BEHIND THE MIC: My Enlightening Chat on The Strong & Fit Women of Faith Podcast
A fun journey of faith and science.
It’s no secret that I’m a strong believer that your faith can be the difference between succeeding at your health goals and not ever quite hitting the mark. I love that we are beautifully and uniquely made and that God has granted us with an amazing mind that can be used to support us in our journey! And many times, it is our faith that holds the key to the understanding and consistency we need.
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Audio Clip: Strong & Fit Women of Faith Podcast featuring Jennie Hays
During my recent guest appearance on the Strong & Fit Women Of Faith Podcast, I had the opportunity to discuss with the amazing Carrie Leonardini how science and our spiritual beliefs can profoundly influence our physical health, particularly when facing challenges like insulin resistance. The discussion was enlightening, as we explored not just the biological aspects of health, but how our faith and spiritual practices can be integral to our overall wellness.
Understanding Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance can often feel like a daunting obstacle. It’s a condition where the body struggles to respond to insulin effectively, leading to various health issues, including difficulty managing weight and increased risk of diabetes. Traditional health advice often oversimplifies the solutions to this condition with generic tips like "eat less and move more." However, during the podcast, we discussed why this advice does not hold for everyone, especially for women who may experience unique hormonal interactions.
The Role of Faith in Managing Health
Faith can be a powerful motivator. It not only supports us in times of need but also helps us forge a deeper connection with our bodies. Understanding that our body is a temple can change how we treat it and approach health challenges. During the podcast, we talked about how our faith can provide the strength and perseverance needed to make and maintain healthy changes.
Practical Tips for Insulin Resistance as Shared on Strong & Fit Women of Faith
One of the highlights of our conversation was sharing practical, actionable strategies that anyone can implement. Here are a few tips we discussed:
Get Rid of the White Foods: No, I’m not being racist. (Pardon my dark humor) Truly, most white foods like flours, breads, sugars, and potatoes can spike both sugar and insulin for women who are insulin resistant. A great first step is to start weaning yourself off of these foods.
Get Rid of the Brown Grains (and more): Many times when we move from the white foods we then gravitate to brown…white rice becomes brown rice, white bread becomes wheat bread, etc. Better? A very small amount. The main reason people are encouraged to move to brown grains is increased fiber. Fiber works GREAT at lowering blood sugar spikes…if you are insulin-sensitive. Unfortunately, when you have insulin resistance it is just not the same. So, once you are ready start to lose these foods from your diet too.
Don’t Be Afraid of Fat: Too many people try to eliminate sugars and grains and are afraid of fat so they experience terrible hunger. You need to eat fat and protein to make sure that your hunger hormones are in balance. Many women who have never known what it is like to be full, or even truly hungry will experience it for the first time once they learn how to increase their good fat intake.
Empowerment for Reversing Insulin Resistance Through Knowledge and Faith
Empowerment comes from understanding both the scientific and spiritual sides of our health. Knowing the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ behind what we do makes our actions more impactful. This dual approach not only enriches our understanding but also aligns our health practices with our spiritual values, creating a holistic path to wellness.
Key Insights to Reverse Insulin Resistance with a Faith-Based Approach
As I shared on the podcast, integrating our faith with our health is not just about achieving specific goals but about transforming our lives. It’s about creating a lifestyle that honors both our physical and spiritual well-being. I encourage you to listen to this episode if you're looking for inspiration or guidance on making meaningful health changes that resonate with both your body and spirit. Your journey to health can be as fulfilling spiritually as it is physically.