I was given a beautiful book by Katie Farrell, Devotions for a Healthier You, to review and then GIVE AWAY! If you answer my question at the end of this post and comment (yes, you have to scroll back up to the top of the post to comment – sorry!) I will put your name in a drawing to be done on Friday, February 6th.
It was so much fun to receive this book in the mail since my daughter and I had purposed to follow a “Daniel’s Fast” the last three weeks in January. We ate a variety of fruits, veggies and grains and saved a lot of time by planning out all of our meals. It was good to deny my sweet tooth and I lived to write about it. True confessions though – we broke the fast for my daughter’s 18th birthday and there was no regret in eating birthday CAKE! I plan on implementing some of Katie’s recipes into our meals this month and believe they will be a great transition from the Daniel’s Fast.
Katie starts the book off with honesty about her personal journey to a healthier self. She is living proof of what she has laid out in her book. Right away she gives ten steps to help start a journey into the land of healthy eating, exercise and soul care. One step that I am going to put into action is cleaning out my pantry and fridge of overly processed foods and keep them stocked with healthy options.
Also, right at the beginning, Katie makes a priority of praying and renewing the mind in the Word of God. She has “Prayers for Health” and “Identity Scriptures” before the first of 71 devotionals. I’m used to practical lists like these being in the back of the book which make them easy to overlook. Having these right up front set the tone for the remainder of the book. The goal is not just better eating and exercising more but the whole package of mind, body and soul.
Each devotion is filled with honesty, hope and encouragement sandwiched between a scripture and a prayer. The book is full of beautiful photos and sprinkled in are some healthy alternative recipes. I don’t know about you but I am much more likely to try a recipe if it has a picture of the final outcome. Of course, mine never turn out looking quite as pretty but as long as it tastes great it doesn’t matter.
Speaking of tasting great, I tried the Thai Chicken Salad on page 33. Katie’s recipes are healthy and simple and if you want a jump start to healthy eating you can head right to the back of the book for a one week meal plan, a grocery list and recipes.
This devotional book would be a great gift for a young woman about to embark on preparing meals for the first time or for an almost empty nester like me who needs some fresh and healthy ideas in the kitchen.
To see a little bit of Katie’s adorable style, healthy recipes and tips jump on over to Katie’s blog, Dashing Dish – Healthy Alternatives to the Food You Crave.
What change can you make that will help you on the road to a healthier self? Maybe just typing it out will help nudge you in a positive direction. I’m purposing to plan out healthy meals for the month of February. How about you? Please scroll up and comment – I hope your name is drawn to win a copy of this beautiful and practical devotional!
