Rhona Epstein, Psy. D., CAC, is not only a licensed psychologist, certified addictions counselor and marriage and family therapist, she has personally experienced recovery from food addiction. Dr. Epstein received her doctorate in clinical psychology from Chestnut Hill College and has been helping individuals find freedom over food addiction for the past 25 years. Dr. Epstein practices counseling in the western suburbs of Philadelphia. She is a much sought after conference speaker.
I was given an advanced reader's copy of Food Triggers written by Rhona Epstein in exchange for a honest review and a commitment to NetGalley and Worthy Publishing to post it. This book was like wow! It was truly an eye opener to me. I never realized how my past had anything to do with my ‘style’ of eating… of over eating and of foods (triggers) that cause me to overeat. I did realize that diet alone cannot help me maintain a weight loss; however, I never gave a thought to who could help me. Never thought that I could drag… (heavens!) drag God into it. As I kept reading I found my mouth just hanging open, that God really does care about how I feel towards my self image.
Food Triggers is a good book to dig into and come away with an understanding of food triggers and how they cause us to go on binges. It teaches how we can overcome these triggers and how we cannot do it alone. With strengthening our faith in our Heavenly Father and support from our friends and family we can change our outlook on food and learn that food doesn't have to control us. That it doesn't have to be on our mind every waking minute of the day.
If I had to choose my favorite parts of the book they would include a few statements that I've learned will help me. “Size and weight are not the measures of success.” Another would be, “No amount of self-abuse will fix your body.
A passage stating: ‘you go from a sliver to a slice to a slab to a slob’ was very hard for me to read, probably because it is so true. It is easy to get to that point. So easy! With that being said, I was very pleased that I was allowed to read and review this ARC of Food Triggers. I would invite anyone with weight issues to pick up this book and start reading it now! I came away from this book with a new resolve to bring God into my support reserves and listen and believe what he is telling me so that I can live a healthier lifestyle with food no longer controlling me.
Finally, a practical approach to learning about your food addiction. This easy to read and understand book will bring dramatic hope to your life. By learning your food triggers you can change your future through education and faith. This is not another diet book – this is an educational tool to help you. Aside from your Bible this is absolutely the most powerful book you will read! Enjoy! NetGalley and Worthy Publishing provided an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
A very interesting look at healthy living and how it starts with our mind and soul—not the common misconception that it requires willpower and willpower only.
I enjoyed reading this. I wasn't expecting so much religious themes to be in this book. Despite not being a Christian myself, I was still able to take away some interesting insights from this book for myself. The book has many helpful tips and strategies that may work for you, but I don't necessarily agree with everything that the author states here.
Honestly food is the fuel that allows our bodies to exist, thing is many of us find ourselves eating way more than we need! Food is a comfort to many, a friend of sorts that we turn to in times of sadness or stress. We find ourselves turning to our favorite food addiction whether it be ice cream or cookies, or maybe it's chips whenever things don't go as planned, only to feel guilty about it and then beat ourselves becoming determined to get a handle our eating habits. Thing is it isn't easy, but with Ms. Epstein's book Food Triggers she helps us begin the journey of why and how to break the hold that food has over many of us! Honestly when I picked this book up to read, I wondered what experience the author might have, well I learned that she too once had an addiction to food, that alone made me sit up and take notice after all she has been there. She shares her insights on the how's and whys of food triggers, such as the fact that it isn't always about will power, instead it's almost like "faulty wiring" in the brain that causes someone to obsess over food. Food Triggers by Rhona Epstein is written in an easy to understand manner, where personal stories are interspersed scripture along with very well researched information that helped me better understand food triggers and how to overcome them. A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review.
Good book for those with craving issues. I did think when I signed up for the giveaway that it was more about how to eat more whole foods/veggies in my meals. I am not overweight, nor do I suffer from overeating or binge eating. I do though, know some people. So in a way I hope to give this book to someone to look into their issues (if they are openly mentioning them).
