Why Your Body Has Felt Like It’s Fighting You (And Why It’s Not Your Fault)

 

Healing starts when we stop punishing our bodies and start listening to them. This isn’t about shrinking ourselves—it’s about showing up for ourselves with love, honesty, and intention.

For most of us, we’ve spent decades being told it’s all about “calories in, calories out.” Do this fad diet or that one. 

We’ve been told that if we’re overweight, exhausted, anxious, or struggling—it must be because we’re lazy. Undisciplined. Not trying hard enough.

But that’s not the truth.

What’s really going on is so much more complex—and deeply human.

Our bodies are made up of interconnected systems, and when even one part falls out of balance, the whole system can start to feel like it’s working against us.

Let me show you how everything is tied together.

🧬 The Web That Connects It All

1. Hormones Are the Boss — Especially for Women

Hormonal shifts happen throughout a woman’s life, and they can impact everything—especially when it comes to:

• PCOS

• Perimenopause

• Menopause

• Thyroid dysfunction

• Insulin resistance

When hormones are out of balance, we may experience:

• Weight gain (especially around the belly)

• Mood swings

• Anxiety or depression

• Insomnia

• Brain fog

• Intense cravings

• Total fatigue—even when we’re doing “everything right”

If your hormones are out of sync, your body will resist weight loss, ignore hunger cues, and leave you running on empty—no matter how clean your eating or how many steps you’re tracking.

2. Stress and Cortisol

Let’s talk about cortisol—your stress hormone.

When you’re constantly under stress (emotionally or physically), your body releases cortisol. That’s a normal response in small doses. But chronic stress leads to chronically high cortisol, which can cause:

• Increased belly fat

• Blood sugar spikes

• Sugar and carb cravings

• Sleep disruption

• Burnout and fatigue

And here’s the thing: your body doesn’t know the difference between running from a bear and dealing with overdue bills, family drama, unresolved trauma, or not having five minutes to yourself.

It responds the same way—by going into protection mode, holding onto fat, energy, and everything else “just in case.”

3. Sleep Isn’t Just Rest — It’s Repair

If you’re not sleeping well—or not sleeping at the right time (before midnight)—your body struggles to:

• Balance hormones

• Regulate blood sugar and insulin

• Clear out stress hormones

• Repair and reset

Even with perfect eating and top-notch supplements, poor sleep keeps your body stuck in survival mode.

That’s why uninterrupted, deep sleep is just as critical as anything else on your wellness journey. Sleep is not a luxury. It’s medicine.

4. Your Brain Chemistry Matters

Labels like ADHD, autism, anxiety, and depression are more than just mental health terms—they affect:

• How we respond to food

• Our ability to regulate impulses

• Our motivation

• Our consistency with routines

• Our energy levels and emotional resilience

This means if you’ve ever struggled to stick to a plan, you’re not “failing”—your brain is wired differently, and that needs support, not shame.

5. Food Is Information, Not Just Fuel

For years, we’ve been told food is just about calories. But food is so much more than that. It sends messages to your body.

When you eat protein + healthy fats + fiber, your body hears:

• “We’re safe.”

• “We have enough.”

• “You don’t have to hold onto this.”

But when you skip meals, restrict too much, or live on sugar and simple carbs, your body hears:

• “We’re in danger.”

• “Store every calorie.”

• “Send cravings, we need more.”

You’re not weak. You’ve been biologically programmed to crave and store when your body feels threatened.

6. Supplements Can Fill the Gaps

Let’s be honest: today’s food supply isn’t what it used to be. Chronic stress, poor sleep, and modern lifestyles drain essential nutrients faster than we can replace them. Most of us are running on empty—physically and emotionally.

Here are some key supplements that can support your healing while you work on the deeper roots:

• Magnesium – helps with sleep, stress, muscle tension, and blood sugar regulation

• Vitamin D – essential for hormone balance, mood support, and immune health

• B12 – supports energy, brain function, and nervous system regulation

• Omega-3s – reduce inflammation, support mood and hormone balance

• Ashwagandha – an adaptogen that helps regulate cortisol and calm the nervous system

• L-Theanine – promotes calm focus, reduces anxiety, and improves sleep quality without drowsiness

• Electrolytes – restore hydration and support energy, especially if you’re sweating more or eating lower carb

These aren’t cure-alls or quick fixes. But they give your body the building blocks it needs to start functioning better—especially when combined with real food, good sleep, and nervous system support.

💬 The Truth That Changes Everything

My body has felt like it’s been fighting me for a long time. And for years, I didn’t understand why.

But now I do.

It’s because I’ve been in survival mode—and no one ever gave me the tools to get out.

I’ve never been lazy. I’ve never been weak.

I’ve been doing the best I could with a system that was overwhelmed.

But now?

Now I’m learning how it all fits together.

Now I’m reconnecting the dots.

And now I’m rebuilding from the inside out—with rest, nourishment, compassion, and truth.