Fasting is still trending. But for many midlife women, the results aren’t matching the promise.
Here’s the question: Is fasting helping your hormones or stressing them?
Recent studies have shown that during menopause estrogen drops and cortisol sensitivity rises. Add long fasting windows, intense workouts or undereating and the body may respond by conserving energy, not burning more of it.
That can look like:
• Weight loss plateaus
• Increased belly fat
• Sleep disruption
• Feeling wired, tired or cold
Yes, short overnight fasting (12–14 hours) can work well for some women. But longer fasts may slow thyroid conversion and lower metabolic rate over time, especially if protein and overall intake are too low.
If you feel strong, steady and energized, it may be supportive. If you feel stalled and exhausted, that’s information.
Your metabolism isn’t broken. It’s adaptive.
Let’s make sure it feels safe.
I started out over 10 years ago watching Forks Over Knives, decided to “try out” the plant-based meal plan and had shockingly incredible results. I’ve never turned back. I have lost nearly 50 pounds, and that is just one side effect that me, my family, friends and clients have experienced after making the change.
Having been an incredible cook my entire adult life, I started my own personal chef service, NuYu Nourish, to extend my help to others. I interned under a celebrity chef, became a celebrity chef myself and have been expanding my reach and goals ever since! My plan follows strictly and simply those of Dr. Mcdougall, Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Esselstyn.
