Food, Faith, and Fasting: A Sacred Journey to Better Health

by Rita Madden

Nutritional expert Rita Madden expands on her popular podcast to help us eat in a way that is healthful for both our bodies and our souls—in times of fasting, feasting, and the ordinary days in between.

Genres: Health, Faith, Nonfiction, Christianity

264 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2015

Reviews

[Jane G Meyer]

Not only is this book filled with helpful information and spiritual inspiration, her podcasts and talks are tremendous. Such an uplifting, knowledgeable person!

[Alex of Yoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book! Don't let the title fool you; it's about way more than just fasting.

Written by a nutritionist, this book blends food science, psychology, and ancient Christian tradition into a very practical workbook designed to help you achieve both better health and communion with God. It's truly holistic: physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being are all discussed in depth. Each chapter is divided into bite-sized "lessons" complete with an "assignment" to help you turn theory into practice. It covers everything from what, when, and how you eat to exercise to the ways and benefits (both physical and spiritual!) of Orthodox fasting to prayer to stress control and almsgiving. The chapters are easy to read, full of well-researched information, and the tone is encouraging rather than shaming. Each "assignment" is easy to do, and by the end of the book you will hopefully find yourself living a healthier life simply by implementing the tiny step-by-step suggestions as you read. The chapter segments can easily be read one-a-day and only take a minute or two to complete. The nutrition guidelines especially help shed light on the often confusing world of American food production and diet plans. It's simple, straightforward, practical, and enlightening. We've already been able to make big changes to our eating habits thanks to this book! It's just the sort of guidance we'd been looking for, in that regard. The book is definitely written from an Orthodox Christian point of view, but I think anyone with Christian roots will benefit from it.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book and worth the read, I enjoyed it. I am not technically an Orthodox Christian, but I am interested, maybe an aspiring Orthodox Christian. I liked the frequent references to Tradition and the many quotes of the Fathers. What I most took away from this book is to connect eating with communing with God. Eating is a sacred act, an opportunity to grow with God. Somewhere on the journey, I had forgotten this. I will likely go back and read this again and work through the exercises, which I did not do this time around. I recommend this book, especially if you are working on establishing a healthy lifestyle.

[Amanda Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed going through this book and plan to revisit it often. She sets the stage so well for a healthy understanding of food and the sacredness of meals as a way we commune with the divine. The larger portion of her book is dedicated to this. Then she sets a beautiful framework for fasting from the Orthodox traditions. She also looks at exercise, stress, prayer, so many good points throughout. Such helpful ideas of ways to grow, but nothing overly prescriptive. A lot of grace to begin where you are and make small changes as you are led.

[Bethlehem · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautifully written book. Finished it within the span of three days. I plan on reading it again and doing the exercises. I really really recommend you give it a try. Good for orthodox and non orthodox Christians.

[w gall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very practical; also, the author expresses herself in a way that makes the book interesting rather than tedious, which books with this much detail often are. She covers the material from many different angles. A holistic approach.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holistic, practical, faith-centered, and based in good nutrition, this book is fantastic. I felt it was very grounded and realistic, encouraging, and actually helpful.

This is not a fad-diet book (thank God). I recommend it to all.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential read if you're Orthodox and interested in nutrition. Very grateful that I was recommended this book. I'll return to it many times in the years to come.

[Husky Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I feel like it has great examples and suggestions to follow

[Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I'm using for my Mayo/Portico healthy living exercise this year.