Amber Lia has written an approachable book that discusses some of the barriers to food loss and how to approach food loss from a biblical framework. Lia uses each chapter to tackle a barrier and provides a prayer at the end of each chapter. I do wish some of the framework of this book came from a stronger biblical framework rather than focusing so much on following "plans." There's more freedom in weight loss than I think this book touches on.

I listened to it and it’s exactly what I needed to hear. It gave me so many nuggets of wisdom to consider and tangible suggestions for making changes in my life.
It’s designed so that you read a chapter a day for a month so that it can be used as a guide as you focus on becoming healthier. I’m going to read it this time as intended and really focus on the takeaway from each chapter.

Author Amber Lia approaches the issue of unhealthy eating habits from a Christian perspective, which I find refreshing. Rather than allowing me to excuse my choices, or place blame on someone/something else, Food Triggers shows me how to utilize Biblical promises and principles to positively impact my health. I especially appreciate the prayers in each chapter. It makes me feel as if I had a friend along on the journey with me, who understands and wants me to succeed. Thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Such a great book! This book really made me think about the way I look at food and what my food triggers are. Not only am I growing more mature in Christ, but I’m also growing a better relationship with food.

I didn't finish this book, not that there was anything wrong with the book, but it wasn't what I was expecting. It didn't grab me and I didn't pick up any new tips or tricks for helping me with food triggers.

I’m a big fan of Triggers and Marriage Triggers and was excited to read Food Triggers. Of Amber’s books, this one was my least favorite. I felt like it was missing addressing people who don’t eat enough and are still overweight. I love her conversational style and Biblical encouragement. My favorite prayer from the book is: Let’s Pray Dear Lord, every day You give is a gift. My desire is to live to an old age and to feel vibrant and strong. I know Your desire is for me to grow spiritually mature in the process. Lord, renew my mind. Strengthen my body. Use me for all my days for all Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen!

Food Triggers is an honest book about the challenges of eating food for so many reasons other than just to nourish our bodies. Amber Lia talks about the spiritual war that goes on when we have unhealthy eating habits. There are chapters that address all of the reasons that we either eat unhealthy foods or overeat. We are going to start a study group that will use this book as a guide for helping each of us. I recommend this book.

This was an interesting book to say the least. Very thought provoking. Not sure about all of it though it was interesting

"Food Triggers" by Amber Lia is an eye opening and inspirational book. As someone who has struggled with her weight and has food issues for most of her life, this was very helpful. It helps us to realize that food is nourishment, not something to be had during boredom. This is a great book that is helpful for changing your mindset about food. I loved the spiritual aspect of this book. Many thanks to Bethany House, the author and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Overall I enjoyed this book and found it beneficial for anyone wanting to learn how to honor God with their body and eating habits. Gluttony often gets swept under the rug as far as sins go, but it is still a sin and it's a shame that it's become so widely accepted. As Christians, we should have a desire to honor God in all that we do, including eating/fueling our bodies and how we treat our bodies in general. We are no longer slaves to sin. We should not be a slave to food and our cravings.

"God didn't place us here for us to take up residence, eating and drinking and sleeping, and then repeat. He created us for good works."

"We were not created for our stomachs; our stomachs were created for us!"

What I liked about the book:
- The author touches on every scenario imaginable (external and internal triggers) so you can know how to be prepared in any situation
- The chapters were short and straight-forward
- The author ties it all back to honoring God with our body

What I didn't like about the book:
- It did feel a little repetitive
- I did disagree with the author on the fact that overeating isn't our fault. For example, she says multiple times that it's not our fault we don't know proper portion sizes. That is something that I believe is our fault and we should own it.

**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Food Triggers

by Amber Lia

Amber Lia writes Food Triggers from the perspective of a certified health coach and a Christian. She began her journey to develop healthy eating habits when she was sixty pounds overweight. She views the journey to health as both a physical and a spiritual battle. She began her personal changes with a “medically designed plan” in consultation with a health coach for accountability. She combined that with examining her food triggers one at a time. This book does not tell you what to eat although she clearly avoids sugars and excessive carbs. She intends her book to be read one chapter per day for 31 days. Each chapter addresses a specific motivation or food trigger, some external and some internal.

Lia backs up the information with research and with Scriptures. She encourages the reader to “exchange unhealthy patterns for God-honoring habits.” Some of her chapters resonated with me and others did not apply. She addresses how others can try to sabotage your healthy eating plan and the temptations that may arise when you are in community settings that involve food. There are many difficult areas she addresses including travel, portion control, and boredom. Food Triggers is not a diet plan, but is another tool with insights and practical tips that those struggling with weight loss and/or healthy eating can add to their toolbox.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rating: 4/5

Category: Nonfiction, Christian

Notes: Although I am in support of portion control, I did not agree with the author’s emphasis on following the serving sizes indicated on packaging. I have always viewed those as the food industry’s efforts to simplify the nutritional labeling. The FDA, however, says that the goal for their newly revised labels is to “bring serving sizes closer to what people actually eat so that when they look at calories and nutrients on the label, these numbers more closely match what they are consuming.” In other words, the serving size is not what people should eat, but what the “average” person consumes. These revised figures have gone up for ice cream, but decreased for yogurt. The government in this case is not leading consumers to healthier eating. You know the old saying, “just because he jumps off a cliff, doesn’t mean you should too.” A good example of that is the marketing of soda in huge cups. Along with that we have a huge increase in obesity and diabetes.

Publication: January 4, 2022—Bethany House (Baker Publishing)

Memorable Lines:

In many ways, our culture has brainwashed us with massive portions and helpings that are, well, NOT helping.

Your health journey will present you with hard choices, and it won’t just be saying no to onion rings—but saying no to people or jobs or places that are not moving you toward God’s best for us.

[part of a prayer from the chapter on holidays] Transform my thinking so that I learn to focus on the people and meaningfulness behind times of celebration, instead of all the things to put in my mouth.

Food Triggers by Amber Lia is about food, yes. But it is so much more. I eat when I am anxious, stressed, worried, angry, and tired. What Lia does is address these triggers honestly and sensitively. The insights into food triggers carry over into general behaviors as well.
As I read the book (provided in exchange for my honest review), I gleaned much more information about how to deal with thoughts and emotions that cover our true selves, the selves we love, respect. and truly care for.
Uplifting and easy to read, I recommend this book not only for emotional eaters, but for anyone dealing with emotional baggage.
I have to add that there is one insight about eating I found refreshing and brave: you don't have to finish the cake. You can have a piece and toss it. You'll be lighter and healthier. (Sorry, Mom. This makes sense.)
#FoodTriggers

I was invited by the publisher to read this book for netgalley.com. I have to say that this book is wonderful. It is written in a friendly, conversational tone with one chapter read per day. I find that the insights offered in the book stay with me and help me make better decisions about food choices. I have also recommended this book to others. I like the Christian viewpoint and the personal narrative of the story. This is a great choice. Well done!

Absolutely a fantastic read for those who are on their personal journey to curb addiction to food or lose weight. The author Amber Alia has come up with various ways which I felt is very practical to control mindless eating. This book is helping me to identify where I have to bring self control regarding food and sugar. The author, a certified health coach reminded me that even in our weakness as humans God understands and we must give all the glory to God instead of running to food. I enjoyed this read as it is filled with how the author has adopted a spiritual transformation and came off her physical weight - sixty pounds through reading God's word and freeing herself from unhealthy patterns for God honoring - habits. Nothing is impossible with God. I would rate the book 5 stars.

This book is more of how the reader can encourage to apply biblical principles in each food trigger in their life. In the areas of food and health Satan wants us to feel frustrated, ashamed and stuck. Satan is not our friend but our enemy, seeking "to steal and kill and destroy" our lives (John 10:10). Instead we need to acknowledge these areas to our loving Father who is for us! He will forgive us.