There was a little too much God talk in this for my liking though.
I did learn a few things about foods and eating even healthier than I try to now. Cutting out sugar and white flour is definitely severly hard to do. I get that they can be triggers for people with these issues. Like for instance, I did not know that enriched whole wheat flour was just as bad for you as white flour. Good to know!
If you or anyone you know suffers from food addictions, yes it's a real thing; don't hesitate to get them the help they need and be there for them. Even buy them this book to let them know, they do have a more serious problem than just not being able to stop eating.
Food Triggers: End Your Cravings, Eat Well and Live Better by Rhona Epstein is to show the reader how to be free from a mad cycle with food. You can eat in healthy ways and focus on things that matter more than a chip or a cookie, a slice of cheesecake or a sliver of pie.
According to the author, there’s a reason people pig out, overeat and find themselves addicted to foods or snacks consumed in an outrageous amount in a single sitting. It not just about exercise, self-control or diet. There’s a bigger picture – you can stop the triggers. In a well-researched book divided into three parts containing seventeen chapters, Rhona Epstein shows you how you can stop the food triggers and live a healthy life.
Not at all what I expected but not bad. I thought it would be like chemicals in the food and such, but it is psychological triggers. Mostly just recommending faith and meditation to overcome.
I got a lot from the first part of this book. I don't remember details, because something I read would be a "a-ha" moment and I'd put down the book to let it sink in. About half way through, though, the book started to lose me. It started to read like yet another diet plan- this may be 100% my perception as I am recovering from diet culture. I agreed with a lot said, but the idea of eliminating all food triggers did not sit with me. It may be my own denial, I admit. Still, I believe I have to live in a world where these items exist, and I don't believe in eliminating foods from my world. Again, perhaps my own denial. I did love though that she pointed out that eliminating foods that trigger is the same as eliminating strawberries if you're deathly allergic. It's not dieting. Maybe I need to process the information more. That all said, I do think the explanation of how some of us are triggered by some foods was helpful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
An insightful read providing guidance to those who are food addicts or think they may be suffering from food addiction.
I liked the overall layout of this book as well as the combination of biblical scripture and techniques used by AA (Alcoholic Anonymous.) I appreciate that the author inspires the reader to not only focus on diet to overcome food addiction but address the underlying issues and experiences which have lead to food addiction. By reading this book, the reader can learn coping techniques when feeling stressed as well as learn how to establish a normal relationship with food.
SOO good! Very thankful I found this book. I cannot wait to start a book club/study with this book! I’ve learned more about food triggers and addictions and that they can BOTH exist!!
I for one, can overeat. I mean obviously, I'm giant (or really a "glamazon" as mother calls me) I'm 6 foot one and built like a brick shit house. I can pack the food away if I'm in a really bad mood (or good one, depending on the situation). But thankfully, I'm not a chronic binger like author, Rhona Epstein, and thousands of others that can't control sugary foods are or have been. I'm not saying that to slam them, no way. That's just tough is all. I know some people have a real problem saying no and can't stop until they finish that whole crave case or tub of cookie dough.
Author and certified psychologist, addictions counselor, and therapist, Rhona, talks about the very really problem of binge eating and how some people are wired to NOT STOP. Food addiction isn't a joke and she takes the first first few chapters outlining the scientific studies and giving a dumbed down version of how your brain works and in some cases, doesn't work. Studies with rats have proven that sugar has the same effects as heroin and cocaine. Too much sugar chemically alters your brain and makes you crave it more and reject healthier food in favor of sweeter options (p. 20). It was quite interesting, I wish she had included more studies. But never fear there was still plenty more useful information in this book!
There were success stories, real life solutions, scientific explanations, written exercises, group questions, and biblical insight to whet the appetite of anyone wishing to make a change to their binge eating life style or their loved one's food addiction.
