Growing up on a farm, food was more than sustenance. Food represented love and the aroma of home-cooked meals. Food was a story, a tradition of fall harvests and winter gatherings – a daily journey of celebration and comfort. Meals were rich, starchy, creamy, and delicious. They had a language all their own, always speaking and calling me to crave. Food was inseparably intertwined with every aspect of life, creating an unhealthy relationship with food. I wasn’t in touch with my body, mind or spirit. My journey was a focus from one meal to the next.
The relentless cycle of cravings was a powerful force, driving me deeper into a pattern I couldn’t escape. With each indulgence, the weight not only increased, but so did the emotional burden. The struggle became a constant battle, as every bite seemed to feed an insatiable hunger that went beyond mere food.
A Picture from the start of the journey
In this picture I appear to be happy, but inside I was sad and confused about how this happened. I couldn’t find the way to full peace and joy. I called to God for His loving guidance.
GIVE A LITTLE – GAIN A LOT
My cardiologist walked into the exam room with a furrowed brow, shaking his head. “If you do not lose this weight, it will have devastating consequences for you and those who care about you.” He said, with a seriousness that cut through my defenses, “Your health and life expectancy are at stake. You must change this. Here is what I recommend: Choose the foods you will eat for the rest of your life, and eat smaller portions.”
Great! I would not have to give up any of my favorite foods. After a trial of what seemed to be sound advice, I realized the limits of that suggestion. In fact, it only kept my cravings alive. Trapped in a mental labyrinth, the path to escape felt obscured and overwhelming. My relationship with food had become a shadowed habit, tangled in confusion and unholy patterns.
The Holy Spirit, a gentle but constant presence throughout the tapestry of my life, gave me the vision, hope, and guidance I needed to see the open doors ahead.
Every journey begins with a single step. My journey started with a focus on reforming old habits and embracing a vision of health and empowerment. I faced the challenge in clarity, rather than retreating into the comforting refuge of food. Each experience became a stepping stone, drawing me into a profound connection with God—my wellspring of answers, hope, and joy.
GOD HELP ME ON THIS JOURNEY THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS
As fall came and winter’s chill whispered its arrival, the temptations of holiday feasts and comfort foods beckoned in the season of indulgence. I sought help from a nutritionist named Karen. My journey began.
Karen was a compassionate, earthy woman who encouraged me to discover the “why” behind my eating habits. Instead of imposing rigid goals, I took attainable steps. Each choice became a conscious act of love for myself—a testament to my commitment to nurturing my vision and my body.
Through these moments of intention, I felt the Holy Spirit’s guiding hand, leading me to the light of a healthier life. I learned to trust God’s divine wisdom. I was on a sacred journey of physical transformation and profound spiritual awakening, reclaiming my health and my spirit’s joyous rhythm.
You could say I was making progress, gaining small victories. But, I wouldn’t call it gaining ground yet. That realization came five years later when I discovered my “why” and “how.”
IN IT FOR THE VERY LONG HAUL
Stepping into the clear water for my water aerobics class, I moved with strength and fluidity, and arthritis took a back seat. I began to lose weight, and the pool lifted my spirits, helping me recognize how food and exercise work together for my health and healing as I prepared for the next steps in this journey.
I continued in this journey with mindful eating habits. Trying versions of the keto diet and conventional nutritional advice, using low-carb flours and sugar substitutes, I replicated the sweet, satisfying flavors, textures, and taste I loved. The cravings continued, racing like a freight train down the tracks.
A transformation occurred with research and discovery. Clearing the cupboards of canned goods, bread, fruits, vegetables, all carbohydrates, and sugar. I committed to eating like our prehistoric ancestors, The Proper Human Diet. I stocked our cupboards abundantly with beef, butter, bacon, eggs, and seafood.
After two transformative weeks, the relentless cravings receded like a tide, leaving clarity in their wake. It was as if a fog had lifted, revealing the potential for new life.
The backdrop of this journey was a long battle against an unhealthy lifestyle; years of poor choices had taken their toll and led to an unexpected confrontation with cancer. Following surgery, I was blessed to emerge on the other side, the surgeon’s skilled hands having removed the tumor.
With each passing day, I felt the warmth of healing envelop me, igniting a spark of hope. Through this journey, I discovered the power of listening within the silence of my soul.
Emboldened by this second chance, I sought solace and strength at the local YMCA. As I created my own aerobic routine, I poured my heart and soul into each movement. It was not just exercise but a celebration of resilience, a way to reclaim the vitality that arthritis and poor health had threatened to steal. With every drop of sweat, I felt the burdens lift, and my spirit soar.
Find solace and fellowship at church and the gym
God is with us everywhere we go, guiding us. His love and joy reach others through us, no matter where we ‘fellowship’ — at church, the gym, the grocery store … everywhere.
I encourage you to share your relationship with Him wherever you are.
– Jane Bower
SHEDDING THE WEIGHT – OF FEAR, DOUBT AND ADDICTION
As the years rolled on, the numbers on the scale began to tell a different story — 170 pounds lighter, to be precise. But the scales only echoed a more profound truth: I was not just shedding weight; I was shedding the weight of fear, doubt, and addiction.
Each morning, I woke to a life brimming with health and freedom, fueled by newfound determination and joy. My goals, once distant visions, had crystallized into my vibrant reality. I radiated strength and optimism, celebrating the indomitable spirit that had carried me through. In this journey, I discovered a healthier body and an unfettered soul, ready to embrace the world with open arms.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC FROM FAITH & FITNESS MAGAZINE
6 Responses
Beatiful story and such a clear and thorough article. Appreciate how she shared the entire journey and the support involved. This is real life. What we need to face and then celebrate. Her faith has transformed her life.
My husband and I have known Jane and her husband for several years, we live in the same complex and see one another on a regular basis; watching Jane’s weight transformation has been both inspiring and amazing, she literally lost an entire adult person. Jane has always been a positive woman, since the weight loss she is also radiating a happiness and an air of confidence that she seemingly didn’t have before. We are very proud of Jane and know she will continue with her program, she worked out religiously and continues to do so.
I was blessed to have gotten to meet and become friends with Jane and her terrific, supportive husband Bruce. Jane is beautiful inside and out, she definitely has the light of the Holy Spirit surrounding her. I am so proud and impressed with how Jane has taken control and transformed her body into a healthy, strong, vital new version of an already beautiful lady. What a role model for me and others to admire and aspire to emulate. I admired Jane before her transformation, and I am just blown away by what she’s accomplished. The thing I love most about Jane is her strong faith, we’ve discussed our faith in God, and it doesn’t surprise me that Jane gives the glory to God, she walks with Him daily and look at the results along with her determination and resolve to be healthier. I love you Jane, I hope to see you and Bruce in person in 2026!
This is an extremely inspirational story of faith, determination and courage.
Jane, your faith based weight loss story is very inspiring. Thanks for sharing!
Wow, Jane is an inspiration! I knew her growing up, as her brother was a good friend of mine in high school.
And to learn that she lost 170 pounds, well, that’s what I weigh now!
You go, Jane. Glad that you’re doing so well, and did it with the help of God and your church family.