Hot Topic: Getting Back Into Fasting

Episode #226 We’ve all been there — things are going great, the scale is moving, fasting feels easy… and then suddenly, everything stops. In this episode, Coaches Terri and Heather open up an honest conversation about plateaus: what causes them, why they’re normal, and how to move through them without losing your motivation. From dialing up your fasting rhythm to rethinking “healthy” foods that might be slowing your progress, this chat dives into the real-life adjustments that make a difference. They also explore how stress, sleep, and lifestyle habits play a bigger role than we often realize — and how to find balance again when things stall. If you’re feeling stuck or discouraged, this episode will remind you that plateaus aren’t failure — they’re part of the process. Listen in for encouragement, practical tips, and a few laughs along the way. 💭 What’s one lifestyle habit (not food or fasting!) that could help you move past your current plateau?   Transcripts of all episodes are available on the Podcast page at www.thefastingmethod.com Join the TFM Community https://www.thefastingmethod.com/community/ Book a complimentary 15-minute coaching intake assessment with one of the TFM coaches https://www.thefastingmethod.com/coaching/ Connect With Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fastingmethod/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheFastingMethod Join our FREE Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/TFMNetwork   Timestamps: 00:00 Not coming for your cheese — promise! 00:16 Why plateaus happen after early success 02:59 When to go beyond 24-hour fasts 05:23 Are “healthy” foods slowing you down? 08:00 Surprising glucose responses & tracking tips 10:43 The cheese and nuts conversation 14:10 Sneaky foods and inflammation 17:07 Restaurant traps and “hidden sugars” 18:24 Stress, planning, and lifestyle habits 21:14 The importance of “safety foods” 24:57 Why stress management = weight management 27:59 Proactive self-care and emotional awareness 30:46 You can’t change your body without changing your life 33:20 Focus on lifestyle, not just fasting 37:04 Pick two tips to carry with you   Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional. You should always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before doing any fasting, changing your diet, taking or adjusting any medication or supplements, or adopting any treatment for a health problem. The use of any other products or services purchased by you as a result of this podcast does not create a healthcare provider-patient relationship between you and any of the experts affiliated with this podcast. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

7 Okt 38min

Episode #225 In this powerful Member Transformation episode, Coach Terri sits down with Kirsten Hopkinson to explore how fasting has become more than just a weight-loss tool—it’s reshaped her identity, health, and outlook on life. Kirsten shares how she’s lost 50 pounds since joining The Fasting Method, lowered her A1C from pre-diabetic to healthy range, and discovered the deeper “why” driving her journey. From morning walks and mindset shifts to overcoming old habits and finding strength in community support, Kirsten’s story is about creating sustainable change and living with purpose. If you’re ready to move beyond diets and into a lifestyle of self-care, resilience, and transformation, this conversation will inspire you to take the next step.    ✨ Ready to start your own transformation? Join The Fasting Method Community today and get the tools, coaching, and support you need to create lasting change. https://www.thefastingmethod.com/community/   Transcripts of all episodes are available on the Podcast page at www.thefastingmethod.com   Book a complimentary 15-minute coaching intake assessment with one of the TFM coaches https://www.thefastingmethod.com/coaching/   Connect With Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fastingmethod/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheFastingMethod Join our FREE Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/TFMNetwork   Summary Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:22 Starting the Journey 02:45 What’s Different This Time 04:25 Finding a North Star 07:11 Power of Community 11:09 Struggles & Support 15:47 Beyond Fasting 17:35 Letting Go of Numbing Tools 19:13 Feeling Big Emotions 21:46 Transformation Beyond the Scale 23:19 Advice for Beginners 27:31 Picturing the Future 28:34 Redefining Self-Care 29:16 Closing Thoughts     Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional. You should always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before doing any fasting, changing your diet, taking or adjusting any medication or supplements, or adopting any treatment for a health problem. The use of any other products or services purchased by you as a result of this podcast does not create a healthcare provider-patient relationship between you and any of the experts affiliated with this podcast. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

30 Sep 29min

Episode #224 In this Turbo Talk, Coach Terri Lance explores three powerful mindset shifts that can make all the difference in your fasting and health journey.  Instead of treating fasting as a quick fix, Terri invites you to reframe it as part of a self-care practice, pair it with supportive lifestyle choices, and address the deeper relationship with food that often drives our health struggles. She offers practical insights into: Why fasting alone isn’t enough How true self-care goes beyond indulgence How creating joy and fulfillment in your life can reduce the pull of emotional eating ✨ If you’re ready to move from simply “doing fasting” to truly transforming your health and well-being, this episode is for you.   Transcripts of all episodes are available on the Podcast page at www.thefastingmethod.com Please Submit Your Questions for the Q&A episodes here: https://bit.ly/TFMPodcastQs   Explore the TFM Community with a 7-Day FREE TRIAL https://www.thefastingmethod.com/community/   Book a complimentary 15-minute coaching intake assessment with one of the TFM coaches https://www.thefastingmethod.com/coaching/   Connect With Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fastingmethod/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheFastingMethod Join our FREE Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/TFMNetwork   Summary Timestamps 00:00  Introduction: Why fasting isn’t a magic bullet 00:50  Mindset #1: This journey is about self-care, not self-punishment 05:30  Rethinking what real self-care looks like (beyond coffee treats and takeout) 12:00  Mindset #2: Fasting is powerful, but it needs support from lifestyle choices 18:30  Why focusing only on fasting can backfire 22:00  The role of nutrition, movement, and rest in amplifying fasting’s benefits 26:30  Mindset #3: Addressing your relationship with food 32:00  Why food has become our coping tool for stress, boredom, and lack of joy 36:00  Building joy, fulfillment, and creativity as alternatives to emotional eating 41:00  Closing reflections: Fasting as part of true life transformation   Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional. You should always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before doing any fasting, changing your diet, taking or adjusting any medication or supplements, or adopting any treatment for a health problem. The use of any other products or services purchased by you as a result of this podcast does not create a healthcare provider-patient relationship between you and any of the experts affiliated with this podcast. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

23 Sep 23min

Episode #223 In this Fasting Q&A episode, hosted by Coach Lisa Chance, Dr. Jason Fung answers questions from the TFM Community:   1. I am a healthy 46-year-old working to improve my sleep, so I want to take magnesium bisglycinate. My magnesium supplement actually contains 7 forms of magnesium, which is very convenient, but is it better to just take one form in one capsule for absorption or any other reason? [01:23] 2. Two-part question on TFM’s Fat Fasting  One: Vinegar is not on the list, but you have mentioned that we can eat salads. Would it be okay to make a dressing with a healthy oil and vinegar during a Fat Fast?    Two: I've seen some mention to only eat 3-4 of the allowed foods on a fat fast. Is this an alternative manner to step up one's game during a fat fast? [03:58] 3. I just read about a study on stem cell research.  Could you elaborate further what this may mean for those with pancreas, liver, or kidney issues? [08:11] 4. Are there any research-based studies that fasting helps lower cholesterol? [09:55] 5. I’m on day four of a water fast and I am noticing a metallic taste in my mouth. Is this unusual? Why does it happen? [13:46] 6. I have various autoimmune conditions and it was suggested I consider going on LDN (low dose naltrexone), and that this can also help with weight loss. I’m wondering what your thoughts are on LDN for weight loss and, if I decided to start it, how I would incorporate it into my fasting schedule. [16:09] 7. What is the difference between The Dawn Phenomenon and Feet-to-Floor Syndrome? From what I can find they both cause a rise in morning blood sugar, one due to circadian rhythm and the other due to a stress response from getting the day started. Is there a different eating/fasting protocol that is best for one over the other, and how do you know which one you are experiencing? [18:14] 8. Is kidney disease the cause of interstitial cystitis and how do you treat it? [21:05] 9. I have high uric acid and also the APOE 4-4 gene. Would the 3T of lime juice recommended for high uric acid affect the neural autophagy I use as a prevention for the dementia risk? What is the best way to navigate fasting with these two needs? [21:59] 10. Are there any dangers to keeping blood sugars in a consistently low range (50-60’s mg/dl) if no symptoms of hypoglycemia are felt? [24:55] 11. In some fasting groups on-line, they are big into breaking fasts with watermelon and fruit juices. How do you feel about breaking fasts with these things? [25:39]   Please note that you need to be a member of the TFM Community to submit questions to the Q&A webinars with Dr. Fung but you can submit questions to our regular Q&A episodes here: https://bit.ly/TFMPodcastQs   Transcripts of all episodes are available on the Podcast page at www.thefastingmethod.com   Explore the TFM Community with a 7-Day FREE TRIAL https://www.thefastingmethod.com/community/   Book a complimentary 15-minute coaching intake assessment with one of the TFM coaches https://www.thefastingmethod.com/coaching/   Connect With Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fastingmethod/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheFastingMethod Join our FREE Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/TFMNetwork   Summary Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:23 Magnesium 03:58 Vinegar on a fat fast 04:56 Importance of monotony on a fat fast 08:11 Stem cell research 09:55 Fasting and cholesterol  13:46 Metallic taste in mouth on longer fasts 16:09 Low Dose Naltrexone 18:14 Dawn phenomenon vs feet-to-floor syndrome 21:05 Interstitial cystitis 21:59 High uric acid 24:55 Low blood sugar 25:39 Breaking fasts with fruit   Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional. You should always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before doing any fasting, changing your diet, taking or adjusting any medication or supplements, or adopting any treatment for a health problem. The use of any other products or services purchased by you as a result of this podcast does not create a healthcare provider-patient relationship between you and any of the experts affiliated with this podcast. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

16 Sep 28min

Episode #222 This week, Terri sits down with Coach Amy Medling for a hopeful, no-nonsense conversation about creating hormonal harmony in menopause and post-menopause. You’ll learn how to decode common symptoms, calm the chaos naturally, and build sustainable habits that boost energy, mood, and metabolism.  Amy shares her Six Pillars of Hormone Healing in Menopause and Beyond—a simple, empowering framework you can start using today. She shares practical tips, mindset shifts, and encouraging stories that remind you: midlife isn’t a cliff, it’s a launchpad.   Transcripts of all episodes are available on the Podcast page at www.thefastingmethod.com Please Submit Your Questions for the Q&A episodes here: https://bit.ly/TFMPodcastQs   Explore the TFM Community with a 7-Day FREE TRIAL https://www.thefastingmethod.com/community/   Book a complimentary 15-minute coaching intake assessment with one of the TFM coaches https://www.thefastingmethod.com/coaching/   Connect With Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fastingmethod/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheFastingMethod Join our FREE Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/TFMNetwork   Summary Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:20 Pain points of menopause and 6-pillar framework to help 03:15 What is menopause? 05:57 Pillar #1: Fasting 10:08 Promotion 11:22 Pillar #2: Sleep 13:28 Alcohol and coffee 17:02 Pillar #3: Nervous system and cortisol regulation 20:49 Pillar #4: Movement to build muscle and stability 23:54 Pillar #5: Nourishing nutrition 28:04 Pillar #6: Mindset and identity 30:34 Focus on the micro wins 31:33 Future-self practice   Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional. You should always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before doing any fasting, changing your diet, taking or adjusting any medication or supplements, or adopting any treatment for a health problem. The use of any other products or services purchased by you as a result of this podcast does not create a healthcare provider-patient relationship between you and any of the experts affiliated with this podcast. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

9 Sep 35min

Episode #221 As September rolls in, Terri and Heather invite you to embrace a “back-to-school” mindset—because it’s the perfect season for fresh starts.  In this week’s episode, they share practical strategies to recommit to your weight-loss and health journey, fine-tune what’s working, and leave behind what isn’t. Whether you’ve hit a plateau or just need a renewed sense of motivation, this episode will help you step into fall with clarity, confidence, and a plan that feels doable.   Terri’s new coaching program, Beyond Knowing: Living Your Transformation, starts September 16th. Places are limited to 25, so make sure to secure your place today. https://www.thefastingmethod.com/beyond-knowing-living-your-transformation/   Transcripts of all episodes are available on the Podcast page at www.thefastingmethod.com Please Submit Your Questions for the Q&A episodes here: https://bit.ly/TFMPodcastQs   Explore the TFM Community with a 7-Day FREE TRIAL https://www.thefastingmethod.com/community/   Book a complimentary 15-minute coaching intake assessment with one of the TFM coaches https://www.thefastingmethod.com/coaching/   Connect With Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fastingmethod/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheFastingMethod Join our FREE Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/TFMNetwork   Summary Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:30 September as a fresh start, like the new school year 05:26 We are works in progress 07:00 Breaking your goal up into manageable chunks 12:39 Promotion - Beyond Knowing: Living Your Transformation 13:53 Two biggest reasons for failure to reach goals 15:28 Start with a base level of skills and build from there 19:14 September - recommit, audit, and refine 20:46 Pace and keeping records 25:18 Commit to consistency 31:44 Progress not perfection   Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional. You should always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before doing any fasting, changing your diet, taking or adjusting any medication or supplements, or adopting any treatment for a health problem. The use of any other products or services purchased by you as a result of this podcast does not create a healthcare provider-patient relationship between you and any of the experts affiliated with this podcast. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

