The Truth About My New Diagnosis

I just love my blog, y’all! It is such a blessing the Lord has given me to steward, and I want to start this post in that exact headspace: true thanksgiving. I love that I have four beautiful series running right now, each representing a different beat of my life and how God has uniquely made me.

On my fitness page, I have briefly teased some changes in my dietary habits. This shift comes from a new diagnosis I received in my 30s: PCOS. I had heard of it, of course. I have trained many clients who have it. Beautifully enough, I have walked hand in hand with several women as their professional trainer and seen how changes in diet and exercise have healed their hormones and produced life. LIFE, y’all! God gives us the means, knowledge, and strength to heal our bodies.

I know when many women hear this diagnosis, it can feel like a death sentence to a desire or dream in their heart. The tricky part for me as a single woman is that I actually do not know if I can get pregnant. I am single, so until I have a husband, I won’t have a full understanding of my fertility.

But I do serve a strategic God. I believe He has revealed the “crying out” my body has been doing at the perfect time. I am very new to this territory, but praise God, He has strategically graced my life with very gifted and knowledgeable friends who have healed their own bodies. I have been studying books, researching online, and learning through a lot of trial and error.

Navigating My Flares

The Dairy Dilemma. What flares me up the most? Cheese. UGH! If you know me, then you know this is one of my favorite foods. I have discovered that A2 milk is safe for me to consume, but I try to avoid all other dairy. I will admit I had some feta the other day and a zit popped up immediately. However, I also made chicken meatballs with cottage cheese and it did nothing. A friend suggested that perhaps the cooking process made it safe for my system.

The Sourdough Era. What else causes flare-ups? Gluten. Based on the advice of a friend who finds sourdough safe, I have officially started my “sourdough girl” era. Yes, your girl finally successfully made her first loaf on the third try! My body has felt great avoiding most gluten and only minimally consuming sourdough.

Managing the Stress. The final flare-up I’ve discovered is stress and cortisol. Unfortunately, I drive a lot for my job, and being on the road leaves me on edge most of the day. Charlotte drivers, do you see how bad y’all drive?? I have addressed this with a serious nighttime routine, a sunrise alarm clock, and slower mornings. This means I wake up earlier to give myself extra time to move slowly and with more intention towards God.

I’ve also leaned into new hobbies. I started riding my bike for Zone 2 cardio, and I just bought a paddle board that I am excited to take out every weekend. Thankfully, I won a contest at work that gave me the exact cash prize needed for the board. This happened just days after praying and asking the Lord for more joy to handle my stress and anxiety. I love how He hears every prayer!!! This born-and-raised Florida gal cannot wait to get on the water!

Here are the specific tips and tricks I have watched provide me with more energy and clear up my skin:

• Morning Tea: A spearmint tea bag (for acne) and a lemon tea bag (for detox) with honey and unflavored collagen protein.
• Protein-First Breakfast: Loading up on protein early in the day.
• Immunity: Homemade immunity shots.
• Preparation: Meal prepping every Sunday to reduce snacking and “food noise.”
• Supplements: Berberine and Myo-inositol for energy and food noise, plus Zinc and Vitamin C for skin health.
• Evening Routine: Bedtime tea with another bag of spearmint and honey.
• Movement: Lifting heavy and slow-paced three times a week, walking six times a week, and biking three times a week.
• Soul Care: Taking a serious Sabbath and fasting one day a week from social media.
• Joy: Being intentional about laughing every single day.

I have heard of so many women who heal their bodies and step into their healthiest selves. I have partnered with clients and been part of their stories. Now, I am excited to see my own journey unfold as I discover what my body needs and how God provides the resources.

I will leave you with this verse:

“The Lord will fight for you, and you only have to be silent.” — Exodus 14:14 ESV

A new health diagnosis that throws you off course may take some adjustment, but in this “unfairness,” I have learned to instead be eternally grateful for His timing and the knowledge He provides. Feeling bad for myself moves me further away from the privilege of knowing He is fighting for me at every turn.

Love you all! Cass

Disclaimer: I am a certified professional in corrective exercise and have my Bachelor in Kinesiology, but the information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or physical pain. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk.