A Christ-Centered, Trauma-Informed Approach to Healing Your Relationship With Your Body
Original Post written October 31, 2023
For a long time, I believed that health was something you earned by trying harder. I thought it required more discipline, more rules, and more control. For a season, that approach seemed to work, until it didn’t.
What I’ve learned, both personally and through years of walking alongside women, is this: most of us do not struggle because we lack information. We struggle because our bodies do not feel safe.
So many women already know what to do eat better, move more, rest well. But their nervous systems are overwhelmed. Their bodies are still protecting them. Healing does not begin with more effort. It begins with safety.
Reclaim Your Temple was born from that realization. It was not created as a diet, a workout plan, or a quick fix, but as a Christ-centered invitation to reconnect with your body in a way that leads to lasting healing and sustainable health.
Why Reclaim Your Temple?
Scripture tells us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Yet many women experience their bodies as anything but sacred. Instead, they experience them as projects to fix, problems to manage, or places marked by shame, exhaustion, or disappointment.
Some women learned to disconnect from their bodies in order to survive. Others learned to control their bodies in order to feel safe. Either way, the result is the same: disconnection.
As one woman shared after walking this journey:
“Some of us initially came to improve our physical health, but we quickly learned we were embarking on a journey that allowed the Lord to put His finger on our hearts, minds, and souls first.” — Kelli
Reclaim Your Temple is about restoring relationship with your body, not enforcing compliance.
This Is Not a Program That Tries to Fix You
If you are looking for strict rules around food or fitness, pressure to “get it right,” or another plan that asks you to override your body’s signals, this may not be what you are looking for. If you are tired of starting over, if control has not brought you peace, or if your body feels like it is asking to be listened to rather than pushed, you are not broken, and you are not alone.
What Reclaim Your Temple Is Really About
At its core, Reclaim Your Temple is a faith-based, trauma-informed approach to health and wellness that helps women move from disconnection to stewardship integrating body, mind, and spirit together.
We intentionally slow down. We learn how to listen. We build safety. We practice truth in the body, not just in the mind.
One participant described it this way:
“It was like washing, prepping, chopping, seasoning, and marinating the ingredients before cooking a meal, the small, sometimes tedious but always necessary work that made the final result worth the time.” — Kelli
Real transformation does not happen through force. It happens through presence.
What We Focus On Together
Identity Before Behavior We begin with who you are in Christ, not with what you need to change. Lasting habits grow from identity, not willpower.
“In light of knowing Him and understanding my identity in Him, I was better prepared to set goals that left room for compassion and grace.” — Kelli
Nourishment Without Fear We explore food as nourishment rather than control, learning to eat with wisdom, awareness, and freedom.
Movement as Stewardship Movement becomes something you partner with rather than a way to punish your body. We focus on sustainable practices that honor your season of life, including Pilates, gentle strength, and embodied movement.
“Oh, and that Pilates class… chef’s kiss.” — Maya
Nervous System and Emotional Awareness Many struggles with food, rest, and exercise are rooted in stress and survival. We gently address the “why” beneath the habit.
Rest, Rhythms, and Repair Rest is not earned. We practice rhythms that allow the body to recover and rebuild trust.
Embodiment and Presence You learn to inhabit your body with curiosity instead of criticism, responding to its signals rather than overriding them.
The Power of an Intimate Community
One of the most important elements of Reclaim Your Temple is community, but not the kind where you get lost in the crowd. Each cohort is intentionally limited to eight women. Healing happens in spaces where you are seen, known, and gently held accountable.
As one participant shared:
“One of the best things about the group is its size. You’re not just one of many each woman’s presence is a gift, creating intimacy within the community.” — Maya
This small, sacred container allows for trust, honesty, and depth without pressure to perform or over-share.
How This Is Different
This is not behavior change layered on top of burnout. It is discipleship lived out in the body. Scripture, coaching, embodied practices, devotionals, breathwork, and movement are integrated in a way that supports real life rather than an idealized version of health.
“The daily devotionals, breathwork, workouts, and opportunities for connection kept me focused and committed. I was eager to come back each week and continue the work God started in me.” — Kelli
You are never rushed. You are never shamed. You are never asked to disconnect from your body for the sake of progress.
A Gentle Bridge to LiveWell Coaching
Reclaim Your Temple is not something you rush into; it is something you discern.
For women who feel called to walk this journey with guidance and community, Reclaim Your Temple is lived out through LiveWell Coaching. A 12-week, Christ-centered coaching experience rooted in embodied discipleship and sustainable health practices.
As one woman shared:
“De is a thoughtful, honest, and knowledgeable guide. Her program gives you space to explore your beliefs and engage in surrender and restoration.” – Terri
LiveWell Coaching provides the container for the work described here through teaching, reflection, embodied practices, and a small, intimate community designed to support real change.
If you are tired of striving, if your body has been whispering instead of shouting, or if healing feels more like partnership than performance, Reclaim Your Temple is an invitation to begin again, with grace, truth, presence, and community.
Yoga has become an incredibly popular practice worldwide, often valued for its physical benefits and stress-relieving qualities. However, within Christian communities, questions arise about whether yoga is compatible with Christian beliefs and practices.
That is a fantastic question one I have asked myself. But when you “should” on someone you insinuate shame. This blog post is not an attempt to advocate for yoga, but rather offer an educational and insightful viewpoint to empower Christians to make informed decisions through prayer and discernment.
Reflecting on five remarkable years of dedicated Yoga practice, I can’t believe how time has flown by. Initially, the idea of slowing down and sitting still seemed overwhelming, making me apprehensive about starting. However, after obtaining my 100-hour trauma-informed yoga instructor certification, I came to understand the underlying reasons for my inability and fear of stillness. Over the past five years, I’ve discovered the transformative power of integrating breath, prayer, and movement in healing the trauma that has resided in my body since childhood.
Before sharing my yoga practice on social media, I was unaware of the demonization it had faced. I received messages from various individuals, including a notable one from a woman who expressed:
“Christians SHOULDn’t practice yoga!”
Until recently, I was unaware that practicing yoga could be seen as a contradiction to certain beliefs. I had always practiced yoga online from the studio where I completed my 200hr training, and the yoga instructors there never discussed the spiritual implications of the practice. When I conducted a Google search, I came across opinions from Christians who claimed that yoga was a form of demonic worship. However, these opinions lacked any scriptural evidence.
My final paper for my 200hr Yoga Teacher training was a reflection on my own fear of yoga before experiencing the training through the Flow Collective in Nicaragua.
Demonizing the Yoga Philosophy in the Christian Church
Recently, I’ve received Direct Messages (DMs) questioning “how I can claim to be a Christian while practicing yoga?” The tone of these messages often seems accusatory rather than loving or inquisitive. This prompted me to engage in my own research to provide an honest response.
While I have not previously engaged in yoga as a spiritual experience, I recently had the opportunity to explore it in this way, which I believe will provide a better understanding of my perspective. I shared a comprehensive response on social media to address this topic further.
