Life in the Fasting Lane by Jason Fung

June 6, 2022

Life in the Fasting Lane by Jason Fung

This is a basic guide to intermittent fasting (no, it won't kill you to miss a meal). It answers questions regarding fasting, ways to fast, what to expect, and offers practical advice for getting started.

Intermittent fasting can jump-start weight loss, improve blood sugar and insulin levels, lower blood pressure, reduce risk factors for cancer, promote longevity, improve brain function, and balance your hormones. People have been fasting for thousands of years for health and religious reasons. Even Jesus fasted for forty days in the wilderness (yes, it's possible to fast for 40 days as long as you drink water - even the most elite athlete has enough bodily reserves to last about two months without eating). 

I found this guide very helpful and have tried fasting to help with weight loss. As anyone who has tried to lose weight knows, weight loss is not a simple formula of calories in minus calories used equals weight loss, even if your doctor tells you that all you have to do is eat less and exercise more. There are also a lot more hormones in play than just insulin, and insulin isn't released only when you eat carbs. There are a number of ways to fast which can help with different issues (24 hour fast, 36 hour fast, 42 hour fast, 18/6 hour fast, etc). The writing in relatable and geared for the layperson, with real-life articles about their experiences by people who fast regularly.