What is fasting actually like for a woman?
In this episode of Faithful Fitness, Coach Alex sits down with his wife Christin Van Houten to talk about her experience completing the Shred protocol, the unique challenges women face with fasting and exercise, and what it’s really like living inside the Faithful Fitness mission.
Christin shares how her relationship with fasting grew over several years—from believing it wasn’t possible for her to completing a full 24-hour fast during the Shred. She also explains how hormonal cycles, stress, and family life influence how women approach fasting differently than men.
Beyond fitness, the conversation turns deeply personal as Alex and Christin discuss:
• The real story behind writing the Faithful Fitness devotional
• The sacrifices and support required in marriage when pursuing a calling
• The financial and emotional decisions behind publishing a first book
• Why discipline—whether fasting, exercise, or marriage—ultimately produces freedom.
You’ll also hear Christin’s honest reflections on the Shred protocol, her results, and the habits she’s continuing long after the challenge ended.If you’ve ever wondered what Faithful Fitness looks like inside the Van Houten household, this conversation offers a rare and encouraging glimpse.
Timestamped Outline
00:00 — Introduction
Coach Alex welcomes listeners and introduces his wife Christin.
01:20 — Fasting as a Woman
Christin explains how her journey with fasting began through spiritual disciplines.
04:30 — Learning to Fast Gradually
Starting with 14-hour fasts and slowly building to longer fasting windows.
07:20 — Hormonal Cycles and Fasting
Why fasting affects women differently than men.
10:10 — Grace During Difficult Weeks
How Christin adapts fasting around her cycle and stress levels.
13:00 — Why Fasting Matters Spiritually
Alex explains the deeper spiritual purpose behind fasting.
16:20 — Discipline vs Motivation
Sometimes fasting and exercise simply require obedience.
19:00 — Exercise with Scoliosis
Why strength training is essential for Christin’s back health.
22:00 — Loving Your Spouse Through Stewardship
How caring for your body affects your marriage.
24:45 — Foods Christin Missed During the Shred
Cheeseburgers, Diet Coke, and Reese’s cups make their return.
27:30 — Shred Results
Christin loses 9 pounds of fat in four weeks.
29:30 — Why the Shred Works
Energy, clarity, and the power of finishing what you start.
32:00 — Preparing for the Summer Shred
Why the five-day preparation phase matters.
35:10 — Launching the Faithful Fitness Devotional
Alex shares what it took to finally write the book.
38:30 — What It Was Like Living With a Writing Husband
Christin reflects on Alex’s weekly writing discipline.
43:00 — The Investment Behind Publishing a Book
The financial and relational decisions behind the project.
48:30 — Marriage, Money, and Stewardship
Why open conversations are essential when building something meaningful.
52:00 — Signed Book Giveaway Announcement
55:30 — Closing Thoughts
Christin thanks the Faithful Fitness community for supporting the mission.
Main Discussion Themes:
-Fasting Through a Woman’s Lens
-Understanding the physiological and spiritual differences women experience with fasting.
-Discipline Over Motivation
-Why real transformation comes from consistency rather than excitement.
-Marriage and Calling
-What it takes for a spouse to support a God-given mission.
-Stewardship of the Body
-Exercise, fasting, and nutrition as tools for honoring God.
-The Story Behind the Faithful Fitness Devotional
-From idea to investment to publication.
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