What do you think?
Rate this book
Chasing Cupcakes: How One Broke, Fat Girl Transformed Her Life
I'm missing out on my life. What's wrong with me?
If that's ever crossed your mind, and if you know there's more to life than what you've been living, this book is for you.
It sucks to acknowledge that you are what's keeping you from the life you want. You sacrifice what you want most for what you want in the moment. You know everything you're supposed to do, and yet you feel stuck--limited by your past, overwhelmed by your future--in a purgatory of your own behavior.
After decades of feeling trapped by this mindset, Elizabeth Benton shifted her whole life by proving her own stories wrong. In this book, Elizabeth will help you live a new story, in which you can, you will, and you already have everything you need to make it happen.
If that's ever crossed your mind, and if you know there's more to life than what you've been living, this book is for you.
It sucks to acknowledge that you are what's keeping you from the life you want. You sacrifice what you want most for what you want in the moment. You know everything you're supposed to do, and yet you feel stuck--limited by your past, overwhelmed by your future--in a purgatory of your own behavior.
After decades of feeling trapped by this mindset, Elizabeth Benton shifted her whole life by proving her own stories wrong. In this book, Elizabeth will help you live a new story, in which you can, you will, and you already have everything you need to make it happen.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2019
1354 people are currently reading
3983 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
May 22, 2019
While this book provided great insight into how to make life changes, I couldn't get over just how bad the writing is. The author lost me with her convoluted sentence structures. I slogged through it to get to the great advice tidbits, but man was it rough going.
February 18, 2021
WARNING: This is not a semi-autobiographical novel about the above topic. Instead, it is a variety of motivational blurbs in sentence and paragraph forms. Format is odd to read and really, how many motivational quotes can you read?
July 6, 2020
Love this book! All her principals can be applied to so many parts of your life...not just weight loss.
This book it not a how to..it's more about getting your mind-set primed to level up your goals.
This book it not a how to..it's more about getting your mind-set primed to level up your goals.
February 20, 2023
I really hated this book for about a third of its length. The writing style was really annoying to me, like a young blogger who doesn’t read much and didn’t write many papers in school. The paragraphs are short and separated with extra spacing. Points are made regularly using bold lettering. I felt like I was reading a succession of memes at times.
Suddenly, however, the message caught me and I got lost in it. I accepted the style and settled in. I realized that this author was actually teaching me and inspiring me to take action. I ended up finding myself sharing passages from the book with friends and family. Ms. Benton really pulled it off, and I’m impressed. I definitely think this book is a worthwhile read.
Suddenly, however, the message caught me and I got lost in it. I accepted the style and settled in. I realized that this author was actually teaching me and inspiring me to take action. I ended up finding myself sharing passages from the book with friends and family. Ms. Benton really pulled it off, and I’m impressed. I definitely think this book is a worthwhile read.
June 6, 2020
I couldn’t finish. I like her ideas but it’s just nonstop beating you over the head with one sound bite after another with no real narrative or connection to the author.
June 23, 2019
Loved, loved, loved this book. Loved the title, loved the book cover, and especially loved the content.
The book was written by Elizabeth Benton, a once 25o pound woman whose quest for weight loss ultimately led her to pursue a degree in nutrition that got her no closer to the transformation she craved than a lifetime of dieting.
This is a book about transformation, and as such doesn't simply apply to weight and weight loss but absolutely applies to weight and weight loss as it addresses the issues that prevent people from achieving the healthy, happy bodies they ultimately say they desire.
Benton does a great job of calling her readers out by reminding us that if we don't like where we are, it is up to us to embark on a journey that gets us to where we want to be. And while she acknowledges the importance of self-reflection for the purpose of identifying what we really want out of life as well as thoughtful planning as a means to get there, she makes it quite clear that it is action that actually propels us forward. Small daily steps. So stop living in the past, day dreaming in the future, and instead start living (aka acting) in the moment. And while you're at it, don't mistake effort for progress.
In a nutshell, the book is about accountability, taking control, and acting in a way that not only honors our goals but moves us closer to them. We are the authors of our story, and we alone have the ability to change it. As a health coach and physical therapist, I've learned that all too often the hardest obstacle for clients/patients to overcome is themselves. They choose to stay in the prison despite the fact that the door is wide open. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is struggling to accomplish a meaningful change in their lives, health, career, or family related etc. Well-written, insightful, and useful.
