Our Family’s Journey Back to God’s Design: Reclaiming Our Health
An Invitation to Explore
I want to start here because I know this feeling well:
You don’t wake up one day deciding to overhaul your life. You wake up tired. You wake up hurting. You wake up wondering why everyone around you seems unwell, and why this has somehow become “normal.” That’s exactly where we were.
Our family didn’t fall apart all at once. It happened quietly, almost invisibly. A symptom here. A diagnosis there. Fatigue that never fully lifted. Pain that crept in and stayed. Medications were added one by one, each meant to "manage" something, never to restore it. And for a long time, we accepted it. We were told this was just life now. But deep inside, something kept whispering: This is not how God designed us to live.
In April of 2024, my body reached a breaking point. Fibromyalgia hit hard; full-body pain, crushing fatigue, and a brain fog so thick I could barely form coherent thoughts. Days blurred into weeks where getting out of bed felt impossible. I remember staring at the ceiling, thinking: How did I get here?
The medical plan was laid out clearly: monthly injections, daily medications, a future framed around decline. A wheelchair was likely in my near future. But what surprised me most wasn’t fear. It was clarity. I knew, without panic or anger, that this was not the story God had written for my life.
At the same time, my daughter was navigating POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), struggling with dizziness and instability that no child should have to normalize. My husband needed blood pressure medication, and warnings that more interventions might be needed later. Meanwhile, our boys’ behavior became more irritable, focus shifted, and little things started to feel overwhelming.
Three people, three diagnoses and one household, one unmistakable pattern.
At that point, the question changed. It was no longer, “What’s wrong with us?” It became: “What’s wrong with the way we’re living?”
Returning to the Only Place That Made Sense
Around that same season, conversations about nutrition, toxins, and holistic health were being silenced, censored, or mocked. The world told me I was overthinking, that I was falling for fear-based ideas. That we were conspiracy theorists going down rabbit holes. But when your family is struggling, comfort isn’t enough. You need Truth.
So I turned to the Bible, not chasing a diet or trend, but searching for God’s original design. And suddenly, everything came into focus. God’s creation operates in harmony. Everything He made thrives when it stays aligned with its purpose. Nothing in Scripture suggests that human beings were designed to live chronically inflamed, exhausted, medicated, and disconnected from the earth.
1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (ESV)
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
This verse stopped being poetic. It became instruction. This journey stopped being about “getting healthy.” It became about repentance, restoration, and freedom.
Food & Gut Health: Returning to Eden’s Table
Food was never meant to be complicated. We made it complicated when we replaced creation with convenience. I had to ask myself a hard question: If God is perfect, why would His food need improving? The truth is… it doesn’t!
I stopped counting calories. I stopped chasing labels. I stopped letting marketing dictate what was “healthy.” Instead, I asked one simple question for everything that entered our home: Was this made by God, or was this made by man?
God-made: Seeds, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, unprocessed meats, eggs, dairy from pasture-raised animals.
Man-made: Anything from a factory with dyes, preservatives, or ingredients I couldn’t recognize.
This simple filter alone shifted everything:
Hunger felt normal again.
Cravings softened.
Energy stabilized.
Moods evened out.
Our children were no longer riding the sugar-and-crash rollercoaster.
This wasn’t restriction; it was relief.
Hydration & Minerals
One more truth: hydration requires minerals. Real, clean mineral salt supports proper hydration by helping your body absorb water at the cellular level. Sports drinks contain sodium for hydration, but they also have sugar, dyes, and chemicals that work against health. Instead, take a small pinch of true mineral salt with water. Our bodies rely on minerals, not stripped-down substitutes. We tossed iodized salt and never looked back.
Genesis 1:29 (ESV) “And God said, ‘Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.’”
Healing the Gut
The gut is the cornerstone of health and it:
Houses the majority of the immune system.
Regulates inflammation.
Influences anxiety, focus, and mood.
Determines nutrient absorption.
Processed foods damage this system. We intentionally added living, fermented foods to restore it:
Sauerkraut and kimchi
Yogurt with live cultures
True sourdough bread (in moderation)
Pickled vegetables and fruits
Kefer
These foods don’t force healing; they create the conditions for it. The body remembers how to repair itself when given what it needs.
Fats, Sugar, Detoxing & Microplastics: Removing What God Never Put There
Somewhere along the way, we were taught to fear fat and tolerate sugar. That lie has cost us dearly. Your brain, hormones, and nervous system require fat. Removing it forces the body into survival mode, especially in children.