I am a Christian who is certified to teach yoga
To provide clarity, I’d like to delve deeper into my statement for several reasons. Firstly, my education and knowledge gained through my 200-hour Yoga Teaching Training Certification have shaped my understanding of yoga. Contrary to popular belief, what is commonly taught in Western studios is not the true essence of yoga. Yoga is a comprehensive philosophy, and the asana practice, often associated with yoga, is merely a small aspect of a broader philosophical framework. Unfortunately, many individuals who identify as “yoga teachers” are primarily teaching physical movements and utilizing asanas as a tool rather than encompassing the holistic philosophy of yoga.
“Should Christians practice yoga?”
The question of whether or not to practice something you don’t comprehend is a complex one that cannot be easily answered. It delves into issues such as cultural appropriation and the worship of false gods. The decision is a personal one that requires careful consideration, discernment, and a willingness to educate oneself about the topic.
I’ve also googled “Should Christians practice yoga?” and have read some pretty scary stories that don’t share Biblical truth or substantial explanation other than personal opinion and bias.
My answer to if, “Christians should practice yoga?”
Here is my offering. Like all posts on my blog, I don’t solely share my opinion but I offer actual credible research and I want to do the same here. Using Scripture from the Bible as well as sharing information from the Yoga Sutras.
After completing my 200-hour Yoga Teaching Training Certification, I feel compelled to provide more clarity on the question of whether Christians should practice yoga. It’s a complex issue that goes beyond a simple yes or no answer.
I researched. Spoke with fellows Christians who practice yoga. Have you see my blog post
After months of prayerful reflection, I feel compelled to provide a comprehensive response to this question. My perspective is shaped by the belief that God has endowed us with free will, while as a believer, I also find guidance and discernment through the Holy Spirit. From both perspectives, there are some things we need to take into consideration.
Disrespect of other beliefs
Just because someone has a different belief system doesn’t give us the right to condemn them. We’re called to love people like Jesus, and to live boldly, not in fear. Many times, demonization stems from a spirit of fear. The enemy will use anything, including yoga, to distance us from God, but yoga is not the only avenue.
Some Christians demonize yoga because of personal convictions, especially those who were once deeply involved in its spiritual aspects. Their conviction is valid and should be respected, just as I have a conviction to honor my body as the temple of the Holy Spirit. I believe it’s important to care for my body, but not all Christians feel the same way. Some may lead unhealthy, sedentary lives. I don’t condemn them for that; it’s simply a difference in convictions.
As believers, we are called to uphold righteousness and guide others toward the kingdom, but you can’t shame or condemn someone into change. Fear often drives people’s actions and decisions. My own conviction and firm belief in Christ have only deepened my relationship with Him.
If someone chooses not to practice yoga due to their past involvement in false god worship, that’s a valid conviction that should be honored. But it’s equally important not to judge or demonize Christians who don’t share that same conviction. Our role as believers is not to condemn others for their differences.
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”John 3:17
Should Christians practice yoga?
I want to explore the distinction between restorative stretching, somatic exercises, and integrative movements as separate practices from yoga. While they incorporate yoga-inspired poses, these modalities offer unique benefits for the body, such as reducing stress and promoting healing. By shedding light on the differences between these philosophies, I aim to provide a fresh perspective on the topic.
Understanding Yoga- “What is yoga?”
Yoga, derived from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” means “to yoke” or “to unite.” It encompasses a variety of physical, mental, and spiritual disciplines aimed at achieving inner peace, harmony, and union with the “divine”. Traditionally, yoga is rooted in Hinduism, with influences from Kemetics, Buddhism and Jainism.
It involves various elements, including physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation. The asana practice is in the Yoga Philosophy would probably be considered the minimal aspect of the yoga philosophy. Asanas are the postures that are practice in movement which western culture has culturally appropriated as all-encompassing yoga. But there is more to the philosophy than stretches. The “more” is what Christians don’t understand nor attempt to understand because of fear.
Romans 12:9-20 calls us to bless our enemies, know them, and surprise our enemy with generosity. Shaming people will not bring them closer to Jesus. We’re not called to love the sin but we are called to love the sinner and only through Jesus we can do that well.
Can yoga be practiced in a way that aligns with Christian beliefs, or does it inherently conflict with the Christian faith?
The Case for Practicing Yoga
Those in favor of Christians practicing yoga often cite the following points:
Physical Benefits: Yoga is renowned for its ability to improve flexibility, strength, balance, and overall physical health. It can be a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle. You can practice flexibility, strength, balance and stretching without worshiping other gods.
Stress Reduction: Yoga and mindfulness practices can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mental clarity. These benefits can contribute to a sense of peace and calm, which aligns with Christian values.
Ruach is the gift that God first gave us. Ruach (רוּחַ) is a Hebrew word that has multiple meanings, including “wind”, “breath”, “spirit”, “life”, and “essence”. It is often used in scripture to refer to God’s breath, or “Spirit of God”. For example, in Genesis 1:2, it is used to describe “a wind from God sweeping over the water”. In Isaiah 11:2, God uses the phrase “Ruach Yahweh” to promise that the Messiah will be empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Ruach can also refer to a person’s emotional, intellectual, and volitional life. It is breath and its a gift that God has given us to give us life, peace and reduce our stress.
Adaptable Practice: Some argue that yoga can be practiced in a secular manner, focusing on the physical aspects without engaging in spiritual or religious components. This adaptation allows Christians to benefit from yoga’s positive effects without compromising their faith. Others argue that they are one in the same. If you stretch in yoga postures you will be overcome with demonic presence and will need deliverance. Which one is right? Both! We live in a spiritual war and there is a spiritual battle.
Christian Yoga: A growing number of Christians have embraced a concept called “Christian yoga,” where the practice is infused with Christian prayer, Scripture, and meditation. This approach seeks to retain the benefits of yoga while explicitly focusing on Christian themes. In my opinion, engaging in cultural appropriation occurs when we adopt practices from other cultures and rebrand them for our personal benefit. I have been in deep contemplation what this looks like in my own movement offering.
In October 2024, I’ll be attending the Christian Yoga Expo, hosted by Christian Yoga Magazine. As a blogger, I’ve been invited and provided with complimentary tickets to explore how the Christian faith is reclaiming restorative movement and breath work from the enemy’s influence. The expo’s purpose and vision focus on integrating faith with movement, helping believers restore their bodies and minds while glorifying God through yoga practices.
“Our vision for the Christian Yoga Expo is to create a nurturing environment where participants can deepen their relationship with God while nurturing their bodies, minds, and spirits. Through various workshops, classes, seminars, and discussions led by experienced instructors and spiritual leaders, we aim to inspire and empower individuals to embrace their divine identity and cultivate inner peace, strength, and resilience.”
I look forward to sharing my experience on Instagram and sharing another blog post as I gain more perspective on how practicing yoga or what I like to call integrative movement works in my everyday life.
