GLP-1 Weight Loss: Are We Still Talking About Health?

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Updated: August 10, 2026

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I’ve been thinking a lot about GLP-1s lately.

You really can’t work in health and wellness right now without hearing about them. Semaglutide. Tirzepatide. Wegovy. Zepbound. Ozempic. Mounjaro.

They are everywhere.

At a studio where I taught, many of the members were using them. I hear about them from family members and coworkers. They’re in the headlines, television commercials, and all over our social media feeds. Sometimes it feels as though you can’t escape the suggestion that life will somehow be so much better with a GLP-1.

But this isn’t actually the first time I’ve heard about them.

For the last three or four years, nearly every fitness convention I’ve attended has included sessions about GLP-1s. The sessions were informative, but looking back, they also felt almost preparatory. As though the health and fitness industry knew we needed to understand what was coming. And now it’s here. It’s everywhere, and I figured I’d share what I’ve learned and what I’m experiencing coaching clients.

A note before we begin: This series is for education and conversation and is not intended to provide individual medical advice or replace care from a qualified healthcare professional. Decisions about medications, including GLP-1 medications, should be made with an appropriate healthcare provider who understands your individual health history and needs.

These medications are part of a larger class of what are called incretin-based medications. You may have also heard some of them discussed as “peptides.” And they are changing not only how we approach weight loss, but how we talk about appetite, obesity, movement, nutrition, and health itself. That’s the part I can’t stop thinking about. But my interest in this conversation has become a little more personal because I currently work with several clients who are taking a GLP-1 medication as part of their weight-loss journey.

I’m not their prescriber. Medication management is outside of my scope, and whether someone should begin, stop, or change a prescription belongs between that person and their medical provider. My role is different. I’m helping my clients care for their bodies while they are changing.

Over the last few years, I have worked with several clients who have used GLP-1–based medications as part of their weight-loss journey. Their experiences have not all been the same. I have supported clients while they were actively taking the medication, and I have also worked with a client who had stopped taking it and wanted to sustain her weight loss while gaining and maintaining muscle. Working with these women has caused me to think more deeply about what support looks like during and after weight loss with these medications. We talk a lot about how much weight someone can lose while taking a GLP-1, but I find myself thinking about what else is happening along the way. 

Are they maintaining muscle and strength? Are they adequately nourished when their appetite has changed? How is their energy? (This is a major obstacle) How is their body responding to exercise? And what happens when the medication is no longer part of the picture?

These are some of the questions that have made me want to look more closely at the research and have a larger conversation about what it means to support health while someone is using a GLP-1. We tend to focus on one question when someone is using a GLP-1: “How much weight did you lose?” But that is only one part of what is happening in their body, and it is not the only thing I am paying attention to with my clients.

I want to know what we are helping them maintain while their bodies are changing. Are they maintaining their strength and muscle? Are they eating enough to stay adequately nourished when their appetite has changed? Do they have the energy they need to move, exercise, and live their everyday lives? I’m also paying attention to things that are harder to measure, like how their relationship with food is changing and how they are learning to relate to a body that may be changing rather quickly.

Weight loss may be part of improving someone’s health, but weight loss by itself does not tell us the whole story of someone’s health. That is the conversation I think we need to be having alongside the excitement about how much weight someone can lose.

Woman strength training while discussing health and GLP-1 weight loss

GLP-1 Weight Loss
Are We Still Talking About Health?

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

Before we go much further, let’s talk about what we’re actually talking about. GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a naturally occurring hormone that is released in response to eating and plays a role in regulating blood sugar, appetite, and digestion.

Some medications, including semaglutide, work by mimicking the effects of GLP-1 in the body. Tirzepatide works a little differently because it acts on two hormone pathways: GLP-1 and GIP, or glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. GIP is another naturally occurring incretin hormone that helps the body respond to the food we eat, including helping regulate insulin secretion after a meal.

This is why you may hear medications like these described more broadly as incretin-based medications. They work with pathways that already exist in the body, although the medications are designed to produce longer-lasting effects than our naturally occurring incretin hormones.

These medications have changed the conversation around obesity treatment in a very real way, and researchers are beginning to explore whether their effects may have applications beyond diabetes and obesity. One area that recently caught my attention is lipedema, a chronic disorder of adipose tissue that primarily affects women. Early research is exploring whether GLP-1–based therapies could have a role in managing some aspects of lipedema, although the evidence is still very limited and these medications are not currently an established treatment for the condition.