I appreciated that this wasn't just a run of the mill diet book, because it's not a diet book! It's a lifestyle change. If you suffer from serious food addiction you have to cut sugar and flour out of your life forever. Addicts can't have just a little, a little taste will send them careening back into binging. Food addiction is very much like alcohol or drug addictions in the treatment and application. You need loving support from others, God, professional help (a nutritionist, I appreciate there are no recipes in this book), and knowledge.
This was an inspiring read, and I can see many getting help from this.
I received this book for free from First Look in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.
Like so many others, I made a decision to eat better and get in shape after the new year. Though I’ve never really struggled with the binge eating described in the book, I can certainly relate to Rhona’s anecdotes. Who hasn’t accidentally eaten a whole box of cookies?
For me this wasn’t just an issue of cravings. I am horribly addicted to sugar, and also intolerant to processed sugar. Yep, that’s right. The one food I want to eat the most makes me super sick. IBS, exhaustion, irritability, nausea, depression, and the list goes on.
Rhona goes in to detail about how these different food addictions aren’t just a physical problem. Why do we usually turn to those yummy, bad foods? Because we’re upset about something. There is an emotional problem. But that leads into a spiritual problem. God should be the first person we turn to in time of need, but then call the cookies and chips. And thus begins the vicious circle.
How do you get out of this? Address the problem on on three levels. First: Go to God. It is impossible to kick an addiction without His help. Second: Figure out what those underlying emotional triggers are. When you know how you feel you can go to God before the cravings hit. Third: Stay away from it! Until you are able to exercise control, just keep that stuff out of the house. Learn what your body is actually needing when you have a craving.
I’m so grateful for this book and how Rhona gives hope by really explaining what’s going on and how to fix it.
He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, and He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. - Psalm 40:2
Rhona Epstein writes, "We are not alone, and God never meant for us to live in agony over what was created to nurture and sustain us. He never meant for us to struggle with food." -- If you have ever felt like this, this book is for you. Rhona writes like she knows what your mind and heart are thinking. Rhona goes on to say that the truth of God's promises of love, freedom, and strength began to sink in. She discovered her ability to be free was totally dependent on Him. Relying on God and His strength instead of herself brought about true metamorphosis.
Rhona uses many different examples of people she has worked with. I also really enjoyed the Trigger Talks. ** Events and circumstances can change, but the emotions triggered repeat themselves.** How true is that? Rhona's book will be such a blessing to so many, I know it will. It has a reader's discussion, if you would like to do it in a small group setting as well.
Rhona says happiness is really an inside job. Want to know more? Leave me a comment, and on Jan 25th, I will pick a lucky winner and send them a free copy of the book!! Good luck all!!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion. I was not compensated in any form.
If you or anyone you love struggles with binge eating, then this is definitely the book for you! One of my favorite parts of the book was the very beginning where Rhona shared her own personal struggle with binge eating and the path she took to overcome it. It sets the tone for the whole book and lets you know that she speaks from experience. The added benefit is that she is a Certified Addictions Counselor so she not only shares her personal experience but also her clinical expertise.
The book is broken down into three sections with several chapters contained in each section. The first section is entitled The Science of Triggers. This section goes into the description of what constitutes binge eating. The second section is entitled The Heart and Soul of Your Triggers and it begins to dissect the triggers into different categories so you can begin to see what it is that begins the binge. The third section is entitled Beating Your Triggers: A Plan. This section helps you lay out a strategy to overcome your binge eating.
If I had to come up with one word to describe this book it would be HOPEFUL. Rhona has a gentle yet firm voice that encourages the reader and continues to point towards healing. Her use of Scripture throughout cements the notion that this is more than just about eating too much it is truly a spiritual battle but it is a battle that can be won!
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
*Thank you to Worthy Publishing for providing me a copy of this book for my honest review.*
Do you struggle with cravings? Do you want to eat well and live better? Then this book is definitely for you. Rhona Epstein is not only a licensed psychologist and certified addictions counselor but she also struggled with food addictions her self. Written from her own personal experience, Ms. Epstein uses practical applications, biblical insight and true stories of struggle and success.
In Food Triggers you will discover: • The chemical explanation for how, when, and why you eat. • How you can stop obsessing about what you will eat. • How to embrace your heart’s true desires. • How you can help a loved one who is addicted to food. • Why addictive eating is a physical, emotional, and spiritual problem that must be addressed on all three levels.
There is also a reader’s discussion guide and notes to help you further. I really enjoyed reading Food Triggers and am not ashamed to say that I have food addictions and this book is exactly what I needed to help me overcome the addictions, to end the cravings, eat well and to live a better life.
I have been provided with a copy to giveaway and you can enter this giveaway by going to my Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/AGreaterYesBlog and also be sure to leave your comments below and tell me Why should you win a copy of Food Triggers?
I was excited to read this one since I've had one of those life-long (it feels) battle/love affair with food. I was hoping that Epstein could help me understand why. After finishing the book, I can honestly say she helped, but not half so much as she might have.
While the title suggests that the book might help one discover which foods trigger overeating and how to stop craving them, what I found was far more of an "anti-sugar and white flour" mantra. While Epstein mentions a few times that other foods might be triggers (nuts, especially), she really harps on sugar and white flour. And while I understand those might be common triggers, neither of them are triggers for me.
The other things that made it difficult for me to apply this book to my life is that I have don't binge eat--I don't eat the whole carton of ice cream, I don't eat the whole bag of chips. I don't order two pizzas and eat them both. My overeating is more of the "a little extra every time" rather than binge eating, and this book really focuses on binge eating.
For those that DO binge eat, I think this book would be super helpful. However, for those of us who don't binge, who don't take solace in food, etc, it wasn't a very enlightening book.
Boy can I see myself in a lot of this book. I was surprised at the different things I learned in this book. Food Triggers is not just about what foods to avoid but help in fixing problems that make us abuse food or other things.
Food addiction is real. Rhona help dealing with the whole problem, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of why we do what we do and address ways we can get better.
It looks at you and makes you realize that food and overeating has issues in our past. We need to fix our issues too. Teaches us skills to help us figure out the whys.
This is not a simple read and you can change how you eat. It takes work, faith, learning to love ourselves and look at our past honestly and figure out why you started to overeat.
We did not get into this mess all at once. We can change if we work at it. Rhona gives us lots of tools, advice, knowledge, other resources and even the biggest of all Faith in God to help us.
I know I am going to work and keep reading and following Rhona's advice. Perfect timing to help me with my goals I have set.
I was given Food Triggers by Rhona Epstein to read and asked to give honest review and be part of Food Triggers blog tour.
I do want to spell Rhona's name differently though.
From what I understand, the concept that food might be addictive is still up for debate. Or perhaps if it is addictive, it is nothing in the food as such but more so in the mind of the person consuming it. So I can't vouch for the science.
But I can say that the idea resonated for me. While I wouldn't classify myself as having a serious eating disorder (like many of the people that Epstein writes about), I do struggle to stop at sensible quantities of junk food. I know the pull of a chip bowl or an open block of chocolate left lying around.
So I found this book had some good stuff to say, especially about food, emotions and the past.
As to whether I would recommend it to others, I'm not sure. If you were Christian, probably no hesitation. But Epstein's personal recovery and how she encourages others to escape from their food addictions, is so rooted in relying on God that there is probably more time spent on talking faith than the practicalities of diet.
Since reading this book, I have noticed my food habits change, and I feel like I have a better relationship with food as a result.
This is a really interesting book. It is not really a diet book, but a book for those who are in the category of food addicts. Though I found a lot of information for those who just find themselves craving a certain food from time to time. The author, Rhonda Epstein uses practical tips along with Biblical insights to help you solve those craving times.
Do you sometimes feel that your food cravings can’t be helped? Or maybe you are doomed to eating too much? Well now you have a book that will help you as you follow the tips and all of the wonderful findings in this book. Learn to control your feelings and your looks instead of letting food control what you do. You will be amazed at what you will find in this really good book.
