The Mel Robbins Podcast – Never Fast the Week Before Your Period! The Shocking Science About Intermittent Fasting & Women’s Health

Intro

In this episode of “The Mel Robbins Podcast,” Mel Robbins is joined by Dr. Mindy Pelz to discuss the shocking science about intermittent fasting and women’s health. Dr. Mindy shares her personal fasting routine, tips for successful fasting, and the profound difference between fasting with men and women. They also delve into the different phases of a woman’s hormonal cycle and how to adjust fasting protocols accordingly. If you’re a woman interested in intermittent fasting or want to learn more about optimizing your health, this episode is a must-listen.

Main Takeaways

Expectations for fasting and the differences between men and women

• Profound difference between fasting with men and women
• Women need a different fasting protocol than men due to hormonal differences
• Women’s hormonal cycle follows a 28-30 day period with different phases
• The follicular phase (day 1-10/11), ovulation phase (day 10/11-14), and the week before the period (day 20 onwards)
• Women should avoid fasting during the week before their period

Tips and hacks for successful fasting

• Set eating and fasting times
• Start with shorter fasts and gradually increase duration
• Listen to your body’s needs
• Add half a teaspoon to a teaspoon of MCT oil in your coffee to turn off hunger hormone and promote fat burning
• A pinch of sea salt can help alleviate discomfort during fasting

Understanding women’s hormonal cycle and fasting

• Oxytocin is the best hormone for balancing sex hormones and can be increased through connection with others
• Estrogen loves when women fast and can help bring estrogen levels up for menopausal women
• Progesterone doesn’t want women to fast and can lead to cravings for carbohydrates before periods
• Adjusting fasting protocols to match the moon cycle can benefit women’s metabolic and hormone health

Building a personalized fasting plan for women

• Determine personal goals and cycle both fasts and food
• Repairing gut health may require a 24-hour fast, while breaking weight plateaus may require a 36-hour fast
• Use resources like Fasts like a Girl for guidance on different types of fasts
• Prioritize protein intake during fasting to build muscle

Other important considerations for women and fasting

• Fasting is safe and effective for pre-diabetes, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease but consult with a doctor before starting
• Fasting is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women and those with eating disorders or food challenges
• Temporary symptoms such as headache, moodiness, brain fog, and digestive issues may occur initially
• Moonly is an app that can help track the moon cycle for fasting protocol

Summary

Understanding the Impact of Fasting on Women’s Health

Dr. Mindy Pelz and Mel Robbins explore the profound difference between fasting with men and women. Women have a unique hormonal cycle that influences their response to fasting. The different phases of a woman’s hormonal cycle, including the follicular phase, ovulation phase, and the week before the period, require different approaches to fasting. While estrogen benefits from fasting, progesterone resists it and can lead to cravings for carbohydrates before periods. Adjusting fasting protocols to match the moon cycle can optimize women’s metabolic and hormone health.

Tips and Hacks for Successful Fasting

Dr. Mindy shares valuable tips and hacks for successful fasting. Setting eating and fasting times, starting with shorter fasts, and listening to your body’s needs are essential. Adding MCT oil to coffee can help turn off the hunger hormone and promote fat burning. However, it’s important to use the right amount of MCT oil to avoid side effects. A pinch of sea salt can alleviate discomfort during fasting. Affordable alternatives like sea salt and Element can enhance the fasting experience without breaking the fast.

Building a Personalized Fasting Plan for Women

Building a personalized fasting plan involves understanding personal goals and cycling both fasts and food. Repairing gut health may require a 24-hour fast, while breaking weight plateaus may require a 36-hour fast. Prioritizing protein intake during fasting can support muscle building. Resources like Fasts like a Girl provide guidance on different types of fasts and how to cycle food effectively. Fasting in a community and participating in challenges can amplify the health benefits of fasting.

Other Important Considerations for Women and Fasting

While fasting can be a safe and effective tool for certain health conditions, it’s crucial to consult with a doctor before starting. Pregnant or nursing women, as well as those with eating disorders or food challenges, should avoid fasting. Temporary symptoms like headaches and digestive issues may occur initially, but they are signs of the body healing and eliminating toxins. Moonly, an app that tracks the moon cycle, can help women align their fasting protocols with their hormonal cycle.

Conclusion

Understanding the impact of fasting on women’s health is crucial for optimizing well-being. Dr. Mindy Pelz’s expertise sheds light on the unique considerations women should take into account when fasting. By adjusting fasting protocols to match the hormonal cycle and following personalized plans, women can harness the benefits of fasting while supporting their overall health. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before embarking on any fasting journey.