Feeling Puffy and Bloated? 3 Signs Your Body Is Asking for Help

When Bloating Isn’t Just About Food

Do you feel puffy by the time you crawl into bed? Maybe you wake up swollen, constantly tired, or can’t seem to shake the feeling that something is "off." You’re not imagining it. And you’re not just failing at fitness. Your body is trying to get your attention.

In this post, we’ll walk through 3 common causes of chronic bloating, fatigue, and inflammation. Spoiler alert: they’re not just about what you ate. You’ll also learn how to support your body through practical tools that work with your hormones, not against them—so you can feel lighter, clearer, and stronger again.

1. Your Body is Holding on to Stress

"Puffiness is often inflammation in disguise," Shaela says in this episode. That swelling in your hands, feet, or face? It could be your nervous system shouting, "Please slow down."

When you’re stuck in constant stress mode, your cortisol stays elevated. Over time, this leads to water retention, digestive issues, hormone imbalance, and yes—chronic fatigue. Stress isn't just mental; it shows up in your body.

That tired, foggy feeling paired with a puffy body? That’s not laziness. That’s your body living in survival mode. And it’s time to shift gears.

2. You Might Not Be Eating Enough Protein

Low protein intake is one of the most overlooked causes of bloating and low energy. Why? Because protein does more than build muscle. It helps regulate blood sugar, reduce cravings, and support digestion.

Shaela shares, "Women often under-eat protein without realizing it. Then they wonder why they’re bloated after meals."

The fix? Start with your first meal. Try building a high protein breakfast (eggs, Greek yogurt, or a smoothie with 30g of protein) to give your body the fuel it needs. You'll be amazed at how quickly your energy and digestion improve.

3. You’re Ignoring What Your Gut Is Telling You

Digestive symptoms like bloating, constipation, or swelling are not normal—even if they’re common.

Your gut is your second brain, and when it’s inflamed, your whole system suffers. From food sensitivities to fiber gaps to dehydration, your digestion responds to how you live—not just what you eat.

Shaela says, "You can’t fight bloat with more rules. You have to listen to what your body is saying."

What helps?

• Drink half your body weight in ounces of water
• Add fiber-rich foods like berries, chia seeds, and leafy greens
• Keep a simple food journal to notice patterns (not to obsess)

What Faith Has to Do With Fatigue

Sometimes we want to "push through" in the name of being strong. But what if God isn’t asking you to hustle harder?

As Shaela shares, "We often treat fatigue like a flaw. But Scripture tells us our bodies are temples, not machines."

The constant hustle can disconnect us from God's peace. But when we slow down and tune in, we can start healing from the inside out. Christian women need rhythms that reflect grace, not performance.

Your Body Isn't Broken—It's Burnt Out

Bloating, puffiness, and fatigue aren't your identity. They're indicators. They're messages your body is sending, asking for support, nourishment, and rest.

When we honor our bodies with high protein meals, gentle strength training, and functional health rhythms, we stop surviving and start thriving. With Scripture as your foundation and peace as your goal, healing isn't just possible—it's holy.

Let this be the week you stop white-knuckling through it and start listening to your body with compassion.