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Review: The 40-Day Sugar Fast

The 40-Day Sugar Fast book cover on blue background

The 40-Day Sugar Fast: Where Physical Detox Meets Spiritual Transformation by Wendy Speake is a book that caught my eye last year, so I'm glad that I saw some references to it earlier this year on Bookstagram as it prompted me to take up the challenge for Lent.

I also used to think that 40 days elapsed between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday on the dot; however, I was able to finish this book a little early. I know we had an extra day from leap year, but how did I finish this book so soon? Did I miscount my days? 😅

Book Synopsis

What would you be willing to give up to experience the presence of God in your life again?

Many of us sign up for a physical detox program, thinking that if our bodies are healthier, then we're healthier. But a healthy body doesn't do us a lot of good if we are spiritually malnourished.

Welcome to the 40-Day Sugar Fast, a fast that begins with us giving Jesus our sugar and ends with Jesus giving us more of himself--the only thing that can ever truly satisfy our soul's deep hunger. On this 40-day journey you'll learn how to stop fixating on food and other things you use to fill the voids in life and instead fix your eyes on Christ.

Anyone who runs to sugar for comfort or a reward, who eats mindlessly or out of boredom, who feels physically and spiritually lethargic, or who struggles with self-control will discover here not only freedom from their cravings but an entirely new appetite for the good things God has for us.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

I appreciate that The 40-Day Sugar Fast does not solely include health reasons for fasting from sugar, as I've read that information in other books specific to this topic. Where this book differs is in the spiritual application of what refraining from sugary foods looks like and what it means for our Christian walk with God. Having this book cover 40 days is perfect for Lent or any other season in life and is a book I could easily go through again. These last 40 days, the bite-sized devotionals came to be my treat each day in lieu of having a sugary snack or dessert. The continual pointing to God's Word and how only He can truly satisfy is a theme that reverberates through each chapter.

If the focus of these devotionals is to lessen our dependence on anything in this world, including sugar, Wendy did a wonderful job of asking readers why we tend to turn to substances rather than God in times of sadness, loneliness, or even happiness. Though the book is primarily about sugar, it's not afraid to venture into other possible strongholds such as alcohol, social media, and food as a whole. I love that beyond the 40 days, the aim of this fast is to turn our eyes toward what is eternal rather than temporal while not neglecting our daily needs. Those looking for accountability while fasting will enjoy this book as it keeps readers on track and on point about what will long outlast our bodies and cravings.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📖
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍

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