If you continue to read you will see that my heart’s desire is to disciple in everyday life.Check out my blog post on discipleship. If anything takes me away from glorifying the kingdom I must die to myself for my Savior but as you will learn I have not seen anything that shows me in God’s word that my practice is demonic.
On the other hand, those who caution against Christians practicing yoga point to the following concerns:
Spiritual Roots: Yoga’s origins in Hinduism and other Eastern religions mean that it is inherently spiritual. Some argue that engaging in yoga can unintentionally expose practitioners to spiritual beliefs and practices that conflict with Christianity. This may be true and as a more mature believer, I want to warn you against practicing at any yoga studio. There are Christian instructors online and studios in local gyms that may be a safer space for you to move through stretching, flexibility, strength and balance.
1 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV), which says: “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”
Misalignment with Christian Doctrine: Certain aspects of yoga, such as the pursuit of self-realization and the idea of union with a universal spirit, can contradict Christian teachings about salvation, grace, and the nature of God. This misalignment can create confusion or lead Christians away from their faith. That is why it is critical you know your Word and not just what other people tell you. Know it for yourself so you can be armed with truth.
Ephesians 6:17 (NIV) says, Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Potential for Syncretism: Practicing yoga without a clear understanding of its spiritual roots can lead to syncretism—blending different religious beliefs. This blending can dilute or distort the unique message of Christianity. This thought may be referring to
2 Corinthians 6:14-16 (NIV) which says, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of being mindful of practices that could blend Christian beliefs with those of other religions or spiritual systems, warning against syncretism. It speaks to the need to maintain the purity of Christian worship and faith without mixing it with other belief systems.
Alternative Practices: From my research critics of yoga suggest that Christians have alternative ways to achieve physical and mental wellness that are more closely aligned with Christian values. These could include prayer, meditation on Scripture, Christian-themed exercise classes, and other faith-based activities. They do. Yoga is not necessary in the Christian faith to embody the gospel of Jesus. It is also unnecessary to create physical and mental wellness. There are alternatives to achieve stress management tools.
Navigating the Debate
For Christians seeking guidance on this issue, a balanced approach may be helpful. I would advise them to take their concerns to God. To ask the Lord, to reveal what is right for them and to give them discernment. We need to take everything to the Lord not just our desire to practice yoga. He wants to be part of every aspect of our lives.
To answer a question, I’ve gotten many times, “Should Christians practice yoga?” Here are some things to consider when navigating the answers for your own walk in faith.
Discernment and Intentions: Assess your motives for practicing yoga. If your focus is purely on the physical benefits and you consciously avoid spiritual elements, you may find yoga compatible with your faith. Yoga is not necessary to stretch you can integrate stretching, flexibility, breathwork, mobility, strength, and balance in other movement modalities.
If you are drawn to the spiritual aspects of yoga, exercise caution and seek guidance from trusted Christian leaders. When presenting their findings, people should rely on Scripture as their primary source and avoid relying solely on personal biases or secondhand information.
Explore Christian Alternatives: Consider exploring Christian alternatives to yoga, such as Christian-themed exercise classes, faith-based meditation, or prayer walks. I was trained by an organization Revelation Wellness. We have RevWell TV which has stretching classes.
On the FaithFueled Life App, I have FaithFueled Flow which has integrative movement classes that integrate: stretching, flexibility, breath work, mobility, strength, and balance from a trauma-informed perspective which eliminates poses that may make you feel exposed or uncomfortable for example “happy baby” is not in my integrative movement practices.
We meditate on a Scripture for each class and as we breathe in and out I invite the participants to Inhale “Yh” and exhale “Wh” It has been transformative on my healing journey. I offer free classes on Wednesday mornings in my Digital Studio.
These practices can provide similar benefits without potential conflicts with Christian beliefs: restorative stretching, integrative movement, or even somatic exercise.
Community and Accountability: Engage in open conversations with other Christians and spiritual mentors. Seek guidance from your church or Christian community to ensure your practices align with your faith. Your church community is a place to support you and hold you accountable you navigate this issue. Again, make sure that their views align with God’s Word and not personal opinion.
Respect for Diversity: Remember that Christians hold diverse views on many issues, including yoga. Respecting differing opinions within the Christian community is essential. Ultimately, your relationship with God is personal, and your faith journey may differ from others’.
I also dont believe as Christians we are called to live our lives with a Spirit of fear.
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
Celebrating Pagan Holidays is equivalent to practicing “yoga”
Christians find it acceptable to practice other pagan rituals and attach them to Christian celebrations but when they see someone in a downward dog panic ensues. I question the motives or the lack of education in these areas. There is hypocrisy when it comes to pagan holidays which are celebrations and worships of false gods. And movement practices. What pagan beliefs are acceptable to adopt and what are off limits? We can look to historical idol/nature worship practices that we now “practice” in Christianity and no one questions:
Do you have a Christmas trees?
Is the Easter bunnies/egg hunts part of your Easter celebration?
Do you trick or treat?
Do you live your days names of days of the week?
Dance?
Play cards?
Do you only listen to worship music?
I feel like the same Christians who demonize yoga in my DMs and Comments are the ones with the biggest Christmas tree and family Halloween costumes. Yet, there is no difference.
Matthew 7:5 says,You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
What does the Bible say about yoga?
The Bible doesn’t mention yoga directly, some Christians point to certain Scriptures to argue against practices they believe might conflict with Christian faith or incorporate spiritual elements not aligned with biblical teachings. Below are some of these Scriptures and their interpretations, which some use to argue against yoga for Christians:
Exodus 20:3-5: “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them…” These verses, part of the Ten Commandments, highlight the centrality of worshiping God alone and avoiding practices that could be seen as idolatrous or tied to other religious beliefs.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12: “There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or a charmer, or a medium, or a necromancer, or one who inquires of the dead. For whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord…” While these practices seem distinct from yoga, some Christians view yoga’s spiritual or mystical elements as crossing into areas the Bible warns against.
2 Corinthians 6:14-17: “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?… Therefore, come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” This passage speaks to the separation between believers and practices associated with unbelief. Some use it to argue against adopting practices tied to other religions or belief systems.
Colossians 2:8: “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” This verse warns against being influenced by philosophies or traditions that aren’t centered on Christ, which some Christians believe could include yoga’s spiritual or philosophical components.
1 Corinthians 10:19-21: “Do I mean then that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.” This passage is often cited to caution against practices with pagan or non-Christian religious associations.
These Scriptures are interpreted in various ways within the Christian community. Those who believe yoga conflicts with Christianity generally focus on the potential spiritual risks and the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between Christian and non-Christian practices. If you are concerned about the spiritual implications of yoga, consider exploring other forms of physical exercise and relaxation that don’t carry potential religious or spiritual connotations.
Is Christian Yoga a thing?
Many Christians adapt yoga for their own purposes, focusing solely on the physical and health-related aspects while avoiding spiritual practices that conflict with Christian doctrine. Others embrace “Christian yoga,” which incorporates Christian meditation, prayer, or Scripture alongside physical postures. Many organizations practice Christian yoga but I still would be discerning in any yoga practice you begin. October 11-12, I will be attending the first annual Christian Yoga Expo that will be hosting hundreds of Christian yogis. Yes, Christian yoga is a thing.
