Fasting gets talked about a lot… but most people still don't understand why it works or how to do it in a way that actually feels sustainable (especially if you're a woman navigating stress, hormones, and a busy life).

In this episode of the ReThink Health Paleo Podcast, I'm joined by fasting expert Dr. Mindy Pelz, who breaks down the science in a way that's clear, empowering, and surprisingly doable.

We talk about why your body has two fuel systems, how fasting helps you switch between them, and what starts to happen in the body at key milestones like 13–15 hours, 17 hours, 24 hours, and beyond.

You'll also learn why fasting can feel amazing for some people, terrible for others, and how to train your body to fast safely instead of forcing it.

Most importantly, Dr. Mindy shares practical ways to get started, plus how women can fast in a way that sustainably supports their hormones. You'll learn:

• Where the fasting sweet spot window is for autophagy, your body's cellular "cleanup mode"

• The incredible benefits of fasting for up to 24 hours

• Why some people experience a "fasting high"

• Why women may need to fast differently depending on where they are in their cycle

• How to start if you "can't fast" (and why you may have experienced issues in the past)

• Simple strategies to ride out hunger waves without white-knuckling

• Other easy ways to support autophagy beyond fasting

If you've ever wondered whether fasting is actually safe, effective, or "for you," this episode will help you understand the science and find a rhythm that supports your energy, metabolism, brain, and hormones.

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