Q&A with Miss Iowa 2017 Chelsea Constantino: Faith, Fitness & Food Freedom

When I think about women who embody strength, authenticity, and grace, Chelsea Constantino instantly comes to mind. You might recognize her as Miss Iowa 2017, but today she’s living out a new kind of mission; one rooted in faith, health, and helping others heal their relationship with food. As the founder of Coach Reign Nutrition and the author of a brand-new book teaching biblical principles of nutrition, Chelsea’s journey is one of transformation from the inside out.

In our conversation, we dove deep into everything from her Miss America fitness prep to disordered eating, emotional health, and the powerful connection between food and faith.

Here’s our Fearlessly Authentic Q&A.

---

Q: You’ve worn many hats: Miss Iowa, entrepreneur, personal trainer, now author. What inspired you to write your book?

Chelsea:
Honestly, it was a calling. I felt God say, “I need you to teach people to eat the way I intended.” At first, I thought this book was supposed to be about my story. But He made it clear: it wasn’t about me. It was about helping others align their relationship with food to His design.

Once I surrendered to that idea, everything flowed. Within six months, the book was done. It’s built around seven biblical principles that show how our modern relationship with food often strays from what God intended, and how returning to those roots can restore balance, health, and peace.

---

Q: You were known for your strong, athletic physique during your Miss Iowa year. How did your approach to fitness and nutrition evolve over time?

Chelsea:
When I competed, I wanted to be strong, not just skinny. I knew my body type: athletic and muscular. I wasn’t chasing a number on a scale; I was chasing sustainability. I wanted to look and feel the same on my last day as Miss Iowa as I did on my first.

So instead of crash diets or “cutting,” I focused on building habits that would last. I started CrossFit, learned about performance nutrition, and realized my body thrived when I fueled it well. Nearly ten years later, I’m still close to that same physique, not because I’m constantly “prepping,” but because it became my lifestyle.

---

Q: What does it mean to “dial in” your nutrition?

Chelsea:
It starts with quality, then quantity.

We all overcomplicate food. But it’s simple, your meals should include four things: protein, vegetables, carbs, and fat. That’s what I call a “diamond meal.” Once you have that foundation, you can adjust the proportions to meet your goals.

The key is learning how your body responds. More carbs might boost your workouts, more protein might improve your recovery. It’s about listening and observing. Everyone’s “perfect plate” is different.

---

Q: You’ve been open about struggling with disordered eating patterns. How can someone recognize if they might be dealing with that too?

Chelsea:
If food is all you think about (what you ate, what you didn’t eat, what you should eat) that’s a red flag.

Disordered eating isn’t always a diagnosed condition. It’s the mental weight of constantly tracking, judging, and punishing yourself around food. Counting calories and macros can be useful tools, but when they start controlling your peace, it’s time to step back.

I tell my clients to stop counting everything and focus on hitting one goal: get enough protein. Build from there, and give yourself grace.

---

Q: What’s your perspective on cravings? Are they bad?

Chelsea:
Cravings aren’t bad! But we need to know the difference between a craving and a temptation.

A craving comes out of nowhere and sticks with you. It’s your body’s way of saying, “I’m missing something.” A temptation is triggered. You see it, smell it, or scroll past it on social media. Cravings can often point to a nutrient deficiency.

For example, if you’re craving bread or pasta, your body might actually need more nitrogen; so eat more protein, beans, or nuts. When you give your body what it truly needs, the craving often disappears.

---

Q: You talk about the biblical connection to food in your book. What did you learn about God’s design for how we eat?

Chelsea:
This was the most fascinating part of my research.

Scripture gives clear guidance on which foods are “clean” and “unclean” in books like Leviticus and Deuteronomy. For example, fish must have both fins and scales; so shellfish, which are bottom feeders, are considered unclean. They were created to filter the ocean, not feed us.

It blew my mind to realize how much modern science supports this! Those same “unclean” foods are often linked to higher allergy rates or health risks.

The takeaway? God didn’t make rules to restrict us, He made them to protect us. And while, as Christians, we’re no longer bound to these laws for salvation, they’re still good for us. His design always has purpose.

---

Q: How do you approach clients who say, “Everything in moderation”?

Chelsea:
I always remind them: it’s your body, your relationship with food, and your choice.

My role is to give you truth and help you understand the “why.” If you know the consequences of your choices and still decide to have that meal, that’s okay – but it’s an informed choice.

Eventually, people feel the difference. Once they’ve experienced the peace and energy that comes from eating clean, they realize they don’t want to go back.

---

Q: What do you hope readers take away from your book?

Chelsea:
That it doesn’t have to be complicated.

In a world full of conflicting advice, diets, and quick fixes, we already have the guidebook. The Bible gives us simple, sustainable principles for how to eat, live, and thrive.

If you’re tired of food being a burden, I want you to know you can have peace with your plate again.

---

Q: And finally, what’s one practical thing someone can do today to start eating more intentionally?

Chelsea:
Start with one meal.

Don’t overhaul everything overnight. Just make your next meal a diamond meal: protein, veggies, carbs, and fat. Eat it slowly. Notice how you feel. Then do it again at the next meal.

It’s about progress, not perfection.

---

Where to Find Chelsea

📖 Grab Chelsea’s book — The Guide to Eating Biblically in a Modern World
💪 Follow her for more faith-fueled fitness and nutrition guidance: @chelseaconstantino or @coachreignnutrition

---

Fearlessly Authentic Takeaway:
Your relationship with food isn’t just about calories, it’s about calling. When you nourish your body the way it was designed to be nourished, you create alignment between your faith, your health, and your purpose.