Should you learn about yoga?
If you’re a Christian exploring yoga, consider examining the core teachings of the “Yoga Sutras” alongside biblical principles to determine whether any practices or philosophies conflict with your faith. Consulting with trusted spiritual leaders, clergy, or Christian communities can provide additional guidance in navigating this complex issue. I do not recommend consulting with a non-believer of the comparison of yoga to Christianity. Learning what yoga is not worshipping or practicing yoga.
Yoga as a broader tradition embraces an inclusive approach, acknowledging that spiritual paths vary and that individuals might find different routes to spiritual fulfillment or personal growth. This inclusivity is reflected in several key aspects of yoga philosophy:
Universalism: Traditional yoga philosophies often highlight the universality of spiritual truths, suggesting that different religious and spiritual paths can lead to similar outcomes, such as inner peace, self-realization, or a sense of unity with a higher power. This universalism allows yoga to be practiced by people of various religious backgrounds, including Christians.
Focus on Experience: Yoga encourages experiential learning, emphasizing personal practice and meditation. This focus on personal experience rather than doctrinal rigidity permits practitioners to draw from their own spiritual or religious backgrounds while engaging in yoga practices.
Adaptability: As yoga has spread globally, it has been adapted to fit various cultural contexts. In Western countries, for example, yoga is often practiced in secular settings with an emphasis on physical fitness and stress relief, without explicit spiritual or religious content. This adaptability allows Christians and others from different faith traditions to engage in yoga without conflicting with their religious beliefs.
Is yoga a different religion?
Despite this general openness, it’s worth noting that some traditional yoga practices contain elements that may be closely tied to Hindu spirituality, such as chanting mantras, meditation on Hindu deities, or concepts like karma and reincarnation. These elements can create tension for those who see them as incompatible with Christian doctrine. This potential for conflicting spiritual messages leads to differing views within the Christian community about yoga’s compatibility with Christian beliefs. Yoga is a philosophy and not a religion but many Hindu and Budhist practice yoga along with their spiritual practices.
Should a Christian go to a yoga studio?
This is what I wanted to clarify I do not recommend Christians going to a Yoga Studio. As Christians we have to have discernment and if you are unaware of the meaning behind what you are doing then you should not be doing it. If fear has prevented you from educating yourself then you should not participate in chanting, mantras, mudras, or meditation because there is potential for syncretism. During my 200 hr YTT, I did not participate in chanting, mantras and mudras. I respectfully excused myself from the practices.
If you would like to stretch to gain flexibility please don’t be afraid that certain poses will cause you to worship gods that you do not know exist. True worship is preceded by devotion. You are able to stretch your body without worshipping false gods. I would be protective of who is leading you in the stretching.
As yoga continues to evolve and adapt, there is no uniform stance on Christianity within the yoga community. Yoga practitioners and teachers vary in their approach, with some focusing exclusively on the physical and mental benefits, while others include spiritual components. This diversity means that Christians considering yoga should exercise discernment and determine whether a particular style or setting aligns with their faith and spiritual values.
Should Christians practice yoga?
The question of whether Christians should practice yoga has no definitive answer. It depends on your beliefs, intentions, and the approach taken toward the practice. If you choose to engage in yoga, ensure it aligns with your Christian faith, avoiding spiritual elements that conflict with your beliefs.
If you prefer to avoid yoga due to its spiritual roots, explore alternative practices that align with Christian teachings. The key is to maintain a strong connection with your faith and seek guidance from trusted Christian mentors. I hope this was helpful and dispel fears that you have surrounding yoga. Again, I am not here to point you to yoga but I do think you should take fear off the table because as a Child of God you have nothing to fear. I hope this post was helpful on your own education and pray that you take further action to see what the Lord reveals is right in your walk of faith.
for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 1 John 15:4“For the Lord is great and highly praised He is feared above all gods.” 1 Chronicles 16:25
Food is never just food. It shapes how we feel in our bodies, how we move through our days, and how we show up for the work God has given us to do. It is deeply connected to our emotions, our habits, and even our sense of safety, something I explore more fully in my post on how emotions shape cravings. Yet for many believers, eating has become tangled with confusion: diet trends, conflicting advice, guilt, and exhaustion.
Now, with the release of a new food pyramid, the cultural conversation is shifting again. Headlines promise clarity. Graphics offer guidance. But for many of us, this only deepens the question. We want to honor God. We want to care well for our bodies. We just aren’t always sure where Scripture ends, and culture begins, or which voices we’re meant to trust. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services & U.S. Department of Agriculture [HHS & USDA], 2026).
In 2022, I wrote “Benefits of Biblical-Based Eating” as a way of naming something many women were already sensing: that God’s design for nourishment is simpler, kinder, and more coherent than the noise surrounding modern food culture. That article did not offer a diet plan. It offered a return. To creation, to stewardship, and to trust. It invited readers to consider that God’s original provision of food was not accidental, and that eating could be an act of reverence rather than control. Today, something surprising is happening in the secular world of nutrition.
A newly released national food pyramid marks a shift away from decades of highly processed dietary frameworks and toward a renewed emphasis on real, whole foods. The language being used is strikingly simple: “eat real food.” Whole foods. Minimally processed foods. Foods that look like what they are.
Source: usda.gov
Basically, the world is rediscovering what Scripture quietly assumed all along. This convergence is not proof that the Bible is a nutrition textbook. It is, however, a reminder that God’s design for the human body is coherent. What He created the body to receive aligns with what science now recognizes as sustaining health. And this matters, not because food saves us, but because our bodies are part of our discipleship.
The New Food Pyramid and the Return to Real Food
For years, public dietary models emphasized refined grains, low-fat products, and industrially altered foods. The new food pyramid represents a meaningful course correction. Its foundation is no longer built on heavily processed staples but on foods that are closer to their natural form:
Whole proteins
Vegetables and fruits
Natural fats
Unrefined grains
Minimal added sugars
Limited ultra-processed foods
This shift reflects a growing body of scientific research showing that diets high in ultra-processed foods are associated with increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic dysfunction (Lane et al., 2024). The difference in diets centered on whole, minimally processed foods is associated with improved metabolic health, reduced inflammation, and greater long-term stability (Trumbo, 2024).
Foods that remain structurally similar to how they grow are associated with improved metabolic health, reduced inflammation, and greater long-term stability. Modern science is discovering what many bodies have been quietly testifying for years: the more we move away from foods that resemble creation, the more fragmented our health becomes.
This is not about perfection. It is about alignment. Whole foods carry nutrients in forms the body recognizes. Fiber slows digestion. Natural fats stabilize hormones. Whole proteins support muscle, immune function, and satiety. These are not trends. They are biological realities. What is notable is not simply that the pyramid has changed. It is that the change points us back toward something ancient: food that looks like food.
