#265 Breaking Sugar's Hold: a coach’s journey to healing sugar addiction through gut health, scripture, and sisterhood

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So this is the first time I've been able to beat my sugar addiction, and I feel like I'm winning and I have control.

That is so powerful. Oh my gosh.

It makes me feel like God is healing me. It makes me feel like this program is going to be my lifetime focus now. You know, this is a program I can live with The rest of my life.

Well, welcome back to the Fast to Faith podcast. I am really just— my heart is swelling for this conversation because this coach is near and dear to my heart. She came to us, um, at a time where she really needed us, and I just love to see how her life and her perspective has shifted and how she really has blossomed in this season of her life. So welcome, Beverly. How are you?

I'm fine. How are you?

I am just thrilled to have you here, and thank you for taking the time out. You're living in a camper right now, so like, I just love that attitude. Like, I'm gonna figure it out, I'm gonna do it however I can. So thank you for showing up and being you. Let's dive in. Let's talk about how did you even find me?

You were part of the Kick Sugar Summit, and I listened to that every year because I was the closet sugar addict and I really wanted to beat it. And you spoke and something inside me just clicked, and I'm like, this is the person I need to follow. This is the program I need to do. She is going to heal me. And so I was so excited. As soon as you finished speaking, I ordered your book. 2-day Amazon shipping. I was getting ready to leave on a trip and I was afraid the book wouldn't make it, so I downloaded it from Audible immediately and started listening to you. So when— as I listened to the book, something just clicked. You were bringing God, my faith, and my food all together as one, and that's exactly Exactly what I needed.

Oh my goodness! What had you done in the past that didn't work?

Oh, Dr. Tabitha, I have read every nutritional book. I have tried every diet, and they would all work. When I was 20 years old, we moved to Virginia from West Virginia, and I gained 65 pounds over two years, and it took me a long time to lose it. And I would do programs for a while. I did Suzanne Summers, and I had. You know, success with that, but then after a while, my sugar addiction would take over, and I didn't gain all the weight back, but I'd gain a little. I did Weight Watchers. I failed miserably at Weight Watchers. I've done Whole30, and I was able to do that for a while and lost some weight, but my sugar addiction would kick back in again. So this is the first time I've been able to beat my sugar addiction, and I feel like I'm winning and I have control.

That is so powerful. Oh my gosh. And I know how that feels because I too was a sugar addict and a gluten addict, and it just kind of runs your life. It's like in the background of your brain all the time. You're just thinking about it. And for me, like, the donuts would talk to me from the break room. Tell me what your struggle felt like. What— how did you know you had a sugar addiction?

Because I couldn't go a day without something sweet. Like I would say, I'm going to wake up the next morning and I'm just going to start Whole30 again. And I wouldn't make it till lunchtime and I'd have, and I wouldn't eat a lot of sugar at one time, but I would have to have little tiny hits of sugar throughout the day to make it through the day. And I thought, this is a problem. You know, I'm 62 years old. I should be able to handle this problem, but. You know, and every time I would drive into town, I'd be like, well, I'm gonna go through the Chick-fil-A drive-through and get a Dr Pepper. You know, that was my, that was my addiction of choice. And I didn't gain a lot of weight, but I didn't feel good. And I just felt like I was failing, you know, and I couldn't get the scale to go one way or the other. And so it was just, it was just getting to be too much.

My goodness. Okay, so you start listening to the book and you start reading the book. What was different? What was clicking for you? You mentioned like bringing God into the conversation.

Well, one thing that really clicked for me was in 2023, I had a root canal that had got infected and I had taken 6 rounds of antibiotics between the dentist trying to figure out what was wrong and the biological dentist finally pulling the tooth and putting an implant in and having to eat soft food. for 9 months, my gut never recovered. So when you started talking about, you know, leaky gut and your biome, I thought that, that clicked. I'm like, okay, God, this is what you want me to do. This is going to heal me. And it is.

