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My Blog
What I've discovered on my 90 pound weight loss journey through compulsive overeating and weight gain to 12-Step recovery since 2005. Navigating healthy eating can be tricky! Check out my tips and food tricks below. I've included some healthy recipes - please send your healthy recipe ideas to info@reshapeandrecover.com for posting consideration.


The Photo I Never Turned In
Sometimes overeating costs us more than our health. Years ago, our church was putting together a church directory and families were invited to have professional photos taken. We had ours done, and the photographer did a good job. But when I saw the pictures, all I could see was my weight. At the time, I was nearly 100 pounds overweight. I hated how my face looked in the photos. The photographer kindly offered to adjust the lighting, but there was no changing the fact that I w

Julie Kleinhans
3 days ago1 min read


When Life Hurts
When life hurts, food can start looking like a solution. Not because you're weak. Not because you don't know better. But because food is quick, familiar, and always available. The problem is that food can distract us from pain for a few minutes, but it can't heal it. God can. If you're going through a difficult season right now, don't carry it alone. Talk to God. Talk to someone you trust. Stay connected. Isolation and overeating often grow together. Healing usually begins wh

Julie Kleinhans
5 days ago1 min read


Step 6: Becoming Willing
Step 6 isn't about becoming perfect. It's about becoming willing. Many of us can see the behaviors that keep us stuck—turning to food for comfort, holding onto resentment, making excuses, or trying to control everything ourselves. The challenge isn't always recognizing the problem. The challenge is becoming willing to let God change us. Sometimes we want freedom from the consequences, but we're not quite ready to surrender the habit itself. Step 6 invites us to open our hands

Julie Kleinhans
7 days ago1 min read


Be Blessed and Joyful
Be blessed and joyful this weekend. Remember: food is important for good health, but it's not the main event. Enjoy the people, family, conversations, laughter, worship, rest, and simple moments God gives you. Basically, the point is… there is so much more to enjoy in life than food. Have a wonderful weekend! ❤️ #christianweightloss #overeatingrecovery #foodfreedom #faithandhealth #12steps #reshapeandrecover

Julie Kleinhans
May 291 min read


Memorial Day Blessings
Silhouette of soldier saluting the American flag and Bible verse John 15:13

Julie Kleinhans
May 251 min read


A Simple Weekend Plan for Freedom from Food Obsession
Weekends can feel challenging when you’re trying to stay on track with your eating. The routines change, temptations show up, and it’s easy to think, “I’ll just start over Monday.” But freedom often starts with a simple plan. One thing that has helped me so much is planning ahead: ✅ 3 meals a day ✅ Nothing in between ✅ Keeping it simple instead of constantly negotiating with myself around food Structure may sound restrictive at first, but honestly, it can bring so much peace

Julie Kleinhans
May 221 min read


Don't Give Up
Having a hard time sticking to a healthy way of eating? Don’t give up. It’s not always easy — but it’s worth it. You are worth it. 💛 It didn’t happen for me right away. I struggled for a couple of years before it finally stuck. But I kept showing up — and with God's help, I found freedom. 🙌 Isaiah 41:10 (ESV) reminds us: "fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right

Julie Kleinhans
Apr 281 min read


Peace May Be the Answer You’re Looking For
You’ve been eating well. You’re staying on plan. But the scale won’t budge — and frustration is creeping in. Before you blame your willpower, consider this: What if it’s not your food… but your stress? When we live in constant go-mode, our cortisol levels rise — leading to cravings, fat storage (especially around the belly), poor sleep, and emotional eating. But God didn’t create us to live in survival mode. He created us for peace. ⏸️ Peace that restores. 📖 Peace that guard

Julie Kleinhans
Apr 171 min read


Step 11
Most people think recovery is just about “trying harder.” But if you’ve struggled with overeating long enough, you already know: Willpower runs out. Motivation fades. Cravings get loud. That’s why Step 11 matters so much. Because Step 11 isn’t about food first — it’s about connection first. When we build a daily habit of time with God (in His Word + prayer), we’re not just “being spiritual.” We’re re-centering our entire day around truth. And something powerful happens when w

Julie Kleinhans
Jan 171 min read


Step Five: The Step That Breaks Your Isolation
For so many years, I struggled alone with my overeating. I thought it was up to me to eat in moderation. Maybe you’ve felt that too — the loneliness, the shame, the feeling that if people really knew you, they might pull away. But Step Five changes that. Step Five invites us to stop hiding and let God — and one trusted person — into the places we’d rather keep covered. It’s the moment we admit “the exact nature of our wrongs” to God, to ourselves, and to another human being.