One of the chapters I loved reading over and over again is one of the food triggers 'When you are Bored'. What do I think more, is it pleasures of food more than the pleasures of being a Christ follower? The author remined me that I need to take times to have quiet times with God everyday so that my purpose could be revealed by him.

To gather more uncontrollably more than we need is not new. The story of the Israelites in Exodus 16 wandering for Forty years in the desert because of their sin was no small discipline. We have a different sort of turmoil journey one that leads to Obesity and Diet related chronic diseases. How to make small changes can make big impact. This book has encouraged me to take heart in the good fight to implement decisions to make healthy habits by focusing on God's word and mature well in my faith.

I just reviewed the book, Food Triggers: Exchanging Unhealthy Patterns for God-Honoring Habits. Thanks to the author Amber Alia, Publisher Bethany House and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book for my honest review.

This was an excellent, challenging, and encouraging read. The author did a great job of presenting the correct way to view this issue in light of what scripture says about believers. I found it very encouraging and definitely want to keep a copy for future re-readings. Would definitely recommend reading this if you struggle with any type of food fixation. I received an advance readers copy of this book from the publisher, but am under no obligation to write this review. These opinions are entirely my own.

Great book for anyone who feels like they are eating for reasons other than nourishment. Often times we find ourselves eating because we are bored or habit. Lia helps readers reframe their thinking and motivation and provides solutions to help them get back on track. Lots of practical tips and easy solutions throughout that readers can start applying to their everyday life. A wonderful resource that makes you think about your daily habits.

I have read numerous “diet”books over my many years. Food has always been a struggle for me. In Food Triggers I found a refreshing difference in that it wasn’t about a particular diet or what to eat to lose weight but a thought provoking look into what causes me to over eat or eat unhealthy. It gave me a chapter a day to read over a 31 day period. I could soak in what I had read, chew on it for a while and digest it before reading the next chapter. Many things were what I already knew from all the other books I’ve read on controlling appetite but there were some new and helpful ideas that appealed to me. But most importantly is the idea of consulting God in this area of my life and taking care of the body He entrusted me with.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from Netgalley but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

Food Triggers: Exchanging Unhealthy Patterns for God-Honoring Habits by Amber Lia is a Christian perspective on a person's relationship with food. There were some good parts to this book and I thought some things would be helpful, but her messages felt eerily familiar. Her message seemed like it echoed the messaging of the Optavia diet. I googled the author and confirmed her connection. To be clear, she never pushes the diet. But Christians following the diet would possibly find this book helpful. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Food Triggers is book helping people transform their health by changing their food habits through their love and faith of Jesus Christ.

I am a Nutrition Coach and I come with my own biases and perspectives. At this core of this book, Lia attempting to shift a person's diet with one that honors God. Bless. But there are things that make me a bit uncomfortable in the messaging.

I often read all types of health books so I can recommend them if I feel they can help someone during their own journey. It may not be something that connects with me, but I understood, everyone is an individual and thrive with different kinds of motivation. What made me uncomfortable (and I may not recommend to others) is the moralizing of the behaviors. Eating is not a moral issue.

Let me say that again, eating is not a moral issue. People should NOT be made to feel they are a bad person if they can not keep their diet.

Again, this is my perspective working with women and being involved in the health industry for years. If you want to read this because you want a Christian influence in your journey- do it! But just know~ you are a whole person, good person whether you are a size 00 or 24.

Food Triggers was a very well put together book that offered practical advice as well as scriptural bases for our food habits. Amber Lia touched on every aspect of food, from what it does for our physical body with regards to nourishment to the unhealthy patterns we can create because of our emotional attachment to food. It was very informative and I really enjoyed it overall. It was also interesting because Amber Lia was so transparent in her own struggles and victories with her food triggers, a nice added personal touch.