Fasting for Women: What I Learned, What Changed, and Why I’m Doing It Differently Now
I recently finished reading Fast Like a Girl by Dr. Mindy Pelz, and I can honestly say it was life changing for me.
At 45 years old, maintaining my weight has not been easy. I had tried intermittent fasting before, but instead of losing weight, I actually gained weight. That was frustrating and confusing. I also have a thyroid condition, and I’ve learned that thyroid health can affect metabolism, weight, energy, and how the body responds to different eating patterns. The relationship between thyroid function and body weight is complex, and thyroid hormone plays an important role in metabolism.
As I learned more, I realized fasting is not just about weight loss. There may be other benefits connected to metabolic health, cellular repair processes like autophagy, immune system function, and the gut microbiome. Research on fasting is still developing, especially in humans, but intermittent fasting has been studied for effects on metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune-metabolic pathways.
My Past Experience with Keto
In the past, I had done a keto diet and found it helpful for weight loss. But it was hard on me emotionally and physically. I experienced depression, dizziness, and other symptoms that made it difficult to continue.
Because of that, I was nervous to try fasting again. I did not want to feel that way again. But after learning more, I decided it was worth exploring — this time with more intention, more planning, and more awareness of my body.
Knowing My “Why”
Before starting, I made a plan. I thought about what I wanted to do, what outcomes I wanted, and most importantly, why I wanted to do it.
Knowing your “why” is so important.
My why was simple:
I wanted to feel better.
I wanted to feel less fatigued and tired.
I wanted to lose weight.
I wanted to reduce inflammation and pain.
I wanted to feel like the best version of myself again.
This wasn’t just about the number on the scale. It was about energy, clarity, and overall wellness.
My First Longer Fast
I decided to try a 60-hour fast, and I felt so much better coming out of it. I lost about 4 pounds, but even more importantly, I noticed less inflammation and less pain.
That experience helped me realize that fasting could be a useful tool for me when done thoughtfully.
My Monthly Fasting Plan
After that, I created a plan that works with my cycle and my body.
Right now, I do a 24-hour fast once a month, timed around my menstrual cycle. After the fast, I follow keto-style eating for about 3 to 5 days to help support the benefits I’m looking for.
I’m also planning to do a 5-day fast twice a year, once in June and once in January.
This rhythm feels more sustainable for me than trying to fast constantly or follow a strict keto diet all the time.
What I Use During My Fast
During my fast, I drink water with lemon and mineral salt. I also drink coffee and tea with stevia.
I learned that for some people, a very small amount of cream, less than a tablespoon, may not completely disrupt the benefits of fasting, so I do this occasionally. I try to keep it minimal and intentional.
How I Break My Fast
One of the things I’ve learned is that how you break a fast matters.
I usually break my fast with homemade bone broth. I make it in the crockpot using:
Chicken bones
Onion
Carrots
Celery
Garlic
Water
Salt
I cook it for about 12 to 24 hours.
After the bone broth, I usually make eggs with onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Later, I’ll have grilled chicken with broccoli as my next meal.
This helps me ease back into eating with nourishing foods instead of jumping straight into something heavy.
What I’ve Noticed So Far
So far, I’ve lost 9 pounds, but the benefits have gone beyond weight loss.
I feel great.
I have more mental clarity.
I have better focus.
I have more energy.
I feel less inflamed.
I feel more in tune with my body.
For me, this has been a reminder that wellness is not one-size-fits-all. What works for one woman may not work for another, and what worked for me at one stage of life may not work the same way now.
A Word of Caution
Fasting can be a helpful tool, but it is not for everyone. It may not be appropriate for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, underweight, have a history of eating disorders, have certain medical conditions, or take medications that are affected by food timing or blood sugar. Medical organizations also caution that longer fasts or severe restriction can carry risks such as dehydration, nutrient deficiencies, and electrolyte imbalance.
Because I have a thyroid condition, I know how important it is to be careful and informed. Anyone with thyroid disease, diabetes, hormone concerns, or other chronic health issues should talk with a doctor or qualified healthcare provider before fasting.
Final Thoughts
Fasting has become a powerful tool for me, but the biggest difference this time was that I made a plan, listened to my body, and stayed connected to my “why.”
For me, fasting is not about punishment or restriction. It is about healing, energy, clarity, and feeling better in my body.
If you think fasting might be a good option for you, please consult your doctor or healthcare provider first. Make a plan, know your why, and listen closely to your body along the way. You’ve got this!
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