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Growing Strong: Workouts, Devotions, and Recipes to Become Healthy from the Inside Out
A Joyful Life Starts on the Inside
Hi, I’m Cambria!
For years, I struggled with my self-image and how to make my dual pursuits of faith and fitness fit together. Maybe you can relate. Everything changed one day when I decided I was tired of looking in the mirror and started looking solely toward God.
What He showed me is that true strength—physical, emotional, and spiritual—starts from the inside out. When you’re staying connected to God, you’ll find that eating well and exercising regularly will be so much easier. Your faith, food choices, and fitness will all just naturally flow together as part of your healthy and whole life.
I want to share what I’ve learned with you, motivate you, and encourage you with delicious recipes to nourish your body, creative workouts to keep you moving, and wisdom from God’s Word to inspire and shape you into the woman He’s creating you to be.
Let’s grow strong from the inside out!
Hi, I’m Cambria!
For years, I struggled with my self-image and how to make my dual pursuits of faith and fitness fit together. Maybe you can relate. Everything changed one day when I decided I was tired of looking in the mirror and started looking solely toward God.
What He showed me is that true strength—physical, emotional, and spiritual—starts from the inside out. When you’re staying connected to God, you’ll find that eating well and exercising regularly will be so much easier. Your faith, food choices, and fitness will all just naturally flow together as part of your healthy and whole life.
I want to share what I’ve learned with you, motivate you, and encourage you with delicious recipes to nourish your body, creative workouts to keep you moving, and wisdom from God’s Word to inspire and shape you into the woman He’s creating you to be.
Let’s grow strong from the inside out!
224 pages, Hardcover
Published January 5, 2021
57 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 30, 2022
Growing Strong took me most of 2022 to read and that's because I worked slowly through it. I wanted to do the workouts while reading the devotions and for the most part I did that. I still have a few workouts to do, but wanted to finish before the new year, so I'll do those later. 😁
I absolutely loved this book. I found the devotions encouraging and the workouts were challenging, but still possible. You can always modify a workout if it is a bit too tough for your current fitness level.
All in all, I recommend this devotion.
I absolutely loved this book. I found the devotions encouraging and the workouts were challenging, but still possible. You can always modify a workout if it is a bit too tough for your current fitness level.
All in all, I recommend this devotion.
January 20, 2025
This book was such a breath of fresh air in today's stale and polluted world of health and fitness.
We're taught as Christian girls that it's okay to devote our lives to creating our dream bodies or to pursue fulfillment in our looks or in a "healthy" lifestyle but there are plot holes in popular opinion on health and fitness.
I felt that Cambria struck such a chord with me as far as exposing all the little lies and erroneous mindsets and thought processes that I as a Christian girl dealt with just trying to take care of myself in a way that everyone else was making me feel like I should.
Since I cannot explain the book very well myself I will leave off by saying that if you want a refreshing bible-based view on what living a healthy and God-glorifying life actually looks like, then read this.
We're taught as Christian girls that it's okay to devote our lives to creating our dream bodies or to pursue fulfillment in our looks or in a "healthy" lifestyle but there are plot holes in popular opinion on health and fitness.
I felt that Cambria struck such a chord with me as far as exposing all the little lies and erroneous mindsets and thought processes that I as a Christian girl dealt with just trying to take care of myself in a way that everyone else was making me feel like I should.
Since I cannot explain the book very well myself I will leave off by saying that if you want a refreshing bible-based view on what living a healthy and God-glorifying life actually looks like, then read this.