This isn’t new; it’s being named
It’s worth saying plainly: this is not a new revelation for those of us who have been paying attention to the body for years. The principles behind this “new” food pyramid, whole foods, minimal processing, and honoring how the body actually works, are the same guidance I have been sharing with women for a long time. Scripture has been whispering this wisdom even longer.
What is new is the visual. What’s new is the public acknowledgment. What’s new is seeing institutional nutrition finally begin to name what bodies have been telling us for decades: that real food heals, and that consistency matters. There are still nuances to be worked out. No single pyramid can account for every body, culture, or season. But this shift is meaningful. It represents a turning away from laboratory food and toward creation. It is not the finish line, but finally it is catching up.
What Is Biblical Eating? God’s Original Design for Nourishment
Biblical eating is not a rigid template. Scripture does not give us a grocery list. It gives us a worldview.
In Genesis, food is introduced as a gift:
“Then God said, ‘Behold, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the surface of all the earth and every tree whose fruit contains seed. This will be food for you.’” — Genesis 1:29 (CSB)
Before there was scarcity, shame, or striving, there was provision. Food was not a battleground. It was part of God’s care for human life. Throughout Scripture, food appears as sustenance, celebration, and symbol. Bread, oil, figs, milk, honey, grain, fish. These are ordinary foods, drawn from the earth and waters, unremarkable in form and rich in meaning. They are not manipulated substances. They are received.
Biblical eating, at its heart, is not about rules. It is about posture. It is the posture that says:
My body is not an enemy.
Food is not a moral hierarchy.
God is not indifferent to my physical life.
Nourishment is part of stewardship.
The Apostle Paul writes:
“Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body.” — 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (CSB)
This is not a threat. It is an invitation. To glorify God with the body is not to perfect it. It is to care for it in ways that align with truth. And truth includes both Scripture and the reality of how the body functions. Biblical eating does not reject science. It welcomes it as a form of general revelation. A way of seeing how God’s design operates in the created world.
Nourishment in the Order of Creation
The Bible opens not with chaos, but with order. God creates in rhythm. Light before land. Land before vegetation. Vegetation before animals. Animals before humans. And then, rest. Creation unfolds in a pattern that reflects intention, restraint, and clarity.
What if nourishment follows the same wisdom?
When we read the creation account not as a science lesson, but as a theological rhythm, we begin to see a quiet map for embodied life:
This is not a meal plan. It is a lens. I view it as the ultimate wellness plan. It reminds us that nourishment is not merely about nutrients. It is about alignment with God’s design. Light regulates hormones. Rest repairs tissue. Plants provide fiber and micronutrients. Fish offer essential fats. Animals provide protein and minerals. And Sabbath restores what striving depletes.
Modern science names what Scripture assumed: the body thrives when it lives in rhythm with creation. Circadian biology now confirms that light exposure affects digestion, hormone balance, sleep, and metabolic health. Nutritional science affirms the value of whole plants, intact grains, healthy fats, and ethically sourced proteins. Recovery and rest are no longer luxuries; they are necessities for immune health and cellular repair. Creation’s order becomes a guide, not for control, but for alignment. (Lane et al., 2024; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2025)
Food Quality, Not Laboratory Imitation
Another way to think about this is through food quality versus food engineering. A whole apple and apple juice may share a name, but they are not the same experience in the body. One contains fiber, structure, and a slow release of energy. The other delivers sugar rapidly, bypassing the body’s natural regulation.
The same is true for:
Whole vegetables vs. powdered greens
Intact grains vs. refined flours
Whole fruit vs. fruit-flavored snacks
When Food Becomes an Idol
This is not about fear. It is about formation. Whole foods teach the body how to receive. Processed foods train the body to override. Choosing intact foods is not a moral act. It is a physiological kindness. It is eating in a way that respects how digestion, blood sugar, and satiety were designed to function. It is the harmony of what God has given us in practice.
Scripture warns us not because God is restrictive, but because He is protective. Anything, even food, can become an idol when it promises what only God can give: comfort, control, escape, or identity. Sugar, ultra-processed snacks, and engineered foods often function this way. They offer immediate relief. They bypass discernment. They soothe without sustaining. Reducing them is not about punishment. It is about freedom.
It is learning to ask:
Am I eating to be nourished, or to be numbed?
Is this food serving life, or replacing presence?
What am I actually hungry for right now?
Biblical eating does not shame these questions. It dignifies them. It invites us back into a relationship with our bodies, with our limits, and with God.
Why One-Ingredient Foods Matter for Body and Soul
One-ingredient foods are not a moral category. They are a practical one.
A one-ingredient food is simply a food that is what it is:
An apple.
An egg.
A piece of fish.
Rice.
Olive oil.
Lentils.
Spinach.
They are recognizable. They do not require a marketing department. From a physiological perspective, these foods carry nutrients in integrated forms. Fiber, micronutrients, fats, and proteins are packaged together in ways that regulate digestion, blood sugar, and satiety. This is not accidental. It reflects the body’s design. And these one-ingredient foods are nourishing and can support healing in the body, as I have shared in my post 100 Healing Foods
Research consistently shows that diets emphasizing whole, minimally processed foods are associated with:
Improved metabolic markers
Lower rates of cardiovascular disease
Reduced inflammation
More stable energy and appetite regulation
Ultra-processed foods, by contrast, are engineered for palatability, shelf stability, and rapid consumption. They often bypass natural satiety cues and disrupt metabolic rhythms. When we choose foods that remain close to creation, we are not earning righteousness. We are participating in the detailed organization of God. We are eating in a way that aligns with how the body was made. This is not asceticism. It is wisdom. And wisdom, in Scripture, is always grounded in reverence for God and attentiveness to reality.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” — Proverbs 9:10 (CSB)
Wisdom pays attention. It notices what is actually happening. It honors reality instead of trying to override it.
Scripture, Science, and the Limits of Prescription
Scripture does not tell us how many grams of protein to eat or how often to fast. It does not offer a universal meal plan. What it offers is orientation. A way of understanding the body, food, and God’s care. And I am not suggesting the Bible is a diet manual.
The Bible teaches that:
The body is created and called “very good” (Genesis 1:31).
Food is given as provision, not punishment (Genesis 1:29).
The body is a dwelling place for God’s Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).
Wisdom is found in honoring what is true, not in striving for control (Proverbs 3:5–8).
When Scripture speaks of food, it does so in the language of gift, sufficiency, and daily dependence. Jesus teaches us to pray for “our daily bread,” not for optimized macros or perfect adherence. Nourishment is meant to be received, not mastered. Modern nutrition science does something different. It observes patterns, measures outcomes, and names what supports or disrupts health. When we hold Scripture and science together rightly, we do not collapse one into the other. We allow each to speak in its proper domain.
To be clear, Scripture tells us who we are and whose we are. Science helps us understand how the body works. Biblical eating is not about using the Bible to prove a diet or fasting based on what the Lord gave Daniel. It is about allowing God’s view of the body to shape how we approach nourishment. It is the difference between eating to fix ourselves and eating as an act of stewardship.