Oh my gosh, that's so awesome. And you have mentioned, like, you read the book how many times and you kept skipping the supplements section.

Talk about that.

I, I just— it cracks me up.

Well, the first— yeah, the first 2 times I read the book, when it would get to supplements, I'm like, I take vitamins, I don't need that. And I would kind of flip through it. And I would take— I was taking DHEA, I was taking magnesium, I was taking vitamin D. I mean, that's all I was taking. I thought, I just, I just don't need that. But then when I joined the coaching academy and the Healthier Her program and started actually doing the program, I saw the power of the supplements, how that started healing me, how my sugar addictions became in check. You know, that— I just learned that the supplements were the key to my healing. Yeah, so I'm sorry I skipped that the first 2 times.

Well, I love that God put it on your heart to keep reading again. And like, I think we just keep getting those little nudges until we do what we're supposed to do, right?

Yeah.

Oh my gosh, I love that so much. So we healed your gut. You finally started feeling like you were breaking up with sugar. Tell me about the— during the summer you had a party and I think you had a good realization of your shift, didn't you?

I did. This summer I, I host my brother and his entire family. They have a big family for a week every summer and I had 18 houseguests. And they're, they're— most of them are like in their 30s having babies, and so they still eat junk food. And so they brought in the Doritos and the soda pop and the cupcakes and the candies, and we had this big table set up in my dining room and it was just full of all these snacks. And after they left, I realized I had not drank any soda pop. And you know, one night I did put a cupcake on my plate and I was going to eat it because it was homemade. Someone had brought it in and I started to eat it and my husband had to finish it. I could not even finish it.

How come?

Because I just couldn't handle the sugar. It was just too sweet. It was actually kind of making me sick. And then later on in the summer, I had an ice cream cone. Like, I'm just gonna have some ice cream. I haven't had any all summer. And I started to eat it. And I didn't even get a third of the way through it, and I threw it in the trash can. So that was, to me, that was victory.

That is incredible. And I— it's so mind-blowing still. I mean, I've lived through it, I've watched countless women experience it, but it's like when you are addicted to sugar, stuff doesn't even taste that sweet. It's like, I just, I need that, I gotta have it. And then when you really aren't eating it on a regular basis and you try and bring it in, you're like, That is so sweet. I only need a couple bites. Isn't that crazy how different it is?

Yes, but I love it. It just makes me feel powerful. It makes me feel like God is healing me. It makes me feel like this program is going to be my lifetime focus now. You know, this is a program I can live with the rest of my life, and that is such a wonderful feeling.

I love that. Yeah, tell me more about physically how you're feeling. So All of a sudden sugar's a little sweeter. How are you feeling and functioning in your body overall with, you know, less inflammation and all that gut stuff gone?

Well, I feel like I have a second gear in the afternoon. In the afternoon, usually I would start to get tired, and by evening I would be shot. And now I just have a whole new gear in the afternoon, and in the evenings I can get out and walk. I'm sleeping well. You know, food is not upsetting my gut. So yes, I am on the road to healing.

Oh, I love how you said that. I have a new gear, like shifted into another gear for the afternoon. Oh, I love that. Okay. So it really sounds like it has made just such an impact on your health and overall. How has it impacted your life?

I'm more confident. Um, the biggest thing is, you know, I've been in church all my life and I have never meditated on the word before. That's something new you brought to me. I would read, but I would never just meditate and journal. And that has been life-changing. And now I really look forward to those times where you just sit and read and journal. And that has made a big impact. I think I make better decisions.

Mm-hmm.

I think it's easier to stay on the program, and I think it's easier to share your faith in what you're doing because you see how it's making a difference.

Yeah, absolutely. I mean, I was raised in the church as well, and to me, the Bible was just something that got read to me at church, you know, or you would follow along in church. Um, but outside in daily life, like, I didn't open my Bible. It wasn't a part of my everyday life. And I really think that it is so magical. It is the living, nourishing, active word of God, and it helps us talk to him and have a relationship with him and to hear from him. I hear so many women say, I don't hear from God, you know, so he must not want to talk to me. And I think we just need to learn how to actually meditate on his word and get still. And I love that you are doing that in the mornings now with Lectio Divina, this meditating on scripture. And once you get into it, how long did it take for you to feel like, I need that in the mornings, I want that in the mornings? Because I know at first it's kind of challenging to sit down, isn't it?

It was— it did at first. And sometimes if I do miss it in the morning, I do it at night, but I get it in. But yeah, the mornings, I look forward to that. It didn't take very long. It really didn't. At first, I went through the 40 days with you reading it to us. But then one day in the Coaching Academy class, you said to us that God had told you, you read it. You know, I've done a million Bible studies and I just— something clicked, and he, he's literally taking me through the Bible reading. And I read a chapter, and I pick verses, and I write. I have a journaling Bible so I can write right in my Bible. And that has been really good because now I'm going back and looking, and I can see patterns.

Oh, I love that.

So yeah, I've really enjoyed it. It's been life-changing.

Absolutely. And there really is no right way to read the Bible, you know. I think it can be really intimidating. I was intimidated because I was always told like you're supposed to read it in one year from COVID to cover. And you know, the Bible isn't written in a straightforward timeline either, so it, it's all over the place. But I've really gotten into a pattern of like when I hear something in my daily life, someone quotes a scripture or a sermon talks about it, like I go and I read about that and I dive into that, and then it references something else, and then I I go and I study and read that. And to me, that has made it really enjoyable because it's kind of like I'm just, um, I'm curious. I'm like inquisitive and I'm checking it out. So I love that you're kind of doing the same thing. There's no rhyme or reason. It's like wherever God's taking you, and, and that's okay. And sometimes I'll underline things and I realize Oh my gosh, I've read that, but for some reason I'm reading it for like the first time. I don't recognize it, or I hear it in a whole new way. Does that happen to you?

Yes.

Yeah, so I've— that's why it's just so alive. And you know, they say that in the Bible, that it is an alive word. So that can be super powerful. Okay, I love that. How has God shown up for you in your life in a different way? Or are you just— are you noticing God more? Tell me about your relationship with him.

Well, I feel like he brought me to this program because I— he's probably tired of listening to me. Can you please help me? Can you please heal me? Can you? And then all of a sudden, here you are, and I'm in the coaching academy, and I went through that academy, but I just feel like He— it's almost like he pointed me to this program. He's healing me. He has me back in the Word. And yes, I am noticing him more.

That's so good. And are you comfortable sharing with what you're dealing right now with your parents? Sure.

My dad is in the final stages of dementia, Alzheimer's, and we live about 3 weeks out of the month here in our camper in West Virginia and helping care for him. And he still knows me. You know, he can't stand or walk without assistance. And my mom, who's 84, is trying to be the caretaker, and that's— she just can't do it. So I retired from my job early, and we just decided to get a camper and move up here. So we've been doing this for a couple of years, but this summer he has really progressed.

Mm-hmm.

So yeah, but God is walking us gracefully through that too. You know, he is.

Yeah, absolutely. I think that this was the perfect time for Fast to Faith to come into your life because I can't imagine handling all of that without a strong faith, without a strong relationship with God, you know.

Well, this program is all about support and the ladies in the coaching academy, even though I don't talk about this a lot, um, they, I feel their support. You know, these are ladies of faith and they say wonderful prayers. And if like I needed them, all I would have to do is get into the sisterhood, type out what I needed, and I know they would come to my rescue in prayer.

Wow.

And I just feel so supported and the program is wonderful and it's so exciting to be a part of something that's bigger than me. I feel like God has allowed me to join you in this important work, and I just feel so blessed to be a part of it. And it's something positive for me to focus on, and that has really, really helped me.

