2. Stop Dieting, Start Buildin’ a Holy Spirit-led Metabolic Lifestyle: Learn how to tune into your body, your blood sugar, and the Lord through the highs and lows of your real life so you can build a personalized, God-honoring metabolic lifestyle that truly lasts.
My lifelong metabolic mess became my message – Sharing my story + 3 pillars that changed everything
For decades, chronic dieting left me riddled with body shame, body idolization, inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and tons of downstream symptoms + conditions.
Striving for results. But getting worse with more time, money, and effort.
A + B…certainly did not equal C?!
YOU CAN LISTEN ON:
My Metabolic Mess Became My Message
As I shared the twists and turns of my lifelong metabolic journey for the first time out loud on this week’s episode, God kept bringing me back to one simple realization:
None of this was in vain.
That statement certainly encompasses a lot.
But specifically, when it comes to my lifelong weight loss struggles and the downstream health issues that followed, I can see now that God was doing something much deeper in my heart.
All of those years of chronic dieting built discipline and perseverance.
Now I see that they taught me how to live a “healthy lifestyle” and develop “good habits” from a very young age that I could later build upon with a surrendered heart, strategy, and stewardship.
For many years, I didn’t realize that tuning into my body, tweaking things accordingly, and trying to optimize wasn’t second nature to everyone—especially at that young of an age.
It was a skill that developed out of the hardships I endured.
Nothing is wasted.
Thankful that God uses all things.
My prayer is that my vulnerability helps you feel seen and welcomed into a safe space.
- “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
- “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
- “…I am the Lord; When the time is right, I will do this swiftly.” – Isaiah 60:22
Chronic dieting taught me discipline and perseverance, but not metabolic health strategy…
I started Weight Watchers at just eight years old.
From there came every diet under the sun. Then, macros, fasting, low-carb, carb cycling, extreme discipline, and doctor-supervised diets in high school with phentermine, B12 shots, supervised weigh-ins, extremely low calories, and perfect compliance.
And still, no significant weight loss. Just weight management and no energy. No answers.
This led to a coffee addiction at a young age.
We ran all of the tests, saw all of the doctors, and specialists.
It was like I was so in tune to my body that I felt the problem for years before I was sick enough for a “label of a diagnosis.”
Eventually, I found functional medicine around 2009, which felt like a breath of fresh air.
I dove into food sensitivities, inflammation, hormones, supplements, anti-inflammatory diets, strength training, wearables, specialty lab testing, and more.
But even then, my metabolism didn’t fully heal.
Part of that was certainly my stubbornness and pride.
I was told to focus on sleep and stress. I dismissed it. I was too driven. Too caffeinated. Too focused on sweating harder and eating cleaner to have time to slow down…
And underneath all of it was something I didn’t yet have language for:
Shame.
Lotssss of body shame, specifically.
I won’t recap my whole diet timeline here because it could honestly be a book in and of itself.
But after decades of discomfort from not achieving what I was not only dedicating so much of my life toward, but actually getting sicker from, I had to lay it all down.
I was so burnout and riddled with symptoms beyond weight gain. My metabolic dysfunction led to so many issues downstream.
And more importantly, I couldn’t live out the calling God placed on my life because my body couldn’t keep up…I think this is a common tactic the enemy uses to keep Christians stuck and sick.
Which is why, I truly started to surrender my metabolic health to Jesus.
After years of accumulating experience and degrees in healthcare as a patient and professional, I had to lay it all down and go back to the basics. Giving up control and trusting God.
Not just as a one-time thing, because I had been down that road long ago.
But, this time I started inviting Him into all of the micro and mundane moments of building a metabolic lifestyle that lasts.
The Holy Spirit led me, step by step, toward strategic stewardship instead of striving.
He surrounded me with the right people, training, and tools at the right time.
He turned rhythms I once resented into opportunities for worship because my identity was rooted in Christ, rather than a health outcome.
From that place of total surrender…
- Peace entered.
- Clarity came.
- Energy returned.
