And the Battle for Satisfaction, Jesus, Full: Food

Before I even read the first chapter of Asheritah Ciuciu's book Full, I knew it was written for me. She talks in the Preface about her daughter's first birthday party. She was cleaning up the decorations and food and took a piece of the leftover caterpillar cake. Then she had more, and more. She ended up eating the whole rest of the cake.

I was won over. The book showed clear promise to a person, like me, who suffers from a food dependency and addiction. Food for comfort. Food to fill the void that refuses to be filled.

After I signed up to read the book, I ordered the journal that accompanies it called The Full Life. It works beautifully together. Read some, jot down your thoughts. A double blessing. And the journal includes questions and short pieces that follow along with the chapters

The point stressed in the book Full is one of fullness has to be in Christ and not in food or any other substitute. And the enemy is always prepared to steal your efforts, to tempt you as he tempted our Lord. Do this and I'll reward you. I will give you not what you need for eternity, but what will only satisfy you briefly. That's the lie. But in eating, there is never a reward when the food consumed is meant as a replacement for leaning on God.

Asheritah gently shares her own story and those of others. Never scolding, but sweet in her leading us to a dependency on the Lord and not food.

With a beautiful website, email lists to help you on your journey, and these books, the help for food addiction is right at your fingertips. All it takes is a bit of applying. None of it is easy, but it is possible to reach a place where your first response in a stressful situation isn't food, but the Lord instead.

(i received this book free to review from moody publishing. all views written here are mine and freely given)

Full: Food, Jesus and the Battle for Satisfaction

As I continue to work towards the journey towards freedom surrounding health and my relationship with food, I'm learning more about relationship. In Full, Asheritah Ciuciu begins by reminding us that the real problem isn't the food we're eating. Rather, it's the lies that we chose to believe about the food that we eat.

And it seems, at least for me, that the lies stem from a disordered relationship with God. The cure, Ciuciu shares, is to restore a relationship with God, and feast on the Word of God.

I think the thing I loved most about this book was that Ciuciu is still on this journey with us. Rather than writing from a place of one who arrived, Ciuciu is still on this journey towards freedom with food. She encourages us to continue to think creatively, to immerse ourselves in scripture, and depend on God and community.

Food Fixation

Ciuciu spends much of Full focused around the idea that we often suffer from food fixation. It's the idea that we get so focused on food that we take our eyes off of the things that truly matter. It's more than the foods we choose to indulge in. Or the foods we choose to restrict ourselves from. It's about building a stronger relationship with God so that we can be full. When we have a stronger relationship with God, our relationship with food becomes more healthy as a result.

Full: Food, Jesus, And The Battle For Satisfaction by Asheritah Ciuciu is a close look at Asheritah's own struggle with food fixation, and the long journey she's been on to replace her out-of-control desire for food with a deeper desire for Jesus. This is not a recipe book or a "how to eat well" manual. Instead, Asheritah shares practical, personal, and Biblical wisdom to help us learn why we have trouble stopping ourselves after "just one more bite", what the real enemy is (it's not the food), and how we can strengthen our personal relationship with Jesus in order to truly rely on God to satisfy us.

Each chapter has study questions and a link to online bonus material, which includes videos, bookmarks, journal pages, and more. Asheritah combines her radiant sense of humor with her passion for God in a way that leaves you feeling refreshed and eager to dig deeper into Jesus to seek the fullness that you long for. She discusses diet fads, fasting, calorie counting, fixation triggers, how to enjoy food according to God's plan, and important notes about how our church communities can help ease food fixation issues within their ministries.

Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone dealing with food fixation on a first-hand or second hand level. So if you're sitting there thinking "I don't have a problem with food fixation, but my daughter/co-worker/friend does", then this book will provide you with invaluable tools to help your loved ones overcome the grip food has on them, while strengthening their bond to Christ. 5/5 stars.

*Disclaimer: I received a free print copy of this book from Moody Publishers for the purpose of this honest review. All opinions are my own.*

This book has taught me so much about satisfaction! What am I going to for help, encouragement, an escape, to quiet my thoughts.... or to satisfy my longings?
Does a disagreement send me to the fridge?
Discipline situation's with teens?
Boredom?
Am I trying to satisfy my heart pain, or drown it?
Satisfaction comes from Jesus. All kinds of satisfaction! I know this book is focused on food fixation, however you may find it touches Every Area of your life!
This book is Amazing....

I happened upon this Thanksgiving morning and read the first few chapters not expecting much. I was freed! and have been full ever since with Whom actually satisfies. I eat food now because I want to, not because I think I want to eat everything, but must limit myself. Thinking of past cravings that were truly impossible to shake, they drop powerless now as even the thought of them magically becoming calorie-free doesn't make them overly tempting.