How Modern Nutrition Echoes Ancient Patterns
Nutrition science now consistently affirms what many bodies already know:
Diets high in ultra-processed foods are associated with a higher risk of metabolic disease.
Whole-food dietary patterns support hormonal balance, gut health, and long-term stability.
Fiber, natural fats, and intact proteins regulate appetite and energy in ways refined foods cannot.
These findings do not make whole foods holy. They make them appropriate for the bodies we inhabit. When God designed the human body, He designed it to receive nourishment from creation. The digestive system, microbiome, endocrine system, and nervous system all function best when food arrives in integrated forms, forms that resemble what grows. This is not a return to Eden. It is an act of alignment. It is saying: I will eat in a way that respects how I was made. That posture, respectful, attentive, non-coercive is deeply biblical.
From Confusion to Alignment
Many Christians feel overwhelmed by food. Not because they are undisciplined, but because they are caught between competing voices:
Diet culture promising control
Wellness culture promising optimization
Religious culture sometimes offers silence or acceptance of food abuse
Bodies quietly asking for care
Confusion around food is not a moral failure. It is a sign that formation is still happening. Biblical eating begins when we stop asking, “What should I eliminate?” and begin asking, “What nourishes life?” It is not about rigid purity. It is about relational wisdom.
It is learning to notice:
How different foods affect your energy
How your body responds to whole versus refined
How shame interrupts listening
How gratitude restores clarity
This kind of eating cannot be rushed. It cannot be outsourced. It is learned in relationship with God, with the body, and with time.
Reclaim Your Temple
If you feel weary of the noise around food, if you want a way of nourishing that is rooted in Scripture, informed by science, and free from performance, Reclaim Your Temple exists for you.
This is not a diet program. It is a discipleship space for the body.
Inside this journey, we explore:
How to nourish with whole, one-ingredient foods
How to release fear-based eating
How to rebuild trust with your body
How to steward health without striving
How to honor God through sustainable rhythms
Food feels complicated because we live in a complicated world. What you’re sensing now isn’t failure. It’s a gentle call back into alignment.
Alignment is simpler than constant balancing. It doesn’t ask you to manage every variable or strive for perfection. It helps you discover what actually fits your life, your body, and your season with ease rather than frustration. Reclaiming the body is not about getting everything right. It is about returning to what is true. And choosing what is true, again and again, is always an act of worship.
“Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31 (CSB)
You do not have to walk this alone. You were never meant to. Join Reclaim Your Temple and learn how to nourish the body God has entrusted to you with truth, grace, and wisdom.
Lane, M. M., Gamage, E., Du, S., Ashtree, D. N., McGuinness, A. J., Gauci, S., … Marx, W. (2024). Ultra-processed food exposure and adverse health outcomes: An umbrella review of epidemiological meta-analyses. BMJ, 384, 2023–077310. https://www.bmj.com/content/384/bmj-2023-077310
Trumbo, P. R. (2024). Toward a science-based classification of processed foods: A systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Nutrition, 125(3), 308–318. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11271201/
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services & U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2026). Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/
Eat Real Food. (n.d.). RealFood.gov. U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans resource. https://realfood.gov/
Original Post www.faithfueledmoms.com/7-ways-to-consistently-stay-motivated-in-your-weightloss-journey-2 7/18/22 Updated.
In a weight loss journey, consistency, not motivation, is often the hardest part. Motivation is emotional and temporary. Consistency is relational and practiced. Once I stopped chasing motivation and learned how to support my nervous system, beliefs, and daily rhythms, fitness stopped feeling like a project and became a lifestyle. Below are seven approaches that helped me stay consistent, not through willpower or perfection, but through wisdom, grace, and structure.
7 tips to consistently stay motivated:
1. Remember your “Why?” Often!
A way to mentally stay consistent is to remind yourself of your why and remind yourself often. Why did you start the goal? Was it to get a specific size? That only lasts for a moment, and then it falls by the wayside. Dig deep and find something that will get you up on those hard days. What’s motivating you to change your script and make a change? It prompted you to begin, which is probably the hardest part. Many people are told to “remember your why,” but research shows that outcome-based goals (weight, size, aesthetics) lose motivational power over time.
Instead of:
“I want to lose 20 pounds.”
Try:
“I am becoming someone who cares for her body with consistency and respect.”
Why does this work? First, when you say the words, “I am,” your mind operates as if you are. The self-Determination Theory shows that intrinsic motivation, values, meaning, and identity produce greater adherence than external rewards (Ryan & Deci, 2000). Instead, long-term consistency improves when goals are tied to identity and values rather than results. In the second week of Reclaim Your Temple, we take a deep dive into identity and how it affects your wellness. A practical way to apply and practice this is to
Write a one-sentence identity statement you can repeat on hard days or every day for at least 90 days. I challenge you:
“I move my body because I am a steward, not because I’m chasing a number.”
2. Change Your Self-Talk to Change Your Physiology
How you speak to yourself doesn’t just affect your mindset. It affects stress hormones, decision-making, and persistence. Negative self-talk increases cortisol and reduces cognitive flexibility, making healthy choices harder to sustain. I wrote about the effects of stress on the blog. Check out this blog post: Stress is stalling your weightloss
“Be careful how you speak to yourself; you’re listening.”
Scripture reminds us:
“The tongue has the power of life and death.” — Proverbs 18:21
Research in cognitive behavioral psychology shows that reframing internal dialogue improves behavioral consistency and emotional regulation (Beck, 2011). Here is a simple yet effective tip that takes time to master.
When you hear “I can’t,” add one word:
“I can’t yet.”
This small linguistic shift has been shown to increase persistence and learning capacity.
3. Release Guilt and Practice “Next Best Choice” Thinking
When people look at me, now, they often assume that I’ve always “done everything right.” What they don’t see is that I was once eighty-five pounds heavier (100 at my heaviest), scrolling through images of other women who seemed to have it all together, wondering why consistency felt so hard for me. We all begin as beginners. My own journey took more than two years, and it was anything but linear. You don’t climb a mountain without missteps. There are slips, pauses, wrong turns, and moments when you lose your footing. Even when you reach a summit, you can still stumble, and that doesn’t erase the progress it took to get there. This is where many women get stuck.
We confuse guilt with accountability.
But guilt doesn’t help us stay consistent, it actually works against us. Research shows that shame-based motivation leads to avoidance and disengagement, not follow-through or lasting change (Tangney et al., 2007). When we believe we’ve failed, the nervous system moves into protection mode, making it harder to re-engage with healthy choices.
You don’t need to start over.
You don’t need to punish yourself.
You don’t need to replay yesterday.
What’s already done is already done.
What matters is this moment, and the decision you make next.
A Practical Reframe (That Actually Works)
Instead of asking yourself:
“Why did I mess this up?”
Try asking:
“What’s the next best choice available to me right now?”
