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Breaking the Stronghold of Food: How We Conquered Food Addictions and Discovered a New Way of Living
Are you sick and tired of being overweight?
Are you fighting a losing battle with your waistline and eating yourself into the grave?
Have you had it with feeling drained, discouraged, and run down because of obesity but find yourself enslaved to unhealthy eating habits?
Are you convinced that God has a better way, but you simply can’t break through?
In their first-ever jointly authored book, Michael and Nancy Brown share the inspiring, practical, and humorous story of their own journey from obesity to vibrant health. If you want to break free from the stronghold of food and discover a wonderful new way of life, this book will show you the way.
Are you fighting a losing battle with your waistline and eating yourself into the grave?
Have you had it with feeling drained, discouraged, and run down because of obesity but find yourself enslaved to unhealthy eating habits?
Are you convinced that God has a better way, but you simply can’t break through?
In their first-ever jointly authored book, Michael and Nancy Brown share the inspiring, practical, and humorous story of their own journey from obesity to vibrant health. If you want to break free from the stronghold of food and discover a wonderful new way of life, this book will show you the way.
224 pages, Paperback
Published January 3, 2017
206 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
About the author
Michael L. Brown
142 books192 followersMichael L. Brown (born March 16, 1955) is a Messianic Jewish Old Testament scholar, professor, activist, itinerant speaker, and author who has preached in numerous countries and written twenty books. He is the founder and president of ICN Ministries. His writings have been translated into more than a dozen languages. He was married to Nancy Gurian on March 14, 1976 and they have two daughters, Jennifer and Megan, and four grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 12, 2017
I read Dr. Brown's daily column and have come to respect what he has to say. When I saw that he and his wife had written a book on conquering food addictions, I knew I had to read it. I have long recognized that gluttony is my besetting sin and have tried to conquer it for years.
Strangely, as Dr. Brown points out in the book, Christians in general don't look on gluttony/obesity as a sin. I realize that not everyone who is obese or overweight is a glutton, but many of us are. Years ago, in a Sunday School class I confessed that gluttony is my besetting sin. After the class, the priest who taught the class took me aside and told me that just because I was overweight (actually I was obese but he didn't acknowledge that) didn't mean I was a glutton. There were many reasons that people were overweight. Yes, I know that and I acknowledge it. However, I also know that it is sinful when I eat more than I should or when I eat things that are not good for my body. I have diabetes and should never eat sweets but over the holidays I not only indulged in sweets, I overindulged.
Recently, a Christian friend started a conversation on Facebook asking us to share our besetting sins so we could encourage and help each other overcome. I posted that my besetting sin is obvious to anyone who sees how fat I am; it is gluttony. The next week at church, this friend took me aside and told me I shouldn't have said that because my fat didn't mean I was a glutton. These people meant well and intended to be kind, but it isn't a kindness to say sin isn't sin.
This book is very candid in calling food addictions and overeating sin. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and instead of treating those temples with honor and care, many of us abuse our temples with too much food, especially food that is harmful to us. If we are sinning in this way, we need to repent and turn away, just like any other kind of sin.
I have been careful about what I eat for the last couple of years, and my health has improved as a result. But I reverted to my old ways during the recent holiday season. Now I'm re-committed to a healthy lifestyle, especially in my eating habits. Not only will healthy eating improve my physical health, it will improve my spiritual health.
Strangely, as Dr. Brown points out in the book, Christians in general don't look on gluttony/obesity as a sin. I realize that not everyone who is obese or overweight is a glutton, but many of us are. Years ago, in a Sunday School class I confessed that gluttony is my besetting sin. After the class, the priest who taught the class took me aside and told me that just because I was overweight (actually I was obese but he didn't acknowledge that) didn't mean I was a glutton. There were many reasons that people were overweight. Yes, I know that and I acknowledge it. However, I also know that it is sinful when I eat more than I should or when I eat things that are not good for my body. I have diabetes and should never eat sweets but over the holidays I not only indulged in sweets, I overindulged.
Recently, a Christian friend started a conversation on Facebook asking us to share our besetting sins so we could encourage and help each other overcome. I posted that my besetting sin is obvious to anyone who sees how fat I am; it is gluttony. The next week at church, this friend took me aside and told me I shouldn't have said that because my fat didn't mean I was a glutton. These people meant well and intended to be kind, but it isn't a kindness to say sin isn't sin.