If you are struggling with food, whether it’s obsessing over the newest trend in health food, or you just can’t seem to shed those pounds, this book is for you. If you ever find yourself obsessing about what you’re eating or not eating, or what other people are eating or not eating, this book is for you. If you want to break free of your cravings, this book is for you. I think Asheritah’s own words from “Full” sum it up the best: “This is not just another diet or eating plan; this is a new way of living in the freedom of Jesus Christ.” Wouldn’t it be great if you could exchange for cravings for chocolate, for cravings for the Lord? Don’t you wish you could hunger for time with Jesus, the way you hunger for French fries? “Full” will get you started on that journey. God truly wants you to be free from any bondage you might have in regards to food, whether it’s celery sticks or pizza, and Asheritah’s conversational, yet convicting writing is chock full of Scripture to point you on your way. The best part is that this truly isn’t just a book written for the purpose of writing – Asheritah has lived this and is sharing from her personal experience and struggles. I have benefited so much from the Scriptural truths presented in a new light, and from the challenges offered in this book. If you are struggling and secular solutions have failed you (and I’m guessing they have, if you’re checking out this book!), then give “Full” a shot. I haven’t regretted it, and I don’t think you will either.

**Please note I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own

I deeply appreciated the truth of this book. Asheritah Ciuciu shares her own food struggles, and doesn't doesn't dismiss certain struggles by only addressing more socially acceptable things. She is bold and transparent about the issue not simply being what we eat or don't eat but why we eat. "Our problem is not really what we eat. It's why we seek fullness in something that will never satisfy." (17) I love how clearly she points to Jesus on each page, and points the reader to a difficult, heart evaluation of when food is used as a comfort or consolation or to control instead of being submitted to Jesus. If food in any capacity, feels like a struggle for you, this book is for you. A- for me. 

*Moody Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255

This is a wonderful encouraging book on a topic so many of us struggle with. In our crazy abundance, so often food looses it rightful place in our life, and we find ourselves struggling. We are made to crave but that craving is meant to be for God. But so often we find many other things, food, shopping, relationships, etc. to try and satisfy those desires for identity and intimacy. Only the One who made us to crave is the One who will satisfy those longings.

One of the things I appreciate about Ashertiah and the words she shared in this book is that she always points to Jesus. It is from Him, through Him and for Him that she writes.

Also, I just found out, there is a companion journal, The Full Life: A companion journal for Full: Food, Jesus and the Battle for Satisfaction that you can use as you read the book. I have notes in a spiral, but this companion book might help someone put their thoughts in a more orderly way that is much more helpful!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my review, from Moody Publishing.

Food fixation is something I've struggled with for many years, but it wasn't until I read "Full" that I truly recognized it as a stronghold and a besetting sin in my life. This book has inspired me to seek the power of the Holy Spirit in new ways as I strive to overcome the stronghold of food addiction! Reading "Full" has inspired me to pray differently before meals. No longer am I simply thanking God for the food in front of me before I proceed to devour it and go back for more. Now, I'm asking Him to bless me with the power to know when enough is enough, and that I would honor Him with my choices. And it's working! When I approach the throne of grace with a sincere desire to bring glory to my Father, rather than a desire to simply enjoy His gifts, He blesses me with the opportunity to watch His power at work in my life! This book has served as a reminder for me that there is truly NOTHING in my life that my Father doesn't care about or cannot help me overcome - I can turn to Him with my food issues, and with anything else, and trust that He sees me, He hears me, and His Spirit will empower me to glorify Him with my choices.

Asheritah Ciuciu explains in her book the real, growing struggles with the food: overeating, under-eating, calories control-freak factor, surprisingly can lead to idolatry.

One more piece can be dangerous, especially if the stomach rules the day… I deserve one more piece of chocolate brownie after this stressful week! All of that is a trap of the enemy to bring guilt, more pounds, and stress to our lives.

The author points out God gave this delisheous food as a good gift, but the food was never ment to satisfy and comfort. That’s what God is there to do! She explains how to turn from the hunger of the stomach to the hunger of God: for His presence, for His fullness, because He is the Living Water, a Life!

Asheritah included some online links in the book for more articles and videos connecting to the book topics.

