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7 Common Questions About Intermittent Fasting for Women

Everyone’s body responds differently to a new way of eating, but gender does play a role in the benefits and hurdles that come during an intermittent fasting (IF) journey.

Intermittent fasting is proven to have many short- and long-term health benefits including boosting metabolism, improving sleep, mood, focus, and energy, and reducing GI inflammation, among other advantages. The differing hormonal makeup in men and women causes some outcomes to vary between genders, but there are specific nuances women should consider as far as body chemistry and fertility when considering incorporating IF into daily routines.

Here are the top questions we see from women that determine whether IF is a good lifestyle fit and which plan may be ideal.

1. What are the benefits of intermittent fasting for women?

2. What is the best intermittent fasting schedule for women?

  • As with any health advice, it’s important to try things and see how you feel, then adjust your routine to what feels best for your body. Generally, it’s generally advised that women take a modified or more relaxed approach to intermittent fasting, however there are a variety of fasting schedules that may work well with your lifestyle.
  • Crescendo Method: Fasting 12-16 hours for 2-3 non-consecutive days each week.
  • Eat Stop Eat: Two days out of the week would be fasting for a complete 24-hour period.
  • 5/2 Fast: This schedule involves eating normally for 5 days out of the week and then having a restricted caloric take for the other 2 days (non-consecutive). Ideally, women should aim for around 500 calories on these days.
  • Alternate Day Fast: A 24-hour fast every other day with a few hundred calories allotted during these periods.
  • 16/8 Fast: Typically, this entails a 16-hour window of non-eating followed by an 8-hour window of eating. For women, a shorter fast of 14-15 hours may be more effective.

3. Is it safe to do intermittent fasting while pregnant or trying to get pregnant?

Usually, it’s important to increase calories and weight during pregnancy to maintain both mother and baby’s nourishment. This is a time of increased energy consumption while baby’s brain and body is forming, so if you are interested in trying intermittent fasting to decrease blood sugar, reduce inflammation or increase mental clarity, you should speak to your doctor to determine whether this significant change in your diet is the best choice for you. Typically, fasting is not recommended while pregnant.

Leading up to conception, there isn’t significant research on the effects of fasting on fertility for women of childbearing age. However, one study proposes that weight loss of 5-10% could help with getting pregnant. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) could also be a scenario where IF may actually be able to improve fertility. Since fasting can help with calorie intake as well as preventing other health issues, it could be useful in enhancing fertility while trying to conceive.

3. Can I breastfeed while intermittent fasting?

If breastfeeding isn’t helping you lose baby weight like you thought and the idea of intermittent fasting seems appealing, you’re not alone. But there aren’t extensive studies on IF and breastfeeding women. It’s recommended that breastfeeding women consume an extra 330 to 600 calories per day to support milk supply. Intermittent fasting can intentionally or unintentionally limit caloric intake, and while it may not be harmful, it could have an impact on milk production. Ask your doctor for your personal recommendation.

4. What’s the best intermittent fasting plan for “mom belly” or a hormonal belly?

Insulin is one of the major hormones that is tied to belly fat or “mom belly.” Intermittent fasting contributes to better regulation of insulin, which can help burn that belly fat, and the method that has shown the most proof for increased fat breakdown is time-restricted eating using the 16/8 fast. Fasting is also helpful in reducing inflammation and bloat to help with achieving a flatter belly.

5. Is intermittent fasting good for symptoms of menopause?

While intermittent fasting probably won’t help with acute symptoms like hot flashes and libido, it can help counteract significant menopausal changes like decreased metabolism, insulin resistance, brain fog and psychological stress. IF is linked to fat loss, increased insulin sensitivity, decreased risk of heart and metabolic diseases, mental clarity and positive psychological changes.

6. What’s the best appetite suppressant for women?

If you’re looking to help stay on track with your planned eating schedule and avoid snacking, an aid will help you keep your appetite at bay until your eating window begins. The anti-munchie cannabinoid, Citravarin, is an effective tool to naturally reduce your appetite without cannabis or psychoactive effects. Temper’s Citravarin Fasting Mints are fast-acting and dissolve easily with a minty fresh flavor that’s as enjoyable as it is effective. These mints are drug-free, sugar-free, stimulant-free, hormone-free and non-habit-forming. Additionally, Temper Mints come with access to a personal coach that will help you design and stick with a new eating schedule to achieve your goals.

As a woman, improving your metabolic fitness is beneficial in a multitude of ways including weight management, increased fertility and improved energy. If you’re ready to transform your mind and your body, a new intermittent fasting practice and Temper’s fasting support is just a click away.

7. What’s the best appetite suppressant for women?

If you’re looking to help stay on track with your planned eating schedule and avoid snacking, an aid will help you keep your appetite at bay until your eating window begins. The anti-munchie cannabinoid, Citravarin, is an effective tool to naturally reduce your appetite without cannabis or psychoactive effects. Temper’s Citravarin Fasting Mints are fast-acting and dissolve easily with a minty fresh flavor that’s as enjoyable as it is effective. These mints are drug-free, sugar-free, stimulant-free, hormone-free and non-habit-forming. Additionally, Temper Mints come with access to a personal coach that will help you design and stick with a new eating schedule to achieve your goals.

As a woman, improving your metabolic fitness is beneficial in a multitude of ways including weight management, increased fertility and improved energy. If you’re ready to transform your mind and your body, a new intermittent fasting practice and Temper’s fasting support is just a click away.