Intermittent fasting (IF) has become one of the most talked-about trends in health and weight loss. While some people swear by it, I want to share why I’m not the biggest fan of intermittent fasting for women especially if you’re already juggling stress, hormones, and a busy lifestyle.
As both a nutritionist and Pilates instructor, I see firsthand how nutrition impacts energy, recovery, mood, and metabolism. And when it comes to fasting, the reality is that what works for one person may not work for another, particularly for women.
Why Intermittent Fasting is Often Unsustainable for Women
1. Hormonal fluctuations
Women’s bodies need steady fuel to support our cycles. Skipping meals can worsen PMS, mood swings, and fatigue.
2. Blood sugar dips
Fasting can lead to energy crashes, cravings, and overeating later in the day.
3. Stress load
For someone already running on stress, fasting can push the body into “survival mode,” making it harder to lose weight and easier to burn out.
4. Relationship with food
IF can reinforce restrictive patterns or an “all-or-nothing” mentality around eating.
What I Recommend Instead
1. Balanced Meals
Women’s bodies need steady fuel to support our cycles. Skipping meals can worsen PMS, mood swings, and fatigue.
2. Listen to your Body
Fasting can lead to energy crashes, cravings, and overeating later in the day.
3. Stress before Fasting
For someone already running on stress, fasting can push the body into “survival mode,” making it harder to lose weight and easier to burn out.
Fasting can look good on paper, but for many women, especially if you’re already stressed it often does more harm than good. Instead of forcing your body into strict eating windows, the most sustainable approach is to nourish, balance, and support it with food that fuels both your body and your lifestyle.
If you’re feeling confused about what’s right for your body, come see our Nutritionist Bella at Pure Whole Health. Together, we’ll create a personalised nutrition plan that supports your hormones, energy, and goals without unnecessary restriction.
REFERENCES
Song, D.-K., & Kim, Y.-W. (2022). Beneficial effects of intermittent fasting: a narrative review. Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science, 40(1). https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2022.00010
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