In a world overflowing with health advice, diet trends, and conflicting opinions, many women find themselves feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn. We want to care for our bodies, but somewhere along the way, health often becomes more about pressure, perfection, and appearance than peace, stewardship, and faith.
In a recent episode of Living the Reclaimed Life, Denisha sat down with Christian health advocate Nelly Holst to discuss a refreshing perspective on wellness, one rooted not in striving, but in our relationship with God.
Health Is About More Than the Physical
Nelly’s story began long before she became passionate about helping women improve their health. Growing up in Peru, she battled celiac disease at a time when few doctors understood the condition. For decades she searched for answers while raising a family, homeschooling her daughters, and navigating chronic health challenges. Throughout it all, one thing sustained her: her growing relationship with Jesus.
What struck me most during our conversation was her reminder that we are not just physical beings. We are body, mind, and soul. We can look healthy on the outside and still be struggling deeply on the inside. True health begins with a relationship with the One who created us.
As Nelly shared, “If we don’t have a relationship with the Lord, everything else will be lost.”
Looking to Scripture for Guidance
Many of us have read the Bible countless times without considering what it might teach us about caring for our bodies. Nelly challenged me to see familiar passages through a new lens.
She shared three simple biblical principles that have guided her journey:
1. Eat What God Created
From the very beginning, God provided food for His people. Throughout Scripture we see an emphasis on whole foods, fruits, vegetables, herbs, grains, and clean sources of protein. Rather than focusing on the latest fad diet, Nelly encourages women to start with foods God created.
2. Don’t alter His design
Modern food processing has dramatically changed much of what we consume. Nelly believes there is wisdom in choosing foods that remain as close as possible to their original form, honoring the design God intended.
3. Avoid Food Addictions
This principle may be the most challenging for many of us. Whether it’s sugar, alcohol, emotional eating, or turning to food for comfort, Scripture reminds us not to let anything take God’s place in our lives.
Small Steps Matter
One of my favorite parts of our conversation was how practical and grace-filled Nelly’s approach is.
She isn’t advocating for perfection. She isn’t telling women to overhaul their entire lives overnight. Instead, she encourages small, sustainable changes.
Maybe that means adding one salad to your day.
Maybe it means reducing your sugar intake.
Maybe it means spending a couple of hours on the weekend preparing healthy foods for the week ahead.
Small steps often lead to lasting change.
Stewardship, Not Perfection
Perhaps the most powerful takeaway from our conversation was this:
Caring for our bodies is not about earning God’s love.
It’s not about achieving a certain number on the scale.
It’s not about looking a certain way.
It’s about stewardship.
The Apostle Paul writes, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Nelly explained that this verse helps keep her centered. Caring for her health is simply one way she honors the God who gave her life.
That perspective changes everything.
When health becomes an act of worship rather than a pursuit of perfection, guilt begins to lose its grip. Shame gives way to grace. And healthy choices become less about obligation and more about gratitude.
A Word for the Weary Woman
If you’re exhausted, discouraged, or feeling like you’ve spent years caring for everyone else while neglecting yourself, Nelly offered a beautiful reminder.
You cannot pour from an empty cup.
Just as flight attendants instruct us to put on our own oxygen mask before helping others, there are times when caring for ourselves is actually one of the most loving things we can do for those around us.
Taking care of your body doesn’t make you selfish.
Resting isn’t selfish.
Nourishing yourself isn’t selfish.
These things allow you to continue loving and serving the people God has placed in your life.
Final Encouragement
At the heart of this conversation is a simple truth: God cares about every part of you.
Your body.
Your soul.
Your emotions.
Your health.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by health advice or discouraged by your own struggles, start here: spend time with the Lord. Ask Him what one small step might look like for you today.
Remember, it’s not about a perfect diet.
It’s about a relationship with the living God.
Listen to the full episode of Living the Reclaimed Life with Nelly Holst for more encouragement, practical wisdom, and biblical insight into caring for the body God has given you. Listen HERE
Stay connected with Nelly Holst:
Email: [email protected]
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