What Do the Clinical Trials Show?

There is still a lot we don’t know. What we do know is that the weight-loss results reported in clinical trials of these medications have been significant.

In the STEP 1 clinical trial, adults with overweight or obesity who received semaglutide 2.4 mg alongside lifestyle intervention lost an average of 14.9% of their starting body weight over 68 weeks, compared with 2.4% among participants receiving placebo (Wilding et al., 2021).

In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, participants receiving tirzepatide experienced average weight reductions ranging from 15.0% to 20.9% over 72 weeks, depending on the dose, compared with 3.1% with placebo (Jastreboff et al., 2022).

Those numbers matter, and I don’t think we need to minimize them in order to have an honest conversation about what health looks like while someone is losing that weight.

Maybe It Was Never Just About Willpower

For a long time, people living in larger bodies have been handed some version of the same message: eat less, move more, and try harder. As someone who has experienced significant weight loss myself, this part of the conversation matters to me because I know what it is like to believe that changing your body will somehow change everything else.

I also know what it is like for food, exercise, weight, discipline, and even worth to become tangled together. What I understand differently now is that human physiology is far more complicated than the idea that someone’s body size simply reflects how disciplined they are.

That doesn’t mean our choices don’t matter, because they do. What we eat, how we move, how we sleep, and many of the choices we make can influence our health. But appetite regulation, metabolism, and obesity cannot be adequately explained by willpower alone. Appetite itself is influenced by complex physiological processes, including hormonal signals between the digestive system and the brain. This is part of what I think the rise of incretin-based medications has made harder to ignore.

Tirzepatide acts on both GIP and GLP-1 receptors and can decrease calorie intake by affecting appetite. Semaglutide acts on GLP-1 receptors and similarly affects appetite and calorie intake (U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA], 2025, 2026). Perhaps one of the unexpected things to come from this shift is an opportunity to have a different conversation about our bodies. Instead of assuming that someone’s weight tells us how disciplined they are, maybe we can become more curious about the many things that influence health and what it actually looks like to care for the whole person.

GLP-1 Weight Loss Doesn’t Tell Us What Was Lost

This is where I want us to slow the conversation down a little.

When someone says, “I lost 20 pounds!”

What we know is that their total body weight went down by 20 pounds. The scale cannot tell us what those 20 pounds were made of. Some of that weight may have come from body fat. Others may have come from lean tissue. It may reflect changes in body water. And that distinction matters when we start talking about GLP-1 medications and muscle loss. I’ve shared in the past that body weight and body composition are two different things.

Weight Loss and Body Composition Are Not the Same Thing

In a body-composition analysis from the STEP 1 trial, participants taking semaglutide experienced a substantial reduction in body fat. Total fat mass decreased by about 19.3%. Lean body mass also decreased by approximately 9.7%. But here is where the nuance matters. Even though the absolute amount of lean mass decreased, lean mass actually made up a greater percentage of total body weight after weight loss because fat mass decreased even more.

Lean Body Mass Is Not the Same as Muscle

And I want to be careful with the language we use here, because lean body mass and skeletal muscle are not the same thing. Lean body mass includes more than muscle.

So I don’t think it is scientifically responsible to take this finding and simply say: “GLP-1s make you lose muscle.” That turns a complicated finding into a simple headline.

What the Research Actually Tells Us

Here’s what the research actually tells us:

When we lose a significant amount of weight, we don’t lose only body fat. Some lean body mass may be lost too. That can also happen during weight loss with GLP-1 medications. But lean body mass is not the same thing as muscle, so we need to be careful about saying that all lean mass lost is muscle. What this research does highlight is the importance of paying attention to body composition, which is not just the number on the scale. During significant weight loss, preserving lean tissue, maintaining physical function, and supporting adequate nutrition matter too (Wilding et al., 2021).

WEIGHT LOSS ≠ FAT LOSS

The scale tells you how much you weigh. It doesn’t tell you exactly what changed.

Why the scale number is not important in your weight loss

Why I Care About Strength and Muscle During GLP-1 Weight Loss

I care about muscle for reasons that have very little to do with whether someone looks “toned.”