January 5, 2021
Okay listen to me for a moment, have you ever felt like this
"The map I chose to follow to discover my lean, ideal self caused me to gain weight. It took me where I didn’t want to go and through a lot more harm than help. I was defeated. Running around in circles (sometimes literally) to become something you are not is far from motivating. Each night before sleep, I felt more discouraged than ever".... This is a quote from the book that made me realized something. If you are feeling lost and you have tried everything and nothing seems to work this is the right book for you. It gave me an inner peace as well as it made me grow strong. I enjoyed every single page from it plus there is a surprise at the end
"The map I chose to follow to discover my lean, ideal self caused me to gain weight. It took me where I didn’t want to go and through a lot more harm than help. I was defeated. Running around in circles (sometimes literally) to become something you are not is far from motivating. Each night before sleep, I felt more discouraged than ever".... This is a quote from the book that made me realized something. If you are feeling lost and you have tried everything and nothing seems to work this is the right book for you. It gave me an inner peace as well as it made me grow strong. I enjoyed every single page from it plus there is a surprise at the end
December 14, 2020
I’ve followed Cambria for many years now so I was really excited to read her book! I think Cambria is unique in her view of the people that read her writing/watch her videos etc as you can really tell that she genuinely cares that the people on the other side of the screen. Her book is an overflow from her heart. You can hear the passion in the way she writes. It is a good mix of practical tips and encouragement. It is beautifully designed too. She challenged my view on healthy living and made me want to learn more. Highly recommend this book!!!!
December 19, 2023
I thought this devotional was really good! It was a great tool to use to build a strong foundation not only for a health journey but spiritually as well!
A lot of the concepts were the basics, but I liked that. It allowed me to start from the bottom up.
It took me about a year to work through it- was perfect for my 2023.
A lot of the concepts were the basics, but I liked that. It allowed me to start from the bottom up.
It took me about a year to work through it- was perfect for my 2023.
April 3, 2021
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! I LOVE CAMBRIA!
March 17, 2021
I had never heard of Cambria Joy before picking this book up, but I'm definitely a fan now!
At first glance, this looks like just a typical health and fitness book, but there is one big difference: this book focuses on how to get fit and healthy by focusing on your relationship with God. It was definitely something I needed right now, and so I absolutely loved this!
At first glance, this looks like just a typical health and fitness book, but there is one big difference: this book focuses on how to get fit and healthy by focusing on your relationship with God. It was definitely something I needed right now, and so I absolutely loved this!
March 31, 2021
It took me a month to finish this whole book and I might as well say that I really love how Cambria Joy emphasizes the truth that life is not about perfecting our image. Nevertheless, life is about reflecting the image of the Lord Jesus Christ. Many of us if not all are overly fixated in the idea of perfection which, in the end, makes us feel unsecured and insecure. This is a reminder not just to me but to every single human being who will read this book that God doesn't look on the outside, He looks directly to you heart. Our security is in Christ. Our identity is in Christ.
January 4, 2021
I am really impressed with Growing Strong! Cambria’s book is THE comprehensive book for any woman interested in heath and faith. I wish I had this book a long time ago. The layout is unique and I love it! It is practical wisdom that helps to guide you in your journey of health and wellness, but also your spiritual journey. This combination of faith and fitness is SO needed, because it is so easy to get lost in the world of extremes. Also, it is really beautiful! The pictures and colors make it such a pleasant read. Cambria has delivered serious value through this book. Thank you Cambria!
January 4, 2021
This is an amazing book that illustrates how faith and fitness really go hand in hand. Cambria does an awesome job of supporting everything with scripture allowing readers to dig deeper and look into it for themselves. So thankful for this book and I’ll definitely be rereading it in the future. I’d recommend this book to anyone looking to honour God more with their lives.
August 8, 2023
Cambria is an amazing author and this book is so gooooood!!! She speaks truth, people!!!! 💕
March 15, 2025
I found myself to be quite fond of this book. I didn't read it because I was looking for literature with "deep theological insights" but rather because I wanted encouragement in an area that feels largely untouched in Christian circles... and that is physical health and fitness that is approached from a biblical, Christian perspective.
The author, Cambria Joy, is actually a Christian vlogger. On her YouTube channel, she discusses her faith with a big emphasis on "day in the life" videos where she shows viewers how she incorporates several disciplines into each of her days: time with the Lord in the morning followed by physical activity and tons of healthy, nourishing meals sprinkled throughout the day. She speaks about her conviction to take care of her body as a means of honoring the Lord.
Simple truths we acknowledge but don't always practice... at least with the right conviction. Having spent most of my late teens and early 20s exercising for vanity-purposes, shifting to exercise and healthy eating with glorifying God as my prime motivator hasn't been the easiest transition to make. Vanity is a strong motivator, indeed! But it also a corrupt one that leads only down dark paths... to steward our bodies well in order to honor the Lord is a far purer and lasting motivation but can take some adjusting to.
