237: Coffee, Fasting & Idolatry with Cristal Dubois, CHP
Sometimes we need a check in our spirit about letting our health goals become an idol. That’s exactly what Cristal Dubois, Christian Health Practitioner, felt God calling her to do after letting fasting become a “trophy.” She also discovered (for herself and her clients) how extending fasts with coffee can be more harmful than helpful and that it’s important to be open to what our bodies need in different seasons and stages of life.
You will be so moved by what Cristal shares in this Scripture-driven episode.
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237: Coffee, Fasting & Idolatry with Cristal Dubois, CHP
EPISODE BLOG
Hello, my friend! Welcome back to the Club. How are you today? Let me set the stage for today's podcast. Last week, one of our members in The Christian Health Club (CHC) posted a glowing review about working with one of our new Christian Health Practitioners (CHPs), Cristal. What's interesting is that the member who posted is also a new CHP but very wisely discerned that she needed her own practitioner—for outer perspective and accountability. This is so smart because, as practitioners, sometimes it can be hard to see the forest for the trees in our own cases. It can be so helpful to have outer counsel.
What struck me is that this member shared that two of the main things that Cristal recommended were changes in her fasting schedule and caffeine intake. I had JUST been thinking about doing a podcast related to this, and it felt like a very Holy Spirit coming-together moment. So, I messaged Cristal and asked her to come on the podcast today to share and talk through her thought process and share some of her own personal experience.
Welcome Cristal to The CHC podcast
This is exciting because you were on the podcast last September on episode 220 called "What I Learned As A CHP," and now, here you are, as a full-fledged practicing CHP with clients and getting glowing reviews. It makes my heart so full, and I feel like a proud mama bear. Fill us in on what's happened between then and now and what getting your practice started has looked like for you.
The Weight That Came Back
Cristal identified early on that I needed to work on my nervous system. My body was sensing danger, and it would not let go of the added weight until this was addressed. Two things needed to change: my fasting schedule and my caffeine intake. My first thought was, "What? Hold on here, sister. These two tools have been my greatest resources for weight management. I didn't want to give these two things up and deep down I didn't think I would or could."
When I opened my new protocol, I stood there, eyes wide, jaw dropped in amazement. It didn't start with a list of to-dos; it started with this:
"When we are good at abstaining from food, it can become a trophy we proudly polish and present to our audience. In doing so, we lose the beauty of what the Lord is offering us in and through fasting."
Reevaluating Fasting
"Shout with the voice of a trumpet blast. Shout aloud! Don't be timid. Tell my people Israel of their sins! Yet they act so pious! They come to the Temple every day and seem delighted to learn all about me. They act like a righteous nation that would never abandon the laws of its God. They ask me to take action on their behalf, pretending they want to be near me. 'We have fasted before you!' they say. 'Why aren't you impressed? We have been very hard on ourselves, and you don't even notice it!' 'I will tell you why!' I respond. 'It's because you are fasting to please yourselves.'"
I, too, can be a super faster. But, in my season now, God is showing me that flaunting that trophy is the last thing that's going to get me well. Actually, all my trophies need to be melted and refined and repurposed! So, instead of food being an idol, fasting becomes an idol (achievement, recognition, etc).
We have done the practical side of things too—meal timing, eating more calories, eating more carbs to sleep (she likes keto), moving coffee (or removing if it's an idol), etc.
I don't know if you remember, but last year God yanked my chain in CHC (after one of your podcasts, I think or maybe one of your posts) over fasting and how I had forgotten He is the One who invented it. I had made it my own.
Where Can People Connect with Cristal?
If you're inspired by Cristal's journey and wisdom, you can connect with her at www.cristaldawnwellness.com. Additionally, you can find her in the CHP Directory on The Christian Nutritionist website. Keep an eye out for Cohort 3 registration, opening in March, and consider joining the Feast 2 Fast for Lent starting Ash Wednesday.
Conclusion
Sometimes we need a check in our spirit about letting our health goals become an idol. That's exactly what Cristal Dubois, a Christian Health Practitioner, felt God calling her to do after letting fasting become a "trophy." She also discovered (for herself and her clients) how extending fasts with coffee can be more harmful than helpful and that it's important to be open to what our bodies need in different seasons and stages of life. You will be so moved by what Cristal shares in this Scripture-driven episode.
Thank you for joining us today on this journey of rediscovery. If you'd like to stay connected with The Christian Nutritionist and The Christian Health Club, be sure to visit our website and consider joining The Christian Health Club or getting on The School of Christian Health and Nutrition Waitlist.
Resources and Programs
Thanks for listening! Have a healthy and blessed week!