Focusing on the cause (a heart prone to accept lies) rather than the symptoms (a jelly belly and a desire for donuts) has been the wakeup call I've been waiting for. It may have been a case of "when the student is ready, the teacher will show," but this book has changed not only my habits, but my heart. The discussions are frank, and the questions go bone-deep. In concert with the Scriptures, this author really spoke to me directly, and I will never be the same mindless consumer of food I once was. I feel liberated to enjoy food AND to embrace the benefits of self discipline. I've been trying in vain to use the world's tools rather than God's weapons for 35 years, but no more. Thank you, Lord, for leading Asherita to speak the truth in love. Also, the reason I found this author was because I'd purchased and deeply enjoyed her book about celebrating Advent by contemplating the names of Jesus. Excellent.

Asheritah Ciuciu has plated up a feast of Biblical truth and practical application regarding food fixation! Whether you struggle with common food fixation triggers like emotional eating, eating out of habit, or cultural expectations, "Full" will encourage you to dig up the lie that is keeping you in bondage and fill you up on spiritual truth. One of my favorite truth's from author Asheritah cites, "You wouldn't invite a quest to stay in a room full of junk would you? You'd clean it up and make sure they feel comfortable. So treat your body as the prized living space of our amazing God." 1 Corinthians 6:12 sums it up well..."Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible, but I will not be mastered by anything!"

Full: Food, Jesus, and the Battle for Satisfaction by Asheritah Ciuciu is more a spiritual book then it is a diet one. Anyone with food issus would find that this book tackles their struggles head on, especially women. This is a Christian author writing to Christians. That is clear from the beginning, it is after all published by a leading Christian press, Moody Publishers. However, I do think that a non-Christian would benefit from reading this book and may even see the need to become a believer; not just to win the spiritual battle over food either. I especially liked the self-assessment and the closing thoughts of the book which brought everything in a clear and concise manner.

The author gives much “food for thought” in the premise of the book. Such as where does true satisfaction come from, certainly not food or materials things for that matter. Within the pages of the book, the author relates her own journey as well as the stories of others. However, the causes for obesity may have been over simplified. There are many factors that play a part in that, not just a person’s thought process. Still I found the preoccupation with the opinions concerning food, dieting along with the lies we tell ourselves as well as all the “talk” that is done about food to be thought provoking. Do we spend more time thinking and talking about Jesus as we do food?

The publisher through Net Galley provided a copy.

From the perspective of a young woman who has struggled with food fixation and an eating disorder most of her life, I must say that FULL is a breath of fresh air. As a Christian, I never considered food fixation to be a spiritual battle until this book opened my eyes to personal areas in need of change. This book teaches the truth in a world full of lies. As it is explained in this book, the Devil will use any and every means possible to distract us from the purpose and plan of God. In short, the devil evil is “using our cravings to keep us chained to the desires of our flesh so we don’t allow the Holy Spirit to take complete control of us.” This book introduces a new approach to food and best of all; it helps you focus on your relationship with Christ first and foremost. I am amazed by all of the research and resources provided in this book. The author, Asheritah Ciuciu, is a woman who cares deeply for others and has spent countless hours praying and studying in order to develop this amazing resource to you.

If you are in need of a change and want to become mindful and motivated, I highly recommend this book to you. You will have access to the proper tools to fight your food fixation including reflection questions, online resources, encouragement, Bible verses, personal stories, and prayers. This book will show you how to use God’s weapons (prayer, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit) to fight your battles. Thankfully, God is not solely interested in our cravings; he is interested in our whole heart and the motivation behind our actions. As Asheritah explains, you can in fact eat a cookie in Jesus’ name. Your food journey is “simply a medium for Him to accomplish a greater work in our lives.”

Father God, I pray for your help in the lives of men and women across the world who struggle with food fixation of any kind. We pray for your wisdom, discernment, and strength to break the bonds of food fixation. You have given us the weapons of prayer, the Bible, and Holy Spirit to fight every battle and for that, we thank you. We pray that you teach us to know your truth above the lies of the world, so that we can be radically changed in your name. In Jesus name, Amen!

Tina Brown

Full is a cut above the traditional "battle with food" books out there. Asheritah pours her heart into this book in a tangible way. Right away, she speaks a powerful truth about the hold over us that food can have. Her statement "the reason we’re struggling is because we’re trying to fight a spiritual battle with worldly weapons" is insightful and a reminder that without God we are conquerors over nothing. This book can be used individually or with a small group. It gives specific scriptures, goals, and study questions to help you on your journey to a life free from the power of food addiction. I love that Ciuciu is willing to share her own story of success and failures as well as the stories of others. Her adage to "Harness the grace of community" is also a reminder that together we are stronger. She walks the reader through ways that food can help us and also how it can become our master. Life seasons are discussed as well as health issues and times that food needs may change. This book is not a diet plan or a lose weight quick guide. It's a spiritual journey into replacing food addictions with Gods healing grace and power.