This book is very candid in calling food addictions and overeating sin. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and instead of treating those temples with honor and care, many of us abuse our temples with too much food, especially food that is harmful to us. If we are sinning in this way, we need to repent and turn away, just like any other kind of sin.
I have been careful about what I eat for the last couple of years, and my health has improved as a result. But I reverted to my old ways during the recent holiday season. Now I'm re-committed to a healthy lifestyle, especially in my eating habits. Not only will healthy eating improve my physical health, it will improve my spiritual health.
June 3, 2017
This was a good and timely book for me, coinciding almost exactly with (actually lagging about 1 month behind) an entirely different set of circumstances that led me to pursue a fairly radically different dietary lifestyle. I lost 25 pounds in 2 1/2 months following the Whole30 diet fairly strictly, and have not gained it back in several months since being off that diet. My goal is to be a little more strict, and try to loose another 15-25 more. Previously, It had been 4-5 years in which my weight had not gone up or down more than about 10 pounds, no matter what I tried.
I'm not an advocate of the specific diet Michael Brown recommends, though I'm thrilled by the story of his success. Well done, Dr. Brown.
I've had a lot of respect for Dr. Brown for some time now for the podcasts of his radio ministry and his interactions with men like James White, whose ministry I similarly am blessed by, and John MacArthur, who is one of the men who most influenced my development as a Christian. As different as these men may be on Calvinism or Charismatic doctrine, they are very much alike in their esteem of and submission to the Word of God, their Evangelical and conservative commitments, and their consistently Biblical ministry to the the church, to those who hate the church, and everyone in between.
Dr. Brown brings that Christian worldview and an generous helping of Scripture into consideration in this book. He (rightly) views our eating habits as an arena where sin and holiness, spiritual defeat and spiritual victory can be played out. He encourages the reader toward the wisdom praised in the book of Proverbs, where in one considers the end of a matter (in this case, the long term effects of bad health from eating unhealthy food that is set before us); the fool is characterized by seeing only the immediate benefit (the pleasure of eating unhealthy foods). He also has a great chapter engaging the excuses we make, some of which seem a little too familiar to me.
I am encouraged and challenged by Dr Brown and his wife, and am thankful to them for this book.
I'm not an advocate of the specific diet Michael Brown recommends, though I'm thrilled by the story of his success. Well done, Dr. Brown.
I've had a lot of respect for Dr. Brown for some time now for the podcasts of his radio ministry and his interactions with men like James White, whose ministry I similarly am blessed by, and John MacArthur, who is one of the men who most influenced my development as a Christian. As different as these men may be on Calvinism or Charismatic doctrine, they are very much alike in their esteem of and submission to the Word of God, their Evangelical and conservative commitments, and their consistently Biblical ministry to the the church, to those who hate the church, and everyone in between.
Dr. Brown brings that Christian worldview and an generous helping of Scripture into consideration in this book. He (rightly) views our eating habits as an arena where sin and holiness, spiritual defeat and spiritual victory can be played out. He encourages the reader toward the wisdom praised in the book of Proverbs, where in one considers the end of a matter (in this case, the long term effects of bad health from eating unhealthy food that is set before us); the fool is characterized by seeing only the immediate benefit (the pleasure of eating unhealthy foods). He also has a great chapter engaging the excuses we make, some of which seem a little too familiar to me.
I am encouraged and challenged by Dr Brown and his wife, and am thankful to them for this book.
January 28, 2017
This is a book about two peoples journey of weight loss and how they think you can do it- and they call you fat and overweight throughout the book - pretty much that is the whole book - their story about their weight loss and not a lot of help on how to get you to lose and telling you that if you eat this way or that way you are weak or this name or that name and your are overweight and fat, but we are not and this is our story - it doesn't go into detail step by step on how to lose the weight - you need to exercise - well - yeah - our doctors tell us this already - don't need to spend the money to have someone tell us this without telling us how exactly to lose the many many pounds. I received a copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 31, 2021
This book offers little real help for people struggling with food addictions. The author shames people into an "all or nothing" approach and calls over eating a sin. The result is shame which only adds to the problem if you truly have a food addiction.
The author admits he doesn't even know much about nutrition and has his wife plan all of his meals for him. He even has her pack frozen meals for him and ship them when he travels. How this guy passes for an expert is beyond me.