We intentionally added:
Beef tallow
Butter
Olive oil
Avocados
Nuts and seeds
At the same time, we removed refined sugars and artificial sweeteners that spike insulin, disrupt hormones, and drive inflammation. What surprised me most wasn’t weight changes; it was peace. Energy became steady. Moods stabilized. Hunger returned to normal.
Detoxing: Removing What God Never Put There
This part makes people uncomfortable, and that’s okay. Discomfort usually means we are brushing against something our bodies were never meant to tolerate.
Animals detox naturally. They fast. They forage. They rest. Humans used to do the same. Modern life has quietly increased toxic exposure while removing natural rhythms that once supported cleansing and repair.
One of the biggest shifts in recent generations is the sheer volume of chemicals and synthetic materials we now live with daily, many of which were never tested for long-term human exposure.
The Reality of Modern Toxins
Glyphosate, a widely used agricultural chemical, now shows up in food, water, and even the human body. It doesn’t just pass through us. It:
Destroys beneficial gut bacteria
Disrupts hormones
Acts as a broad-spectrum antibiotic inside the body, whipping out your gut.
Microplastics are even harder to see. Plastics break down into microscopic particles that:
Enter food and water
Accumulate in organs and tissues
Interfere with hormones and cellular communication
But there’s something even more hidden—and yes, it’s a little uncomfortable to think about—parasites. These include worms and other tiny organisms that can inhabit the human body. I know, it sounds gross, but it’s true. Humans aren’t naturally sterile environments. Our ancestors lived in a world rich with soil, plants, and animals, and exposure to small organisms was normal. The problem isn’t that they exist; the problem is modern life, processed food, poor gut health, and lack of natural detox cycles allow these organisms to thrive in unhealthy ways.
Some ways parasites can affect us:
Digestive issues (bloating, gas, irregular bowel movements)
Fatigue and poor nutrient absorption
Mood swings or irritability
Skin issues and inflammation
Once I understood this, I couldn’t ignore how much plastic touched our food every day: packaging, containers, water bottles, utensils, even “microwave-safe” items.
Choosing to Remove, Not Fear
This wasn’t about panic. It was about alignment. We began asking simple questions:
Does this belong in a human body?
Would this have existed in God’s original design?
Is there a cleaner option?
Little by little, we ditched plastic where it mattered most:
Glass or stainless-steel water bottles
Glass food storage containers
Stainless cookware instead of nonstick coatings
Wooden or stainless-steel utensils
Well water or spring water
Not all at once. Not perfectly. Just intentionally.
Supporting the Body Instead of Overloading It
I started with a big detox, but later learned there were natural ways to do it. We learned that we didn’t need to do extreme cleanses or force detoxing. We simply stopped adding unnecessary burdens and supported the systems God already designed.
Whole, unprocessed foods
Clean water with minerals
Herbal teas
Gentle binders when appropriate
Foods like pumpkin seeds and papaya
Herbal tinctures and kits we trusted
The body is always trying to heal. When you remove what doesn’t belong, it remembers how. This isn’t about doing everything; it’s about doing something. One step. One change. One swap. That’s how detox becomes restoration and not fear.
Removing the Microwave: Slowing Down to Nourish Again
This is another area that makes people pause, and that’s okay. The microwave is one of the most common household tools, and for many of us it represents convenience, survival, and busy seasons. I’m not here to shame anyone for using it. Our family has been microwave-free for over 15 years, and it can be easy with the right approach.
I asked the deeper question: Is convenience costing us more than we realize?
A microwave oven non-ionizing radiation to cook food. This radiation is the form of electromagnetic waves, specifically microwaves. While it warms food quickly, it doesn’t preserve the integrity of nutrients, and in many cases, it actually damages them. Most microwave use also involves plastic containers, lids, wraps, even so-called “microwave-safe” coatings. Heat meets plastic, chemicals migrate into food, and repeated exposure is not something our bodies were designed to handle, especially for children.
A Slower, Nourishing Approach
Removing the microwave forced us to slow down, and it became a gift:
Food tasted better
Meals felt grounding
We became more present in preparation and mealtime
Science Sidebar: Heat, plastics, and electromagnetic exposure can increase chemical migration into food. Reheating with gentle, consistent heat (stovetop or oven) preserves food structure and reduces exposure to synthetic compounds.