Asheritah's book is full of practical and biblical truth to help you break free from the control of food. One of the things I loved best about the book is that she asks insightful questions at the end of each chapter to help you evaluate your own life with food. Journaling through these questions will be extremely helpful in understanding your own struggles with food and going to God for help to break free from them. You won't be disappointed with this book!

As someone who's always had a love/hate relationship with food, I truly thought not many people had an internal battle with it the way I do. I also thought this book would be great for those that might be battling with weight and found that food fixation is a lot more than just thinking about the chocolate bar all day- it's when thinking of food (healthy choices or not) consume you and you find it taking over your life. This book is filled with so much insight on how to bring it to the Lord and how He wants to break these strongholds on our lives if we're willing to give it to him. If you struggle with food, even a tiny not- you must read this book.

This book has touched my soul and reached deep into my heart to find all of the thoughts and feelings I have experienced during my many years as a struggling food addict.
Asheritah has done a great job on writing this book to help other people in finding hope and courage to walk this journey with Jesus. This book has been constructed so well that believers of any type should be able to receive support.

This book has been highlighted, written in, and pages of notes taken and I have experienced a huge change in my mindset and in my journey.

This is such an important book! Full: Food, Jesus, and the Battle for Satisfaction is answer to prayer. A clear voice speaking Truth about our relationship with food and more importantly Jesus. I appreciate how authentically Asheritah shares her journey and the path to freedom. She gracefully shows you a way to discover true fullness. Having personally struggled with food fixation for way too long, the questions she asked gave way to new answers as I spent time in personal reflection. She goes beyond what to do and gets you to see why you do what you do. The outcome is a stronger relationship with God, self, and food. Can I get an Amen? Thank you!

I received an early complementary copy of Full from Asheritah Ciuciu and Moody Publishers because I applied to be on her launch team for this book. It was such an honor to be chosen to receive a copy! I would recommend Full to anyone (even those without any food struggles). A good book leaves you changed in some way, and this one definitely helped shift my thinking for the better! Asheritah broke down this book in a format that makes it a great book club or Bible study book. She makes you think about how you are living your life in many areas, and helps you to change it for the better. I enjoyed the flow of her writing style. It is very soothing and informative. If you are looking for a book to help you change in any area, or are just looking for a good read, I highly suggest Full for you!

I was more than excited to dive into Full. Within the first few pages, Asheritah puts into words what my heart has been feeling for years; which is that the struggle with food is more than a issue with what's in your pantry, it's a spiritual battle. Asheritah mixes her own personal testimony with practical tips for getting control over the struggle with food and having a more intimate relationship with God. I highly recommend Full!

I was a little skeptical at first while reading this book. However, the more I read I realized that I was putting food before anything else. This book has helped me to pay more attention and start with God first when I feel like I want to just eat some comfort food.

This book addresses the heart of why we eat things we know can't satisfy. Asherita backs all of her statements up by scripture which allows me to use the truth to help me fight the lies in my head. I would recommend this book to anyone who is tired of trying to diet and fail when ever the temptation comes their way. Of course you have to do the hard work but this book helps you look to Jesus for his strength instead depending on your own.

There were a lot of really good things about this book. It was broken up into four parts that built on each other as a person progressed through their food fixation journey. What I really appreciated was that she addressed food fixation on both ends of the spectrum: overeating/being controlled by unhealthy choices and being so obsessed with eating healthy that our food choices control us. Throughout the book, there are reflection questions so the book could be used in a group setting or as an individual. There were also notes from other people who struggled with food fixation, so in addition to Ciuciu’s powerful testimony, you were exposed to brief glimpses into other peoples’ stories. Ciuciu recognized that failure was a possibility and provided support for that in her book as well; this built on her honest tone which made her struggles and successes seem relatable. She provided some science in the beginning to support her points, and Scripture was definitely a focus. Generally speaking, I think the advice and encouragement she gave accomplished her goal of helping people grow closer to Christ, but there were some flaws to this book.

One of the minor things that got to me is that there wasn’t a distinction between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes; she simply said diabetes when mentioning it as a consequence of unhealthy eating habits. To be fair, this is a problem in most literature about unhealthy eating habits, and while it certainly isn’t something that would cause me to not recommend a book, as a Type 1 Diabetic, I feel that it is important to call these things out.

