Have you ever considered intermittent fasting as a part of your health and wellness routine but felt overwhelmed or uncertain about how to start? Maybe you've tried it before but didn't see the results you hoped for. In today's episode, we'll explore the intricacies of intermittent fasting, address common misconceptions, and share practical tips to make it a sustainable part of your lifestyle. Let's unravel the truth behind this popular health trend and discover how it can transform your relationship with food and your body. Key Points: The Concept of 'Clean Fasting' and Its Importance We discuss the need for 'clean fasting,' which involves consuming only black coffee, plain water, and sparkling water. She explains how this approach helps in maintaining low insulin levels, a key aspect of successful fasting. Understanding the Science Behind FastingThe conversation shifts to the physiological aspects of fasting. We discusse how fasting aids in lowering insulin levels and promotes fat burning, thus explaining why certain foods and drinks can disrupt the fasting process. Customizing Fasting to Individual NeedsThis segment addresses how intermittent fasting can be tailored to individual lifestyles and health goals, emphasizing bio-individuality in dietary choices during the eating window. The Role of Fasting in Weight Loss and PlateausThe discussion navigates through the challenges of weight loss plateaus in fasting and how altering fasting patterns, like alternate-day fasting, can reignite weight loss. Fasting and Women's Hormonal HealthStephens dispels myths around intermittent fasting and women's hormonal health, particularly during menopause, citing experts and research to support her claims.   Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your approach, keep in mind that your journey is unique, and the key to success lies in finding what works best for you. About our Guest: Gin Stephens Gin Stephens is the author of the NY Times and USA Today bestseller Fast. Feast. Repeat., and Delay, Don’t Deny: Living an Intermittent Fasting Lifestyle, an Amazon #1 best seller in the weight loss category, as well as Clean(ish): Eat (Mostly) Clean, Live (Mainly) Clean, and Unlock Your Body's Natural Ability to Self-Clean (2022), another Amazon #1 bestseller in several categories. Gin’s new book, 28 Day Fast Start Day-By-Day, comes out on 12/26/23, and is currently available for preorder. Gin has lived the intermittent fasting lifestyle since 2014, losing over 80 pounds. She is the host of 2 top-ranked podcasts: Intermittent Fasting Stories and the Fast. Feast. Repeat. Intermittent Fasting for Life podcast (w/Sheri Bullock). You can join her private community by going to ginstephens.com/community.   How to Connect with Dr. Meg: Apply to work 1:1 with Dr. Meg: HERE New Free Guide: Fatigue to Fabulous: Your Ultimate Energy Boosting Handbook: CLICK HERE You can also follow along on Instagram @drmegmill for daily health tips! Website: www.megmill.com To get the 30 GUT FIX for free leave a rating & review on the show OR share this podcast in your IG story (tag me @drmegmill) OR send it to 3 friends  - DM or email (info@megmill.com) me a screenshot and I'll send the course your way!