Embracing Intermittent fasting for women: how I fasted according to my cycle

Discovering Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting (IF) has gained considerable popularity for its potential health benefits, but for women, it’s not just about when to eat but also about syncing fasting periods with your menstrual cycle. My journey with IF began as a quest to find balance, improve my overall wellbeing, and address some persistent health issues, particularly eczema.

Understanding the Menstrual Cycle and intermittent Fasting

Before diving into IF, I struggled with fluctuating energy levels, bloating, and eczema. I knew I needed a structured approach that considered my body’s unique needs. That’s when a friend recommended Mindy Pelz’s book, "Fast Like a Girl". Pelz’s approach to fasting, which tailors fasting patterns to the different phases of the menstrual cycle, had me very intrigued and eager to try fasting according to my cycle.

Implementing "Fast Like a Girl"

Mindy Pelz’s book became my guiding light. Her insights into how women’s bodies respond differently to fasting throughout the menstrual cycle helped me fine-tune my approach.

Here’s how I implemented it:

1. Follicular Phase (Days 1-14): During this phase, Pelz recommends shorter fasting periods. I started with a 14:10 schedule (fasting for 14 hours and eating within a 10-hour window). This approach supports my energy levels and allowed my body to adjust gently to fasting. Pelz recommends following her "Keto-Biotic" diet during this phase.
   

2. Ovulation (Days 15-17): Around ovulation, Pelz suggests a more relaxed fasting routine. I reduced my fasting hours to 12, focusing on nutrient-dense foods to support my body’s increased need for energy. She advises to include more healthy carbohydrates during this phase to give your body the nutrients that it needs to support the production of hormones.

3. Luteal Phase (Days 18-28): As I approached the luteal phase, I extended my fasting window to 16 hours and my eating window was adjusted to 8 hours. This adjustment helped balance my hormones, my skin health improved and my mental clarity improved. Listening to my body was crucial, so I incorporated more healthy fats and proteins to curb cravings and maintain energy.

The Impact on My Eczema and Wellbeing

One of the most surprising benefits of syncing my IF routine with my menstrual cycle was the improvement in my eczema. The regular fasting periods allowed my body to focus on healing rather than constant digestion, reducing inflammation and flare-ups. Over time, my skin became clearer, and the itching and redness subsided significantly.

Additionally, my overall wellbeing improved remarkably:

• Increased Energy: By aligning my fasting schedule with my hormonal fluctuations, I experienced more consistent energy levels throughout the month. I no longer face the extreme fatigue in the aftrenoons, especially during the luteal phase.

• Hormonal Balance: Regular fasting helped stabilize my hormones, reducing mood swings and menstrual cramps. The structured approach provided by Pelz ensured that I was not depriving my body but supporting it at each phase.

• Reduced Bloating: Bloating, which used to be a constant companion, diminished. Fasting gave my digestive system the break it needed, leading to improved gut health and regularity.

• Overall Regularity: My menstrual cycle became more predictable, and the associated symptoms were less severe. By giving my body the right kind of nutrition and fasting rhythm, I found a new sense of regularity and balance.

Reflecting on My Journey

"Fast Like a Girl" has been more than just a book; it’s been a transformative guide. Mindy Pelz’s approach to intermittent fasting for women, tailored to the menstrual cycle, provided a sustainable and effective method to improve my health. It’s empowering to see how something as simple as adjusting when I eat can have profound effects on my body and mind.

Intermittent fasting is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but by listening to my body and aligning my fasting schedule with my cycle, I’ve unlocked a new level of wellbeing. If you’re a woman considering IF, I highly recommend exploring Pelz’s work and seeing how it can fit into your life. The journey to health and balance is personal, and with the right guidance, it’s absolutely achievable.