The rest of my concerns with the book arise from a Catholic perspective while reading non-Catholic Christian literature. Obviously, there were points in the book that used very Protestant terminology. While it isn’t wrong, it could be a little odd for a Catholic reader. There were also three general topics that could’ve been dug into more deeply from a Catholic perspective. The most important is the Bread of Life. Obviously, a book about satisfying spiritual hunger feels incomplete without talking about the Eucharist. Having a godly entourage -that is, support from other Christians- is mentioned, but there is no mention of the cloud of witnesses we have at our disposal (Hebrews 12:1). She mentions regular confession, but it isn’t sacramental. Again, none of these things are wrong, and they are in fact very, very important, but she is disregarding some incredible experiences and gifts we as Christians have at our disposal.

If these were the only aspects a Catholic would find unusual, I would be ok recommending this book to Catholic readers, however, there are two things cause me more pause. Her discussion on fasting could potentially cause problems for Catholics. I completely agree that our fasting doesn’t secure our salvation, but I disagree when she says that we should “[b]eware of anyone who teaches that fasting will make God more please with you.” Plain and simple, fasting (when done properly) is pleasing to God. Our good works do not secure our salvation, but we show our faith through the good works we do on Earth. More erroneous is the claim that “God created us as three-personed beings, with bodies, souls, and spirits..” While her point that we need to consider both the spiritual and the physical is important, we are not three-personed (CCC 362-367).

Overall, I think this book does a good job addressing the topic of seeking Christ when we are longing for satisfaction. I felt that the last section of the book started to drag a little, but in general, the book was honest, encouraging, and practical. I believe it could be a useful resource, but the lack of depth and errors make my recommendation less enthusiastic. If you struggle with food fixation, I would recommend this book, but with the warning that you should know there are some things that are wrong in it and encouragement to explore some components at a deeper depth as I mentioned above.

Filled with Scripture connections, affirmations, and resources, this precious book leads one to real satisfaction in the Lord. Written in a friendly style, Asheritah leads the reader to what is really satisfying in our spiritual lives. The reader is challenged to begin a journey of a fast where one focuses on the hunger for the Word of God...not one's belly. It helps one sift through myths and stories one uses to rationalize overeating and making unhealthy food choices. Bless you, Asheritah, for helping us learn to be full with God's words and presence.

To all who have struggled to see their food addiction for what it truly is, this book is for you! Asheritah brings to light what God created us to be, and how we've allowed the world to define how we feel about eating. I've loved this book. I'm sure you'll find you do too!

I have read other books about food struggles in the past. "Full" is by far my favorite. This book strikes a balance between thought provoking content and clear action steps towards change. My Bible is marked with references from the book because it's full of scripture. It's clear, the author's goal is to point the reader to God's Word for satisfaction and direction. It would be great for a small group study.

This book is amazing! It has made me realize many truths about myself and my love of sugar. It will help you find fullness and satisfaction in the only one that can actually satisfy, The Lord! I highly recommend this read, will deepen your love if the Lord and make you realize sugar, or comfort foods will never make you live life to the full!

This is not another diet book! If you struggle with food in any way, either overeating or obsessing about what food you eat, then this is the book for you! Asheritah helps guide you to change your focus from food to Jesus. Very powerful!

This book is a great read for anyone fighting bad food habits. Asheritah provides scripture and the tools necessary to overcome our bad habits with food so that we may be truly filled with the Holy Spirit. Asheritah is a true inspiration speaking through her own life experiences and struggles. Put down the diet books and leave them behind. Put this book in your shopping cart and experience true change in your life.

Such a wonderful book-filled with scripture and the true heart of God! I love that it helps the reader go deeper into a relationship with Christ to fill us from within, not relying on food to bring us satisfaction anymore. It's a beautiful devotional, not just a diet book! I highly recommend it!

Full is a great resource for anyone who has struggled with diets and food. Asheritah provides personal examples showing that she really does understand what she wrote about. The spiritual advice in this book is practical and very applicable to anyone struggling with finding fullness in God. This is a must read!

This awesome book opened my eyes like nothing else has ever done concerning the "WHY" to my out-of control eating. The cravings that I was so desperately trying to fill with food was in fact a craving for a deeper relationship with God. My fixation with food is diminishing as I seek God and food in a completely different light.

Such a wonderful book-filled with scripture and the true heart of God! I love that it helps the reader go deeper into a relationship with Christ to fill us from within, not relying on food to bring us satisfaction anymore. It's a beautiful devotional, not just a diet book! I highly recommend it!

Full is a great resource for anyone who has struggled with diets and food. Asheritah provides personal examples showing that she really does understand what she wrote about. The spiritual advice in this book is practical and very applicable to anyone struggling with finding fullness in God. This is a must read!

This awesome book opened my eyes like nothing else has ever done concerning the "WHY" to my out-of control eating. The cravings that I was so desperately trying to fill with food was in fact a craving for a deeper relationship with God. My fixation with food is diminishing as I seek God and food in a completely different light.