The underlying disrespect for his wife also made the book hard to read. Though they wrote it together, their names are not even equal on the cover and she merely chimes in to echo what he has already said.
The author admits he doesn't even know much about nutrition and has his wife plan all of his meals for him. He even has her pack frozen meals for him and ship them when he travels. How this guy passes for an expert is beyond me.
The underlying disrespect for his wife also made the book hard to read. Though they wrote it together, their names are not even equal on the cover and she merely chimes in to echo what he has already said.
April 8, 2019
I enjoyed this book, new thoughts on seeing food as a stronghold, and breaking that need to eat and eat well instead. Now for putting it into action!
May 16, 2020
This has been a difficult read for me. I normally really enjoy nutrition/diet books. But this one caught me by surprise. I am a definite advocate for nutrition and for discipline in my diet,
but this was a complete shift to depending on God for help in eliminating ALL unhealthy food, forever.
I finally came around to understand the value for - some people. I know some who are completely addicted and cannot stop eating, regardless of what it's doing to their body. I don't judge them, I just don't get it. How/why they do it. I know about enjoying food and loving dessert. But I can't say that I need to repent each time I have dessert. Portion control mostly works for me and I LOVE healthy food also. I consider myself a "flexitarian". I can go without meat for a stretch of time. But I like it occasionally. And I think eggs are good for me, I enjoy cheese and ice cream sometimes. So I don't think the TOTAL PLANT BASED LIFESTYLE is for me. Not to mention the man I love is totally into meat, dairy and sugar. He's not aware of any consequences of his choices so there's no motivation for him to change. This plan would be easier for someone who lives alone.
I do depend on divine assistance to help me with all my choices in life. I admit that portion control is difficult. 1/2 cup of ice cream? that's sad. Especially during this difficult, stressful period of pandemic/stay home more, time in our lives.
This book and the philosophy is perfect for the authors who were previously obese. I can't relate to that so the methods are just too extreme for me. I admire their strength and it's worked for them, so I know it would work for others.
but this was a complete shift to depending on God for help in eliminating ALL unhealthy food, forever.
I finally came around to understand the value for - some people. I know some who are completely addicted and cannot stop eating, regardless of what it's doing to their body. I don't judge them, I just don't get it. How/why they do it. I know about enjoying food and loving dessert. But I can't say that I need to repent each time I have dessert. Portion control mostly works for me and I LOVE healthy food also. I consider myself a "flexitarian". I can go without meat for a stretch of time. But I like it occasionally. And I think eggs are good for me, I enjoy cheese and ice cream sometimes. So I don't think the TOTAL PLANT BASED LIFESTYLE is for me. Not to mention the man I love is totally into meat, dairy and sugar. He's not aware of any consequences of his choices so there's no motivation for him to change. This plan would be easier for someone who lives alone.
I do depend on divine assistance to help me with all my choices in life. I admit that portion control is difficult. 1/2 cup of ice cream? that's sad. Especially during this difficult, stressful period of pandemic/stay home more, time in our lives.
This book and the philosophy is perfect for the authors who were previously obese. I can't relate to that so the methods are just too extreme for me. I admire their strength and it's worked for them, so I know it would work for others.
August 9, 2017
Not one of the best books on controlling eating and weight loss. Brown and his wife, Nancy, approach the issue of overeating and weight loss from a moral point of view. While I do not necessarily disagree with Brown's conclusions, I almost wish his wife, who was far more practical in her sections, had written this book. Brown took up at least 4/5 of the book laying down a theological argument that overeating - gluttony - is a sin. Could have been done in one paragraph. I found myself wanting to read more on the specifics of what he and Nancy were doing to live a healthy lifestyle - but those insights were rare.
February 10, 2017
I'm confused by all of these glowing reviews. This book was just a mess. The writing was repetitive and cheesy, the authors relied heavily on fat stereotypes, and although random references to health were made throughout the book, the main concern seemed to be on weight loss for vanity's sake. I'm not sure if either of these authors have any real knowledge or authority on matters of weight loss, and I can't really see anybody getting anything particularly inspiring from this book.
Spoiler alert: eat healthy, exercise, and pray to God to help you stop being fat.
Two big, fat thumbs down.
Spoiler alert: eat healthy, exercise, and pray to God to help you stop being fat.
Two big, fat thumbs down.
February 20, 2017
New life
I love the simplicity and straightforward talk, when it comes to our bad eating habits and the steps needed to overcome our addiction to foods. It's truly a spiritual battle to win the war against obesity. Thank you again, and I will recommend this book to anyone.
I love the simplicity and straightforward talk, when it comes to our bad eating habits and the steps needed to overcome our addiction to foods. It's truly a spiritual battle to win the war against obesity. Thank you again, and I will recommend this book to anyone.
May 17, 2024
Great book
This book really helped me and ministered to me. They brought in the
addiction and bondage to food and that really helped me. I was so glad I read this book.
I've lost 15 pounds since April 16
This book really helped me and ministered to me. They brought in the
addiction and bondage to food and that really helped me. I was so glad I read this book.
I've lost 15 pounds since April 16
January 16, 2025
My mom read this book and felt convicted by it, so she insisted I read it, too. It did have some interesting views, but, despite the Christian messaging, the author (and his wife who chimes in throughout the book) came off a little condescending and shallow to me. The book basically conveys that old saying “Nothing tastes as good as being skinny feels,” without actually using that quote.
Their radical diet change also doesn’t seem very sustainable to me (or needed for everyone), but doing anything less is sinful. While I can agree that my eating habits really need to change - and I’ve started to make some big changes - I don’t believe I need to live the rest of my life without ever having another piece of pizza. However, maybe I could if I had a spouse that literally made all of my food for me like Nancy does for Michael.
If you’re a yo-yo dieter and looking to make a permanent change, you might find this book helpful (or maybe the resources they refer to, as the book itself doesn’t really get into nutrition).
Their radical diet change also doesn’t seem very sustainable to me (or needed for everyone), but doing anything less is sinful. While I can agree that my eating habits really need to change - and I’ve started to make some big changes - I don’t believe I need to live the rest of my life without ever having another piece of pizza. However, maybe I could if I had a spouse that literally made all of my food for me like Nancy does for Michael.
If you’re a yo-yo dieter and looking to make a permanent change, you might find this book helpful (or maybe the resources they refer to, as the book itself doesn’t really get into nutrition).
March 8, 2017
When I first picked up this book I quite honestly wasn't sure what to expect. This is not a book about any particular diet but more about the journey Michael Brown took to realize his unhealthy relationship with food and how, with the help of his wife Nancy, he has broken this stronghold in his life and has had victory over his addiction. Nancy expresses her opinion throughout the book which I really enjoyed. It's nice to get a woman's perspective on her husband's journey and she even shares her own story about breaking her personal food addiction at the end of the book.
Throughout the book, Michael Brown references Dr. Joel Fuhrman and his books The End of Dieting and Eat to Live. If you are wanting to know more about plan that Michael and Nancy followed to lose weight and gain control of their addictions you should check out both of these resources. Breaking the Stronghold of Food is more about their personal testimonies as well as the spiritual aspect of food and how it can become more than just a way to sustain life.
At the end of each chapter they have Questions for Reflection which helps you grasp a deeper understanding about what was discussed in that particular chapter and helps you as you begin your own journey to discovery. The last chapter also has several recommendations to help you start your pilgrimage to breaking your bondage with food.
This book is very well written and I enjoyed reading about Michael and Nancy's journeys but I must be honest, I was hoping for more. Many of the tips shared in the book are the same old tips that you read in almost every diet/weight loss book or blog. I did enjoy the Biblical references which is a reminder to myself that God must be a big part of my weight loss story but other than that it was just one couple's weight loss journey by faith.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Throughout the book, Michael Brown references Dr. Joel Fuhrman and his books The End of Dieting and Eat to Live. If you are wanting to know more about plan that Michael and Nancy followed to lose weight and gain control of their addictions you should check out both of these resources. Breaking the Stronghold of Food is more about their personal testimonies as well as the spiritual aspect of food and how it can become more than just a way to sustain life.
At the end of each chapter they have Questions for Reflection which helps you grasp a deeper understanding about what was discussed in that particular chapter and helps you as you begin your own journey to discovery. The last chapter also has several recommendations to help you start your pilgrimage to breaking your bondage with food.
This book is very well written and I enjoyed reading about Michael and Nancy's journeys but I must be honest, I was hoping for more. Many of the tips shared in the book are the same old tips that you read in almost every diet/weight loss book or blog. I did enjoy the Biblical references which is a reminder to myself that God must be a big part of my weight loss story but other than that it was just one couple's weight loss journey by faith.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
January 3, 2022
I am a nervous eater and have a desk job so I struggle with healthy living. This book was a little too religious for me. I am very religious but when we just make blanket “God will give you strength” statements I feel like we miss out on the power of James 2:26. The practical advice wasn’t impactful enough. I think a book on addiction recovery would be more useful. If you need a spiritual motivator then give it a try.
November 25, 2019
I do not smoke, drink, but I am addicted to sugar. It will be worse than heroin to break.
I am addicted. I do not think I can survive this. I need to lose this addiction. I need to lose everything.
I am addicted. I do not think I can survive this. I need to lose this addiction. I need to lose everything.
June 12, 2023
I have very mixed feelings about this book. As noted in the other reviews, it is written from a religious point of view. I am an atheist, but I didn't see this as a reason not to read this book. I was amused by the author's comments that if "non-believers" have been able to do this, you'll be even better at it because God is helping you!
I also realized while reading I also have a lot more experience than most with nutrition and healthy eating. However, there's always room for improvement, which is why I sought this out. I grew up in a home where my mom made every meal from scratch and we had a vegetable garden. I took an excellent nutrition class in college. At some point, I saw a documentary on Dr. Roy Wolford, Biosphere 2, and calorie restriction/optimal nutrition. In late 2011/early 2012, I read bodybuilding nutrition books, and started tracking my nutrition and calories daily for several months. I experimented with healthy meals, would enter my food and then check where I was low on the nutrition, enter it into my excel spreadsheet and research foods (nutrition and calories from the USDA database) to figure out which were the most nutritious and lowest in calories. The research and recording ended up taking me about 4 hours a day. I got my nutrition up to about 97% per day, which you can't really do without tracking it.
I've kept up that eating plan for the most part over the last 10+ years. I say all of this because I went into reading this book with quite a bit of knowledge on nutrition, and I was looking for something else out of this book, which offers little info on nutrition and specific foods to eat. My current problem is eating too much junk food and treats (while mostly maintaining my nutrition level), and I eat those things for pleasure and comfort.
A couple of years ago, I had gotten to a point where I wasn't regularly eating any junk or candy and I was happy with it. I happily tossed out the leftover candy I'd bought for trick-or-treaters. Then, I got invited to a Christmas cookie exchange, and once I'd made those favorites, I had to keep and eat some, and it triggered months of overeating chocolate, cookies, and other treats. Ever since, I've been struggling on and off to cut down on those things.
I agree with another reviewer that the wife probably should have written this book instead of the husband, since she seemed to have a lot more to offer and was a lot more practical. I felt the husband's approach to eating was shaming, and I found the portrayal of women as tempting seductresses (readily available outside objects rather than fully human individuals) offensive. I also found the section with the Bible quotations boring.
With all of that said, I really liked the theme of completely cutting out certain unhealthy foods and not just eating them in moderation ("just enough to keep those addictions alive"). I have completely cut out certain foods over the years, and it might seem silly but it never occurred to me to completely cut out things like chocolate, cake, dessert, etc. I never drink alcohol, do drugs, or eat breakfast cereal (lol), so I do believe now it's possible to cut out these things as well.
I'd always subscribed to a "cheat day" philosophy for food, but I have a difficult time drawing the line and getting back on track the next day, so this idea has given me a lot of food for thought. I do think it is going to be life-changing for me. I would recommend this book for anyone who is having a hard time saying no to tempting foods who doesn't need info on nutrition or help with what foods to eat.
I also realized while reading I also have a lot more experience than most with nutrition and healthy eating. However, there's always room for improvement, which is why I sought this out. I grew up in a home where my mom made every meal from scratch and we had a vegetable garden. I took an excellent nutrition class in college. At some point, I saw a documentary on Dr. Roy Wolford, Biosphere 2, and calorie restriction/optimal nutrition. In late 2011/early 2012, I read bodybuilding nutrition books, and started tracking my nutrition and calories daily for several months. I experimented with healthy meals, would enter my food and then check where I was low on the nutrition, enter it into my excel spreadsheet and research foods (nutrition and calories from the USDA database) to figure out which were the most nutritious and lowest in calories. The research and recording ended up taking me about 4 hours a day. I got my nutrition up to about 97% per day, which you can't really do without tracking it.