- Healing began.
Freedom in Christ stopped the cycle of chronic dieting and body shame one day at a time.
The Shift That Changed Everything
When I stopped striving and started surrendering, something softened.
I didn’t just feel lighter physically. I felt lighter mentally and spiritually.
My body started to feel like a home.
A home for the Spirit of God to dwell.
Which meant no longer:
- Measuring my worth by health outcomes – the scale, macros, steps, labs, etc.
- Seeing medications as failure instead of stewardship – they were a tool!
- Striving for weight loss – surrendering each micro and mundane moment to the Holy Spirit.
- Hiding my light – started living out my calling.
And so much more.
That’s when it finally clicked…
Healthy habits alone do not always equal metabolic health.
I don’t need to resent all of the “wasted years” dieting because they weren’t wasted whatsoever.
It allowed me to get to this place.
It laid a foundation for strategic stewardship and I didn’t even realize it at the time.
So I hope you can see how God could redeem your past metabolic struggles and years of chronic dieting heartache as well.
In Episode 2 of the MetaboLivin’ Podcast, I unpack what I’ve learned along the way, including:
- Why dieting taught me discipline, but not metabolic health strategy
- Why “just eat less and move more” misses the bigger picture
- How shame and striving keep women stuck when it comes to weight loss and metabolic health
- Why stewardship is different than striving for weight loss
- How tools like CGMs and GLP-1s can prayerfully fit into a faith-based framework
- What it looks like to tune into your body, your blood sugar, and the Lord
- Why building a metabolic lifestyle is about sustainability and stewardship, not perfection
At the core of it all are three simple, but powerful shifts. The 3 pillars of tuning in I share in this episode:
- Tuning into your body
- Tuning into your blood sugar
- Tuning into the Lord
This journey isn’t about control.
It’s about surrendering all of it to Jesus.
Worship, the Holy Spirit, and Metabolic Medicine
Around here, I weave worship music into a lot because it’s one of the main ways I connect with the Holy Spirit. Praise is powerful—not only emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, but physically too. That’s why I often refer to it as metabolic medicine.
In the middle of my Holy Spirit-led metabolic health transformation, I had the opportunity to sing with The Choir Room, proclaiming “look what the Lord has done.”
Not at the finish line. Not after everything was resolved. Right in the middle.
God sees us! Even in the middle of our mess.
Had to include here today as I share how God restored my metabolic mess and turned it into my metabolic message! He is so faithful! Check it out below.
The Truth I Want to Leave You With
Here’s the truth God keeps reminding me of, and maybe you need it today too:
Stewardship will always produce more fruit than striving.
You’re not behind. You’re not failing.
You’re being refined. You’re being restored!
Read all of Psalm 66 and listen to Desert Song by Hillsong Worship if you need to
I pray that this encourages you to keep going! You’re not alone on this journey and there are women just like you seeking the Lord as they ditch diet culture for good and step into building a Holy Spirit-led metabolic lifestyle that lasts!!!!
After you listen to the episode, come on over to The MetaboLivin’ Room, basically an extension of the podcast, where we share the highs and lows of our metabolic health journey together! More info on this group and what it’s about below if you just keep on scrolling a little further down 🙂
Listen to Episode 2 >>> Stop Dieting, Start Building a Holy Spirit-led Metabolic Lifestyle That Lasts
YOU CAN LISTEN ON:
As you listen to my story and pillars of building a metabolic lifestyle, I hope it encourages you to reflect on your own metabolic health.
I’d love to know:
- Do you feel God inviting you to ditch diet culture and start surrendering to the Holy Spirit to build a metabolic lifestyle of stewardship? Does that sound exciting or terrifying?
- Where do you need help tuning into your body, blood sugar, and the Lord as you build a metabolic lifestyle?
I read every message. Truly.
So come say hi over on Instagram and let me know!
FREE Coffee on Me (+ A Prayer Request)
As I continue launching the podcast, I’d love your help by subscribing, following, leaving a review, and/or sharing with a friend!