“Better a little with peace than much with turmoil.” — Proverbs 17:1 (ESV)
Practical Steps:
Never heat food in plastic; use glass or ceramic only
Reduce microwave use instead of eliminating it overnight
Plan meals to include reheating on the stove, or oven.
This isn’t about perfection. Every small change matters, and honoring God’s design can start with one swap.
Fasting: Trusting God With Hunger and Letting the Body Repair
Before this journey, fasting felt intimidating and something meant only for the spiritually elite or physically extreme. I thought hunger was a problem, a signal of emergency. I learned it is not. Hunger is a message, not a punishment.
For most of human history, fasting was natural. Meals weren’t constant. Snacks didn’t exist. The body learned to switch between feeding and repair. Spiritually and physically, fasting is part of God’s design. Scripture presents fasting as partnership, not punishment.
Matthew 4:4 (ESV)
“But he answered, ‘It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
What Happens in the Body During a Fast
Understanding what happens helps fasting feel purposeful rather than scary. Even short fasts offer benefits.
0–12 hours of fasting:
Digestion finishes, insulin drops, blood sugar stabilizes
Reduces inflammation and energy crashes
12–24 hours of fasting:
Glycogen stores used, early ketosis begins
Improves metabolic flexibility and mental clarity
24–48 hours of fasting:
Autophagy increases (cellular cleanup)
Supports immune function and tissue repair
48–72 hours of fasting:
Deep autophagy, stem cells activate
Cellular regeneration, immune renewal, inflammation reduction
72+ hours of fasting:
Body prioritizes repair, efficiency
Spiritual clarity, immune and tissue regeneration
Science Sidebar: Autophagy is God-designed; the body recycles damaged cells and proteins. Peaks around 48–72 hours, supporting immune regeneration.
Biblical Lens: Daniel fasted for understanding; Esther fasted for deliverance; Jesus fasted before ministry. Fasting precedes clarity, direction, and breakthrough.
How We Approach Fasting Gently
Extend overnight fasting to 12–14 hours
Remove snacks and processed foods
Include one lighter day per week with water, herbal tea, bone broth, or fruit
Listen to your body; do not force prolonged fasting
Matthew 6:16 (ESV)
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.”
Fasting is not for every season and should never be forced, especially for children, pregnant women, or those healing from trauma or disordered eating. Wisdom, guidance, and prayer are essential.
Your Environment: Clearing Space for God’s Peace
Healing doesn’t stop at food. What we watch, wear, breathe, and listen to shapes us: our body, mind, and spirit. I began asking:
Does this bring peace, or does it keep us tense?
We simplified:
Media intake
Synthetic clothing
Chemical-laden products
We added:
Morning sunlight
Bare feet on the earth
Worship and quiet
Restful sleep routines
Psalm 4:8 (ESV)
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
As we intentionally slowed our pace, we noticed something remarkable: healing began to accelerate. Our bodies responded not just to the food we ate, but to the world around us. We started paying attention to the sun and its natural rhythms, its healing light, and the way it supports our body’s chemistry. We learned about the hidden dangers of sunscreens and chemical exposures that disrupt our natural balance. Even something as simple as sunglasses revealed a truth: while convenient, they can interfere with the body’s ability to produce natural compounds it has been designed to make. Bit by bit, we began to see the profound effects of human intervention when we take control over what God originally created, and how much better our bodies function when we align with His design.
Daily Rhythm: Putting Restoration into Practice
This isn’t a meal plan; it’s a daily rhythm for restoration:
Meals
Breakfast: Yogurt with berries and nuts, or eggs and a ferment, or overnight oats
Lunch: Salads with olive oil, protein rr just a simple meat and veggie.
Dinner: Grass-fed meats, seasonal vegetables, fermented sides
Snacks: Only when hungry: fruit, seeds, cheese
Once a week: Gentle fasting day to support detox and repair
*In our house we put a big focus on our protein intake- lots of high quality protein from local sources we trust.
Practical Lifestyle Steps
Spend time outside daily
Eat slowly, intentionally, and without distraction
Prioritize sleep in natural fibers
Reduce stress and quiet the mind
Engage in prayer and worship each day
This rhythm stabilizes blood sugar, reduces cravings, and allows both body and spirit to align with God’s original design.
Week One Reset Guide: Practical Start Without Overwhelm
If all of this feels overwhelming, start small. Week One is about removing the biggest stressors and adding the largest supports.
