Why Fasting Helped ME(N1) More Than Any Diet

I was doing it all wrongly!

For years, I really thought it was all about the food. Keto, modified keto, high fat, low carb, carnivore — I’ve tried them all. And while each brought its own small wins, nothing has impacted my healing like fasting.

As someone living with MEN1, I’m constantly experimenting with ways to support my blood sugar, my pancreas, my cycle, and my hormones. I used to think diet was the main tool — but over time, I realised that what really helped me stabilise symptoms and regulate my energy wasn’t just what I was eating. It was when I wasn’t eating at all.

In this honest conversation with my friend Teresa, we explore how fasting has become a long-term, cycle-aware rhythm that supports more than just my physical health — it supports me.

Q: So how did fasting become your main tool?

It was slow at first. I started out with a daily 16:8 routine — fast for 16 hours, eat in an 8-hour window. I did that for years. It helped my blood sugar and digestion feel more stable, but I was still plateauing with certain symptoms.

Then I found Dr. Mindy Pelz’s work. Her hormone-led fasting approach changed everything for me. She teaches how to sync fasting windows with the phases of the female cycle — something I’d never even considered before. It was the first time someone had said: “There are times when your body needs to feast, not just fast.” It made so much sense.

Q: Did you go straight to longer fasts?

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Not at first. But over time, my body actually started asking for them. These days, when I’m not around ovulation or PMS, my favourite rhythm is a 22–23 hour fast. One meal a day. That’s when I feel most focused, light, clear, and steady.

It’s not about restriction. It’s about alignment.

I’m not dogmatic about it — I shift my approach depending on where I’m at in my cycle. But OMAD (one meal a day) is the pattern I come back to again and again. It’s helped my energy, my clarity, and most importantly, it’s helped my cycle come back — something that shouldn’t technically be possible with high prolactin hormone caused by MEN1.

Q: Do you worry about ketosis or running on ketones too often?

It’s a question I get asked a lot. And honestly? I think it depends entirely on how it’s done. I don’t stay in ketosis constantly, but I do dip in and out regularly depending on how long I’m fasting and how low-carb my food is during that time.

What I’ve noticed is this:

• Ketones give me clarity, calm, and steadiness
• It’s sugar — not calories — that derails me
• The more nutrient-dense and protein-rich my meal, the longer I feel grounded

I’m cautious around extended fasts or anything that starts to feel like a stressor. If I get headaches, fatigue, or that “tight” feeling in my body, I stop. That’s my cue.

Q: What about calories — do you track or worry about eating too little?

I used to, but I’ve let a lot of that go. I believe the body knows how to find its natural balance when we give it the right signals. For me, those signals are:

• Enough protein and fat
• No (or minimal) blood sugar spikes
• Freedom from compulsive eating or grazing

I do think some weight loss happened when I moved into longer fasting and removed sugar — but the real shift was in inflammation. That “fluff” around the body just disappeared. My digestion improved, my sleep got better, and I felt emotionally even.

Q: Has it impacted your cycle?

Yes — and this is the part that matters most to me. I technically shouldn’t have a cycle right now. But I do. Not with any meds, either.

It’s not perfect, but it’s ideal for me. And I know that fasting — done with intuition and care — has been a huge part of that. It’s helped me feel safer in my body. It’s reminded me that I’m not on the backfoot with MEN1. I just needed a different rhythm.

Fasting isn’t a quick fix. But it’s been a constant in my healing journey — and when I tune in to what my body really needs, it continues to surprise me.

If you’re curious about syncing fasting with your hormones, finding the rhythm that really works for your body, or exploring how to support MEN1 symptoms without medication or surgery, I’ve created a free guide that shares what’s working for me.

**Download it here.**

Disclaimer: The content shared is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.