Welcome to The Holy Mess, a place for women who want to lose weight without losing their sanity. Get practical weight loss guidance, Christian encouragement, and wholesome recipes that actually taste good. Founded and led by Sara Borgstede, our engaging community includes honest conversations, expert support, and most of all, hope.
Our story
The Holy Mess started from the middle of my mess.
I’m Sara Borgstede. For most of my life, I was a binge eater, compulsive eater, and secret eater. Food was my best friend and worst enemy. I wanted the pounds gone, and I wanted them gone yesterday.
God took me on a journey to lose the weight, but it wasn’t a quick fix. Instead, it was a slow miracle, as I gradually but intentionally made important changes to my hunger, heart, and habits.
I’ve maintained at goal for more than 20 years, and transformed from a couch potato to an active, healthy woman, completing over 50 races, including triathlons, half marathons, and a 70.3 Half Ironman.
Weight loss is no easy street in today’s world, especially in the middle of all life throws at you. I get it. I’ve walked through depression, panic attacks, digestive issues, and menopause changes. I learned that lasting results require surrender to the Holy Spirit and building new habits for when willpower runs out.
If you are done starting over or following the latest diet trend (that only leaves you more frustrated), we are here to help. We get real about plateaus, emotional eating, and scale frustration.
This isn’t about dropping a few pounds for a wedding or looking slimmer in your jeans. With a balance of grace and tough love, we specialize in helping women with up to 100+ pounds to lose.
How The Holy Mess is here to help you
Search for the resources you need:
Meet the Founder
Sara Borgstede is the creator of The Holy Mess, a 100+ lb weight loss success story, and certified Recovery Coach. She’s authored Fear Less, led 50,000+ through her 3-Day Weight Loss Challenges, and founded a 200+ member weight loss community. A former foster parent and triathlete, Sara lives in New York with her pastor husband and their 5 children.
Read more about Sara on her profile page.
Our team
Our team brings together lived experience, encouragement, and practical expertise so you never feel alone as you work toward your goals.
Sara Borgstede
FounderSara is a writer, speaker, and 100+ pound weight loss success story. Her website, The Holy Mess, has led millions of women to weight loss success.
Terry Hanly
Product & Events ManagerAfter losing 60 pounds and transforming her health, she’s on a mission to help other women achieve their own wellness goals.
LaNette Whiteside
Retired Nurse & WW CoachLaNette has lost more than 350 pounds and kept it off for 4 years. She’s a county girl who loves God, her family, and helping others on their journey with weight loss and healthy eating habits.
Chassidy Parchym
Registered Dietetic TechnicianChassidy Parchym is a Registered Dietetic Technician (RDT). She is a wife and homeschooling mom. She enjoys the simple life, living out her faith and helping women be the best version of themselves.
in the press
My work has been featured in trusted publications including Fox News, Focus on the Family, Woman’s World, and many other respected outlets reaching millions of readers.
- Recovery Coach Certification – Binge Code Academy, certified 2024
- Pastoral Leadership Institute (PLI), Leadership Essentials, 2025
- Bachelor of Arts in Education, Concordia University Wisconsin, rostered teacher, Lutheran Church Missouri-Synod (LCMS), 1994
- Certified Family Advocate, state of New York, 2018-2022
Featured Resources
- Anti-Inflammatory Weight Loss Fast Track Kit and Meal Plan – Lose weight while decreasing inflammation.
- Reset 3 Free 3-Day Weight Loss Meal Plan – Lose 2-6 pounds using our S.A.F.E. eating method.
- Top 5 Low Point Recipes That Everyone Should Know (Free) Mini-Cookbook: Get a FREE low points mini-cookbook PDF download with the top 5 recipes every Weight Watchers member should know.
Connect & join our community
Whether you’re starting your first 3-Day Meal Plan or committing to lifelong weight maintenance with our membership community, you’ll be surrounded by women who understand you.
- Weight Loss Membership: Structured support to reach your goal weight and maintain it for life by healing your Soul Hunger.
- Follow on Social Media:
- Have a question? You’ll find our most frequently asked questions and help on our customer support page.