Remove:
Sugary drinks
Artificial dyes
Packaged snacks
Microwaves (gradually, with glass/ceramic swaps)
Add:
Water and herbal teas
Whole, God-made meals
Fruit and nuts for simple snacks
Sunlight, bare feet, and time in nature
Intentional rest and prayer
Sample Meals:
Breakfast: Overnight oats with raw milk, chia seeds, and berries; or eggs with sourdough and avocado
Lunch: Large salad with grilled chicken, olive oil, and fermented vegetables; or bone broth soup with vegetables
Dinner: Grass-fed steak with roasted vegetables and kimchi
Snacks: Pumpkin seeds, apple with nut butter, carrot sticks with yogurt dip
Psalm 46:10 (ESV)
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Daily Rhythm:
Eat slowly and mindfully
Hydrate with water plus mineral salt
Step outside at least once daily
Take a short walk or barefoot time on natural surfaces
Engage in quiet prayer or Scripture reading
Prioritize sleep: bed at dusk, rise at dawn
This first week isn’t about perfection. It’s about starting intentional steps toward restoration.
A Final Word from My Heart
As you move forward on this journey, I want to be clear: none of this is a set of rigid rules. This is a collection of lessons we’ve learned, experiences we’ve lived through, and insights we’ve gained through prayer, research, trial, and error. Your family is unique. Your body, your children, and your environment are different from ours. What worked for us may need to be adapted for you.
Research and Test for Yourself
I encourage you to use critical thinking. Do not take my word (or anyone else’s) as the absolute truth. Test ideas, observe results, and learn for yourself. Cross-reference Scripture, scientific studies, and your personal experience. Ask questions like:
Does this align with God’s design?
Does this support life, health, and clarity?
How does my body, mind, and spirit respond?
Practical Steps for Critical Exploration
Keep a health journal: track meals, symptoms, moods, and energy levels
Experiment in small steps: introduce one change at a time to see the effect
Read widely: Scripture, trusted holistic health sources, and peer-reviewed studies
Consult professionals when needed: doctors, nutritionists, and other qualified experts
Pray and reflect: invite God into your learning process
A Heart Reminder
This journey is not about perfection or comparison. It’s about restoration, freedom, and aligning with God’s design for your family. Celebrate small wins. Offer grace when mistakes happen. Share what you learn with others. Grow together.
Proverbs 18:13 (ESV)
“If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.”
1 Thessalonians 5:21 (ESV)
“Test everything; hold fast what is good.”
Your Takeaway
Start small and build steadily
Pay attention to the signals from your body and spirit
Align food, environment, rhythm, and fasting with God’s design
Encourage curiosity, discernment, and learning in your children
Make space for prayer, rest, and joy
There is more to this I did not share, maybe one day. This is your invitation: explore, learn, and reclaim health through faith, food, and freedom. One step, one meal, one day at a time.
In His healing grace,
Kate
Health Reset Checklist
Faith & Mindset
Start each day with prayer or Scripture reading
Practice gratitude and journaling
Limit negative media and social media time
Spend time in nature daily
Reflect on your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19–20 ESV)
Nutrition
Eat mostly real, God-made foods (fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds, meat, eggs, dairy)
Include fermented foods daily (kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt, sourdough)
Use healthy fats: olive oil, butter, avocados, nuts & seeds
Avoid refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, and processed snacks
Hydrate with water; add a pinch of clean mineral salt for proper hydration
Eat seasonal and whole foods whenever possible
Detox & Environment
Reduce or remove plastics in food storage and utensils
Filter drinking water
Avoid microwaving food in plastic; use glass or ceramic
Limit chemical exposure from cleaning and personal care products
Ground yourself barefoot outside, get morning sunlight
Include gentle detox foods (pumpkin seeds, papaya, herbal teas)
Fasting & Digestion
Extend overnight fasting to 12–14 hours (e.g., dinner to breakfast)
Consider a gentle fast 1 day per week (water, herbal tea, light fruit, or bone broth)
Chew food slowly and mindfully
Support gut health with probiotics, prebiotics, and fiber-rich foods
Movement & Rest
Move daily: walk, stretch, or exercise moderately
Prioritize 7–9 hours of sleep in natural rhythms (bed at dusk, rise at dawn)
Take breaks from screens and allow quiet reflection
Practice relaxation and deep breathing
Weekly Rhythm
Plan meals around real foods; prep in advance if needed
Include at least one fermented food per meal
Schedule one day for light fasting or reduced meals
Dedicate time for prayer, Scripture, and family connection
Slow down