This small shift does something powerful. It keeps the nervous system regulated, prevents all-or-nothing thinking, and gently guides you back into action without shame. Consistency is not built through perfection. It’s built through returning, again and again, with honesty and grace. Grace and guilt cannot occupy the same space.
4. Let Go of Perfection (It’s Not Biblical or Effective)
Perfection is overrated! To get you to where you want to go, you may have to stop getting caught up in perfection. Perfectionism is consistently linked with:
burnout
inconsistency
increased stress
quitting altogether
There was only one perfect person, and He already fulfilled that role. Consistency thrives on flexibility, not flawlessness. Studies on habit formation show that people who allow for imperfection are more likely to resume healthy behaviors after disruptions (Lally et al., 2010). I want to offer you a practical permission. Plan for imperfection in advance. Expect off days, and decide now how you’ll return without self-punishment.
5. Prioritize Yourself Without Calling It Selfish
We prioritize what we believe is important, and too often, our own care ends up last. I know this personally. There was a time when I didn’t prioritize myself, and it affected everything. When I finally began setting aside time for daily devotion, moving my body, and being more intentional about how I nourished myself, something shifted. I had to let go of certain habits, combine others, and make space where it didn’t seem to exist, but ultimately, I chose to prioritize what I knew was necessary. Many women struggle with consistency because self-care is treated as optional rather than essential. Research shows that tending to personal well-being improves emotional regulation, patience, decision-making, and relational presence. In other words, caring for yourself doesn’t take away from others—it allows you to show up more fully.
You don’t need hours. You need protected minutes.
Try scheduling 20 minutes as you would any important appointment:
gentle movement
devotion
breath and a short walk
Effective movment that includes devotion and scripture like I offer in the FaithFueled Life App.
In Reclaim Your Temple, I will coach you on how to effectively move your body to protect your minutes. When you care for yourself with intention, you don’t just feel better. You show up better, everywhere else.
We make time for what matters. We don’t miss our favorite shows. We keep appointments. We make sure our children are where they need to be—whether it’s school, practice, or a simple playdate.
What if you treated your own care with that same commitment?
Try putting yourself on the schedule for 20 minutes a day. Not as another task to perform, but as a way to tend to what allows you to show up well everywhere else.
Notice what changes—not just in your body, but in how you move through the rest of your life.
6. Use Accountability That Balances Grace and Truth
We were not meant to walk this journey alone. We’re formed in community, supported, seen, and held accountable as we walk different paths side by side. Whether that support comes from someone in your everyday life or an online space, consistent accountability matters. The right accountability doesn’t shame or pressure you. It offers emotional safety. It allows you to be honest on hard days and still calls you back to what you’re committed to when you lose your footing.
Scripture affirms this:
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Research echoes this wisdom, showing that relational accountability significantly improves follow-through with health behaviors (Dominican et al., 2015).
Accountability works best when it includes:
emotional safety
encouragement
clear expectations
If you’re struggling to find that kind of support, Reclaim Your Temple was created to offer accountability rooted in grace, structure, and shared commitment. And once you do find the right support, it’s okay to set boundaries. Not everyone qualifies to speak into your process.
Choose accountability that:
doesn’t shame
doesn’t enable
reminds you who you are when you forget
7. Set Boundaries That Protect Your Convictions
Not everyone in your life will understand the changes you’re making, and that doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong.
There are people who love you, and whom you love deeply, who may not be supportive influences when it comes to living a healthier life. They may not understand why you’re changing your habits, eating differently, or choosing rhythms that look unfamiliar to them. That can feel uncomfortable—but it’s also okay.
Honoring your body will sometimes require boundaries.
For me, this has been a real process. I care about what people think. I’ve hesitated to try things I knew might serve my body because of how others might respond. I experienced pushback when I explored approaches like keto or intermittent fasting, both of which worked well for my body, even when they weren’t understood or affirmed by others. That experience taught me something important: we are not all the same. What supports one body may not support another. And other people’s opinions do not get to determine how you care for yourself. Boundaries are not rejection. They are clarity. Sometimes protecting your peace means finding new ways to connect that don’t revolve around food. Sometimes it means allowing the dynamics of a relationship to shift. And sometimes it simply means choosing not to explain yourself.
Research supports this wisdom. Studies on social influence show that unsupportive environments can undermine habit consistency, even when motivation is strong (Kelly et al., 2011). That’s not weakness—it’s being human.
A Practical Boundary Shift
Stop explaining. Start protecting.
You don’t owe everyone access to your process. Let your consistency speak for itself.
If you’re learning how to care for your body with clarity instead of guilt—and how to set boundaries that support your health without disconnecting from the people you love Reclaim Your Temple was created for this season. It’s a space for women who want support, accountability, and guidance rooted in faith, wisdom, and sustainable rhythms, not pressure or perfection. It has proven to be more effective and helped many women find a sustainable approach to honor their temple. If you’re ready to walk this journey with others who understand what it means to honor the body as sacred, you’re welcome here.
If you’re going to try any of my tips, I will start by celebrating the small win that you are trying to make a change in your life. Don’t focus on the end goal. Take it day by day, moment by moment, and enjoy the process. Which one of these tips are you going to try?
Loneliness is not just an emotion. It shows up in the body. You might feel it as tight shoulders, a heavy chest, low energy, or a restless urge to eat, scroll, or stay busy. You might not even call it loneliness. You may just say, “I’m tired,” or “Something feels off.” But your body knows.
Science shows that loneliness affects more than feelings. It impacts stress hormones, inflammation, pain, and even how the brain responds to food (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2015; Van Bogart & Hawkley, 2022). Scripture reminds us that God cares deeply about our whole selves, body, mind, and spirit. Let’s look at how loneliness lives in the body, how it shapes food and coping choices, and how gentle nourishment and movement can help you process it with care instead of control.
Loneliness puts the body on alert
Humans are designed for connection. We are made in the image of a triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Who lives and works in a relationship. Both Scripture and science affirm that we are created for community. When connection feels missing, whether you live alone, feel unseen in your relationships, or carry everything by yourself. Your nervous system may read that lack of connection as a threat. This does not mean you are weak. It means your body is doing its job.
Research shows that chronic loneliness activates the body’s stress response and is associated with increased inflammation over time (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010; Van Bogart & Hawkley, 2022). Inflammation is meant to protect us in the short term, but when it stays elevated, it can contribute to fatigue, pain, and chronic illness. This is why loneliness often feels physical.
Common ways loneliness shows up in the body
You may notice:
Shallow breathing or chest tightness
Neck, jaw, or shoulder tension
Digestive discomfort or loss of appetite
A heavy fatigue that rest doesn’t fully fix
Increased aches or pain without a clear cause
Loneliness has been shown to predict increases in pain, fatigue, and low mood over time, even when other stressors are considered (Jaremka et al., 2013). Your body is not betraying you. It is communicating.
Why loneliness affects food and coping choices
When the body feels alone, it looks for relief. Food is one of the fastest ways to calm discomfort. Sugar, salt, and highly processed foods can briefly soothe the nervous system by activating reward pathways in the brain.