  • Muscle helps us live.
  • It helps us get out of a chair.
  • Carry groceries.
  • Climb stairs.
  • Pick things up.
  • Play with our children and grandchildren.
  • Remain physically capable as we age.

And muscle is metabolically active tissue with important roles in glucose metabolism and physical function. Meaning, Muscle is active tissue that helps your body manage blood sugar and supports strength, movement, and everyday function. This is one reason resistance training has become such an important part of how I think about health, particularly as women move through midlife and beyond. So when my client tells me the scale moved, yes, I acknowledge that. But there are other questions I am asking too.

  • Are you getting stronger?
  • How are your workouts feeling?
  • How is your recovery?
  • Are we progressing your training appropriately?
  • How is your energy?
  • Are you adequately nourished?
  • What is happening beyond the number on the scale?

As my daughter says, “You ask a lot of questions,” and I do. Because I don’t want someone to arrive at a smaller body only to discover that they have also become less capable in it. They don’t have the energy to move the way they want to move. They’ve lost strength. Their mobility has changed. Their body may be smaller, but is it functioning better?

Because then I have to ask: what was the point? If health was the goal, I think we have to care about more than whether the number on the scale went down. We also have to care about what your body can still do when you get there.

Nutrition Still Matters When You Take a GLP-1

This is another piece of the conversation that matters. GLP-1-based medications can significantly reduce appetite.

For someone who has spent years feeling consumed by hunger, food thoughts, or constantly trying to restrict food, that change can feel significant.

But a reduced desire to eat does not mean the body has stopped requiring nourishment.

  • Protein still matters.
  • Carbohydrates still serve a purpose.
  • Dietary fat still serves a purpose.
  • Vitamins and minerals still matter.
  • Fiber matters.
  • Hydration matters.

Food is not simply something we need to consume less of in order to occupy a smaller body. Food nourishes a living body. And this isn’t something holistic practitioners made up because we don’t like medication. A 2025 joint advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, American Society for Nutrition, Obesity Medicine Association and The Obesity Society specifically addressed nutritional priorities for people receiving GLP-1 therapy. Among the concerns the advisory identifies are inadequate nutrient intake and changes in muscle and bone that can accompany substantial weight loss. It emphasizes appropriate nutrition and lifestyle support as part of GLP-1 treatment. That is an important part of this conversation (Mozaffarian et al., 2025).

Exercise Didn’t Suddenly Become Irrelevant

Something else caught my attention while doing the research for this post. The current FDA-approved prescribing information for both Wegovy and Zepbound still describes these medications as being used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity (Novo Nordisk Inc., 2026; Eli Lilly and Company, 2026).

Think about that for a moment. Even the medical treatment itself isn’t positioned as:

Take this medication, and everything else no longer matters.

Movement still matters.
Nourishment STILL matters.
Lifestyle STILL MATTERS.
(Sorry for raising my voice.)

The medication can be a tool within someone’s care without becoming the entirety of their health. These medications are not cheat codes. They are an additional tool that, for some of my clients, can be used alongside movement, nourishment, and other aspects of their care.

How I’m Supporting My Client Who Takes a GLP-1

So, what am I actually doing differently with my client?

In some ways, nothing. I’m still doing what I believe good health and fitness support should do. The scale is only one part of what we’re watching week after week. Strength training is part of the plan because I want her to maintain strength and muscle. Walking helps us build cardiovascular fitness and support her overall capacity. We’re also paying attention to whether she’s actually nourishing her body enough to support everything we’re asking it to do. I ask my clients to check in with themselves to become aware of what their body needs physically, emotionally, and mentally. What are they carrying?

We’re also paying attention to recovery, energy, strength, and how she’s moving. And throughout all of it, we’re watching how her body responds because that matters too. And when something belongs within the scope of her medical provider, that’s where it belongs. The medication isn’t the center of our work together.

She is. That distinction is important to me.

Six health measures beyond body weight including strength, nourishment, energy, movement, recovery and function

I Don’t Want Us to Make the Same Mistake Twice

For years, wellness culture told people: If you can’t lose weight, you aren’t trying hard enough.

