What if healthy eating habits were more than just making smart choices at the dinner table? What if the cravings for salt and sugar were more than a momentary lapse in judgement? What if making long lasting health changes were based on spiritual disciplines?

These are the ideas and more that Lysa Terkeurst explores in her new book, I'll Start Again Monday. Terkeurst guides her readers in what it took for her to make long lasting changes in her own health and the concepts that can set us free from unhealthy patterns. This is not a how-to book, but rather a supplement that delves deep into the spiritual disciplines of a healthy lifestyle.
I love how honest Terkeurst is in this book. She's willing to share truthfully and humorously about her own struggles with weight and unhealthy eating patterns. While reading I'll Start Again Monday, I felt as though I were speaking with a friend. This is a biblically based approach to finding fulfillment and purpose in Christ rather than food. The author shares multiple scripts and scriptures that helped her grow in both new habits and spiritual disciplines. A condensed version of her former title, Made to Crave, this book is full of wisdom and insight for transforming old patterns and moving into a new life giving future.

*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This was a pleasant read, the format was hard to navigate but this won’t be an issue once the book is published. Cute and witty, it gives us simple reminders and spiritual guidance on overcoming unhealthy eating habits

I completely appreciate that this book came into my life and just the right time. I’ve called myself a Christian for most of my life though my commitment has ebbed and flowed over time. I find myself in a similar spot as the author having lost a significant amount of weight before and now being in a position of needing to do it again but struggling.

I find the tips and scripture provided in this book are actually helpful. I feel like I’m down a better path these last few weeks and it seems that my focus is headed in the right direction and I feel even more reassured but this book. I appreciate that she strays away from using the word “diet” and even decries diet culture and lingo in effort to turn the focus on growing closer to God as opposed to weigh-ins and checking boxes.

I plan to refer back to this text and the verses she mentions to help me when I find my motivation lacking.

I had no idea this book would be updated at any point. I've been a long time fan of Lysa TerKeurst, and Made to Crave specifically was very helpful in my life. This version seems to be a bit condensed from the original version, which I appreciate so much because I feel like a lot of anecdotes can be distracting and unnecessary. Lysa does a great job getting to the point in a practical, refreshing way that is empathetic and familiar.

It's not a new book by Lysa Terkeurst, but a revised and condensed version of her book Made to Crave. Worth the read if you haven't already or want to reread Made to Crave. It's a good reminder to turn to God and not food and how to deal with triggers.

Let me start by saying that I have not read Made to Crave. It has been on my list to read for a couple of years. At the start of 2022, I decided I was going to finally read it. Well, I happened to see I'll Start Again Monday on NetGalley and requested an ARC because that has been my moto for months now. Halfway through, I wondered how it differed from Made to Crave so I read some reviews for I'll Start Again Monday. Those who had read Made to Crave said this book was a condensed version of that. I was thrilled! By this point, I knew I wanted to read I'll Start Again Monday again but as a paperback so I could do some highlighting. Instead, I'll read Made to Crave with highlighter in hand. There are so many good points and takeaways in this book that reading it once isn't enough for me to absorb it all. It's a different way to view our cravings and how to combat them.

I received an advance review copy from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I'll Start Again on Monday captured my heart, mind, and soul and spoke to all three. I was challenged by the author in a good way. Convicted but not condemened. It has actually helped me change my thoughts towards eating. I highly recommend this book for anyone struggling with their relationship with food.

This is a quick read. I enjoyed the focus on allowing God to fill us rather than food. This is not a proponent of a diet. It is a scripture-based read that reminds the reader that God cares about every aspect of our lives … even food and how we allow it to control us.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

This book came to me at truly the right time. I was becoming more motivated and wanting to do better food/exercise wise! So this couldn't have gotten to me at a better time!
I devoured this book and I highlighted a bunch to remind me to go back at times. I also wrote some versus down to help me and my daily struggles.
We are more than our food. We can do this. We can.

I loved the uniqueness of this book with God in the mix to work on our struggles with food and yes, starting again.... on Monday. ;) wink wink.

4 stars from me.
*Thank you to NetGalley for a copy to read/review.*

I was able to preview a complete copy of Lysa TerKeurst's I'll Start Again Monday, a nonfiction book about healthy eating choices based in Biblical scripture. This was the first book I've read from this author.

The author's personal stories were encouraging to hear, and I appreciated her empathy for readers who want to make healthy eating choices but struggle with failure and starting again. One section that seemed especially relevant, especially in these days of extra stress and worry, was her encouragement not to use food as a filler for emptiness stemming from life's disappointments.

At times, I felt like the content was a little over my head and outside my comfort zone. But, I did feel like the author's encouragement could extend to other areas of struggle.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is one of those books where "don't judge a book by it's cover" really applies. Before reading I read a few reviews (of those who didn't even read the book!) who were critical of it due to promoting diet culture, etc. I, too, have been burned by diet culture and have leaned more towards intuitive eating vs. a Weight Watchers program or various other options.

However, after reading this book I can honestly say this book does not profess to be a diet or give into diet culture lingo. In fact, Lysa TerKeurst, really addresses the mindsets so many women have due to diet culture. She gracefully explains that what she is doing with her lifestyle choices is in obedience to God and obedience to God in this area may look different to various readers. It is not about a number on a scale at all or a BMI chart. She addresses the diet cycles and why they don't in fact work because they rely on our human ability to have self-control (hence "I'll start again on Monday).

I highlighted large portions of the book and plan to review it as needed. I appreciated that TerKeurst continually pointed to scripture as her foundation. Each chapter pointed to relying on Jesus and obeying Him, no excuses. She touches the sacred cow of gluttony and food being an idol in our culture, mindsets we have, and shares real-life encouraging stories of how she failed and how she then succeeded with God's help.

If anything, this book is a great reminder that God cares about every detail in our lives (including our health) and we need not fear what He may require of us in this area as His will for us is good. He provides the grace to do it!

Honestly, I'm probably the exact demographic this book was looking for and for that reason I am thankful to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I'll Start Again Monday
by Lisa Terkeurst
Pub Date: January 4, 2022
Thomas Nelson

I'll Start Again Monday is a newly revised and condensed version of Lysa's bestseller Made to Crave.*

Have healthy eating plans left you feeling defeated? Based on her bestseller Made to Crave, Lysa TerKeurst offers a new perspective to all those stuck in the cycle of losing weight and then gaining it back, equipping you with the deeper spiritual and emotional motivation you need to make lasting changes.
Nothing new here. Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the ARC. This is a relateable book and will be an encouragement to many.
4 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.

Lysa does it again! Except this time, this book is a shortened and updated version of her book Made to Crave. Although she mentioned some of the practical steps that she took to lose weight, this book is not at all about dietary or health advice. Lysa dives in depth about seeking validation from the Lord and craving Him above all else - mostly food. This book would be a wonderful asset to many women, whether they struggle with food or not. No matter what you put in front of God in your life - your phone, social media, food, sex, whatever it may be - there is something to take from this book.

I am a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach who will most definitely be recommending this book to many of my Christian clients. Lysa stays within her scope of practice - which she technically doesn’t have since she is not in the medical or nutrition fields - which means that I can pass this on as a tool for my clients without worrying that they will be persuaded to try the next FAD diet that many books encourage readers to try. I really appreciated that aspect of her book.

I’ve noticed many low reviews complaining that this book is the same as Made To Crave, which it is. It is a condensed version which is great for non-readers who need help. I have the paperback, Audible, and Kindle versions of Made To Crave and was still thrilled that Lysa put this book out for us as well.

Thank you for this, Lysa.

If you are looking for a book that tells you what to eat and what not to eat, this is NOT this book. This is a book about trusting God and turning to Him instead of food to cope with life. Lysa is very upfront and open about her struggles and how she was able to use God’s words to help her through her journey to a healthier lifestyle.

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
Lysa does a nice job incorporating scripture and real life examples for the reader in all her books, this one included.
This is a great companion book to “Made to Crave” and I enjoyed reading it.
Definitely a book I will recommend to others on a weight loss journey.

Lysa TerKeurst is one of my favorite authors. I read “Made to Crave” years ago, so this revamp of an oldie but goodie came at the perfect time. It’s a quick read, but it is very relatable and saturated with Scripture.

As most women, the start of a New Year brings about new goals including physical wellness. Dieting is not the answer, so what I love about this book is that it promotes having a healthy body through having a healthy mind realizing are ultimate craving should be Jesus. This is a spiritual journey and not a temporary diet. With our eyes fixed on Jesus, we can overcome temptations. Rather than allowing food to consume us, we consume food and are filled with His love and goodness. Lysa shares personal struggles and victories and great encouragement to those seeking to be healthy and physically and spiritually well.

I'll Start Again Monday
Break the Cycle of Unhealthy Eating Habits with Lasting Spiritual Satisfaction
by Lysa TerKeurst

I don’t think I’ve ever highlighted a book so much in my life! Wow, just wow! Lysa is a great writer and I will definitely be picking up more of her books. One thing I really loved about this book is how you can apply her/God’s messages to not just heathy eating, but also other aspects of your life. I’m still baffled by the ankles aka tankles story - I definitely liked some of Lysa’s stories, and many of her stories were relatable, which kept me engaged and highlighting. This quick read doesn’t necessarily give diet advice, it’s more about how to have a spiritual journey with God, where he fulfills you and not food.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you Nelson Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book!

Summary:
Within these pages, Lysa opens up about her weight struggles and overall healthy living journey. She shares revelations she had, lessons learned. She tells you how her walk with God played an integral part of her journey. How did she overcome temptations and weak points? In this book. she shares it all with you.

This book came to me at just the right time. As someone who has struggled with their weight and healthy eating for several years, I related to just about everything she wrote. There were so many times I read a sentence and thought: That's me!! I truly appreciated how vulnerable she was in telling her story. This whole book was extremely relatable. I devoured it. I related to it. I can't wait to buy it when it comes out. I really felt like I had a partner in this struggle with me.

As a new year begins, new goals will be set. Struggles will be encountered. Decisions will be made. The brick wall made up of bad habits will be faced. Will I cave like I have in the past? Will I do half-hearted efforts and get half-hearted results? One thing I know is that I have never really battled this battle with God as my support system. This new year will bring a new approach. My focus needs to shift and be reexamined. Thanks to Lysa, I have new views to contemplate. New roads to travel as I try to get to the same destination.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found it incredibly helpful and insightful. Lysa took an all too familiar issue and brought new light to it. And while this book centers on weight and health, I feel it's lessons can be applied to anything. As long as you are focusing on God- you aren't alone and you aren't helpless.

This is a fantastic and valuable resource. It is full of easy to implement strategies and ideas to break the cycle and make peace with food and your body . It is one I'll return to again and again. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book..

This book was a revamp of one of her earlier books "Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God, Not Food." If you have read her first book there is really no need to read this updated version unless you just enjoy it! Most of the info/key points are the same. That being said, it's full of valid truths and helpful wisdom. I would highly recommend to anyone struggling with their relationship with food and the correlation between life events/circumstances.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson, Nelson Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.