How Clean Fasting Finally Gave Me Food Freedom

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If you’ve been searching for a way to lose weight, feel great, and finally achieve freedom from the cycle of dieting, intermittent fasting (IF) might be the answer you’re looking for.

I started intermittent fasting in 2019, and after years of struggling with feeling trapped in my body and trying every way to eat under the sun. I didn’t have a ton of weight to lose, but I always felt bloated, tired, and uncomfortable. I suffered from PCOS, endometriosis, heavy periods, infertility, acne, and exhaustion. When I started IF, over a few months, all these issues I had dealt with since puberty, vanished. I also lost 20 pounds and gained a sense of peace in my body I had never felt.

Let me take you on a journey to understand intermittent fasting, how it works, and why a “clean fast” is so important.

What is Intermittent Fasting?

Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting (not eating) and eating. Unlike traditional diets, IF doesn’t restrict what you eat but rather when you eat. The idea is simple: you eat all your meals within a specific window of time and fast for the rest of the day. For example, you might eat between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. and fast from 8 p.m. to 12 p.m. the next day. It’s important to understand that fasting is not a diet. You should never fast and then count calories and eat “diet food.” We want to make sure we are fasting clean, and when we open our eating window, we are feasting. You want to consume quality whole foods, nourishing your body and making you feel satiated. You should never feel like you are starting yourself or retricting.

Why a “Clean Fast” is key

Gin Stephens, a well-known advocate for intermittent fasting, emphasizes the importance of a “clean fast.” A “clean fast” means consuming only plain water, black coffee, or plain tea during the fasting period—no creamers, sweeteners, or even a splash of milk. This is crucial because even a tiny amount of food or drink (other than water, coffee, or tea) can cause your body to release insulin, a hormone that plays a significant role in fat storage. I highly encourage you to purchase Gin’s book Fast. Feast. Repeat. for a more in-depth understanding of the science related to a “clean fast.”

Understanding insulin and its role in weight loss

Insulin is a hormone the pancreas produces that helps your body use or store glucose (sugar) from food. When you eat, your body breaks down food into glucose, which enters your bloodstream. Insulin is then released to help move that glucose into your cells for energy.

When insulin levels are high, your body is in “storage mode,” which means it is more likely to store fat. When insulin levels are low, your body can enter “fat-burning mode,” allowing it to use stored fat for energy. The key to successful weight loss with intermittent fasting is keeping insulin levels low during the fasting period. Gin Stephens and many other experts recommend a clean fast with no calories or flavors that could spike insulin levels. Dr. Jason Fung’s book The Obesity Code is a great read (or I listened to it on Audible). It provides a mind-blowing education on the role of insulin and fast storage.

The science behind autophagy and fasting

Another significant benefit of intermittent fasting is autophagy, your body’s way of cleaning out damaged cells and regenerating new, healthier ones. This process is like a natural detox that occurs when your body is in a fasted state. However, autophagy can be disrupted by consuming even small amounts of protein or calories, which is why a clean fast is so important. Maintaining a clean fast allows your body to get into autophagy, promoting cellular health and longevity. Regular intermittent fasters comment on how their skin is glowing and their feet and elbows are now soft—this is autophagy at work!

Why “calories in, calories out” is a flawed approach

Many people believe that losing weight is as simple as “calories in, calories out,” meaning you just need to eat fewer calories than you burn. However, this approach overlooks the complexity of how our bodies use and store energy. Metabolism—the process by which our bodies convert food into energy—can be affected by various factors, including hormone levels, sleep, stress, and more.

Intermittent fasting helps regulate insulin levels and allows your body to burn fat more effectively, rather than just focusing on cutting calories. This approach addresses the underlying hormonal balance, making it easier to lose weight and keep it off, rather than getting stuck in a cycle of restrictive dieting and constant hunger. I eat just as many calories as I do when I’m not fasting- I do not believe in restricting or eating “diet food” and through fasting I’ve maintained my metabolism and have lost 20 pounds.

My journey to food freedom

Since starting intermittent fasting in 2019, I’ve experienced a transformation in both my body and mind. I lost 20 pounds and, more importantly, found freedom from the constant thoughts about food that plagued me since I was a teenager. I no longer feel trapped in the endless cycle of dieting and deprivation. Instead, I feel empowered and in control of my eating habits.

If you’re tired of feeling like you’re on a never-ending diet, I encourage you to try intermittent fasting. Start with a clean fast and see how your body responds. Everyone’s journey is different, and it’s important to find what works best for you.

I highly recommend reading Gin Stephens’ book Fast. Feast. Repeat. for more science and information on intermittent fasting and listen to her podcast Intermittent Fasting Stories. These resources provide a deeper understanding of intermittent fasting and offer inspiring stories from people who have transformed their lives through fasting.

Have you tried intermittent fasting? Let me know below what you think of it.

And remember, I’m not a doctor, so never take what I say here as a substitute for medical advice.  Always talk to your doctor before changing your health. habits.