Why Diets Don't Work

I was intrigued by the cover and summary of the book but I felt it fell a little short of my expectations. Joyce Tilney attempts to provide a manual for losing weight the "Christian way," but fails to really include a lot of instruction. The book opens up with "The devil wants you fat!" and talks a lot about the battle with Satan and the temptations we face, but fails to really outline a plan to get healthy except to advocate praying and fasting. Tilney condemns comfort food or eating for pleasure. She states time and again that food is for fuel only, not enjoyment (which leads to fat). While I know logically that food is fuel and we shouldn't overeat, is it really so criminal to enjoy something tasty? Why would God make such delicious treats only to have us not enjoy them?

Another thing I had a beef with (get it? food pun!) ,was the author's many miraculous tales. For example she prayed to Jesus and a cancerous lump instantly disappeared or this story on how the Holy Spirit helped her stop craving sweets (page 19):

"One day I wanted a piece of coconut cream pie. I had visions of the pie dancing through my thoughts. I was remembering just how good it tasted when I suddenly heard, "The Lord is your shepherd and you shall not want" (Psalm 23:1). Instantly the craving was gone."

That being said this book wasn't all moot. There was a few shreds of good dieting/lifestyle changing advice. You just have to search through all the bunk to find it.

Disclosure of Material: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”