Julie Kleinhans
Dec 6, 20251 min read


Step Four: The Step That Sets You Free
When I first worked Step Four, I was dreading all the extra work it would take to look at my resentments and fears. Plus, I didn’t think I had that many or that they really affected me much. As I worked through them though, with the help of a Fourth Step class and support group, I saw how much they affected my behavior and attitude. But this step isn’t about shame — it’s about healing. It’s about bringing things into the light so God can transform them. In my book 12 Ste

Julie Kleinhans
Nov 29, 20252 min read


Washed Clean
If you’re carrying shame or guilt today, I want you to hear this clearly: you don’t have to. One of the most beautiful truths of the gospel is that we are completely forgiven — of all things. Not partly forgiven. Not forgiven “as long as we never mess up again.” Not forgiven only if we earn it. Forgiven fully , because of God’s love and Jesus’ sacrifice. For so many years, I lived with guilt that said, “You should be doing better. You should know better. You keep faili

Julie Kleinhans
Nov 28, 20251 min read


Deepening Our Connection with God for Recovery from Overeating
Ever have one of those days when you skip time with God… and everything feels harder? The stress hits fast. The cravings flare up. And suddenly you’re running on your own strength again. In this week’s Reshape and Recover Podcast , Tony and I talk about why Step 11 — prayer and meditation — isn’t just a “nice idea.” It’s the fuel for recovery from overeating. For years, I thought I was too busy for a morning quiet time. Work, kids, responsibilities… you’ve been there too. But

Julie Kleinhans
Nov 25, 20252 min read


How to Eat Healthy When You’re a Guest
Have you ever sat at someone else’s table, surrounded by delicious food… yet felt that quiet tug in your heart — knowing some of it isn’t part of your plan? You’re not alone. Staying committed to your recovery and health goals can feel especially challenging when food is part of the celebration. But just like Daniel at the king’s table, we can choose faith over pressure. In this week’s episode of the Reshape and Recover Podcast, Tony and I talk about how to: 💛 Stand firm in

Julie Kleinhans
Nov 18, 20251 min read


An Easy, Christian 10th Step Explained
What does a daily 10th Step actually look like? In this video, I walk through a simple, Christian approach to the 10th Step that helps you stay grounded, honest, and connected to God each day. I’ll share: • The evening questions I ask myself • How I use the Fruits of the Spirit • Why a morning routine reduces anxiety and overeating • How the SOAP method helps with devotional time If you’re in recovery and want a simple daily structure, this will help. 👉 Watch the video to se

Julie Kleinhans
Nov 13, 20251 min read


Spinach, Mushroom & Mozzarella Zucchini Boats
A simple, satisfying way to enjoy comfort food — without the guilt! These zucchini “boats” are filled with spinach, mushrooms, and melty mozzarella cheese — a light, low-carb dish that’s full of flavor and nutrients. They make a great main dish or pair perfectly with grilled chicken for a complete, protein-packed meal. 🍽️ It’s easy to fall into old patterns with food, especially when we’re tired or stressed. But meals like this remind us that healthy choices can still feel c

Julie Kleinhans
Nov 12, 20251 min read


Break Free from Old Eating Habits Through a New Heart 💛
Sometimes our hearts feel stubborn — like no matter how much we want to change, we keep going back to old eating habits. We promise ourselves it’ll be different, but somehow end up in the same cycle again. But God doesn’t just ask us to try harder — He offers us something better. In Ezekiel 36:26, He says, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.” This isn’t about more willpower — it’s about surrender. Real change begins when we let God do what only He can: t

Julie Kleinhans
Nov 11, 20251 min read


Confidential Conversations Unlock Hope and Healing
When we open up about our struggles — whether with food, emotions, or faith — we need a space that feels safe. 💛 It took me a while to open up to people in my group. I was afraid of being judged. But as I heard others share their own struggles, I realized I wasn’t alone. They understood what I was going through — and many were dealing with the same things I was. That’s what we offer inside Reshape and Recover: a Christ-centered community where you can share honestly, be unde

Julie Kleinhans
Nov 10, 20251 min read


Step One: The Beginning of Hope
When I first came to Overeaters Anonymous, I thought Step One was just about admitting I had a problem with food. But it’s more than that. True recovery begins when we recognize that this isn’t just a lack of willpower — it’s an addiction. For me, that addiction was to sugar and junk food. Until I believed that, I kept thinking I could manage it or “just eat a little.” I floundered for over two years before hearing Bill W’s story from Alcoholics Anonymous. As I listened, I re

Julie Kleinhans
Nov 8, 20251 min read


Start Your Weekend with a Grateful Heart
As the weekend begins, take a moment to pause and thank God for His goodness. Gratitude lifts our perspective — helping us see His hand in both the big moments and the little ones. We are so blessed! When we take time to notice even the little blessings in life, joy begins to grow. Writing out five things we’re grateful for can shift our focus away from the hard things that often drive us toward food for comfort. Every blessing is a reminder that God is near and faithful. Whe

Julie Kleinhans
Nov 7, 20251 min read
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