Oh my gosh, you're giving me goosebumps, Beverly. That's so good. Yes, I think we are all here to live a life bigger than ourselves. We are here to serve others and I think the most powerful way to do that is in a community. And honestly, so many people, they have church hurt or they have been betrayed by people close to them. And I would just say like, you should always continue to begin again, look for a new group. What I love about our Fast to Faith Sisterhood is like, it's a judgment-free zone and there's no competition, even though you're all coaches and you're You're you know helping other women. You're collaborating. You're not in competition. You're lifting each other up and like, hey, how can you help me with this? And how can I help you with that? And like, I just don't see that anywhere else. And you know, I wish I could take credit, but like God has done such incredible things. He's just bringing the right women into our community, and you are just. Such a shining example of it. I like want everyone to know you. Ah, yeah, you're so brave. You're so courageous, and you're persistent and tenacious. Like, tell us again how young you are.

Oh, I'm I'm sixty-two years young.

Sixty-two. Yes. Like, unfortunately, a lot of women just give up. You know, they're like, well, I guess this is just my lot in life. This is my addiction.

This is how it.

is, and you're like, no, I'm not giving up. I know God has better for me. So I know that you've inspired somebody today because they're like, wait, I'm not, you know, in my 30s or 40s anymore, but I can still do this. Like, yes, absolutely.

Oh, well, you can feel this good at 62. You can feel this good.

Yeah, absolutely. I love that so much. Well, Beverly, End us with a message for the women that are listening, because there are some women who, you know, they've found me one way or another, but they're just not sure. Is this the answer to my prayers? Is this what I'm supposed to be hearing? And just help reassure them that they're on the right path. And what is your message for them?

My message would be You can get your health back. You can get closer to God. He wants you to have a life of abundance. And join the sisterhood because there is nothing but love and support here. So come join us, be a part. We are here for you and we love you.

Oh, I love that so much. Yes, we are called to be Christ's hands to serve. We are called to live in community and lift each other up. And sometimes it's challenging, but it's so worth it. And I love seeing you on the other side of all of your struggles. It's so good. And we are continuing to be with you as you navigate this time with your dad. You're just, you're just an amazing woman. So thank you for sharing your story with us this morning.

You're welcome. This is a wonderful program. This is a wonderful place to be.

I couldn't agree more. I love it. But like I said, I can't take full credit. I am just being obedient. God keeps downloading stuff to me, and sometimes it's scary and I don't want to do it, and other times I'm like, yeah, that sounds awesome, let's go. But either way, God wants us in forward action, because you can't steer a parked car, right? So even if it's not the exact right direction, get moving, try something, and you'll hear from God. He'll say, no, you know, 5 feet to the left, you're, you're getting close, read the supplement section.

Oh my gosh.

Right? Like, that's truly what it is. You just got to get into some forward action. So like you said, like joining the sisterhood or Doing a gut healing program, or becoming a certified coach, like whatever that next step is. So we are here for you, ladies. I know that Beverly's story touched you in some way. I hope you got some good golden nuggets out of that. But continue to seek God and just ask him. And, you know, you mentioned earlier, used to beg and pray like, God, heal me, God, help me. And I would invite anybody who's listening, let's get out of that begging prayer mindset, because I was there for too long as well. I prayed like that for 45 years. And then I realized, like, we have so much power. God gives us power and authority. It's all throughout the Bible. So we just have to say, I'm ready to receive, God. What do you have for me? Show me your will for me. Give me the desires that you have for me, and he will just start like showing up. So I would really encourage you to trust Romans 8:28. God is creating everything for your good, no matter what crooked paths are happening. He's trying to make them straight. Just if you can trust, yes, God, I don't understand it, but it's all for your good. Then you are going to have a breakthrough. So thank you for staying with us, ladies. I love you so much. We are here to support you. And thank you, Beverly.

Thank you.

See you ladies next week.