The Obesity Code by Jason Fung, M.D.

April 4, 2024

The Obesity Code by Jason Fung, M.D.

Everything you though you knew about weight and weight loss is wrong. It's not a matter of how much you eat or even what you eat, it's the amount of insulin being triggered by when you eat. The American diet is a mess, which is not news to most of us, but Dr. Fung explains what we can do to fix that and improve our health: intermittent fasting. Lots of science but very interesting reading, especially if you're interested in losing weight and improving your health.

Delay, Don't Deny by Gin Stephens

March 21, 2024

Delay, Don't Deny by Gin Stephens

Well-written book about the author's journey to health using intermittent fasting, especially OMAD, the one meal a day method. I became interested in IF after a conversation with one of my nephews, who began fasting intermittently due to his work schedule. While not for everyone, IF can improve many health issues including diabetes, inflammation, and digestive issues.

Fast. Feast. Repeat. by Gin Stephens

January 15, 2024

Fast. Feast. Repeat. by Gin Stephens

Excellent introduction to intermittent fasting, with a guide to getting started as easily as possible, along with what to expect, frequently asked questions, and encouragement from other IFers.

It's January, so we are all working on making positive changes in our lives. I first became interested in IF after a conversation with one of my nephews. He is getting married in 2025 and both he and his fiancee want to look and feel their best. There are many print and online resources for IF, but this is one of the best, least intimidating guides I have found. I will be giving Gin's plan a try starting this week. If you're interested in the more science-y aspects, look for books by Dr. Jason Fung.

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.