My People Perish for Lack of Knowledge: Understanding Protein, Fats, and Hormonal Health

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." — Hosea 4:6

In my previous article, we explored the importance of understanding the menstrual cycle and how God designed the female body to function. Today, we're building on that foundation by looking at three nutrients that are often misunderstood: protein, carbohydrates, and fats.

In a world full of conflicting nutrition advice, many women are left confused. One week carbohydrates are the enemy. The next week fats are dangerous. Then another expert tells you protein is only for bodybuilders.

The result is confusion, frustration, and often poorer health.

The truth is that God designed the body to require balance. Each of these nutrients has a purpose, but for many women, protein and healthy fats deserve special attention because of the role they play in muscle maintenance, recovery, satiety, and hormone health.

DON'T BE TOSSED ABOUT BY EVERY WIND OF DOCTRINE

The Apostle Paul warned believers not to be tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine. While Paul was speaking about spiritual truth, the principle applies remarkably well to the world of nutrition.

Every day social media presents a new diet, a new trend, or a new expert claiming to have discovered the secret to health.

Many women spend years jumping from one approach to another, never seeing lasting results because they are constantly changing direction.

The problem is rarely a lack of effort. More often, it is a lack of sound knowledge.

PROTEIN: THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF STRENGTH

Think of protein as the building blocks of your body. Protein is essential for building and maintaining muscle, repairing tissues, supporting the immune system, and helping you feel fuller for longer after meals.

So many times I have to talk to my clients about hitting their protein targets. It's an issue that affects both men and women, but I find women often struggle with it more.

Many women have developed a fear of protein because they associate it with bodybuilding. Somewhere along the way, they've been led to believe that eating more protein will make them bulky or masculine. The reality couldn't be further from the truth.

Because of this misconception, many women struggle with constant hunger, low energy levels, and poor recovery simply because they are not eating enough protein.

Simple choices such as eggs, chicken, fish, Greek yoghurt, cottage cheese, lean meats, tofu (if you must!), and protein shakes can make a significant difference when it comes to hitting your protein goals.

As women get older, maintaining muscle becomes increasingly important. Muscle supports metabolism, strength, mobility, bone health, and long-term health. During perimenopause and menopause, when hormonal changes naturally occur, preserving muscle becomes even more important.

Protein is not just for athletes. It is for anyone who wants a strong, healthy, resilient body.

WHY HEALTHY FATS MATTER MORE THAN MOST WOMEN REALISE

If protein provides the building blocks, healthy fats are the spark plugs.

A car can have fuel in the tank, but without functioning spark plugs the engine cannot run properly. In the same way, healthy fats help support the production and regulation of hormones throughout the body.

Hormones influence energy, mood, reproductive health, recovery, sleep, and overall wellbeing. When women become afraid of dietary fat and cut it out completely, problems can arise.

A useful example is female bodybuilding competitors. During competition preparation, some athletes reduce body fat levels to extremely low levels and often spend periods consuming very little dietary fat. It is common for their  menstrual cycles to become irregular or stop altogether during these extreme phases. This is not a sign of optimal health. It is a sign that the body is under significant physiological stress.

For the average woman seeking health, energy, strength, and hormonal balance, this is not the goal.

Healthy fat sources include avocados, olive oil, nuts, seeds, eggs (the yolk), and oily fish.

These foods provide the fuel your hormonal spark plugs need to fire properly, helping to support energy levels, reproductive health, and overall wellbeing.

WHAT ABOUT CARBOHYDRATES?

Carbohydrates are often criticised, but they play an important role in the body. Under normal conditions, the brain uses roughly 100-120 grams of glucose each day. This is one reason many people notice low energy levels, poor concentration, and increased fatigue when they dramatically cut carbohydrates without good reason.

Although the body can adapt to using other fuel sources when necessary, carbohydrates remain the body's preferred source of energy and help support both physical and mental performance.

God designed the body to require fuel, not deprivation. Even biblical fasting is intended for a season and a purpose, not as a permanent way of living. The goal is not to constantly deprive the body but to nourish it wisely so it can function as it was designed to.

Good carbohydrate sources include potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, oats, fruit, and wholegrain breads. Beans and lentils are also excellent choices because they provide carbohydrates, fibre, and a useful amount of protein. They're the utility players of the nutrition world, ticking several boxes at once, so don't be afraid to include them in your meals.

Final Thoughts

It is easy to become confused and, as Paul warned, don’t be tossed about by every wind of doctrine—even nutrition doctrine.

Understanding protein, fats, and carbohydrates gives us knowledge. But knowledge alone is not enough. Knowledge tells us what to do, Wisdom helps us apply it consistently.

The key is balance, not elimination. Rather than cutting out entire food groups or chasing the latest diet trend, focus on building balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, quality carbohydrates, and plenty of fruit and vegetables.

As Christians, we are not called to fear food. Paul reminds us that God created food to be received with thanksgiving. Once we understand what our bodies need, we don't have to live in fear of protein, fats, or carbohydrates. We can eat with gratitude, knowing that God designed the body to require nourishment, not constant deprivation. Even biblical fasting is for a season and a purpose. The goal is not to deprive the body but to fuel it wisely so it can function as God intended.

So, Bless your food, Eat with thanksgiving,  & Nourish your body well.