I received this book from Worthy Publishing to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16
I received this book through First Reads giveaway.
Epstein basically tells you about why you eat what you eat and when you eat it. And, of course, how you can change that to help you become healthier and overcome your destructive ways. Okay. Most of what she said, I already understood on some level - either from some blurb on the news, other self help books, tv etc. Having it all compiled into one easy to read format was definitely a plus. It helped keep all of the information straight as you tried to apply it to your situation and life. I did learn a few things about myself and how I can change my attitude and behaviors and, thus, my eating habits for the better.
Maybe I didn't read the blurb as well as I should have when I signed up for the book, because I didn't realize it was as focused on faith in God as it turned out to be.
I would definitely recommend this book to others who struggle with eating and weight and healthy thoughts and attitudes.
WIN A COPY RIGHT NOW AT http://jojosutiscorner.wordpress.com/... GIVEAWAY ENDS 1/18/14 Food Triggers is such an informative and interactive book! I love that the author has “been there, done that”…she knows what it means to struggle in the area of food. This book in no way comes across as preachy, but it’s a great tool to help you understand why you struggle so much in this area, with scientific evidence, real life examples and solutions. This book really gets you digging into what the heart of the problem really is- from a Christian perspective! The author guides you to really evaluate your own life and eating habits, failures and success and then break it down into practical steps to freedom. For anyone who is in a life-long cycle of dieting, losing and gaining weight, but never gaining the freedom you so desperately desire…I have three words for you: GET THIS BOOK!
The author shares her own personal story in this book. For me, when someone is giving advice and suggestions, whether it be to an audience or to a friend, they had better went through it. If they haven't, then they really can't say they understand, because unless they had, there is no way I will take advice or suggestions from them.
For someone dealing with food cravings or eating disorders, the author gives a lot of great resources (Biblical) and medical.
I do not have compulsive food cravings however there is a lot of information for anyone who is trying to lose weight and get some understanding to what could be causing the cravings we all have.
The book was very well written and I think it would be a great resource to others.
Thank you to Worthy Publishing for providing me with a complimentary copy for my review and for a giveaway. All opinions are my own and are not influenced in any manner.
I received that book free from a Goodreads First-Reads giveaways.
I enjoyed this search into what triggers different individuals to overindulge in food, whether it's cookies, ice cream, cake or french fries. The author provided a new insight on how to control these triggers by increasing and/or improving your relationship with God. One aspect I have not considered in the past when it came to overindulgence. She also provide a very simple eating guide to follow along with an emphasis on exercise to accompany the religious aspect of her plan. From the stories in the book, it does make a true difference if all of these aspects are followed during recovery from these food addiction issues.
Cassandra's Review- Packed with knowledge, information and inspiration. I was happy to have the chance to review this book because even though I do not feel a personal addiction to food in any way, this book is ment to inform and help those that do. It can also help you if someone you know fits in the category of the concept in this book. I find that it was easy to read and understand and I personally benefited from reading it. I hope you will to.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Worthy Publishing.
I loved most of this. There were a few preachy parts that I skipped though. It's so hard to find self-help books that cater to atheists but that's a whole other basket.
I know I'm addicted to carbs and sugar. Identifying what's going on, finding out that it's chemical and psychological and not just bad habits was nice. There are ways to deal with it but primarily just stay away. Just say no because one bite and you'll relapse.
I read it a few months ago and that's all I'm remembering from it. I did recommend it to a few others.
**Disclosure I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads**
This book has a lot of helpful tips about food triggers. I liked how she addressed these issues at their own specific topic and the underlying causes that can account for these food triggers. The author made addressed the topic in a very approachable way and it is a great start for beginners trying to address the issue. However, the author also used a lot of religious praying and finding your connection to God as a method of coping which may not appeal to everyone. Overall, it a great way to learn about the issue.