I don’t want us to replace that incomplete message with another one:

Just take the medication. Neither one sees the whole person. And maybe that is the part of this conversation I care about most. Because I’ve spent years learning that health cannot simply be about controlling a body. My own journey started with wanting to become smaller. But God has done so much more in me than change the size of my body. I’ve had to examine how I relate to food. I’ve had to rethink what movement looks like for me and learn that it’s okay for that to look different on different days. And rest? I’m still working on that one. But I’ve come to believe rest is just as much a part of wellness as movement and nourishment. I don’t subscribe to the 80/20 rule anymore.

For me, it’s more like 33/33/34: 33% movement, 33% rest, and 34% nutrition.

I’ve also learned that my thoughts and emotions are important messengers. They need to be noticed, inventoried, and processed. They are not ignored because they don’t fit neatly into a meal plan or workout program.

How to Unpack Emotional Pain Stored in the Body

My expectations matter too. So does the way I relate to the body God has given me. Somewhere along the way, health became less about fighting my body and more about learning how to live faithfully within it. And that changes the questions I ask now.

What Does Stewardship Look Like When Medication Is Part of the Story?

Romans 12:1 has shaped the way I understand the body for years:

“Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

It’s what started this blog, my business, and this mission nine years ago.

I didn’t read that verse as an instruction to produce a certain kind of body or to make my body look a particular way. I read it as an invitation to offer God the body I have and to care for it as part of my worship. That includes nourishing it, moving it, paying attention to what it is communicating, resting when rest is needed, and receiving appropriate care when care is needed.

For me, that has also meant learning to stop treating my body like something I have to conquer before I can finally be at peace with it. I spent enough years believing that a smaller body, a stronger body, or a more disciplined body would somehow make me healthier or more acceptable. Romans 12:1 keeps bringing me back to something different. My body is not something separate from my spiritual life. It is part of the life I am offering to God.

That is why I don’t believe taking medication automatically represents failure, and I don’t believe losing weight automatically represents health. Medication may be an appropriate part of someone’s care, and weight loss may be beneficial in some circumstances, but neither one tells us the whole story of a person’s health.

Human beings are more complex than that. Our conversations about health should be too.

Faith and whole-person health reflection during a weight-loss journey

The question isn’t only:
How much weight did I lose?

What am I preserving?
What am I strengthening?
How am I caring for what God entrusted to me?

GLP-1s May Be Changing Weight Loss. I Want to Keep Talking About Health.

I think we are going to be talking about these medications for a long time, and I want to make room for a conversation that can hold some complexity. This isn’t an area where I’m interested in reducing the conversation to whether GLP-1s are good or bad. There are better questions for us to ask.

  • What happens to muscle during significant weight loss?
  • How do we adequately nourish someone whose appetite has changed dramatically?
  • What role does strength training play?
  • What should we be paying attention to besides the number on the scale?
  • What happens when someone reaches their goal weight, and what does long-term care look like after that?

I am also interested in something that is harder to measure. How do we help people remain connected to their bodies while their bodies are changing? And what does whole-person health look like when medication becomes part of someone’s story?

Those are some of the questions I want to explore throughout this series. Not because I think there is one simple answer, but because I think the conversation about health deserves more than one. Whether weight loss happens through medication, nutrition changes, surgery, movement, or some combination of them, I keep coming back to the same thing: a changing number on the scale cannot tell us everything we need to know about a person’s health.

You are more than that number. And caring for your body was always meant to be about more than making it smaller.

References & Further Reading

Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. “Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity.” New England Journal of Medicine. 2021;384:989–1002.
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al. “Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity.” New England Journal of Medicine. 2022;387:205–216.
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

Jastreboff, A. M., Aronne, L. J., Ahmad, N. N., Wharton, S., Connery, L., Alves, B., Kiyosue, A., Zhang, S., Liu, B., Bunck, M. C., & Stefanski, A. (2022). Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3), 205–216. https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

Wilding JPH, et al. “Impact of Semaglutide on Body Composition in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: Exploratory Analysis of the STEP 1 Study.”
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8089287/

Mozaffarian D, et al. “Nutritional Priorities to Support GLP-1 Therapy for Obesity: A Joint Advisory.” 2025.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40445127/

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Wegovy (semaglutide), Current Prescribing Information, 2026.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2026/215256s033lbl.pdf

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Zepbound (tirzepatide), Current Prescribing Information, 2026.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2026/217806s042lbl.pdf

Medical disclaimer: This article is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Prescription medications should be initiated, adjusted or discontinued only under the guidance of an appropriately licensed healthcare professional.

About the Author
De Bolton, B.S. in Fitness and Exercise Science
De is a holistic health practitioner and fitness professional whose work focuses on movement, nutrition, strength, and whole-person health.

Credentials: NASM Certified Personal Trainer • NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist • NASM Weight Loss Specialist • NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist • Certified LiveWell Health Coach

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What Is the NBHWC Certification?

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Updated: March 23, 2026

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Why I Pursued my NBHWC and What It Means for My Health Coaching Practice

There are seasons in this work where you feel an invitation to go deeper. It started about four years ago, when I got tired of helping affluent women “get skinny,” and I desired something more. I wanted to make an impact, not an influence. I didn’t know what that would look like, but as I sat in the waiting room, trying not to be anxious to take my NBHWC. I was like, “Wow, who would have thought, Lord?” but God has known all along.  

I have been on a pursuit to get my NBHWC for over a year now.  Not to do more, and I no longer feel the need to prove anything. But to refine what is already in my hands. I have been transitioning to a full-time Health Coach for about two years, and through the pursuit, I have healed in so many ways.  This season has been for me immeasurably more than I could ask or imagine, which shows me God’s fingerprints on it all.

National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching Exam

I sat for the board exam through the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). Now I wait. Four to six weeks for results. There’s a quietness in that kind of waiting. You’ve done what you could do, and the rest is no longer yours to carry. As I wait, I’ve finally had a moment to reflect on why I chose to pursue NBHWC certification in the first place. And as I have done for ten years now, this is my home to share, educate, and reflect on this journey. God has taken a naive surrender to His will.

What Is NBHWC Certification?

The National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) sets a national standard for health coaching in the United States. It brings structure and accountability to a field that has, for a long time, varied widely in both approach and quality. At its core, NBHWC is grounded in three key pillars: evidence-based practice, behavior change science, and ethical, client-centered care.

Evidence-based practice means that coaching is informed by research rather than trends. It draws from established fields such as psychology, nutrition science, and behavior change theory. Instead of relying on what is popular or persuasive, it is rooted in what has been studied, tested, and shown to support real and lasting change.

Behavior change science recognizes that change is not simply about willpower. It involves habits, environment, identity, emotional patterns, and a person’s readiness for change. People do not struggle because they lack discipline. More often, they are navigating stress, competing responsibilities, or deeply rooted patterns that require more than a plan to shift.

NBHWC-trained coaches are taught to understand these layers and to support change in a way that is realistic and sustainable. This is what really drew me in. As a personal trainer, I have seen how difficult it is for people to sustain change if we only focus on what they should do without helping them strengthen the internal skills they already have. Without that, what looks like a lack of discipline is often something deeper that has not been supported well.

Ethical, client-centered care is one of the most defining aspects of this work. The coaching relationship is not built around telling someone what to do. It is built around honoring the person in front of you. There are clear boundaries around the scope of practice, and coaches are trained to support rather than diagnose, to guide rather than direct, and to respect a client’s autonomy rather than override it. This approach requires humility and a willingness to remain present without taking control.

How can I use my NBHWC?

This certification is also increasingly recognized in clinical and healthcare settings. Hospitals, medical practices, and wellness programs are beginning to integrate board-certified health coaches as part of a broader care team. This shift reflects a growing understanding that health coaching can serve as a bridge between what a provider recommends and what a person is actually able to live out in their daily life.

For me, this also opens the door to eventually accepting health insurance, which would make my services more accessible to the communities I feel called to serve. Accessibility has always been a tension point in this work, and this is one way to begin addressing it.

How is NBHWC different from other coaching?

This entire approach acknowledges something simple but often overlooked, which is that information alone does not create change. This is where the process became personal for me. What stood out most was not only the structure or the recognition, but the posture required to do this work well. It is not focused on what you know. It is focused on how you show up.

It is reflected in how you listen when someone shares something they have never said out loud before. It is seen in how you respond when someone feels stuck, discouraged, or ashamed. It is shaped by your ability to hold space without rushing to fix, correct, or fill the silence. It is expressed through the questions you ask and whether they help someone hear themselves more clearly.

