Food That Fuels Life!
Aloha, friends!
Today I want to dive into something that I know many of us—especially busy mamas—can relate to: feeling utterly drained. I’m talking about that deep fatigue that doesn’t go away with a nap or another cup of coffee. For a season, that was me. I was surfing, mothering little ones, working, traveling—and yet, inside, I was running on empty. My patience was thin, my sleep was broken, and my body felt out of sync.
That’s why I’m so grateful for my conversation with Kate Dearing, the author of How to Heal Your Metabolism. Her book truly changed my life and helped me find balance in my body again—not through extremes or quick fixes, but through a renewed understanding of how God designed our bodies to thrive.
When “Healthy” Isn’t Healthy
For so long, I thought health was about being strong, lean, and disciplined. But I was doing “all the right things”—clean eating, low carb, no dairy, tons of workouts—and yet, my body was falling apart. I was freezing cold, my sleep was shot, and my mood was a roller coaster.
Kate explained that so many of us, especially women, are under-eating, over-stressed, and running on adrenaline. We live in this “go, go, go” culture, constantly pushing ourselves. And while God did design our bodies to be resilient, He also calls us to rest and nourishment.
What I learned through Kate’s teachings is that health isn’t just about what we remove—it’s about what we restore. Our metabolism is the engine that fuels every system in our body, and when it’s not functioning well, everything feels off—our hormones, energy, mood, and even our ability to love our families well.
The Truth About Food and Fuel
One of the biggest mindset shifts for me was learning that food is fuel, not the enemy. I used to avoid sugar and carbs like the plague, thinking I was being “good.” But Kate shared how our bodies actually need carbohydrates for energy. When we don’t eat enough, our body goes into stress mode—raising cortisol and burning muscle for fuel.
I realized I had been feeding my busyness, but starving my body.
Now, my mornings start differently. Instead of coffee on an empty stomach, I eat a nourishing breakfast with protein, healthy carbs, and good fats. Think eggs with cottage cheese and papaya, or a pancake with sausage and fruit. And honestly, it’s life-changing. My energy isn’t from caffeine anymore—it’s steady, grounded, and real.
When we honor our bodies with nourishment and care, it’s an act of worship. We are stewards of these incredible bodies God gave us—not machines to push to the limit, but temples of the Holy Spirit to care for with wisdom and gratitude.
Ditching the Quick Fix
Another big takeaway from Kate’s wisdom is that healing isn’t a quick fix. Supplements, fad diets, or fasting trends might promise fast results—but true healing takes time, consistency, and grace.
I’ve been there—tired, moody, and just trying to “power through.” But the truth is, we can’t pour from an empty cup. God doesn’t want us barely surviving; He wants us flourishing.
So if you’re reading this and you’re feeling worn out, maybe it’s time to slow down and truly nourish yourself. Don’t feel guilty for needing rest, real food, or margin in your days. That’s part of living whole.
Two Big Takeaways
1. Your energy is a reflection of how well your body is being nourished—not how strong your willpower is.
Eating enough, sleeping well, and reducing stress are not luxuries—they’re vital for living out your God-given purpose.
2. Quick fixes won’t bring lasting health, but slow, intentional changes rooted in truth will.
Start simple: eat breakfast, choose real food, breathe deeply, and remember—your worth isn’t found in your performance or appearance, but in the One who created you.
Listen to the whole podcast here!
Friend, wherever you are in your health journey, I hope this encourages you to take a deep breath and invite God into it. You are not too far gone. You are not broken beyond repair. Your body is capable of healing, and you are worthy of feeling well.
If you’re ready to dive deeper, check out Kate Dearing’s book, “How to Heal Your Metabolism.” It’s packed with wisdom and practical ways to restore your body from the inside out.
Let’s keep walking this journey together—learning, growing, and finding energy that lasts because it’s rooted in how God beautifully designed us.
"Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul."
— 3 John 1:2 (ESV)