Books like these, written with bite-sized chapters that read almost like a daily devotional, help deliver gentle reminders along your health journey that the Lord is at the center of everything... including what we eat, how we move, and the view we have of our own physical bodies. The book also includes fun, simple recipes and basic bodyweight exercises for those who may be beginners.
May we invite the Lord into EVERY facet of our lives... including fitness! He is meant to reign over all; and when He does, our life is far richer because of it.
The author, Cambria Joy, is actually a Christian vlogger. On her YouTube channel, she discusses her faith with a big emphasis on "day in the life" videos where she shows viewers how she incorporates several disciplines into each of her days: time with the Lord in the morning followed by physical activity and tons of healthy, nourishing meals sprinkled throughout the day. She speaks about her conviction to take care of her body as a means of honoring the Lord.
Simple truths we acknowledge but don't always practice... at least with the right conviction. Having spent most of my late teens and early 20s exercising for vanity-purposes, shifting to exercise and healthy eating with glorifying God as my prime motivator hasn't been the easiest transition to make. Vanity is a strong motivator, indeed! But it also a corrupt one that leads only down dark paths... to steward our bodies well in order to honor the Lord is a far purer and lasting motivation but can take some adjusting to.
Books like these, written with bite-sized chapters that read almost like a daily devotional, help deliver gentle reminders along your health journey that the Lord is at the center of everything... including what we eat, how we move, and the view we have of our own physical bodies. The book also includes fun, simple recipes and basic bodyweight exercises for those who may be beginners.
May we invite the Lord into EVERY facet of our lives... including fitness! He is meant to reign over all; and when He does, our life is far richer because of it.
January 30, 2023
As a new year began, I had one of the same goals I always have: to get in better shape. With that goal in mind, I wanted to read Growing Strong: Workouts, Devotions, and Recipes to Become Healthy from the Inside Out by Cambria Joy.
When you nurture beauty of the spirit, you'll discover a joy that's lasting. This joy, in turn, inspires your pursuit of physical health. I'm excited to come alongside you and encourage this amazing happening in your life.
Growing Strong is different from other devotional books because it includes recipes and workouts, in addition to the devotional content. Each chapter is only two to three pages, so it is easy to read at your own pace. You can read a chapter a day or several chapters a day. The goal of Growing Strong is to become motivated, become strong, and be transformed.
Anytime we set a goal, we need to remember who satisfies. Not what satisfies. Who satisfies. Jesus Christ satisfies the longing soul.
I got a lot out of the devotions. I felt there was so much wisdom in what Cambria was saying. I could not do the recipes because of dietary restrictions but they do look and sound good. I also did not do the workouts. I am more of a visual person, so while it is great that she includes them in the book, I would prefer to watch them and do them that way. While that is supposed to be the case, there is a website you can go to to watch the videos, but it is not working. That was quite disappointing to me. I sent Cambria a message to ask about it but didn't get a response.
Overall, I recommend this devotional to anyone who wants to get stronger and healthier!
When you nurture beauty of the spirit, you'll discover a joy that's lasting. This joy, in turn, inspires your pursuit of physical health. I'm excited to come alongside you and encourage this amazing happening in your life.
Growing Strong is different from other devotional books because it includes recipes and workouts, in addition to the devotional content. Each chapter is only two to three pages, so it is easy to read at your own pace. You can read a chapter a day or several chapters a day. The goal of Growing Strong is to become motivated, become strong, and be transformed.
Anytime we set a goal, we need to remember who satisfies. Not what satisfies. Who satisfies. Jesus Christ satisfies the longing soul.
I got a lot out of the devotions. I felt there was so much wisdom in what Cambria was saying. I could not do the recipes because of dietary restrictions but they do look and sound good. I also did not do the workouts. I am more of a visual person, so while it is great that she includes them in the book, I would prefer to watch them and do them that way. While that is supposed to be the case, there is a website you can go to to watch the videos, but it is not working. That was quite disappointing to me. I sent Cambria a message to ask about it but didn't get a response.
Overall, I recommend this devotional to anyone who wants to get stronger and healthier!
August 21, 2022
Cambria Joy tells her story and all her challenges in a women devotional, but really this devotional can be utilized for men as well! I learned and live by her wise words on this subject!