This approach shifts the role of the coach from being the one with the answers to being someone who creates room for discovery. That kind of work cannot be rushed, and it cannot be performed. It has to be practiced over time, in real conversations with real people. And over time, it changes you as well.

Why I Chose to Pursue Board Certification

I already hold certifications as a Wellness Advisor, a LiveWell Health Coach, and others that have shaped how I teach, how I integrate faith, and how I walk with women in their health. Because of that, this step was never about replacing what I have already built. It was about strengthening it.

Most of the women I work with already know what they “should” be doing. They have tried plans, followed programs, and gathered a great deal of information. And yet, something still feels stuck. That is because knowledge alone does not create change.

What is often missing is a kind of support that is present, patient, and grounded in real-life application. It is support that does not rush the process, but instead meets a person where they are and walks with them as change unfolds.

NBHWC training emphasizes this kind of approach to health coaching. It centers on developing the skills that allow change to happen in a way that is both sustainable and personal. This includes learning how to listen deeply, how to ask thoughtful and open-ended questions, how to support behavior change without pressure, and how to respect a client’s autonomy throughout the process.

As I moved through the training, I recognized how closely this aligns with what we teach in LiveWell Health Coach Training, where I serve as a lead instructor. That was both affirming and grounding. At its core, this work continues to come back to a simple but often overlooked truth. You are not there to fix someone. You are there to walk alongside them.

What It Took to Qualify for the NBHWC Exam

Getting approved to sit for the NBHWC board exam is not a quick process. It required months of training, documentation, and real coaching experience.

Before applying, I completed:

  • A 20-week Precision Nutrition Level 2 Master Coach training (an NB-HWC-approved program)
  • 50 documented coaching sessions
  • Mentorship with an NBHWC-certified coach
  • Pass an oral exam
  • Detailed written logs of coaching hours and client work
  • A formal application verifying all requirements

Only after completing all of that and waiting for approval. I was approved to sit for the exam. This process alone was refining. It required consistency, honesty, waiting and a willingness to be observed and grow.

What the NBHWC Board Exam Is Really Like

The NBHWC exam is designed to test more than knowledge. It evaluates how you think, how you respond, and how well you understand the principles of true health coaching in real-life situations.

The NBHWC exam is structured around five core content areas (American National Health Coaching Organization, n.d.). The exam is structured around five core content areas that reflect the full scope of health and wellness coaching practice.

The first area, Coaching Presence, Relationships, and Sessions (25%), focuses on the ability to build trust, demonstrate empathy, and cultivate a safe and supportive coaching environment. This includes how a coach shows up during initial sessions, ongoing conversations, and the closing of a coaching relationship.

The second area, Theories, Models, and Approaches to Behavior Change (15%), assesses understanding of established behavior change frameworks such as Self-Determination Theory, Appreciative Inquiry and the Transtheoretical Model. It also evaluates how these models are applied in practice to support client progress in a way that is realistic and individualized.

The third area, Skills, Tools, and Strategies (25%), covers the core communication skills that define effective coaching. This includes motivational interviewing, active listening, reflection, and client-centered goal setting. These are not surface-level skills, but practices that require attentiveness, restraint, and consistency.

The fourth area, Ethics and Professional Practice (15%), includes the NBHWC Code of Ethics, scope of practice, confidentiality, HIPAA awareness, and professional conduct. This section ensures that coaches understand the boundaries of their role and the responsibility that comes with supporting another person’s health and well-being.

The final area, Health and Wellness (20%), focuses on foundational knowledge related to chronic disease prevention and lifestyle medicine. This includes nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and the connection between mind and body.

The exam itself consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, along with 25 unscored pilot items, and is developed in partnership with the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). What stood out to me is that you are not simply being tested on what sounds helpful. You are being asked to choose responses that align with true coaching principles.

Sometimes that means saying less instead of more inviting the client to speak 70% of the time. It means guiding through empathy rather than taking over the conversation. It means asking questions instead of offering advice. It means pausing rather than pushing someone forward before they are ready. It challenges your instinct to fix. It asks you to slow down. And it reshapes how you approach helping others. It’s everything Personal Training is not, and once you learn, you cannot unlearn.