The book was written by Elizabeth Benton, a once 25o pound woman whose quest for weight loss ultimately led her to pursue a degree in nutrition that got her no closer to the transformation she craved than a lifetime of dieting.
This is a book about transformation, and as such doesn't simply apply to weight and weight loss but absolutely applies to weight and weight loss as it addresses the issues that prevent people from achieving the healthy, happy bodies they ultimately say they desire.
"Why do you stay in prison when the door is so wide open. "- Rumi
Benton does a great job of calling her readers out by reminding us that if we don't like where we are, it is up to us to embark on a journey that gets us to where we want to be. And while she acknowledges the importance of self-reflection for the purpose of identifying what we really want out of life as well as thoughtful planning as a means to get there, she makes it quite clear that it is action that actually propels us forward. Small daily steps. So stop living in the past, day dreaming in the future, and instead start living (aka acting) in the moment. And while you're at it, don't mistake effort for progress.
In a nutshell, the book is about accountability, taking control, and acting in a way that not only honors our goals but moves us closer to them. We are the authors of our story, and we alone have the ability to change it. As a health coach and physical therapist, I've learned that all too often the hardest obstacle for clients/patients to overcome is themselves. They choose to stay in the prison despite the fact that the door is wide open. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is struggling to accomplish a meaningful change in their lives, health, career, or family related etc. Well-written, insightful, and useful.
October 25, 2020
I've read every book written by a former "fat girl" that figured it out and/or embracing body positivity on their own terms. Elizabeth Benton does something in this book that the other books just didn't do for me. In all of the former "fat girl" books there are vague descriptions of how the author learned to love themselves and their weight magically (that's what is seems to me) came off. Some of the books had recipes and tips, but Elizabeth does something different. And what she does, I've been waiting for. Elizabeth gives realistic, logical, girlfriend-to-girlfriend, no bullshit, advice. She doesn't placate. I believe her promises that if you work hard, and it will be hard, that you too can lose the weight and be who you want to be. How do you do that? By asking yourself some questions that make you look in the mirror and say what you want, dig deep into what is in the way, and the path that will work for you to get there. Elizabeth gives us those questions, over 200 of them! Each chapter has questions and then there is a list at the end as well.
What personal impacts has this book made?
I finished the book this week and can't stop thinking about it. I will read it again. I will journal on the questions. I've already begun walking and have had 6 days in a row I am proud of. After reading this book, my ability to stop myself from making choices that are not in the best interest of my goals has become easier. I'm pausing and asking myself questions. I've finally had it drilled into me that this path I'm on can have a successful ending if I put in the work consistently. I believe Elizabeth in a way I haven't been able to before. Please don't get me wrong, I've respected and admired the other authors I've read. They just didn't sit me down and tell it to me as straight as Elizabeth did.
What personal impacts has this book made?
I finished the book this week and can't stop thinking about it. I will read it again. I will journal on the questions. I've already begun walking and have had 6 days in a row I am proud of. After reading this book, my ability to stop myself from making choices that are not in the best interest of my goals has become easier. I'm pausing and asking myself questions. I've finally had it drilled into me that this path I'm on can have a successful ending if I put in the work consistently. I believe Elizabeth in a way I haven't been able to before. Please don't get me wrong, I've respected and admired the other authors I've read. They just didn't sit me down and tell it to me as straight as Elizabeth did.
July 2, 2020
OMG I loved this book ! I'm not one for books in the self help or self development arena, but this one was right on the money ! Although mostly focused on weightloss, the principles really could be applied to anything in life. I completely identified with the author. Also thought her questions and exercises at the end of each chapter were very good (although I only did some). Additionally there are sections in the back of the book that would make this an asset to anyone's reference shelf, as far as questions to ask yourself, or journal about. Bravo Elizabeth Benton !
May 23, 2021
This book had some tough love honesty that a lot of us really need to hear. I was already on a health kick when I started this book, but I want to make these changes life long habits instead of losing the same 15-20 lbs over and over again. I think anyone who has struggled with weight would be able to relate to her experiences. The main message I took from the book is to focus on the present, and make the best choice you can in the moment. You aren't going to make progress by dwelling on your past mistakes, or over thinking the problem. It's all about changing your focus and mindset.
