Is Fasting Safe?

In this article, I will be addressing some common questions that I often see in our community regarding intermittent fasting. It's important to consider the source of the information and to question whether it applies to your own personal experience. Fasting can be a safe practice if approached with a healthy mindset and confidence in what you're doing for yourself.

How Long Should I Fast?

One question that often comes up is how long should we fast? From my own experience, I have been practicing fasting for eight to nine years now, and the 20-hour fast has become my secret weapon. It's the foundation of everything I do, and I reach for it when I want to look and feel my best. All the other fasting protocols I follow are simply variations of the 20-hour fast. I go into detail about the benefits of a 20 hour fast for women over 50 in a previous article.

Should I Only Fast on Weekdays?

Another common question is whether it makes sense to fast only five days a week and take a break on the weekends. From my personal experience as a coach, I have found that limiting fasting to weekdays and then stopping on the weekends can lead to inconsistency and frustration. Often, the decisions made over the weekend can set in on a Wednesday, a couple of days after the weekend, and then people blame fasting for their lack of progress. It's important to establish a fasting protocol that works for you seven days a week and create a rhythm of healthy lifestyle changes. By doing so, you can still enjoy special occasions and events without interrupting your fasting routine.

Is Fasting Safe for Menopausal Women?

There is a misconception that women in menopause should not fast for more than 12 to 14 hours. However, I believe this is complete BS. There is no reason to limit fasting for menopausal women. Fasting is a powerful tool that can benefit women in menopause just as much as anyone else. It's important to remember that our bodies and hormones change during menopause, and what worked for us in the past may not work anymore. Instead of limiting ourselves, we should explore the fasting lifestyle and listen to our bodies. Pay attention to the experiences and results of other women in similar situations and find what works best for you.

Should I Change My Fasting Hours?

Some studies suggest that changing fasting hours periodically can prevent the body from adapting and holding onto fat. However, I believe this advice is impractical and doesn't align with the reality of our lives. Our sleep schedules, exercise demands, stress levels, and food choices are constantly changing. A fasting window should be the thing in our lives that is a constant.

The key to successful fasting is finding what works for you and sticking to it. Don't worry about constantly changing your fasting hours. Instead of focusing on switching things up, focus on finding a fasting routine that aligns with your lifestyle and goals and stay consistent.

If you're not seeing the results you desire, don't blame fasting. Take a closer look at your feasting window and the choices you're making during that time. Are you making healthy food choices? Are you being honest with yourself about portion sizes and indulgences? Remember, fasting is not a magic solution. It's a tool that can support your overall health and well-being, but it's not a substitute for a balanced and nutritious diet.

Summary

In conclusion, fasting can be a powerful tool for improving your health and well-being. It's important to approach fasting with a healthy mindset and confidence in what you're doing for yourself. Find a fasting protocol that works for you and stick to it consistently. Don't limit yourself or let others dictate what you can or cannot do based on your age or hormonal changes. Trust yourself, listen to your body, and make informed decisions that align with your goals and lifestyle. You have the power to create positive change in your life through fasting. Embrace it and enjoy the benefits it brings.

This is how I coach inside my Intermittent Fasting for Today's Aging Woman Course and Community. I would love to have you join us so I can help you make informed decisions and provide support along your journey of looking and feeling your best and living your most authentic life.