Healing vs Healed Fasting | Intermittent Fasting for Women over 50

Are you fasting for healing purposes, or have you embraced fasting as a lifestyle because you enjoy its benefits? In this article, I'll explore the two primary reasons people engage in intermittent fasting, particularly from the perspective of a woman transitioning through menopause.

Fasting for Healing

For many, like myself, the journey into intermittent fasting begins with a need for healing. When I was entering my 50s and transitioning from perimenopause to menopause, I was not in good health. I approached fasting with a sense of urgency—it was as if my life depended on it. I adopted a strict regimen, fasting for over 20 hours daily for about a year. This period was marked by significant lifestyle and nutritional changes, driven by the knowledge that fasting could leverage autophagy to facilitate my body's self-healing.

During this healing phase, I was meticulous about maintaining a clean fast and was equally conscious of how I nourished my body during my eating windows. This approach is something I emphasize in my Intermittent Fasting for Today's Aging Woman Course & Community. It's crucial to tailor your fasting strategy to foster healing, maximizing the benefits for the time and effort invested.

Transitioning to a Healed State

As your body heals and adapts, the reasons for fasting often evolve. For me, now at 59 and post-menopausal, my health has dramatically improved. My pre-diabetic condition and insulin resistance are reversed; I no longer suffer from hypoglycemic episodes, and my metabolic flexibility allows me to go hours without food without any issues. My physical and cognitive functions are thriving, mirroring the energy and sharpness I had in my 30s.

This transformation is a testament to treating intermittent fasting with the respect it deserves. Now, in a healed state, my approach to fasting has become more flexible. I no longer adhere strictly to 20-hour fasts; some days might be longer, others shorter, depending on the needs and rhythms of my life.

Fasting as a Lifestyle Choice

Once healed, fasting transitions from a necessity to a lifestyle choice, a part of who I am. It's no longer about rigorous adherence to a schedule but about maintaining a happy and healthy life. Here's how I manage my fasting lifestyle now:

• Flexibility in Fasting: My fasting hours vary. Some days it's 16 hours, others 14, and occasionally, when I feel it's needed, I fast for over 20 hours. This flexibility allows me to adapt my fasting to my current life's demands and pleasures.
• Nutritional Supplements: I incorporate supplements like creatine and glutamine into my fasting window. These do not break my fast but enhance my workout performance, supporting my body in an unfed state.
• Clean Fasts: On days I'm not working out, I opt for a "squeaky clean" fast—just water and black coffee. This approach maximizes the benefits of fasting, allowing my body to focus on maintenance rather than recovery.

Maintaining Health in a Healed State

In this new phase of life, where I am no longer fighting health battles but maintaining wellness, the focus of fasting shifts. It's less about strict adherence and more about making conscious choices that support my overall health without regressing. Here are some key aspects of how I manage my health through fasting:

• Metabolic Flexibility: Being able to switch between fuel sources efficiently means I can handle longer periods without food, which is a significant advantage of metabolic flexibility.
• Intense Workouts: Despite not eating before exercise, the supplements I take ensure that I am supported during my workouts. This allows me to maintain the intensity of my exercise routines, which are comparable to those in my younger years.
• Conscious Eating: In my eating windows, I continue to make choices that align with my health goals. This means selecting foods that nourish and satisfy without causing any adverse effects on my body.

Reframing the Approach to Fasting

It's essential to continually reassess why you are fasting and adjust your approach accordingly. Whether you're fasting for specific health reasons or as a lifestyle choice, the flexibility to tailor your fasting and feasting windows to your current needs is crucial. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Honesty and Adaptability: Being honest with yourself about what is and isn't working is key. If you're not seeing the desired results, it's important to reevaluate your choices in both your fasting and feasting windows.
• Experimentation: Once you're in a healed state, it's beneficial to experiment with different fasting durations and nutritional choices during your eating windows. This can help you find what best supports your lifestyle and health goals.
• Fun and Stress-Free: Fasting should be enjoyable and not a source of stress. There should be no hard and fast rules that don't make sense to you. Embrace the flexibility and find joy in the process.

Conclusion: Embracing a Personalized Fasting Journey

Intermittent fasting is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It's a deeply personal journey that should be adapted to your evolving health needs and life circumstances. By staying informed, making conscious choices, and allowing yourself the flexibility to adjust your approach, you can enjoy a fulfilling and health-promoting fasting lifestyle. The ultimate goal is not just to live but to thrive. Thank you for reading, and I look forward to our continued journey together in health and wellness.