Love the title and cover too!
Love the title and cover too!
March 19, 2022
Every chapter of this book is a truth bomb, & every chapter of this book gives the tools & motivation for change. Elizabeth Benton is inspirational. Through this book she makes me believe that I, too, can & will achieve my goals & become the best version of me.
December 18, 2020
I only came across this book because I had some kindle credits. It wasn’t recommended to me and I’d never heard of it, the author, or her podcast. I am so glad I bought this and read it. There are lots of self-help books out there and “power of the mind” books but most of them lack any real tools to help long term. This book,is different, Elizabeth Benton gives you lots of tools, she asks you hard questions, and she challenges you to think differently. I could identify with a lot of her same struggles but unlike her, I haven’t been able to overcome them. A lot of people will benefit from this book but especially those with either weight or financial struggles. And especially if those struggles have gone on for years. My advice is not to race through the book but take some time after each chapter to reflect and see where you can apply change in your own life.
January 27, 2019
Path to the Solution and Away From the Problem
Chasing Cupcakes showed me how to implement an action plan for improving of my life. I've learned to be a problem-solver and not a problem-dweller. Elizabeth takes a no nonsense approach to identifying steps toward improvement and breaking them into manageable bites. Progress is less daunting when I focus on my next best choice! The book also has hundreds of great, thought provoking questions that I'll incorporate in my daily journaling!
Chasing Cupcakes showed me how to implement an action plan for improving of my life. I've learned to be a problem-solver and not a problem-dweller. Elizabeth takes a no nonsense approach to identifying steps toward improvement and breaking them into manageable bites. Progress is less daunting when I focus on my next best choice! The book also has hundreds of great, thought provoking questions that I'll incorporate in my daily journaling!
June 21, 2020
Like many self help books - this is more of a workbook than a story. It literally full of thought provoking questions to remind you what you signed up for. Quite often when we deviate from an established goal it’s because we got distracted along the way. The author reminds of of that and gives insight and questions to ask to develop ourselves into better version - capable of so much more than we realize. It’s a good book. Grab a highlighter - work through it.
January 29, 2019
Easy is Earned
Chasing Cupcakes is full of targeted questions. If you treat the book like a workbook and pause to reflect on these important questions, you WILL breakthrough the barriers keeping you from your potential. I’m very pleased to have a bit of EB’s wisdom distilled in a book that I can refer back to over and over again.
Chasing Cupcakes is full of targeted questions. If you treat the book like a workbook and pause to reflect on these important questions, you WILL breakthrough the barriers keeping you from your potential. I’m very pleased to have a bit of EB’s wisdom distilled in a book that I can refer back to over and over again.
June 18, 2020
I bought this book because the sample was an interesting look at her struggles with overeating. I thought the rest of the book would tell her story, but it didn't. It was just a series of Tweetable self-help, like "when you want to quit, don't." It was also very repetitive, like a blog post she padded with a lot of fluff to turn into a book.
October 11, 2021
This was one of the best books about mindset shifts I've read. So many really good, actionable things to work with here.
###
UPDATE: Even better the second time around. This will definitely be one I come back to over and over again.
###
UPDATE: Even better the second time around. This will definitely be one I come back to over and over again.
January 14, 2020
Excellent! Elizabeth has changed my life!
January 10, 2022
This is my favorite self help book I’ve read. I highlighted so many passages, questions to ask yourself, one liners. This will be a book o reference a lot!
January 11, 2023
I don't like the format. Single sentences and short paragraphs make it longer than it should be.
first page
Started this a few years ago.