2 Sep 36min

Episode #220 In this week’s episode, Terri teams up with Coach Lisa Chance to share their favorite reads beyond the must-have TFM titles from Jason Fung and Megan Ramos. As the host of TFM’s weekly Community Book Club, Lisa highlights top Community favorites and gives you a sneak peek at what’s coming up next. Whether you’re looking for fresh insights, practical strategies, or just some inspiration to keep you motivated, this conversation is full of great recommendations to round out your fasting and wellness journey.   Terri’s new coaching program, Beyond Knowing: Living Your Transformation, starts September 16th. Places are limited to 25, so make sure to secure your place today. https://www.thefastingmethod.com/beyond-knowing-living-your-transformation/   Transcripts of all episodes are available on the Podcast page at www.thefastingmethod.com Please Submit Your Questions for the Q&A episodes here: https://bit.ly/TFMPodcastQs   Explore the TFM Community with a 7-Day FREE TRIAL https://www.thefastingmethod.com/community/   Book a complimentary 15-minute coaching intake assessment with one of the TFM coaches https://www.thefastingmethod.com/coaching/   Connect With Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fastingmethod/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheFastingMethod Join our FREE Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/TFMNetwork   Summary Timestamps 00:00 Intro 02:22 Terri and Lisa share their favorite books   Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional. You should always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before doing any fasting, changing your diet, taking or adjusting any medication or supplements, or adopting any treatment for a health problem. The use of any other products or services purchased by you as a result of this podcast does not create a healthcare provider-patient relationship between you and any of the experts affiliated with this podcast. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

26 Aug 34min

Episode #219 In this Fasting Q&A episode, hosted by Coach Lisa Chance, Dr. Jason Fung answers questions from the TFM Community: I realize the relationship between bitters, incretins, and autophagy is more complex than a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The incretin response doesn’t directly “promote” autophagy - it primarily regulates blood sugar and satiety. Autophagy is mainly triggered by nutrient scarcity and low insulin levels, not by bitter compounds themselves.  Can you weigh-in on using bitter greens during this reset? [16:07]  I have had some success lowering weight a couple times using fasting and time restricted eating but the weight creeps back up after a while even with doing TRE. What's nice is that I can get it to go back down again with discipline. I'm wondering what scientific evidence exists that your body set weight can successfully be reset for the long term as mine holds for a while but then wants to creep up and if there's a foolproof method to resetting your body set weight? [19:26] Your kidney patients who are T2D and close to needing dialysis, but are skinny, I’m assuming they need to fast for about a year to reverse the kidney damage, but how do they do it with so little fat mass? [26:56]  I know that vitamin D is fat soluble and best taken with a meal. I’ve also heard that all supplements are better absorbed when taken with a meal. Is this true? What timeframe is considered “with a meal”? Is it before, during or after the meal? Is vitamin D a stimulant and can disrupt sleep so best taken in the morning? [30:32] How do you rate the risk of new gallstones formation if a patient already has one or more when it comes to fasting protocols? [33:46]   Links: Dr. Fung’s YouTube video, 5 Ways to Naturally Boost the Ozempic Effect https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=le3Ifc7D5Vk&t=2s Gallstones discussed on TFM Podcast #171 https://www.thefastingmethod.com/fasting-qa-with-dr-jason-fung-gallstones-and-fasting-high-ketones-persistent-high-blood-sugar-and-more/   Please note that you need to be a member of the TFM Community to submit questions to the Q&A webinars with Dr. Fung but you can submit questions to our regular Q&A episodes here: https://bit.ly/TFMPodcastQs   Transcripts of all episodes are available on the Podcast page at www.thefastingmethod.com   Explore the TFM Community with a 7-Day FREE TRIAL https://www.thefastingmethod.com/community/   Book a complimentary 15-minute coaching intake assessment with one of the TFM coaches https://www.thefastingmethod.com/coaching/   Connect With Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fastingmethod/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheFastingMethod Join our FREE Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/TFMNetwork   Summary Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:49 Introducing TFM’s new 5-Day Fasting Reset 16:07 Bitter greens 19:26 Body set weight 26:56 Reversing kidney disease possible? 30:32 Timing of taking fat-soluble vitamins 30:32 Gallstones   Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional. You should always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before doing any fasting, changing your diet, taking or adjusting any medication or supplements, or adopting any treatment for a health problem. The use of any other products or services purchased by you as a result of this podcast does not create a healthcare provider-patient relationship between you and any of the experts affiliated with this podcast. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

19 Aug 37min