7 Ways Burning Fat Instead of Carbs Has Helped Me Stay Energized for Ministry
Growing up in the South, food was more than just food—it was a way of life.
You know what I mean: biscuits, gravy, fried chicken—basically anything that would make a cardiologist sweat.
In the ’90s, I made a hard pivot to veganism, and eventually, I landed on vegetarianism. 🤮
For a couple of years, I thought I had it all figured out, like I’d found some secret health code.
(Vegan is great for a cleanse of your system, but it's bad for long term health, imo. Plus, I was hungry all the time.)
Then, life threw a curveball.
My daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy, and as we searched for treatments, we stumbled onto this thing called the ketogenic diet.
We didn’t even know what it was at first—not yet a fad, “keto” wasn't even a word yet!
But the more I learned, the more I realized this ketogenic diet wasn’t just about therapy—it could optimize health, energy, and focus.
So, I went all in.
And let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer.
Here are the seven ways switching to burning fat instead of carbs for fuel has transformed my energy and ministry:
1. No More Energy Crashes
I used to ride the carb rollercoaster. Not fun.
That big bowl of pasta is deeeelish. A tastebud party.
Then, 30 minutes later, you’re ready for a nap... at your desk... during a staff meeting.
Not the best look for a preacher.
But now? No more of that.
Burning fat for energy is like having a steady supply of fuel all day long.
I’m no longer searching for the nearest coffee or snack to get me through the day.
It’s like moving from a leaky gas tank to one holds the fuel.
2. Mental Clarity Like Never Before
Before keto, I’d have days where preparing a sermon felt like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube while blindfolded. My brain was just foggy.
But now that my brain’s running on ketones, it feels like someone flipped the lights on.
Suddenly, ideas come together, passages make more sense, and I’m no longer staring at the same sentence wondering, “Is this in code?”
It’s a nice change from the days when my sermons were brought to you by… caffeine and desperation.
3. Endurance for Long Ministry Days
Let’s be real—ministry is not a short day’s work.
There are meetings, counseling, and Sundays/Midweeks that stretch on and on.
Before keto, I’d be crawling to the finish line, barely hanging on. At the end of the day, I was pretty much running on fumes... and willpower.
Now, it’s like my body has discovered this hidden energy reserve—kind of like finding an extra fry at the bottom of the bag when you thought they were all gone.
It’s glorious.
Burning fat gives me the energy to actually finish the day.
(On a day I struggle, there's always my Nap Hack for a boost.)
4. Emotional Stability and Resilience
Here’s the thing—carbs didn’t just mess with my energy levels, they messed with my emotions too.
Because fat vs. carbs is also a hormone battle.
Carbs can give me rollercoaster mood swings. One minute I’m fine, the next I’m snapping at the computer like it’s personally responsible for rigging elections.
Not pretty.
Now, burning fat keeps my blood sugar steady, which has helped keep my emotions in check.
I’m less like a grumpy toddler who missed nap time and more like... well, an adult.
Adulting runs better on fat.
5. No More Cravings
Here’s something I never thought I’d say: I’m no longer at the mercy of cravings.
Before keto, carbs were like that annoying friend who keeps texting you, asking if you want to hang out.
Every couple of hours, I’d get the signal: “Hey, you hungry again? How about now? What about now?”
On keto, I’m full for longer, and I’m not constantly thinking about food.
It’s like when you finally block that annoying ex-church-member's number. Sweet, sweet freedom.
6. Physical Health and Weight Management
I used to think I was doing everything right as a vegetarian, but let’s be honest—mac and cheese is technically vegetarian, and so are fries.
Keto helped me realize I wasn’t as healthy as I thought.
Since switching to burning fat, I’ve lost weight, gained energy, and feel physically optimal in my 50's (paired with the exercise, of course) than I felt even in my 20's.
My body thanks me.
So does the waistband of my pants.
7. Spiritual Focus and Clarity
Here’s the kicker—keto didn’t just improve my physical energy, it’s also helped with my spiritual focus.
I can't fully explain this. I'm just convinced that all the above working together yields big results in this area of spiritual focus and spiritual clarity.
Bottom Line: Fat Is The Best Fuel For Your Daily
It’s funny how what started as a treatment for my daughter’s epilepsy ended up transforming my own health and ministry.
Diet is an integral part of "optimizing" your life and ministry.
Just a fact.
If you’re dealing with energy crashes, mental fog, or just feeling worn out, I encourage you to give keto a shot.
(Or... get back to it, if that's your situation.)
After all, who wouldn’t want to burn fat and stay energized without needing to refuel every two hours?
Ah, fat as fuel... It’s like upgrading from a flip phone to a smartphone.
Once you make the switch, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
BEST LINKS
💪 Health
- Study Shows How Many Minutes of Exercise Builds Strength in an 8-hour Workday (TheManual.com)
- 10 Nutritious Low-Carb Recipe Ideas That Will Actually Fill You Up (Mbg Foods)
- Mastering Breath for Stress Relief (Thread on X)
📈 Productivity
- Transforming Your Life with Micro-Habits (Thread on X)
- 6 Best Anti-Doom Scrolling Apps to Save Your Mental Health (Tech.com)
👀 ICYMI