Fat was a harsher shame than stupid. pg.16
I isolated myself...My insecurities about my weight led to me not wanting to eat in front of other people. pg.17
I assumed people wouldn't like me because I was fat, so I didn't even try. pg.21
I was in my late twenties, depressed, in debt, and working sixty-plus hours a week in a job that stressed me out beyond measure....If he told me I was beautiful, I was certain he was lying. pg.23
I was confined by walls I had built-walls I was continuing to build, choice by choice....Shackles of debt from my own spending. pg.24
Shackles of obesity from my own food choices. pg.25
Solving the problem is not the same as responding to it. pg.45
"Why do you always insist on taking the hard road? Why do you assume I see two roads?"....people who are struggling to change genuinely don't realize there is an easier way. pg.43
Be careful of giving yourself points for your effort when the effort isn't creating the change you crave. pg.60
You don't need to take notes; you need to take action. pg.61
...prioritize action over information. pg.63
Your past patterns are simply more practiced...pg.68
It's not your problem; it's your practice. pg.71
You don't have a snacking problem; you have a snacking practice. pg.72
There is a dramatic difference between hoping for change and choosing change in the moment you're in. Every choice is a chance to be a better version of yourself. pg.75
Transformation is a decision, not a destination. pg.78
If you quit today, it's going to be that much easier for you to quit tomorrow. pg.86
Wash your dish as soon as you finish it...Fold the laundry as soon as you take it out of the dryer. pg.90
Pay the bill that's been sitting on the counter for a week...Change is a result of what you do now, not what you intend to do tomorrow. pg.91
The most important thing you're going to have to change is your mind...You are confined primarily by the walls you have built. pg.99
Your inner dialogue creates your entire experience of life. When you change your thoughts, you change your life. pg.111
...it was my own choices that were holding me back. I believed I just wasn't motivated and disciplined enough. pg.113
Your thoughts are instructions to your brain. pg.124
"Be careful of the words you speak-they become the house you live in!" pg.126
Start with your thoughts pg.131
...your thoughts drive your choices pg.135
You can change your thoughts at any moment. and changing your thoughts is one of the most effective ways to change your actions. pg.136
Every choice is made based on the series of thoughts that precede it...What's the point in eating clean for the rest of the day? I might as well get these cravings out of my system so I can be super strict tomorrow!...A single brownie turns into a full-blown binge pg.137
Your thoughts drive your choices. Your choices, repeated, form your habits. Your habits create your results. Your results inform your beliefs. pg.138
You change the entire cycle when you change your thoughts. pg.139
Choice begins with thought. If you want to change your choices and actions, start with your thoughts. It will be far more effective. If you think of eating healthy as a chore and a burden, you're going to grab ahold of any ad every excuse to indulge. pg.141
...learn to stop listening to yourself and start talking to yourself. pg.146
Don't let comparison drain energy. Don't let the past drain your energy. Don't let what you can't do drain your energy. pg.158
All-or-nothing patterns are fueled by your thoughts and executed in your choices...I already screwed up, so I've already ruined the day. pg.163
Well, I already screwed up, so what's the point. pg.165
"The grass isn't greener in the other field...the experience you experience is traveling with you." pg.169
The primary issue isn't outside you, it's inside you. pg.170
Why do the vast majority of contestants on The Biggest Loser regain the weight? Why do people who win the lottery end up wasting away their windfall?...Changing the external conditions might allow for temporary progress, but permanent progress requires that you get to the root of the issue: the internal barriers. pg.171
...there are no shortcuts. pg.172
Weight loss and less debt are external goals. pg.181
Eating too much is often a symptom stemming from an internal issue like insecurity, depression, or sadness. Food is often an escape or a distraction...Overspending is rarely about the material things people collect...Spending can be a way of creating a moment of pleasure and confusing it with happiness. pg.182
I believed paying off debt would make me happier. pg.184
Breaking promises...overeating...complaining...focusing on my problems...avoiding social situations...beating myself up over the past...giving my energy to fear pf the future pg.187
Just because you can defend the choice doesn't make it true, right, or best. pg.227
Don't believe everything you think and don't believe everything you feel. pg. 236
Knowledge is an end result of action. If you aren't sure of an answer, take action....Don't wait to think up a solution. Create it. pg.248
One indulgence doesn't make a person overweight, right? But what happens when one becomes two, two becomes three, or three becomes four? pg.257
If you can do ten bodyweight squats while you brush your teeth, it matters. pg.261
Little disciplines, done again and again over time will move the mightiest mountains...What simple daily discipline will you execute today? pg.262
Start small...start now...be consistent...small is big over time...be patient. pg.263
Your ability to change isn't defined by yesterday and doesn't have anything to do with what happens tomorrow. pg.267
I've heard it said that if you share a problem more than twice without taking action to fix it, you aren't looking for a solution, you're looking for attention. pg.273
...when your eyes are on the problems, they aren't on the solutions. pg.277
You are powerless in the problem. You are powerful in the solution. pg.281
What is the problem? pg.287
Experience maximum effort pg.335
Pursue progress pg.346
first page
Started this a few years ago.
Fat was a harsher shame than stupid. pg.16
I isolated myself...My insecurities about my weight led to me not wanting to eat in front of other people. pg.17
I assumed people wouldn't like me because I was fat, so I didn't even try. pg.21
I was in my late twenties, depressed, in debt, and working sixty-plus hours a week in a job that stressed me out beyond measure....If he told me I was beautiful, I was certain he was lying. pg.23
I was confined by walls I had built-walls I was continuing to build, choice by choice....Shackles of debt from my own spending. pg.24
Shackles of obesity from my own food choices. pg.25
Solving the problem is not the same as responding to it. pg.45
"Why do you always insist on taking the hard road? Why do you assume I see two roads?"....people who are struggling to change genuinely don't realize there is an easier way. pg.43
Be careful of giving yourself points for your effort when the effort isn't creating the change you crave. pg.60
You don't need to take notes; you need to take action. pg.61
...prioritize action over information. pg.63
Your past patterns are simply more practiced...pg.68
It's not your problem; it's your practice. pg.71
You don't have a snacking problem; you have a snacking practice. pg.72
There is a dramatic difference between hoping for change and choosing change in the moment you're in. Every choice is a chance to be a better version of yourself. pg.75
Transformation is a decision, not a destination. pg.78
If you quit today, it's going to be that much easier for you to quit tomorrow. pg.86
Wash your dish as soon as you finish it...Fold the laundry as soon as you take it out of the dryer. pg.90
Pay the bill that's been sitting on the counter for a week...Change is a result of what you do now, not what you intend to do tomorrow. pg.91
The most important thing you're going to have to change is your mind...You are confined primarily by the walls you have built. pg.99
Your inner dialogue creates your entire experience of life. When you change your thoughts, you change your life. pg.111
...it was my own choices that were holding me back. I believed I just wasn't motivated and disciplined enough. pg.113
Your thoughts are instructions to your brain. pg.124
"Be careful of the words you speak-they become the house you live in!" pg.126
Start with your thoughts pg.131
...your thoughts drive your choices pg.135
You can change your thoughts at any moment. and changing your thoughts is one of the most effective ways to change your actions. pg.136
Every choice is made based on the series of thoughts that precede it...What's the point in eating clean for the rest of the day? I might as well get these cravings out of my system so I can be super strict tomorrow!...A single brownie turns into a full-blown binge pg.137
Your thoughts drive your choices. Your choices, repeated, form your habits. Your habits create your results. Your results inform your beliefs. pg.138
You change the entire cycle when you change your thoughts. pg.139
Choice begins with thought. If you want to change your choices and actions, start with your thoughts. It will be far more effective. If you think of eating healthy as a chore and a burden, you're going to grab ahold of any ad every excuse to indulge. pg.141
...learn to stop listening to yourself and start talking to yourself. pg.146
Don't let comparison drain energy. Don't let the past drain your energy. Don't let what you can't do drain your energy. pg.158
All-or-nothing patterns are fueled by your thoughts and executed in your choices...I already screwed up, so I've already ruined the day. pg.163
Well, I already screwed up, so what's the point. pg.165
"The grass isn't greener in the other field...the experience you experience is traveling with you." pg.169
The primary issue isn't outside you, it's inside you. pg.170
Why do the vast majority of contestants on The Biggest Loser regain the weight? Why do people who win the lottery end up wasting away their windfall?...Changing the external conditions might allow for temporary progress, but permanent progress requires that you get to the root of the issue: the internal barriers. pg.171
...there are no shortcuts. pg.172
Weight loss and less debt are external goals. pg.181
Eating too much is often a symptom stemming from an internal issue like insecurity, depression, or sadness. Food is often an escape or a distraction...Overspending is rarely about the material things people collect...Spending can be a way of creating a moment of pleasure and confusing it with happiness. pg.182
I believed paying off debt would make me happier. pg.184
Breaking promises...overeating...complaining...focusing on my problems...avoiding social situations...beating myself up over the past...giving my energy to fear pf the future pg.187
