If you have a craving, I have a cure ~ Review

Today I'm changing my usual book review format because this book caught my attention. Why? Because I felt connected to Sheri Rose Shepherd due to our similarities in life. 

I grew up in a broken home that was very dysfunctional in that I've never seen both of my parents in the same room (that I can remember). In fact, when I met mom again after 10 years apart my Dad refused to take me to meet her. He didn't want me to meet her again ~ and it was due to my stepmom standing up for my need to meet her at 14 that I was able to do so. Long story short I'm glad I got to meet her and get to know her side of the family even just a little bit - but we had very little in common and I cut off most communication with her after I turned 21 or 22. About 8 years ago I found out (about 6 months afterwards) that she had died and my greatest sorrow is that while I tried to share Christ with her "mom's" bitterness over her life made it so she wanted nothing to do with Him even though she acknowledged who He was and what He had done for us. So, the likelihood of us ever meeting again is slim. 

Please read on for my review:
 
If you have a craving, I have a cure 
Experience Food, Faith, and Fulfillment a Whole New Way
by Sheri Rose Shepherd
ISBN: 978-1414366920
$10.87 (paperback)
$9.99 (kindle)

About the book:
A fresh encounter with 3 amazing gifts from God ~ food, faith and fun!

Do you find yourself constantly thinking about what you should not eat, or the things you cannot do? We've all been there, and it leaves us feeling deprived and depressed. Instead of being energized by following Christ, we waste our days feeling bored and burned out on our faith, while battling the guilt that comes from craving food and other things we enjoy.

In If you have a craving, I have a cure, bestselling author and speaker Sheri Rose Shepherd encourages you to embark on a new adventure with faith and food. She reveals the coaching tips that enabled her to lose over 50 pounds and keep them off, shares specific alternatives to common cravings, and offers fun recipes (for food and for life) in celebration of the healthy meals and activities our God created for us to enjoy. It's time to let go of guilt, grab hold of grace and recapture the life God craves for you to live!

My thoughts...

In this wonderful book "If you have a craving, I have a cure" Sheri tells us about her own battle with Chronic Fatigue (another similarity) and what I love the most is her positive spin as she shares what worked for her. Each chapter talks about a craving that we have all had. For instance Chapter 2 is about Craving Something Different. She opens with a short devotional or chat, then she shares 3-4 New Life Recipes (actions we can take for encouragement - ex: Become a Bizarre Blessing & Power Up With Prayer) as well as several incredible recipes in each chapter. 

The recipes she shares are based on Whole Food Cooking and you'll find delicious things like:

Zucchini Pancakes                          Squash Stir-Fry
Kale Chips                                     Queso Fiesta Dip
Raspberry Peach Smoothie               Heavenly Apples & Bananas
Stuffed Red Bell Pepper Pops             Veggie Pie
and many more...

Each chapter ends:
"For more health, weight loss, or kitchen coaching tips from Sheri Rose, scan the QR code using your smartphone or visit the link below.....(link)." Chapter 6 opens up on YouTube.com and discusses finding a reason for a Celebration whether you are down from a layoff, a death in the family or perhaps your tired and just need a suggestion on how to find and do "the littlest act of love".

This book would be a wonderful small group book - perhaps a bible study/cooking class on whole foods cooking would be fun. Be sure to include a walking club at the same time and you will have the support and encouragement you will need for weight loss and growth. Each chapter is short, to the point and yet friendly and encouraging. 

You can purchase your copy - click here - and be sure to get one for a friend too. Follow Sheri Rose Shepherd:

This month (January 2013) Sheri is leading a 30 day Online Event designed to help you (and me) lose weight and draw closer to God.

 

About the author:
Sheri Rose Shepherd is an award-winning author, Bible life coach and humorist with over 1,000,000 books sold. Her life experiences help her identify with almost any woman's battle. She grew up in a broken home and was severely overweight as a teen; she also experienced depression, dyslexia and an eating disorder. Through God's strength, Sheri Rose has become a bestselling author and popular speaker at events nationwide, including Woman of Joy and Extraordinary Women. Her weekly video devotions will be featured on Bible Gateway beginning in 2013. Visit her online at www.biblelifecoaching.com.

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book to read and review on GivingNSharing. I was not required to write a positive review and no money exchanged hands.