I've kept up that eating plan for the most part over the last 10+ years. I say all of this because I went into reading this book with quite a bit of knowledge on nutrition, and I was looking for something else out of this book, which offers little info on nutrition and specific foods to eat. My current problem is eating too much junk food and treats (while mostly maintaining my nutrition level), and I eat those things for pleasure and comfort.
A couple of years ago, I had gotten to a point where I wasn't regularly eating any junk or candy and I was happy with it. I happily tossed out the leftover candy I'd bought for trick-or-treaters. Then, I got invited to a Christmas cookie exchange, and once I'd made those favorites, I had to keep and eat some, and it triggered months of overeating chocolate, cookies, and other treats. Ever since, I've been struggling on and off to cut down on those things.
I agree with another reviewer that the wife probably should have written this book instead of the husband, since she seemed to have a lot more to offer and was a lot more practical. I felt the husband's approach to eating was shaming, and I found the portrayal of women as tempting seductresses (readily available outside objects rather than fully human individuals) offensive. I also found the section with the Bible quotations boring.
With all of that said, I really liked the theme of completely cutting out certain unhealthy foods and not just eating them in moderation ("just enough to keep those addictions alive"). I have completely cut out certain foods over the years, and it might seem silly but it never occurred to me to completely cut out things like chocolate, cake, dessert, etc. I never drink alcohol, do drugs, or eat breakfast cereal (lol), so I do believe now it's possible to cut out these things as well.
I'd always subscribed to a "cheat day" philosophy for food, but I have a difficult time drawing the line and getting back on track the next day, so this idea has given me a lot of food for thought. I do think it is going to be life-changing for me. I would recommend this book for anyone who is having a hard time saying no to tempting foods who doesn't need info on nutrition or help with what foods to eat.
February 22, 2019
The first thing to know is that author Michael L. Brown is in Christian ministry. The Christian language is so heavily used in this book that it could be a series of sermons. Also, understand that addiction here is used only in a generic sense of a behavior which is hard to break, not in a clinical sense. Next, despite the subtitle, the book has very little about *how* to break a food addiction. It primarily urges the reader over and over to switch to a healthy diet. It may be helpful for a person needing some motivation and/or being talked into eating healthy. (They share their diet—based on Dr. Joel Fuhrman's work—in the last chapter, and Michael's wife, who comments throughout the book, share some specific tips in an appendix.)
The book reads like an infomercial. Brown stresses how he couldn't / wouldn't eat healthy for decades. This is in attempt to convince the reader that if he can do it, anyone can. But it is confusing in that after he insists how difficult it was for him to change his diet, he claims to have broken his food addiction in three days and be over cravings after only a few weeks. The main reason he shares behind this is that God helped him. Practically speaking however, it seems there were three keys. First, he got to the end of his rope; he admitted his powerlessness and willingness to follow a "high power" in this area. The higher power in his case was his wife, who took complete control over his diet as he began to eat healthy. Third, he and his wife made a 100%, no compromises commitment to healthy eating. This might be the key insight in the book. It's easier to consistently abstain from unhealthy food than it is to "cheat" in moderation.
The book reads like an infomercial. Brown stresses how he couldn't / wouldn't eat healthy for decades. This is in attempt to convince the reader that if he can do it, anyone can. But it is confusing in that after he insists how difficult it was for him to change his diet, he claims to have broken his food addiction in three days and be over cravings after only a few weeks. The main reason he shares behind this is that God helped him. Practically speaking however, it seems there were three keys. First, he got to the end of his rope; he admitted his powerlessness and willingness to follow a "high power" in this area. The higher power in his case was his wife, who took complete control over his diet as he began to eat healthy. Third, he and his wife made a 100%, no compromises commitment to healthy eating. This might be the key insight in the book. It's easier to consistently abstain from unhealthy food than it is to "cheat" in moderation.
July 4, 2017
I appreciate the goal of this book but if you are looking for something profound and humble, I would not recommend. I got about half way through and felt that this book was a lot of common sense/common facts that anyone who has tried different diets and/or researched this subject before would know. Additionally, multiple parts felt boastful of the author. I was hoping the book would offer something more, so I continued to read to the end. Although I am a very forward and self aware person, I do see how this book could be offensive or condemning to some, with the word "fat" being used a lot in several contexts throughout the book. Not a healthy self image to create or encourage, especially if someone has struggled with positive self image which can be assumed with many reading this book.
December 22, 2017
"My physical appearance now matches the way I have lived for decades - sold out to the Lord, living a Jesus-centered, counter-cultural lifestyle, saying no to the flesh and yes to God." This is what the author writes about his changed eating habits, and if you would like to say the same, then you might find this book helpful. It is a biblical look at food that brings eating habits under the Lordship of Jesus. The author makes the point that as Christians we don't watch whatever we want, go wherever we want, listen to whatever we want, but we often feel we deserve to eat whatever we want. Challenging!
February 2, 2022
Convicting yet inspiring
I chose this book to read because I know Dr. Michael Brown as an excellent teacher and he knows his stuff!
I also chose this book because he had the same issues with food addiction. With his background coming from drug addiction, he definitely knows the bondage of addiction.
It's very eye opening and revealing and will challenge you to look at food in a different light. It has brought a lot to my attention so I can deal with the root cause and break free from food addiction.
I chose this book to read because I know Dr. Michael Brown as an excellent teacher and he knows his stuff!
I also chose this book because he had the same issues with food addiction. With his background coming from drug addiction, he definitely knows the bondage of addiction.
It's very eye opening and revealing and will challenge you to look at food in a different light. It has brought a lot to my attention so I can deal with the root cause and break free from food addiction.
November 12, 2020
I liked reading this book Michael & Nancy share their weight loss story & write about their faith in God along the way. The way to success is depending on God! I do depend on God to help me with all my choices in life. I need him all the time because It's very challenging to portion control and avoid those tempting foods. I am an omnivore so my challenge is going to be portion control & everything in moderation. Help me Lord.
October 7, 2023
FOOD! --We eat to sustain the body but the senses have taken over and we look towards the taste .
So in food as in everything there should be a sense of purpose--there should be an objective so that our life takes us to a logical conclusion BUT we've given into the senses and the senses and when we surrender our logic to the unreasoning senses they take us to disease , high doctor's bills, a lower quality of life and early death.
So in food as in everything there should be a sense of purpose--there should be an objective so that our life takes us to a logical conclusion BUT we've given into the senses and the senses and when we surrender our logic to the unreasoning senses they take us to disease , high doctor's bills, a lower quality of life and early death.
September 2, 2024
Horrible and useless book. No actual information to help you break food addiction. Just a creepy old man and his obedient wife shoving the Bible and Christian guilt down your throat. Nags about facts we already know (how being overweight is not healthy and can lead to shortened life). Had his wife cook him everything and the hotels he often go to provide healthy foods for him. The gist of the book: “Just eat better or God will hate you.” Bla. Glad this trash was free on audible.
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September 7, 2019This book gave a great new perspective on our reationship with food and the connection between that and our spiritual health. It could have done with more information and less preaching, though. As always with Michael Brown, I enjoy his fervor and great perspective. I just usually walk away feeling like I wanted more information.
August 21, 2017
An interesting read-- I'm not sure I'm as hard core as Dr. and Mrs. Brown are in their dietary assertions and restrictions, but this dual testimony is a powerful reminder that with God's strength, as well as with our own choices of obedience, we can live healthier lifestyles.
January 8, 2018
Very motivational book
This book emphasized the spiritual side of food addiction. I like the fact that this author did not come at this topic from a scientific or nutritional point of you.
This book emphasized the spiritual side of food addiction. I like the fact that this author did not come at this topic from a scientific or nutritional point of you.
January 22, 2019
Good and would like to re-read. Felt slightly bloated (!) and long towards the end, and perhaps overstates what was true for him (complete abstinence) as a way of life for all. He does say that that was only true for him, but then uses it as a theological foundation in later chapters.
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February 24, 2019I’d give this 3.5stars. Great book. Not everything was for me but that’s fine. Take what’s helpful, chew on the rest and leave what wasn’t for you. Helped me think about things differently. Recommend reading.
July 14, 2019
She opening & encouraging!
Great book for those of us who love food but not the weight. This book is an incentive & will help you to make better choices, drop the lake excuses & get healthy. Love that they use scripture.
Great book for those of us who love food but not the weight. This book is an incentive & will help you to make better choices, drop the lake excuses & get healthy. Love that they use scripture.
May 30, 2021
Fantastic book. I felt like I was having a personal visit with the authors who spoke from their hearts. I thoroughly enjoyed it, was inspired by it, am following up with a book they recommended and will probably go back and read it again.
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