Just because you can defend the choice doesn't make it true, right, or best. pg.227
Don't believe everything you think and don't believe everything you feel. pg. 236
Knowledge is an end result of action. If you aren't sure of an answer, take action....Don't wait to think up a solution. Create it. pg.248
One indulgence doesn't make a person overweight, right? But what happens when one becomes two, two becomes three, or three becomes four? pg.257
If you can do ten bodyweight squats while you brush your teeth, it matters. pg.261
Little disciplines, done again and again over time will move the mightiest mountains...What simple daily discipline will you execute today? pg.262
Start small...start now...be consistent...small is big over time...be patient. pg.263
Your ability to change isn't defined by yesterday and doesn't have anything to do with what happens tomorrow. pg.267
I've heard it said that if you share a problem more than twice without taking action to fix it, you aren't looking for a solution, you're looking for attention. pg.273
...when your eyes are on the problems, they aren't on the solutions. pg.277
You are powerless in the problem. You are powerful in the solution. pg.281
What is the problem? pg.287
Experience maximum effort pg.335
Pursue progress pg.346
November 1, 2022
Very thought provoking. Chasing Cupcakes forces you to come face to face with your excuses and walk away with a plan. Elizabeth Benton teaches throughout the book that excuses, planning, and talking about your struggles are not enough. You muse put your plan into action. Stop talking about it. Stop thinking about it. Do it! I plan to go back and re-read this one. Focusing on one chapter, and what it teaches, a week.
August 29, 2024
This is more than weight loss. It’s about changing your mind for the betterment of your life. I highly recommend this book to anyone who struggles with making excuses for themselves and wants to change something, anything, in their life.
June 19, 2019
The transformation info Elizabeth talks about in this book felt new to me and the concepts she shares are great. Loved this book!
July 18, 2020
This may be the key to my transformation. I will reread this book.
September 14, 2023
I will read this book again and again and again. It is just a wealth of information and helpful insight to help you make better decisions and ask yourself the hard questions. Definitely a great resource!!
November 13, 2023
A great book for building, self-awareness, accountability, and steps needed to finally take action towards your goals. Highly recommend.
November 28, 2020
This is not a diet book
It's a book about taking charge of your thoughts and how to turn from lamenting your problems to finding solutions. No matter what you want....less debt, less drama, less fat, you can use Ms. Benton's strategies to acknowledge and overcome. It's hard to take a long look at yourself, but in the end it's harder to look away. Originally I had this as a kindle book, but I've ordered the paperback so I can write the answers to all the questions put forth in the book. A great tool for those stuck in the endless loop of "I can't" .
It's a book about taking charge of your thoughts and how to turn from lamenting your problems to finding solutions. No matter what you want....less debt, less drama, less fat, you can use Ms. Benton's strategies to acknowledge and overcome. It's hard to take a long look at yourself, but in the end it's harder to look away. Originally I had this as a kindle book, but I've ordered the paperback so I can write the answers to all the questions put forth in the book. A great tool for those stuck in the endless loop of "I can't" .
July 27, 2025
A book about nothing. Random motivational quotes as if taken from Google and super repetitive. If I were asked what the book was about, I'd be unable to properly explain
August 25, 2020
This book made me think a lot about the decisions I make on a daily basis. I really need to ask myself better questions.
February 26, 2019
Overall I enjoyed the book. It provided a ton of information. Now comes the hard part of putting it into action. Elizabeth tells you what you already know. You can't achieve it without doing it. Now, hop to it!
August 11, 2020
Oh boy. This book came HIGHLY recommended by a friend whose opinion I value. I listened to the book on Audible. Mistake. Content-wise, I enjoyed her thoughts and ideas, but listening to the author read her words was painful. Ms. Benton felt the need to be theatrical and provide emphasis on almost every word. A few instances would have been tolerable, but it was constant and overdone. Her performance got in the way of the messages for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews