Chasing Cupcakes: How One Broke, Fat Girl Transformed Her Life (and How You Can, Too)

This book has so much insight to our eating habits. We have enjoyed it so much in our TOPS group that we do a chapter each month to encourage those who haven’t read it.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I'm a professional nutritionist and I'm someone who has struggled with her own compulsive overeating and binge eating behaviors. (Show me a nutritionist who hasn't, frankly!) This book helps the reader ask some potentially uncomfortable and difficult questions, but ones that being able to answer for ourselves will open up pathways to -- FINALLY -- *actually changing* the self-destructive behaviors we've been engaging in for years. Not just around food, but also with regard to so many other aspects of life. These are behavior change techniques that are oriented toward food but that can 100% apply to so much else in life. I cannot tell you how many "diet books" I've read and I've also spent countless amounts of time and money on "self-help" books and programs with not much to show for them. But there's something about Elizabeth's style and the way she conveys information that spoke to me in ways other things haven't. My book has lots of highlighting and dog-eared pages that are the hallmarks of a work that was/is HELPFUL and beloved, and one that I have returned to flip through multiple times -- and it has the honor of being one of very, very few books I have taken the time to read through in its entirety *twice.* I've found it so helpful for me personally, that I have since recommended it to several clients, all of whom rave about it as well.And I just finished reading this author's second book, Tools for the Trenches. (About to leave a review after I write this one!) If you decide to check out Chasing Cupcakes and you enjoy it, you will definitely want to get Tools for the Trenches, too -- there are even more questions to ask yourself that will help you identify the unhelpful thought patterns and unproductive behavior loops you keep yourself in -- but most importantly, finding your answers to them will help you *change* those thoughts and behaviors. If you have *wanted* "self help" to work for you in the past but have found it kind of hokey or phony, I would say Elizabeth Benton is the real deal. The questions she poses to you -- for you to answer for yourself, whether about food & weight loss or about pretty much anything else in your life -- just might help you finally start making some noticeable progress in things you've been trying, unsuccessfully, to change for years. It's not froo-froo or "touchy-feely." It's actionable and logical and genuinely helps you feel a sense of control with regard to actually, FINALLY, making changes you have been "trying" to make for a long time.

If there is something in in your life you have been struggling to change...but the force of habit or the weight of your personal history has felt like it’s holding you back...this book contains the inspiration, motivation and practical tools to get started RIGHT NOW. I’m a grateful fan of the author’s incredible podcast and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. I’m reading it slowly and just finished chapter seven, which in my opinion is where Elizabeth really starts digging into the exact HOW of creating change...at the level of our thoughts, which drive all of our feelings and actions. This is an extremely powerful approach. Helping me to create the life experience I want, rather than expecting it to just happen to me as the result of some external force. If you are new to Elizabeth Benton, make sure you read this whole book before deciding if it can help you (esp. chapter 7!), because she builds up to the action steps following initial chapters that seem more foundational. Stick with it. And I strongly recommend that you really pause to consider each set of questions—not all of them will pertain to your situation, but the ones that do are things you can build on to move intentionally toward the life you want. This author turned her own life around and gained a ton of wisdom in the process. And through her first book, podcast, blog and more, she shares what she’s learned with such generosity, passion and humor. But no BS or “woo” to be found. Be prepared to be confronted with the truth about who is responsible for your current lack of progress, because it’s you. But the good news is, you also have everything you need to fix whatever it is, once choice at a time. Elizabeth Benton is an amazing teacher who will help you do that and offers specific, actionable, realistic strategies to help you get where you want to go. I can’t say enough about her or the book. I just got back on Amazon to order the audible version as well as the printed book. Last thing to mention: I am not personally acquainted with Elizabeth and have never worked with her as a coach—this review is completely objective and only based on my reading her book and listening to her podcast. She has been a partner in my success this past year (wow, does her approach work) and I am delighted that she now has added “successful author” to her long list of accomplishments.

This book is for anyone wanting to transform their life...A real life changer! Elizabeth is a class act who willingly shares her secrets to success!

Elizabeth 100% knows her stuff. I am only 100 pages into the book but couldn't wait any longer to leave my review because I wanted to make sure other people knew to get their hands on this book ASAP if they want to change their minds and their lives. I've also bought 2 copies for my sisters, and the hard part is going to be waiting to gift it to them :)Each chapter has had concrete actionable strategies to use and questions to ask yourself to wake yourself up. Not to mention, every chapter is LOADED with truth bombs. I've been highlighting like crazy. I will have a ton of golden reminders to come back to when things become challenging. You won't regret giving this book a try, especially if you're truly ready to do the work required to create lasting change.

I have been listening to Elizabeth's podcasts for quite some time and she always amazes me at her insight as well as the practical no- nonsense help she offers that can apply to really any situation a person is challenged by. I bought the book as soon as it came out, but today also bought the kindle version because I needed to loan my book out right away to help someone going through a difficult time. When I listen to her podcasts I want to take notes to review but never get around to it so it is great to now have all her major points at my fingertips to keep me reminded of what I need to practise!!

Very good book ! Well written and full of fantastic info ! Truly helpful for anyone struggling with diet motivation, self image, procrastination etc. This book is not just a book on how to eat better . It is a book to help transform the mind in any area of life. I listened to it first on audible and then got the hard copy because it is worth having around for to reference. Maybe even the top read in this category!

I'm going through every chapter and taking my time. Creating change through evolution and working towards who I am capable of becoming. I want to make sure i'm doing the right work! Soooo many amazing content in the Prologue and first two chapters alone! Love the questions at each end of chapters as it really gets you thinking and gives a push to look at things in a direct and honest way! It's not just helping my focus for weightloss, it's overhaulin' my whole inner and outer self too! I recommend this book to anyone who is ready to take Action!