Most of the benefits people credit to fasting come from fewer calories.
In this episode, I answer a question I get often from clients about intermittent fasting. I review the research, look at the data, and share how I personally think about fasting from a health coaching perspective.
Intermittent fasting does not have one strict definition. Simply not eating overnight already counts. Many people overlook this, even though late-night and early-morning eating is very common and often tied to blood sugar instability.
I explain why much of the benefit attributed to fasting comes down to calorie restriction rather than the fasting window itself. When calories are equal, the metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes are usually the same, whether someone fasts or not.
That said, I do think fasting can be useful. Giving the body a break from constant eating can support gut health, oral health, brain health, and overall metabolic regulation. I also share why I personally like fasting as a way to reduce decision fatigue in a world filled with constant food choices.
I talk about how pre-made decisions around food, caffeine, alcohol, and eating times can simplify life and reduce stress. Fasting becomes less about willpower and more about structure.
Most importantly, I emphasize experimentation. Some people feel great with a fasting window. Others do not. Your body is the final judge.
This episode is about practicality, flexibility, and choosing an approach that supports healthy aging without unnecessary rules or extremes.
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-Dr. Ashori MD
