Maybe you just had a baby or you are years postpartum like me and really wishing you could shed a few pounds…
You might have come across intermittent fasting as an easy to navigate option with the potential for quick results and lasting health benefits. It’s very alluring because it is basically just adjusting when you eat, not what you eat. So instead of eating between say 7am-9pm, you simply need to identify a period of 8-12 hours in which you will eat, like 10am-8pm. If you are within your eating timeframe, you get to eat absolutely whatever you want. If you’re within your fasting timeframe you can only have water.
Studies have shown this to be immensely effective in weight loss because it encourages better fat burning. When you are fasting your body burns through its sugar stores and begins consuming fat for energy. So instead of primarily burning sugar for energy 24 hours a day, you begin to have more hours in the day where you are burning fat, resulting in better weight loss.
Well, I hate to burst your bubble, but you may want to think twice and here is why…
First, every large-scale study to date regarding the effects of intermittent fasting has been done on men. Women are not men and basing our health decisions on research purely from men is misguided. Maybe in a few years the evidence will give us a better picture of the effects on pre-menopausal or even perimenopausal women, but until then we shouldn’t assume that the research is on our side.
Secondly, women’s metabolic rate varies over a 28-day or so cycle, while a man’s varies over a 24-hour cycle. Sound familiar? So, if you are intermittent fasting you’re negating your natural rhythms. Ever notice how you’re ravenous leading up to your menstruation? Or observe a dip in appetite during your cycle? Well, that is your body guiding you and I say listen to it.
Lastly, for my breastfeeding mamas… intermittent fasting and really any type of restrictive diet should be strictly off the table until you are done breastfeeding. With the exception of excluding foods that impact your baby. You need additional caloric intake to simply make milk. Yes, eating a healthy well balanced diet is important, but restricting food during a large portion of your day, can and most likely will cut into your milk supply.
So what should you do instead?
I suggest diving into the concept of cycle syncing to guide your diet. There is a growing number of resources such as what you can read here …
As a women’s health coach I routinely support women through my Soul-Aligned Motherhood coaching on connecting back to themselves through modern motherhood chaos. Within this program, I support women in all areas of health from physical, emotional and even weight loss. If you are interested in this program please complete this form and I will get back to you if you look like a good fit!
In Health,
Hilary