That does not mean you lack discipline. It means your body is seeking regulation. Research consistently links loneliness with emotional eating, cravings, and lower overall diet quality (Hanna et al., 2023). Newer brain-imaging research suggests that loneliness may even change how strongly the brain responds to food cues, especially sweet foods, increasing reward-driven eating (Zhang et al., 2024).
Loneliness can sound like:
“I wasn’t hungry, but I kept snacking.”
“Eating feels easier than sitting with this feeling.”
“Cooking for one feels pointless.”
“I just needed something.”
Loneliness does not always lead to overeating. For some people, it leads to skipping meals, forgetting to eat, or losing interest in food altogether. Both patterns signal disconnection from care. Also known as disembodied. Disconnected from the body. I once worked with a single woman who carried deep loneliness. Over time, that loneliness led her to disconnect from her body as a way to cope. She struggled to notice basic physical cues like hunger or thirst, not because she didn’t care for herself, but because being fully present in her body had begun to feel unsafe.
There is science behind this. Our bodies have a built-in awareness system called interoception. Our ability to notice what’s happening inside the body, such as hunger, thirst, fullness, tension, or fatigue. Research shows that chronic stress, trauma, and social disconnection can disrupt interoception, making it harder to sense and respond to these internal cues accurately (Craig, 2002; Khalsa et al., 2018). When the nervous system feels overwhelmed, it may turn the volume down on body awareness as a form of protection. This response is known as dissociation. Dissociation is not a failure. It is the body’s way of helping someone survive when connection feels too painful or unsafe.
Scripture affirms this gentle truth:
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18),
reminding us that God meets us not by demanding awareness, but by drawing near with compassion. Over time, dissociation can make hunger feel confusing, thirst go unnoticed, and emotions feel distant or overwhelming. The body is not broken. It has adapted. Healing begins not by forcing reconnection, but by restoring safety so the body can speak again.
What Is Interoception?
What is Interoception?
Interoception is your body’s ability to notice internal signals like hunger, thirst, fullness, tension, and the need to rest. It’s how your body communicates care from the inside out. When someone experiences long-term stress, trauma, or loneliness, this inner awareness can grow quiet, not because the body has failed, but because it learned to protect itself. Healing gently restores this connection so the body’s signals can be felt and trusted again.
When loneliness turns into control
Loneliness often teaches us to hold everything together by force. Over time, that constant effort can harden into control, not because we are stubborn, but because staying in charge once felt safer than being disappointed. Healing loneliness is not about trying harder; it is about learning to loosen our grip and trust again, which I explore more deeply in The Power of Surrender.
For some women, loneliness does not look like withdrawal. It looks like overdoing.
Doing more.
Helping more.
Producing more.
Busyness can keep loneliness quiet, but it does not heal it. Scripture speaks to lonely bodies, not just lonely thoughts.
God consistently meets people in Scripture through very physical care
Elijah was fed before he was corrected.
In 1 Kings 19 , Elijah is exhausted, afraid, and alone. He tells God he has had enough. God does not correct him first. God feeds him and lets him sleep twice. Only after Elijah’s body is tended to does God speak. This shows us something important: sometimes the most spiritual response to loneliness is nourishment and rest.
David named loneliness without fixing it.
In Psalm 142, David says plainly, “No one cares about me.” He does not clean it up or rush to resolve it. He brings his loneliness into God’s presence as it is. Loneliness does not disqualify you from faith. It invites honesty.
Paul was abandoned and still strengthened.
Paul writes that no one stood by him during a moment of great need, yet he also says the Lord stood with him and strengthened him (2 Timothy 4:16–17). God’s presence does not replace human connection, but it sustains us while healing unfolds. Emotions live in the body, including loneliness. When loneliness goes unacknowledged, it does not disappear. It settles into the body. That is why tight shoulders, heavy chests, or unsettled stomachs can appear even when life looks “fine” on the outside.
Emotions always seek expression, and the body often becomes the place they speak when words feel unavailable, something I explore further in How Emotions Show Up in the Body. Loneliness is not something to fix. It is something to listen to.
Instead of asking, “How do I stop emotional eating?”
Try asking, “How do I support my body when it is asking for comfort?”
Start with stabilization
A grounding plate might include:
Protein (eggs, yogurt, beans, fish)
Fiber (fruit, vegetables, whole grains)
Healthy fat (nuts, olive oil, avocado)
Something warm (tea, soup, warm water)
Balanced nourishment helps calm the nervous system so emotions do not feel so urgent (Hanna et al., 2023). Remember Elijah? This is not about eating perfectly. It is about eating kindly.
Why Loneliness Can Feel Like Hunger
Loneliness and hunger activate similar systems in the brain. When the body senses a lack of connection, it may search for comfort or relief through food, not because you lack control, but because your nervous system is seeking regulation.
Food can briefly soothe stress and create a sense of fullness or comfort, especially when emotional needs feel unmet. This is why loneliness can show up as cravings, constant snacking, or a feeling that you’re hungry even after eating. The body isn’t confused. It’s communicating. Learning to listen with compassion helps restore trust between hunger, nourishment, and emotional care.
Movement that helps process loneliness
Movement does not have to be intense to be healing. Loneliness often carries heaviness or collapse. Gentle movement helps the body complete stress responses instead of storing them as tension. Try:
A 10-minute walk
Slow stretching with breath
One song of free movement
Gentle shaking of arms and legs
Seated breathing with a hand on your chest
For some women, staying busy becomes a way to avoid feeling. But constant doing can be another form of disconnection, especially when motion replaces presence, as explored in Is Doing Too Much a Trauma Response?
Movement is not punishment. It is communication. Healing loneliness happens in a relationship. Loneliness does not heal through pressure or performance. It heals through safety, presence, and being seen. This is why I wrote The Embodied Beloved www.TheEmbodiedBeloved.com for women who are tired of forcing healing and ready to experience care that honors body, faith, and lived experience.
And if you are longing for support, rhythm, and community as you tend to your health, Reclaim Your Temple is a space where this healing is practiced slowly, faithfully, and together. This is the kind of healing we walk through slowly and together inside Reclaim Your Temple.
This content is for educational and spiritual support and is not a substitute for medical or mental health care.
References
Hanna, K., Collins, P. F., & Browne, S. (2023). The association between loneliness or social isolation and food and eating behaviours: A scoping review. Appetite, 186, 106555. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26269488/
Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., Baker, M., Harris, T., & Stephenson, D. (2015). Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: A meta-analytic review. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 10(2), 227–237.
Jaremka, L. M., Fagundes, C. P., Peng, J., Bennett, J. M., Glaser, R., & Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K. (2013). Loneliness promotes inflammation during acute stress. Psychological Science, 24(7), 1089–1097. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0956797612464059
Wolf, L. D., Davis, M. C., & Yeung, E. W. (2014). Loneliness, daily pain, and perceptions of interpersonal events in adults with fibromyalgia. Health Psychology, 33(9), 929–937. https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fa0034344
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