Women & Fasting Are Not A Perfect Match

Why is fasting marketed to women when it is detrimental for them?

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In this episode of Live Well, Be Well, I sit down with Dr. Stacy Sims, who joins us from New Zealand, to debunk the biggest myths surrounding women’s health.

This conversation is all about understanding why women are not small men and why so much generic health advice - fasting, calorie counting, and trendy fitness routines - can actually do more harm than good for women.

We discuss everything from the role of protein in a woman’s diet to the truth about Zone 2 training and the risks of Ozempic. Dr. Sims highlights why women need to stop trying to fit into the male-centric fitness and health narrative, and instead focus on what truly works for their unique physiology.

This is an episode every woman needs to hear - and one to share with the women you care about.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why women need health advice tailored to their physiology, not based on men’s studies.
• Why fasting may be detrimental to active women.
• The crucial role of protein in supporting women’s hormones, metabolism, and lean muscle.
• How Zone 2 training fits into a woman’s workout routine—and why it’s not the “golden child” for women’s health.
• How oral contraceptives can affect your mood, health, and performance.
• The truth about Ozempic and why quick fixes for weight loss are risky.

Episode 3 of the Live Well Be Well podcast Season 15 is live today!

My Personal Insights & Takeaways

1. Women Are Not Small Men??

Something to think about: The standard model of health advice often excludes the unique needs of women. It's time to challenge outdated paradigms and advocate for research that centres women's physiology and health.

2. Fasting Myths: The Fed State Advantage??

Something to think about: Intermittent fasting might not be the magic solution for everyone, especially women. Fuelling your body consistently throughout the day supports hormonal balance and energy levels.

3. The Morning Nutrition Reset??

Something to think about: Skipping breakfast may feel intuitive, but starting your day with protein and carbs can reset your body for optimal health and performance.

4. Strength Over Smallness??

Something to think about: Forget societal pressures to shrink. Embrace strength training, build muscle, and confidently own your space - whether in the gym or in life.

5. Calories In, Calories Out Is Flawed??

Something to think about: Health is more than a numbers game. Focus on the quality of your food and how it fuels your body rather than obsessing over calorie counts.

6. Protein: The Key to Women’s Health??

Something to think about: The recommended protein intake for women has been underestimated for decades. Prioritise protein at every meal to support muscle maintenance, hormonal health, and overall vitality.

7. Zone 2 Training: Not the Holy Grail??

Something to think about: While Zone 2 has its place, women often benefit more from strength training and high-intensity intervals. Balance is key to building long-term health.

8. Redefining the Perfect Plate??

Something to think about: A balanced diet isn’t about rigid rules. Think about diversity, whole foods, and meals that fuel your body and mind.

9. Breaking Free from Bro Science??

Something to think about: Women’s physiology isn’t a subset of men’s - it’s unique and powerful. Trust the science that is tailored to women, and advocate for more inclusive research.

10. Balance Over Extremes??

Something to think about: Extremes rarely lead to sustainable health. Prioritise balance, self-compassion, and nourishment - both physically and emotionally.

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