I went through this book 3 times. She demonstrates and is an open book to her relationship with eating and fitness. She pulls no punches in her relationship on being Lord centered and not self centered on the subject as she was in the past.
She discribes her down fall in her own worldly beliefs about being the womenly look for a shallow culture. In these pages she transforms into a daughter of the Lord and aligns her thinking and goals with the will of the Lord.
By doing so we learn the lesson its not about our perception in our own self appraisal, but how we are viewed and relate in our relationship with the Lord and Savior and the fitness and diet is a natural accurance in following Him first.
FAITH and ACTION is a powerful state of being!
I went through this book 3 times. She demonstrates and is an open book to her relationship with eating and fitness. She pulls no punches in her relationship on being Lord centered and not self centered on the subject as she was in the past.
She discribes her down fall in her own worldly beliefs about being the womenly look for a shallow culture. In these pages she transforms into a daughter of the Lord and aligns her thinking and goals with the will of the Lord.
By doing so we learn the lesson its not about our perception in our own self appraisal, but how we are viewed and relate in our relationship with the Lord and Savior and the fitness and diet is a natural accurance in following Him first.
FAITH and ACTION is a powerful state of being!
April 19, 2022
I had never heard of Cambria Joy before, but I'm glad that I found her. This book is such an inspiration for those in all walks of life who are unhappy with some form of their body image. I am a Gen Xer and it took this book to get me to realize that I am already perfect in God's eyes and that I am here to glorify Him. I was so moved by this book that I bought a copy for my daughter and gave it to her for Easter. I hope that she will read it and see that health and happiness really do start from the inside out.
June 26, 2025
I really enjoyed this devotional. I follow Cambria on Instagram and watch many of her YouTube videos. You can tell she is genuine and truly cares about the wellness of herself and others. This was a great devotional if you are trying to live your healthiest, best lifestyle and need some reminders of truth along the way. I feel like it suits a wide range of readers, as this would be great for someone younger in their 20s but I enjoyed it as someone in my 40s. She also has a few recipes and workouts sprinkled in that are great.
March 9, 2024
Great scripture based spiritual insights into pursuing health and strength. I found each chapter encouraging, not only in my pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, but in all areas of my life, from writing to raising children. I believe anyone desiring to improve their lifestyle while honoring God will be blessed and impacted by this book.
June 4, 2021
SO SO GOOD! This book was amazing, so encouraging, inspiring, and very well-written! I can't wait for Cambria to write more books in the future, I would definitely buy them and highly recommend any girl/women of God to read this book!
September 18, 2021
Lots of good connections between faith and health/fitness.
Personally, I would have made the pictures of the author demonstrating the exercises bigger and the many, many, many shots of her walking on the beach, etc. smaller.
Personally, I would have made the pictures of the author demonstrating the exercises bigger and the many, many, many shots of her walking on the beach, etc. smaller.
January 29, 2022
This definitely changed my perspective of health and wellness as a whole. I love that she speaks truth and backs it up with Scripture and also personal stories.
I’ve been watching Cambria on YouTube since I was in college (2013/2014) and being able to read her book was amazing
I’ve been watching Cambria on YouTube since I was in college (2013/2014) and being able to read her book was amazing
May 1, 2021
This book was more faith based. Something I felt that I am lacking. I really liked how they combined faith and the body in this book.
March 9, 2022
Cambria Joy really inspired me and it was such an incredible read I liked how she had workout tips and healthy recipes
July 24, 2022
Love cambria’s heart and soul for this book! I wish there was more to really dive in and go deeper - but felt like the surface level was great.
June 13, 2023
Color pictures depicting workouts make this book worth a four star!
June 23, 2023
Solid advice and info. Audio - 2022
August 1, 2023
I have really enjoyed this book. I am excited to reread it and do the exercises and try the recipes. My only complaint is she doesn’t use strictly KJV.
May 28, 2025
Health concepts beautifully presented in a kind, encouraging, Christian way.
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November 3, 2021What an encouraging book.
December 19, 2022
I absolutely LOVED all of Cambria's devotionals, and all the different workouts and meals she included in the book as well. She really teaches you how to nourish yourself internally and externally! Can't wait for her 2nd book to come out next year!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews