that is undermined by careless theology, misused Scripture, and shallow, often privileged wellness advice. While the author’s writing about infertility is genuinely moving, much of the rest feels reductive, judgmental, and theologically irresponsible.
To be fair, there are moments of spiritually uplifting and encouraging writing in this book. When she writes about her infertility journey (topics like grief, hope, waiting on God, shame, etc.), her voice becomes grounded, compassionate, and empathetic. Those sections are really beautiful and rooted in the truth of scripture. The author clearly wants women to feel at peace with their bodies and to experience God’s care, and there are passages that reflect that sincere desire. But those nuggets are buried under harmful theology, shallow health claims, and a narrow, privileged understanding of what it means to live in a body.
The most troubling issue with this book is the author’s repeated weaponizing of Scripture to prop up her personal wellness and beauty philosophy. Bible verses and stories are pulled wildly out of context and bent to serve her arguments. A glaring example is her use of the story of Esther. Esther was a young Jewish girl taken from her home, forced into a year-long preparation process, and compelled into a sexual relationship with a powerful king. This was not a spa retreat. It was not a divine endorsement of “natural beauty” over Botox or implants. It was political survival under coercion. Nothing about Esther’s story is meant to be prescriptive for how modern women should care for their bodies, yet the author presents it as if it were a holy beauty manual. That kind of misapplication of Scripture frequently occurs throughout the book, turning sacred texts into proof-texts for the author’s personal preferences.
It’s also painfully obvious that the author has had very limited exposure to many forms of real physical hardship, chronic illness, or long-term pain. Acne is repeatedly framed as one of her great life struggles, which feels tone-deaf when many women are navigating autoimmune diseases, disability, cancer, or lifelong chronic pain. A writer who genuinely wanted to serve and resonate with women on this topic should have made space for more stories from women whose relationships with their bodies have been shaped by far more than breakouts and “toxins.”
The health advice itself is another weak point. While there are occasional references to research, it’s nowhere near enough to make this a credible or responsible resource for making decisions about your body. Claims are presented with confidence but without the depth, nuance, or sufficient scientific evidence required to justify them. The result is a blend of spiritualized wellness culture and pseudo-science.
This topic needs care, wisdom, nuance, humility, science, and scripture. There is so much pain and confusion in this realm, and with this book Jordan adds to the noise. Anyone needing encouragement based on biblical hope and wisdom should skip this book.
This book has a compelling premise that is undermined by careless theology, misused Scripture, and shallow, often privileged wellness advice. While the author’s writing about infertility is genuinely moving, much of the rest feels reductive, judgmental, and theologically irresponsible.
To be fair, there are moments of spiritually uplifting and encouraging writing in this book. When she writes about her infertility journey (topics like grief, hope, waiting on God, shame, etc.), her voice becomes grounded, compassionate, and empathetic. Those sections are really beautiful and rooted in the truth of scripture. The author clearly wants women to feel at peace with their bodies and to experience God’s care, and there are passages that reflect that sincere desire. But those nuggets are buried under harmful theology, shallow health claims, and a narrow, privileged understanding of what it means to live in a body.
The most troubling issue with this book is the author’s repeated weaponizing of Scripture to prop up her personal wellness and beauty philosophy. Bible verses and stories are pulled wildly out of context and bent to serve her arguments. A glaring example is her use of the story of Esther. Esther was a young Jewish girl taken from her home, forced into a year-long preparation process, and compelled into a sexual relationship with a powerful king. This was not a spa retreat. It was not a divine endorsement of “natural beauty” over Botox or implants. It was political survival under coercion. Nothing about Esther’s story is meant to be prescriptive for how modern women should care for their bodies, yet the author presents it as if it were a holy beauty manual. That kind of misapplication of Scripture frequently occurs throughout the book, turning sacred texts into proof-texts for the author’s personal preferences.
It’s also painfully obvious that the author has had very limited exposure to many forms of real physical hardship, chronic illness, or long-term pain. Acne is repeatedly framed as one of her great life struggles, which feels tone-deaf when many women are navigating autoimmune diseases, disability, cancer, or lifelong chronic pain. A writer who genuinely wanted to serve and resonate with women on this topic should have made space for more stories from women whose relationships with their bodies have been shaped by far more than breakouts and “toxins.”
The health advice itself is another weak point. While there are occasional references to research, it’s nowhere near enough to make this a credible or responsible resource for making decisions about your body. Claims are presented with confidence but without the depth, nuance, or sufficient scientific evidence required to justify them. The result is a blend of spiritualized wellness culture and pseudo-science.
This topic needs care, wisdom, nuance, humility, science, and scripture. There is so much pain and confusion in this realm, and with this book Jordan adds to the noise. Anyone needing encouragement based on biblical hope and wisdom should skip this book.
October 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫(4.5)
Thank you so much @prhaudio @waterbrookmultnomah for the ALC & eARC #PRHAudioPartner
Release date: October 21, 2025
Women are worn down by diet culture, quick fixes, and the pressure to “love yourself” without any real peace. This book offers a biblical and sustainable path to wellness, helping readers view their bodies as gifts to steward—not projects to perfect. With practical habits and spiritual grounding, it guides women toward health as an act of worship.
From the moment I read the press blurb, I knew I would love this book. While I’ve seen so many of these holistic health principles scattered online and in podcasts, I haven’t come across many popular-level books. I love that Jordan uses unexpected biblical examples, her own journey of infertility, and balanced principles to showcase how our wellness-obsessed culture has gone overboard.
“Why not five stars then, Katie?” I really wish I could give this five stars. I love the premise, personal honesty, and insight, but each of those parts feels a bit repetitive. It might be because the book is laid out as a combination of principle/topic across several different (short) chapters. I think if it had been organized around a handful of principles and applied to personal examples and various topics within each chapter, we’d a) remember the strong, focused principles and b) more easily choose which topic to apply first. Just my nitty-gritty opinion—I highly recommend this book regardless, and I promise you’ll find the advice beneficial in reframing your understanding of biblical wellness.
I listened to the audiobook, and while it was excellently produced, I do wish this one had been read by the author.
Perfect for you if you like:
Wellness trends
Holistic health
Biblical view of the body
Similar to:
Breaking Free From Body Shame by Jess Connolly
The Body Revelation by Alisa Keeton
Love Thy Body by Nancy R. Pearcy
Key words: body positivity, spiritual formation, stewardship, nonfiction, self help, christian living, wellness
Thank you so much @prhaudio @waterbrookmultnomah for the ALC & eARC #PRHAudioPartner
Release date: October 21, 2025
Women are worn down by diet culture, quick fixes, and the pressure to “love yourself” without any real peace. This book offers a biblical and sustainable path to wellness, helping readers view their bodies as gifts to steward—not projects to perfect. With practical habits and spiritual grounding, it guides women toward health as an act of worship.
From the moment I read the press blurb, I knew I would love this book. While I’ve seen so many of these holistic health principles scattered online and in podcasts, I haven’t come across many popular-level books. I love that Jordan uses unexpected biblical examples, her own journey of infertility, and balanced principles to showcase how our wellness-obsessed culture has gone overboard.
“Why not five stars then, Katie?” I really wish I could give this five stars. I love the premise, personal honesty, and insight, but each of those parts feels a bit repetitive. It might be because the book is laid out as a combination of principle/topic across several different (short) chapters. I think if it had been organized around a handful of principles and applied to personal examples and various topics within each chapter, we’d a) remember the strong, focused principles and b) more easily choose which topic to apply first. Just my nitty-gritty opinion—I highly recommend this book regardless, and I promise you’ll find the advice beneficial in reframing your understanding of biblical wellness.
I listened to the audiobook, and while it was excellently produced, I do wish this one had been read by the author.
Perfect for you if you like:
Wellness trends
Holistic health
Biblical view of the body
Similar to:
Breaking Free From Body Shame by Jess Connolly
The Body Revelation by Alisa Keeton
Love Thy Body by Nancy R. Pearcy
Key words: body positivity, spiritual formation, stewardship, nonfiction, self help, christian living, wellness
January 21, 2026
Normally I am a big fan of Jordan’s writing but this one didn’t really do it for me. It seemed very repetitive. I listened to it on audiobook and there were a couple times I had to double check that I didn’t relisten to the same chapter. Loved the premise tho!
August 5, 2025
4.5 stars rounded down
Thank You to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Christian Publishing for this advanced copy. This publishes October 21.
I have read all of Jordan's books and followed her health journey for years, so I was elated to see that she was writing a book sharing not only her story toward a more healthy lifestyle with God at the center, but also one that will serve countless women in their own health journeys. As someone with a similar story to Jordan, I found it to be so validating to hear reminders that our bodies are first and foremost gifts to steward. There are so many messages that the world gives us about our bodies as women, both in form and in function, and I loved that she not only addressed these concepts but calls readers to realign our hearts and postures with God's design for our bodies and our health--to be vessels through which we can live out our callings.
Through exploring the various aspects of health, Jordan does a comprehensive job of introducing readers (or reintroducing in my case) to living a life that is not guided by the latest health crazes, diets, or wellness trends, but through looking at the basic building blocks of health that have been given to us by God. I have been on my own health journey for over eight years now and while I was familiar with most of the concept in this book from exploration of female hormones, impact of physical exercise on our mental and overall health, removing toxins from our products and environments, and eating clean and nutrient-dense foods, I think this would be an amazing book for someone who is wanting to make changes in their life to living more holistically as well as just living more aligned with what is God made rather than man-made.
Much as others have said, there are no new or ground-breaking pieces of infromation in this book, but this is not an academic text. I appreciate that this is for the every day reader and you do not have to have a background in medicine, science, or health/wellness to be able to read and digest this information. I hope readers appreciate the compilation of research that is included and I LOVED the appendix in the back with helpful terms for readers to start detoxing their products/foods. Overall, I highly recommend this book for women struggling with body image, desiring to love their bodies more, or even just women burnt out on hearing the messages of the world about your body. Our bodies are good and they are worth taking care of.
Thank You to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Christian Publishing for this advanced copy. This publishes October 21.
I have read all of Jordan's books and followed her health journey for years, so I was elated to see that she was writing a book sharing not only her story toward a more healthy lifestyle with God at the center, but also one that will serve countless women in their own health journeys. As someone with a similar story to Jordan, I found it to be so validating to hear reminders that our bodies are first and foremost gifts to steward. There are so many messages that the world gives us about our bodies as women, both in form and in function, and I loved that she not only addressed these concepts but calls readers to realign our hearts and postures with God's design for our bodies and our health--to be vessels through which we can live out our callings.
Through exploring the various aspects of health, Jordan does a comprehensive job of introducing readers (or reintroducing in my case) to living a life that is not guided by the latest health crazes, diets, or wellness trends, but through looking at the basic building blocks of health that have been given to us by God. I have been on my own health journey for over eight years now and while I was familiar with most of the concept in this book from exploration of female hormones, impact of physical exercise on our mental and overall health, removing toxins from our products and environments, and eating clean and nutrient-dense foods, I think this would be an amazing book for someone who is wanting to make changes in their life to living more holistically as well as just living more aligned with what is God made rather than man-made.
Much as others have said, there are no new or ground-breaking pieces of infromation in this book, but this is not an academic text. I appreciate that this is for the every day reader and you do not have to have a background in medicine, science, or health/wellness to be able to read and digest this information. I hope readers appreciate the compilation of research that is included and I LOVED the appendix in the back with helpful terms for readers to start detoxing their products/foods. Overall, I highly recommend this book for women struggling with body image, desiring to love their bodies more, or even just women burnt out on hearing the messages of the world about your body. Our bodies are good and they are worth taking care of.
September 16, 2025
Jordan Lee Dooley delivers a thoughtful, faith-centered look at health and wellness in this book, Be Good to Your Body. Instead of chasing trends or obsessing over body image, she invites readers to see their bodies as true gifts from God. She reminds us that our bodies are worthy of care, but not to be viewed as idols to be worshiped.
Blending biblical wisdom, personal stories, and practical steps, Jordan Dooley strikes a healthy balance between rejecting diet culture and avoiding neglect under the banner of self-love. Her approach feels compassionate, relatable, and actionable. Each chapter ends with a prayer and practical steps to implement which I found helpful and encouraging.
I found myself reading through my Bible and taking notes as I journeyed through this book. Overall this felt like a returning to home for me, reminding me to not fear or reject my body, but to listen, take notice, and stay grounded in Christ. This book is an encouraging, grace-filled guide for anyone tired of the conflicting wellness advice.
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Random House Christian Publishing, and the author for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
Blending biblical wisdom, personal stories, and practical steps, Jordan Dooley strikes a healthy balance between rejecting diet culture and avoiding neglect under the banner of self-love. Her approach feels compassionate, relatable, and actionable. Each chapter ends with a prayer and practical steps to implement which I found helpful and encouraging.
I found myself reading through my Bible and taking notes as I journeyed through this book. Overall this felt like a returning to home for me, reminding me to not fear or reject my body, but to listen, take notice, and stay grounded in Christ. This book is an encouraging, grace-filled guide for anyone tired of the conflicting wellness advice.
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Random House Christian Publishing, and the author for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
November 10, 2025
I liked the premise of this book but ultimately the execution fell flat for me.
First, what I liked:
-The message that your body is a gift from God to be stewarded, not a project to be fixed.
-A holistic view of health that includes a healthy physical body.
-I felt like the author genuinely wants to help women view their bodies as good.
What didn't work for me:
Ok, to be fair, Jordan *did* include some nuance in the conversation surrounding health (i.e. financial considerations, not letting the pursuit of health become an idol), but overall it felt SO preachy to me! The tone felt snobby and like it was setting a high bar to try to achieve eventually even if "you get a pass" for a season. There were also times that she claimed something was biblical that felt like a reach to me. (For example, in her list of the "most basic basics", the first point is Hydrate--which is good--but then she goes on to talk about the necessity of filtering water because of all the toxins.)
This wasn't all bad, and it did give me some things to think about, but it's not one I would necessarily recommend on the topic of body stewardship.
Thank you to Netgalley and Waterbrook & Multnomah for the advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.
First, what I liked:
-The message that your body is a gift from God to be stewarded, not a project to be fixed.
-A holistic view of health that includes a healthy physical body.
-I felt like the author genuinely wants to help women view their bodies as good.
What didn't work for me:
Ok, to be fair, Jordan *did* include some nuance in the conversation surrounding health (i.e. financial considerations, not letting the pursuit of health become an idol), but overall it felt SO preachy to me! The tone felt snobby and like it was setting a high bar to try to achieve eventually even if "you get a pass" for a season. There were also times that she claimed something was biblical that felt like a reach to me. (For example, in her list of the "most basic basics", the first point is Hydrate--which is good--but then she goes on to talk about the necessity of filtering water because of all the toxins.)
This wasn't all bad, and it did give me some things to think about, but it's not one I would necessarily recommend on the topic of body stewardship.
Thank you to Netgalley and Waterbrook & Multnomah for the advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.
February 2, 2026
Let me start by saying there are some great little nuggets and this is well thought out in purpose and intention. However it feels awfully repetitive, with each chapter feeling as if I am beginning the book all over again. I listened to the audiobook, so I’m attributing some of the messiness to that. Overall, the book leans on some simple truths, true wellness comes when we uncomplicate the process, slow down, embrace our femininity, and go back to God’s design of things. Overall, I am glad I listened to it for the reminders it brought. And I am definitely more mindful, now being 6+ months ttc.
“Your body is a God given gift, not a project to fix”.
“Your body is a God given gift, not a project to fix”.
January 4, 2026
Starting off by saying I appreciate the concepts of this book & I hope it helps many people.
Giving it two stars for the following reasons-
1. Repetitive. Each chapter felt like it was saying the exact same thing, just with a different spin. Also most of the practical applications at the end of each chapter were basically identical.
2. Lack of depth. She shared personal stories, but the book wasn’t written in a way that helped me connect with her.
3. Disjointed. The flow didn’t really make a lot of sense to me.
All that said, I would still recommend people read it since the heart is there & each person may glean something a little different from it, depending on where they are on this journey.
Giving it two stars for the following reasons-
1. Repetitive. Each chapter felt like it was saying the exact same thing, just with a different spin. Also most of the practical applications at the end of each chapter were basically identical.
2. Lack of depth. She shared personal stories, but the book wasn’t written in a way that helped me connect with her.
3. Disjointed. The flow didn’t really make a lot of sense to me.
All that said, I would still recommend people read it since the heart is there & each person may glean something a little different from it, depending on where they are on this journey.
November 30, 2025
This book is very specific to the author’s experience, and while it does contain some helpful perspectives on healthy living, it sort of waffles on a see-saw of, “Don’t worry or idolize your health…” and “….make sure you’re trying to do these things.” It felt a little confusing. The final chapter was the best one, but the rest of the book was tough to get through. It’s tough; she doesn’t want you to overanalyze or be anxious, yet the book is chocked full of very specific recommendations on lifestyle. I can appreciate her experience and impressing upon readers to honor God in the pursuit of health. But I’m yet again disappointed in what feels like a moralization and over-spiritualization of westernized problems plaguing American housewives. It also felt like she took some liberties with Scripture and interpretations of “God’s original design.” Like why is every modern advancement being demonized by influencers? Are not some modern advancements in medicine and food industry gifts from God? I fear this book could lead to more health anxiety or hyper-fixation for some.
December 16, 2025
This book had three things I am very passionate about. First and foremost God, then family, and also health and wellness. Loved learning about stewarding my body well in a God honoring biblical way that alines with the gospel. Loved how the author had prayer and applications at the end for those of us that sometimes need practical ways listed to do something or change something. Also appreciated the biblical references and examples and analogy’s through the book.
Take away from this book was I need to steward my body but find a balance so it doesn’t cause me or my family stress. Ask myself is this new change helping me grow closer to God and filling the roles he has placed me in or is it becoming a distraction and pulling me away from God and family? Not only do I need to steward my body well but everything God has given me (family, money, body, and mind). What little changes can I make to better serve God with where I am at and grow closer to God.
Take away from this book was I need to steward my body but find a balance so it doesn’t cause me or my family stress. Ask myself is this new change helping me grow closer to God and filling the roles he has placed me in or is it becoming a distraction and pulling me away from God and family? Not only do I need to steward my body well but everything God has given me (family, money, body, and mind). What little changes can I make to better serve God with where I am at and grow closer to God.
January 9, 2026
The most succinct and clear portrayal of a Biblical perspective on health and wellness that I have read. Having worked in this space for a decade now myself, Jordan did a phenomenal job of respecting the balance of rejecting diet culture AND the self-love movement. Should we idolize health, food, or living a non-toxic lifestyle? No. But that also doesn’t mean that we don’t have a responsibility of stewardship over our bodies that are gifts from God.
I went in hoping she will be a little more specific of recommendations or her personal health choices (such as nutrition) for her family, but appreciate why she left some of those things vague. Her encouragement is doing the best you can do with the resources God has given you instead of fixating on one magical supplement, food, or gadget.
Highly recommend for any female (and honestly, men would benefit too - though this is certainly written to women.)
I went in hoping she will be a little more specific of recommendations or her personal health choices (such as nutrition) for her family, but appreciate why she left some of those things vague. Her encouragement is doing the best you can do with the resources God has given you instead of fixating on one magical supplement, food, or gadget.
Highly recommend for any female (and honestly, men would benefit too - though this is certainly written to women.)
November 8, 2025
3.5⭐️! I would recommend it. A super quick, easy read with really great reminders of how to treat your body well from a biblical perspective. I’m happy to have this in my library and will plan to re-read it every so often.
Some of the helpful reminders I enjoyed:
“Your Body Is a God-Given Gift, Not a Project to Fix”
“Has wellness become an idol? Has a good intention spiraled into an obsession?”
“Self-love as the world defines it will always come up short because the answers and peace we seek cannot be found in the self. The purpose and peace that we desire can be found only outside ourselves: in the One who formed us and breathed life into us.”
“You cannot be holistically well if your pursuit of physical health is harming your spiritual, mental, or relational health.”
Some of the helpful reminders I enjoyed:
“Your Body Is a God-Given Gift, Not a Project to Fix”
“Has wellness become an idol? Has a good intention spiraled into an obsession?”
“Self-love as the world defines it will always come up short because the answers and peace we seek cannot be found in the self. The purpose and peace that we desire can be found only outside ourselves: in the One who formed us and breathed life into us.”
“You cannot be holistically well if your pursuit of physical health is harming your spiritual, mental, or relational health.”
February 1, 2026
Jordan writes like she talks so it was a very conversational easy read. I really appreciate Jordan’s perspective in a world where it feels like every choice I make is going to kill me or kill my kids. So many voices just inflict shame, and I so appreciate Jordan’s ability to challenge but also include space for grace, and a recognition that too much stress is also unhealthy and sometimes living a toxin free life is incredibly stressful and can become a huge idol. I also love how she points back to scripture and what Gods design is for us and our bodies.
Definitely a good and applicable read!
Definitely a good and applicable read!
October 8, 2025
Jordan Lee Dooley's take on health and wellness was refreshing, rooted in biblical truth with personal stories and shared experiences. I really appreciated the way that she inspected health trends, fads, etc., by comparing them to biblical truths.
I believe anyone could benefit from reading this book. It may not be groundbreaking, but her tips are practical and easy to implement.
This book is being published October 21, 2025.
A big thank you to Penguin Random House Christian Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
I believe anyone could benefit from reading this book. It may not be groundbreaking, but her tips are practical and easy to implement.
This book is being published October 21, 2025.
A big thank you to Penguin Random House Christian Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
September 1, 2025
Jordan writes a fantastic faith-based book about treating your body well and in God's image. I entered and won this ARC from a Goodreads giveaway, and the summary of this book was one that captured my interest completely. I found this book and Jordan so relatable with also going through some of the struggles that she has faced and spoke about in this book
December 22, 2025
Although this book did not offer anything "new" or profound, I did find it to be a nice compilation of health information out there & a good way to keep a healthy view on non-toxic living.
January 8, 2026
Loved it! Every Christian woman should read this book. Especially appreciated the biblical perspective, prayers, and ideas for practical action steps.
October 9, 2025
Many valuable lessons and insights can be taken away from this book. If you are starting your "crunchy" journey with health and wellness, this would definitely be a good read. The insistence upon viewing everything through the filter of stewardship was especially helpful. It can feel so overwhelming when you look at the toxins that are in our food or homes or even world, and I loved how the author reiterated the importance of taking all those fears and worries to Jesus and letting Him guide the next steps to take. This isn't a "how to be healthy" type of book, but rather an acknowledgment that it's important to take care of our bodies while learning to recognize the line in which it can become an obsession or idol.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book. A positive review is not required & all opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book. A positive review is not required & all opinions are my own.
November 25, 2025
This book was incredible. It’s the first one I’ve read that discussed how to be good to your body both biblically and holistically. I was challenged and encouraged to be a better steward of my body and to live with the heart posture of “everything I have is yours God”. I feel equipped and empowered to do what I can to be good to my body.
I really liked how every aspect of health and wellness was covered here and was discussed realistically in terms of moving towards it. Not just the obvious ones like nourishing well and moving your body but also things like the importance of community and reducing toxin loads. And everything was supported and explained with Scripture. There was a prayer and practical application section at the end of each chapter that I found really helpful as well. I couldn’t recommend this book enough!
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Random House Christian Publishing - WaterBrook, and the author Jordan Lee Dooley for the privilege of reading the ARC of Be Good to Your Body in exchange for an honest review.
“The truest thing about you is that you are made in love by God and the truest thing about Him is that He cannot make bad things.”
“And your body isn’t broken. It was designed with the brilliance and glory of heaven. But it does live in a fallen world, and that means it will be touched by brokenness.”
“In Genesis 2:15 we find that God put man in the garden to tend to it and keep it. We are called to tend to and steward creation. Our bodies are a part of that creation.”
“Look, you are the daughter of the King. And when you believe that truth in your heart, you’ll be able to treat your body accordingly - not like an idol, but like royalty.”
“It is our job to be good to our imperfect bodies; give them good, God-made things; and depend on God‘s wisdom and sovereignty on every step of the journey.”
“First Corinthians 6:20 says to glorify God in our bodies, which tells me that the purpose of the body is to worship not to be worshiped. The purpose of the body is not to look a certain way, but rather to live a certain way to fulfill our God-given callings.”
I really liked how every aspect of health and wellness was covered here and was discussed realistically in terms of moving towards it. Not just the obvious ones like nourishing well and moving your body but also things like the importance of community and reducing toxin loads. And everything was supported and explained with Scripture. There was a prayer and practical application section at the end of each chapter that I found really helpful as well. I couldn’t recommend this book enough!
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Random House Christian Publishing - WaterBrook, and the author Jordan Lee Dooley for the privilege of reading the ARC of Be Good to Your Body in exchange for an honest review.
“The truest thing about you is that you are made in love by God and the truest thing about Him is that He cannot make bad things.”
“And your body isn’t broken. It was designed with the brilliance and glory of heaven. But it does live in a fallen world, and that means it will be touched by brokenness.”
“In Genesis 2:15 we find that God put man in the garden to tend to it and keep it. We are called to tend to and steward creation. Our bodies are a part of that creation.”
“Look, you are the daughter of the King. And when you believe that truth in your heart, you’ll be able to treat your body accordingly - not like an idol, but like royalty.”
“It is our job to be good to our imperfect bodies; give them good, God-made things; and depend on God‘s wisdom and sovereignty on every step of the journey.”
“First Corinthians 6:20 says to glorify God in our bodies, which tells me that the purpose of the body is to worship not to be worshiped. The purpose of the body is not to look a certain way, but rather to live a certain way to fulfill our God-given callings.”
July 26, 2025
"Be Good to Your Body" was like sitting down having coffee with your bff, talking about the deep stuff we go through in life. It felt like one of those late night conversations where you have a heart to heart and truly get to the bottom of why you're feeling anxious or disappointed.
"Be Good to Your Body" outlines what it means to care for yourself as a woman, living in a modern society, while also following Jesus. She discusses what is was like on her own journey, how she navigated the differing beliefs, and ultimately what steps one can take to truly be good to your body. Jordan has such a way of writing her story that is both relatable, understandable, yet very convicting in love. I've read many of Jordan's other novels and have been following her story on instagram for quite sometime, and thoroughly enjoyed reading about her journey in "Be God to Your Body". This book was another practical and thoughtful approach to health and wellness with the overall theme of stewardship being the key to truly good, Godly bodies. I loved how each of her main points were rooted in scripture and point you back to God. As a Christian women myself, I often forget the importance of seeing myself through the lens of God which casts no judgement nor disappointment.
Although none of her points were radically new or different, I appreciated again the perspective she presented them in through the eyes of stewardship and Jesus. She emphasized that there is no "one size fits all" when it comes to spiritual, mental, and physical wellness. As I'm entering into my 'thirties' soon, I will definitely be applying some of what I learned from this novel into my own life. I believe this story is perfect for those women who are similar in my age; mid 20's through 30's, but believe this novel could speak to anyone at any age.
Thank You NetGalley and Penguin Random House Christian Publishing.
The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
"Be Good to Your Body" outlines what it means to care for yourself as a woman, living in a modern society, while also following Jesus. She discusses what is was like on her own journey, how she navigated the differing beliefs, and ultimately what steps one can take to truly be good to your body. Jordan has such a way of writing her story that is both relatable, understandable, yet very convicting in love. I've read many of Jordan's other novels and have been following her story on instagram for quite sometime, and thoroughly enjoyed reading about her journey in "Be God to Your Body". This book was another practical and thoughtful approach to health and wellness with the overall theme of stewardship being the key to truly good, Godly bodies. I loved how each of her main points were rooted in scripture and point you back to God. As a Christian women myself, I often forget the importance of seeing myself through the lens of God which casts no judgement nor disappointment.
Although none of her points were radically new or different, I appreciated again the perspective she presented them in through the eyes of stewardship and Jesus. She emphasized that there is no "one size fits all" when it comes to spiritual, mental, and physical wellness. As I'm entering into my 'thirties' soon, I will definitely be applying some of what I learned from this novel into my own life. I believe this story is perfect for those women who are similar in my age; mid 20's through 30's, but believe this novel could speak to anyone at any age.
Thank You NetGalley and Penguin Random House Christian Publishing.
The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2025
‘Be Good to Your Body’ reads like a podcast or a conversation with a dear friend. Though I would have appreciated this book at any point in my life, it happened to release during a time of big health changes for me. It felt like having a Christian friend walk alongside me, someone who has wrestled with some of the same questions I have: How far should I go in removing toxins from my life? How much money, time, and energy should I invest into my body? Should I just give up and wait on God to heal me?
In the journey toward health, God has met, healed, and comforted women in countless ways: through diet changes, medical procedures, supplements, fitness routines, counseling and more. It can be overwhelming to discern the truly godly and fruitful path forward. This book focuses on the simplicity God calls us to in stewarding our bodies, without shame or guilt.
If you’re not currently struggling to steward your body well, this might not feel as relevant. But for any woman facing a confusing health journey, this book can be both a comfort and a gentle call to return to Jesus in the midst of it.
Our bodies were made for so much more than looking a certain way or excelling in an activity. When God calls us to steward them, it’s for a greater purpose, one rooted in grace for the messiness of life and in the hope of following Him well. Jordan Lee Dooley beautifully points us back to that truth. One of my favorite quotes captures the heart of the message: “Our bodies were made to worship and glorify God, not to be ‘gods’ we obsess over.”
Special thanks to Penguin Random House Christian Publishing and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
In the journey toward health, God has met, healed, and comforted women in countless ways: through diet changes, medical procedures, supplements, fitness routines, counseling and more. It can be overwhelming to discern the truly godly and fruitful path forward. This book focuses on the simplicity God calls us to in stewarding our bodies, without shame or guilt.
If you’re not currently struggling to steward your body well, this might not feel as relevant. But for any woman facing a confusing health journey, this book can be both a comfort and a gentle call to return to Jesus in the midst of it.
Our bodies were made for so much more than looking a certain way or excelling in an activity. When God calls us to steward them, it’s for a greater purpose, one rooted in grace for the messiness of life and in the hope of following Him well. Jordan Lee Dooley beautifully points us back to that truth. One of my favorite quotes captures the heart of the message: “Our bodies were made to worship and glorify God, not to be ‘gods’ we obsess over.”
Special thanks to Penguin Random House Christian Publishing and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 20, 2025
I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to read an ARC of Good to Your Body by Jordan Lee Dooley! I’ve been wanting to dive into this book since I saw Jordan post about it on her Instagram, and it did not disappoint. From the start, I appreciated Jordan’s God- and biblical-centered approach to health, addressing not just what we eat, but how we move, how our hormones function, fertility, and even the importance of community.
As someone who has adrenal fatigue, I found it so encouraging that she acknowledged this condition, which often goes misunderstood. I also resonated deeply with her discussion of how convenience, chronic stress, and demanding careers can take a toll on our health.
I picked up this book at a point in my life when my health is FAR from where I want it to be, and I’ve been especially mindful of fertility as someone who is getting married soon, worrying if my current health is irredeemable in affecting my fertility. Jordan’s words felt like exactly the encouragement I needed.
One point that really stood out to me, even if it might seem obvious to others, was how much of an impact not having a supportive community can have on your overall health. We are relational people, and isolation and loneliness impacts us more than we realize!
Good to Your Body is practical, faith-centered, and deeply empathetic, making it a book I’ll return to again and again as I continue prioritizing my health in alignment with God’s design. As I learned, It’s all about those little steps that can lead to a big difference!
As someone who has adrenal fatigue, I found it so encouraging that she acknowledged this condition, which often goes misunderstood. I also resonated deeply with her discussion of how convenience, chronic stress, and demanding careers can take a toll on our health.
I picked up this book at a point in my life when my health is FAR from where I want it to be, and I’ve been especially mindful of fertility as someone who is getting married soon, worrying if my current health is irredeemable in affecting my fertility. Jordan’s words felt like exactly the encouragement I needed.
One point that really stood out to me, even if it might seem obvious to others, was how much of an impact not having a supportive community can have on your overall health. We are relational people, and isolation and loneliness impacts us more than we realize!
Good to Your Body is practical, faith-centered, and deeply empathetic, making it a book I’ll return to again and again as I continue prioritizing my health in alignment with God’s design. As I learned, It’s all about those little steps that can lead to a big difference!
June 17, 2025
Be Good to Your Body is like a deep breath of fresh air in a world that constantly shouts at us to either hustle harder or love ourselves as is, without any room for balance or grace. Jordan Lee Dooley approaches wellness from a refreshing, faith centered perspective that cuts through the noise of diet culture, body image trends, and wellness overwhelm. As someone who has fallen prey to these, I really appreciated this book.
Instead of offering another list of “do this, not that,” Jordan walks alongside the reader, gently reminding us that our bodies aren’t projects to obsess over; they’re gifts from God meant to be cared for with intention. What I loved most is how she reframes wellness not as a vanity pursuit or something to idolize, but as an act of stewardship and worship.
She blends personal stories, biblical wisdom, and real, actionable tips into a guide that’s not only practical but deeply encouraging. Whether you’ve struggled with self-image, toxic health advice, or just feel stuck in your wellness journey, this book offers a grounded and grace filled path forward.
If you’re looking for a book that puts your physical, mental, and spiritual health in alignment, and reminds you that honoring your body is about wholeness, not perfection, then Be Good to Your Body is a thoughtful, much needed read!
Thank you to NetGalley, Jordan Lee Dooley, and WaterBrook for the eARC of this book.
Instead of offering another list of “do this, not that,” Jordan walks alongside the reader, gently reminding us that our bodies aren’t projects to obsess over; they’re gifts from God meant to be cared for with intention. What I loved most is how she reframes wellness not as a vanity pursuit or something to idolize, but as an act of stewardship and worship.
She blends personal stories, biblical wisdom, and real, actionable tips into a guide that’s not only practical but deeply encouraging. Whether you’ve struggled with self-image, toxic health advice, or just feel stuck in your wellness journey, this book offers a grounded and grace filled path forward.
If you’re looking for a book that puts your physical, mental, and spiritual health in alignment, and reminds you that honoring your body is about wholeness, not perfection, then Be Good to Your Body is a thoughtful, much needed read!
Thank you to NetGalley, Jordan Lee Dooley, and WaterBrook for the eARC of this book.
September 19, 2025
As a lifelong struggler with weight and body shame, and also a Christian woman, I lunge for every faith-based book written for me. I saw this book on another woman's iPad and did a virtual slam-the-brakes-and-u-turn. What book is this? Who wrote it? Where is it? And so, here I am.
"Be Good to Your Body" held me at arm's length. It was more academic than I expected, and didn't feature anything new or revelatory. Even the stories felt cold. "I was eleven years old when a neighbor girl told me I had thunder thighs. And I believed her." Please, Jordan....don't tell this painful story like you're reciting a grocery list. Show me! Who among us cannot relate to the ache of feeling judged and rejected for some aspect of our appearance? The eleven-year-old-girl in me wants to sit next to the eleven-year-old-girl in you and say "me too." But this book is filled with many such tossed-out, casual references that feel unrelatable. Personal stories are kept at arm's length, like being recited out of obligation. Other parts are written as "we this" and "we that," as if the author is trying to speak for, or relate to, some of us. But as mentioned, the result feels academic. Or preachy.
I wanted to like, love, and share this book; I had it in my Amazon cart to pre-order, but honestly would have returned it after the first couple chapters. Thanks to NetGalley for providing a free copy of this book to review.
"Be Good to Your Body" held me at arm's length. It was more academic than I expected, and didn't feature anything new or revelatory. Even the stories felt cold. "I was eleven years old when a neighbor girl told me I had thunder thighs. And I believed her." Please, Jordan....don't tell this painful story like you're reciting a grocery list. Show me! Who among us cannot relate to the ache of feeling judged and rejected for some aspect of our appearance? The eleven-year-old-girl in me wants to sit next to the eleven-year-old-girl in you and say "me too." But this book is filled with many such tossed-out, casual references that feel unrelatable. Personal stories are kept at arm's length, like being recited out of obligation. Other parts are written as "we this" and "we that," as if the author is trying to speak for, or relate to, some of us. But as mentioned, the result feels academic. Or preachy.
I wanted to like, love, and share this book; I had it in my Amazon cart to pre-order, but honestly would have returned it after the first couple chapters. Thanks to NetGalley for providing a free copy of this book to review.
November 17, 2025
This book was a refreshing reminder in a world that sends so many messages of diet fads, high protein, no carbs, intermittent fasting and weighted vest. And that’s just a name a few. You can’t open your social media without being bombarded with things that people do to lose weight and keep fit. And honestly, it’s overwhelming!
Jordan reminds us that it’s the simple things in life that will keep us balanced and well. Ultimately, we don’t have control of sickness and cancer etc, but we can live our best life by taking walks, slowing down, drinking water and choosing God made foods.
It’s a refreshing look at scripture and how God created us and made us perfectly, but we ultimately do so many things (i.e diets, excessive exercise) that create issues in our bodies trying to be healthy. The author gives us examples of how we can get unbalanced in being obsessed with removing toxins, and trying to make healthy choices so much that we become fearful and obsessed to the point that we are not living life well. I love how she shares from her own experiences but shows you how you can live more balanced by stepping back and choosing the simple, free things we overlook in our all or nothing attempts to live our best life.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this advance d readers copy. The opinions in this review are my own, and reflect my honest review of this book and its content.
Jordan reminds us that it’s the simple things in life that will keep us balanced and well. Ultimately, we don’t have control of sickness and cancer etc, but we can live our best life by taking walks, slowing down, drinking water and choosing God made foods.
It’s a refreshing look at scripture and how God created us and made us perfectly, but we ultimately do so many things (i.e diets, excessive exercise) that create issues in our bodies trying to be healthy. The author gives us examples of how we can get unbalanced in being obsessed with removing toxins, and trying to make healthy choices so much that we become fearful and obsessed to the point that we are not living life well. I love how she shares from her own experiences but shows you how you can live more balanced by stepping back and choosing the simple, free things we overlook in our all or nothing attempts to live our best life.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this advance d readers copy. The opinions in this review are my own, and reflect my honest review of this book and its content.
October 18, 2025
Be Good to Your Body by Jordan Lee Dooley.
This book goes much deeper than just diet and exercise, and I really appreciated that shift in perspective. The author takes a balanced approach to total well being (physical, mental, and spiritual), with lots of ideas to help you start implementing healthy changes without making it a full-time job or obsession. I loved that Dooley encourages you to drop the sense of shame, guilt, failure, and the idea that there's something "wrong" with you, and instead shifts your outlook to that of becoming a good steward of the body that God has blessed you with by getting better 1% at a time.
4/5 stars. A great biblically-based, holistic approach to wellness. This book got me back into the habit of using the Yuka app that I downloaded to my phone ages ago. Recommended for every woman out there, not just for those looking to lose weight or start a new exercise routine. While a lot of this book centered around the author's struggle with fertility, I found a lot of other valuable information in these pages for engaging in the journey of a life well-lived.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jodan Lee Dooley, and Penguin Random House Christian Publishing for the opportunity to review the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This book goes much deeper than just diet and exercise, and I really appreciated that shift in perspective. The author takes a balanced approach to total well being (physical, mental, and spiritual), with lots of ideas to help you start implementing healthy changes without making it a full-time job or obsession. I loved that Dooley encourages you to drop the sense of shame, guilt, failure, and the idea that there's something "wrong" with you, and instead shifts your outlook to that of becoming a good steward of the body that God has blessed you with by getting better 1% at a time.
4/5 stars. A great biblically-based, holistic approach to wellness. This book got me back into the habit of using the Yuka app that I downloaded to my phone ages ago. Recommended for every woman out there, not just for those looking to lose weight or start a new exercise routine. While a lot of this book centered around the author's struggle with fertility, I found a lot of other valuable information in these pages for engaging in the journey of a life well-lived.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jodan Lee Dooley, and Penguin Random House Christian Publishing for the opportunity to review the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 11, 2025
Jordan Lee Dooley delivers a thoughtful, faith-centered look at health and wellness in this book, Be Good to Your Body. Instead of chasing trends or obsessing over body image, she invites readers to see their bodies as true gifts from God. She reminds us that our bodies are worthy of care, but not to be viewed as idols to be worshiped.
Blending biblical wisdom, personal stories, and practical steps, Jordan Dooley strikes a healthy balance between rejecting diet culture and avoiding neglect under the banner of self-love. Her approach feels compassionate, relatable, and actionable. Each chapter ends with a prayer and practical steps to implement which I found helpful and encouraging.
I found myself reading through my Bible and taking notes as I journeyed through this book. Overall this felt like a returning to home for me, reminding me to not fear or reject my body, but to listen, take notice, and stay grounded in Christ. This book is an encouraging, grace-filled guide for anyone tired of the conflicting wellness advice.
Blending biblical wisdom, personal stories, and practical steps, Jordan Dooley strikes a healthy balance between rejecting diet culture and avoiding neglect under the banner of self-love. Her approach feels compassionate, relatable, and actionable. Each chapter ends with a prayer and practical steps to implement which I found helpful and encouraging.
I found myself reading through my Bible and taking notes as I journeyed through this book. Overall this felt like a returning to home for me, reminding me to not fear or reject my body, but to listen, take notice, and stay grounded in Christ. This book is an encouraging, grace-filled guide for anyone tired of the conflicting wellness advice.
October 3, 2025
This book came at the perfect time for me. A time when I was grappling with a deep mistrust of own body. Jordan’s words brought me to tears multiple times and gave me so much to think about and work through. Something I love about her is that she has done her research and she pour her heart into her words. This book was no exception.
In her newest book she explored the notion of being good to the body that the Lord has given you. I wrote down the quote “your body needs to be supported, not fixed”. It was one of a few quotes that I have saved from this book to speak life over my body when mind can’t come up with kind words to say.
There are some hard truths in this book and Jordan doesn’t shy away from challenging you to better your life. I think everyone needs to get a copy of this book because her words are impactful. I cannot recommend this to you enough.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC
In her newest book she explored the notion of being good to the body that the Lord has given you. I wrote down the quote “your body needs to be supported, not fixed”. It was one of a few quotes that I have saved from this book to speak life over my body when mind can’t come up with kind words to say.
There are some hard truths in this book and Jordan doesn’t shy away from challenging you to better your life. I think everyone needs to get a copy of this book because her words are impactful. I cannot recommend this to you enough.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC
January 22, 2026
2.5 ⭐️
Be Good to Your Body presents a compelling and well-intentioned premise, encouraging readers to care for their physical health as part of a holistic life. I appreciated the heart behind the book and the author’s evident thoughtfulness in trying to bridge wellness and faith.
That said, the execution ultimately falls short. The theological framework often feels underdeveloped, with Scripture at times misused or oversimplified in ways that undermine its depth and context. Similarly, much of the wellness guidance remains fairly surface-level and may not resonate with readers who have a solid foundation in medical or health knowledge.
Overall, while the concept is admirable, the book may be best suited for readers who are newer to both faith-based discussions and wellness topics, rather than those seeking nuanced theology or evidence-informed health insight. Additionally, the frequent repetition across chapters made the book challenging to stay engaged with.
Be Good to Your Body presents a compelling and well-intentioned premise, encouraging readers to care for their physical health as part of a holistic life. I appreciated the heart behind the book and the author’s evident thoughtfulness in trying to bridge wellness and faith.
That said, the execution ultimately falls short. The theological framework often feels underdeveloped, with Scripture at times misused or oversimplified in ways that undermine its depth and context. Similarly, much of the wellness guidance remains fairly surface-level and may not resonate with readers who have a solid foundation in medical or health knowledge.
Overall, while the concept is admirable, the book may be best suited for readers who are newer to both faith-based discussions and wellness topics, rather than those seeking nuanced theology or evidence-informed health insight. Additionally, the frequent repetition across chapters made the book challenging to stay engaged with.
July 3, 2025
Jordan Lee Dooley is a faith-based influencer who has come across my Instagram feed before, so I was interested to read what she had to say about body image. Her latest book is titled, "Be Good to Your Body: Getting Back to God's Design in a World of Wellness Trends, Quick Fixes, and Conflicting Health Advice." Dooley is at her best when she defines the key factors that have influenced our thoughts on well-being: convenience, cultural beauty standards, conflicting health advice, corporations and chemicals, and careers. I appreciated how she strives to help her readers reframe the way they think about their bodies.
I didn't really enjoy the portions of the book referring to using our bodies as good stewards, and I don't know that there was anything in this book that was new or groundbreaking but it was well written. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I didn't really enjoy the portions of the book referring to using our bodies as good stewards, and I don't know that there was anything in this book that was new or groundbreaking but it was well written. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
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