How This Process Has Changed Me as a Health Coach

This process has been more than professional development. It has been personal. It has reshaped how I listen, respond, and support women on their health journeys. It has even influenced how I lead in my small group at church and how I show up in conversations with my teenage daughters.

I have learned to speak less and listen more. I no longer feel the same pull to lead from the front. Instead, I find myself preferring to walk alongside. There is less urgency in me now, and in its place, there is a deeper patience. That shift has not just changed how I coach. It has changed how I relate.

Because real, sustainable health change does not come from pressure. It does not come from being pushed or rushed into something that cannot be maintained. Because real, sustainable health change does not come from pressure. It comes from awareness, consistency, and support that honors the whole person.

What NBHWC Certification Means for My Clients

If I receive board certification, it means I am bringing together what has already been forming in my work for years.

It means I am not just leading from lived experience or faith alone, and not just from education alone, but from an integration of both.

  • Faith-based, Christ-centered care.
  • Lived and embodied experience.
  • Evidence-based coaching practices.

All working together.

It also means that the way I serve is aligned with a nationally recognized standard that is built to support long-term, sustainable change. Not temporary results. Not surface-level shifts. But a change that can actually be lived out over time. For the women I serve, that matters.

Because this work has never been about quick fixes. It has never been about pushing harder, doing more, or trying to force change through pressure. It is about learning how to care for your body with intention, not punishment. It is about understanding what you are carrying, not just physically, but emotionally. It is about building rhythms that are sustainable and supportive, not exhausting or overwhelming.

How to Unpack Emotional Pain Stored in the Body

What I desire most is not just outcomes, but how women experience themselves in the process. I want the women I work with to feel seen, not managed.  I want them to feel heard, not corrected. And, I want them to feel supported, not controlled. Check out my post on Scale/Worth

Because real change happens in environments where people feel safe enough to be honest, and supported enough to keep going. And that kind of work takes time, patience, and care.

The Waiting Season (And a Quiet Prayer)

Now, I wait. There’s no rushing this part. No way to check early. No extra effort can change the outcome. Just trust. I have surrendered the outcome to Christ; whether I am certified or not, the experience is what changes us, not the results.

And in the waiting, I find myself coming back to a simple prayer:

Whatever comes next will continue to shape me into someone who serves with both truth and care.

If you think of me, I would receive your prayers for this next step. Not just for the result, but for the continued work of becoming someone who can:

  • Listen deeply
  • Hold space well
  • Walk with others with wisdom and compassion

Because at the end of the day, that is what this has always been about.

Let me know if you’re interested in knowing; what I studied? How I studied? and how I prepared to sit for the NBHWC exam?

Source:
American National Health Coaching Organization. (n.d.). Your ultimate guide to NBHWC certification. Retrieved from https://anhco.org/blog/your-ultimate-guide-to-nbhwc-certification#:~:text=NBHWC%20Exam%20Structure%20and%20Domains,scope%20of%20practice%2C%20HIPAA%20awareness

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What is Reclaim Your Temple?

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Updated: January 27, 2026

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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.

Explore LiveWell Coaching

Join this next Co-hort

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.

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Should Christians practice yoga?

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Updated: January 22, 2026

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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.

Table of Contents

My Yoga Experience

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

Balancing Faith and Mindfulness: A Yoga Instructor who is Christian Journey – Woman with Knowing Talancia Pea

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Christian Yoga Expo

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. 

Discover Spiritual Growth and Discipleship with Life in Christ Bible: A Comprehensive Review

The Case Against Practicing Yoga

On the other hand, those who caution against Christians practicing yoga point to the following concerns:

  1. 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.”
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

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God’s Design for Nourishment: Biblical Eating and the New Food Pyramid

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Updated: January 14, 2026

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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).

“The Weight We Carry: What do emotional cravings really mean?

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.

Benefits of Biblical-Based Eating

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).

How to manage prediabetes naturally?

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

100 Healing Foods: Find Wellness in Good for you food

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.

References

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. (2025, November 10). What are ultra-processed foods?
https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/what-are-ultra-processed-foods

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, January 7).
Kennedy, Rollins unveil historic reset of U.S. nutrition policy, put real food back at center of health [Press release].
https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2026/01/07/kennedy-rollins-unveil-historic-reset-us-nutrition-policy-put-real-food-back-center-health

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/

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