If you do, please screenshot the review to me kristi@myfunctionalpharmacist.com for a free coffee on the house!
Just be sure to make the subject “Podcast Review” so I don’t accidentally miss the email.
But more importantly, I’d kindly request that you please continue to join me in praying that these messages continue to land on the right eyes and ears. That God multiplies this message so women can experience freedom in Christ and metabolic breakthroughs.
I’m so expectant of what He’s going to do, but like I’ve said before, I know it won’t be through my own strength or in isolation! He loves to bring people into His process.
Which is why I am so grateful for your support and so glad that you’re along for the ride.
Thank you again for being here and for all of the prayers!
It really means a lot to me.
Let me know if there’s any way I can be praying for you specifically!
Join Us Over at The MetaboLivin’ Room!
This is a safe, cozy corner of the internet for Christian metabolic health stewardship and transformation.
A place to learn to feel at home in your body, God’s temple, so you can start Livin’ out your calling with confidence that goes beyond the scale!
Picture us having a “girls’ night in”, just curled up with mushroom coffee, collagen, and cozy blankets by a fireplace, talking about Jesus, blood sugar, body image, hormones, inflammation, and burnout… all in one breath. Real-life. The types of conversations that need to happen, but don’t do to fear of being too much or too honest.
This is where faith meets physiology.
Science meets surrender.
And women stop livin’ in shame and start livin’ in overflow!
Inside, The MetaboLivin’ Room, you’ll find FREE resources and more:
- Sisterhood of women fixing their eyes on Jesus + running the same race
- Holy Spirit-led encouragement through prayer support + praise reports
- Challenges to spark accountability + consistency
- Metabolic education (from a pharmacist turned faith-based, functional metabolic health coach who gets it from all angles)
- Access to resources before the general public
- And more!!
It’s not just a group. It’s a NEW type of table (or couch haha) God is building, and there’s a seat saved just for you! Click here to join us.
So, come on in, take a seat, and let’s get started!!!!
Let’s start LIVIN’,
Kristi
Disclaimer: This podcast is for education and encouragement only and is not medical or mental-health advice. I am not your pharmacist or provider. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes to your medications, nutrition, or health routines. We pray, we steward, and we also use wisdom and professional guidance.
EPISODE LINKS
Join the 12-Week MetaboLivin’ Program Waitlist – 12-Week, 1-1 + Group Coaching Program
This is my signature coaching program that’s designed to help you stop striving for weight loss and start tuning into your body, blood sugar, and the Lord so you can start livin’ out your calling!
This is a mix of 1-1 highly personalized coaching sessions and group coaching sessions. The best of both worlds!
The next enrollment is coming soon (stay tuned)!! Cannot wait! I’m so expectant of God to do incredible things. I’ll be looking for 5 ladies to join!
Sign up for the waitlist and newsletter here.
I hope this resource helps you find more discernment on which path to take when it comes to building out your metabolic toolkit.
And of course, listen to the podcast. Subscribe/follow, like, leave a review/comment, and share the podcast!
A mix of meandering metabolic stories, Biblical mindset training from a stewardship perspective, blood sugar and weight loss tips, strategy, and more!
Available on all major platforms. Would love for you to like, follow, subscribe, and share with a friend if you find it helpful!
If you do subscribe/follow and leave a review/comment on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, be sure to email me a screenshot at kristi@myfunctionalpharmacist.com to get a FREE coffee! Thank you!
Say hi over on Instagram! Follow me over @Kristiteaguepharmd + @metabolivin on Instagram!
As a Christian Metabolic Health Coach, helping you blend the best of crunchy and conventional care when it comes to your weight loss journey, I have created an amazing community of faith-based women on the same mission. Check out my FREE community, The MetaboLivin Room, where you can access resources + support inside this group designed to help you feel at home in your body, God’s temple, so you can live out your calling with confidence that goes beyond the scale! There’s a spot on the couch saved just for you!. So come on in, take a seat, and let’s get started!!!
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