Love to Eat, Hate to Eat: Breaking the Bondage of Destructive Eating Habits

I have read hundreds of books on how to overcome eating disorders...but no other book addresses it as clear and precise that the answer to our struggles is found in God's Word. Elyse gives practical, applicable methods to evaluate your eating in light of God's Word. Even if you didn't have an eating disorder of any kind, reading this book and applying God's Truths will bring you closer to Him and bring you freedom from any habitual sin that you struggle with. I have read other books by Elyse Fitzpatrick and they have all been very instrumental in helping me overcome my self focused eating problems and move on to a mature life as a Christian. Because of the Lord and reading His Word and Elyse's book, I have overcome a horrific eating disorder and haven't retreated back to old habits and dysfunctional ways of thinking. Elyse goes in to much depth about how powerful your thought life is. I think that if you truly want to change and you are ready to allow God to change your heart, there is no other book that I have found that has helped me so much. She is encouraging and I'm so thankful to God for bringing this book to my attention. You won't be disappointed.

I noticed that the reviews of this book were either really good or really bad. I'm on the "really good" side. Finally a book that treats the real issues and focuses on a right relationship with God as the source of freedom. This book is great for spiritual growth and gives practical help as well. I followed the eating guidelines (basically a set of questions you ask yourself before you eat) and felt that I was set free. I didn't have to fear fattening foods / restaurants / dessert / etc. or count calories. I just ate and stopped when I knew the Lord would want me to. However, it's contingent upon obedience to the Lord, and when my relationship with the Lord grew distant (through other circumstances in my life) my obedience stopped and I went back to my old diet plans ... the ones that work for awhile but lead to obsession and bingeing. The connection between spiritual life and food abuse is clear. I recommend this book because it recognizes the fact that our relationship with the Lord is the root of everything.

Yes, this book claims that eating disorders are rooted in sinful behavior. Now don't let this put you off. The author does at no point condemn those suffering from anorexia, bulimia, over-eating etc. Quite contrary, Elyse Fitzpatrick's way of approaching God's truth (the only Truth for any Christian) is understanding, warm and supportive. Her style is easy-to-read and backed with examples from her own life. Still, no author can change the truth about eating disorders. They are sin. Or does anyone seriously think that starving God's temple and idolizing food are in line with God's will? I fully agree that this truth is hard to take once you have to realize your share in your behaiour, but Fitzpatrick doesn't leave the reader at this point. She is not the one with the raised index finger making the reader feel bad about herself or himself. Again, she does the opposite by showing how we need to rely on Christ to fight this sinful behavior, by showing what thoughts and mechanisms lead to eating disorders and how we can face them with our hearts turned to the Lord. Don't be afraid to read this book because you might feel you are just being told that it is all your fault and to get on with life. Instead, be ready to meet a sometimes painful truth and an answer full of hope and truth. And let me add: this book gives excellent advice for how to cope in everyday life. Knowing that Christ is the answer is one thing, but Fitzpatrick provides practical advice for the compulsions and urges we need to fight every single day. Has this book cured me from my ED? No. It still is a fight. But in contrast to the time before I read the book, I am now ready and well-equipped for the fight and I grow more successful every day.

The author writes warmly with a clear,thorough approach to eating and food, covering eating disorders as well as everyday struggles with diets. Her use of Scripture guides you to refocus your thinking. If I had not read it myself, I would not have believed what an impact it could make. Wonderful book! Christians will be particularly inspired! Not a recipe in it...just sound professional advice.