Why Short Fasts Stop Working — And When You Need More

Why shorter fasts often stop working once insulin resistance is established — and what therapeutic fasting is actually designed to do. Episode #245 🎙️ If you're fasting daily and still feel stuck, you may be stopping right before the real metabolic shift begins. In this solo episode, Megan Ramos explains why shorter fasts — like 14–18 hours — often stop producing results once insulin resistance is established. She breaks down what insulin resistance really means (even without a diabetes diagnosis), why hormones and life stage change your fasting response, and when time-restricted eating is no longer enough. This episode blends commonly asked questions with foundational strategy, helping you understand when it's time to move beyond short daily fasts and how to safely use therapeutic fasting to actually break insulin resistance. 👉 What you'll learn: • Why 14–18 hour fasts often stop working • What insulin resistance really means (with or without diabetes) • Why insulin doesn't drop into a healing range until around 24 hours • How menopause and estrogen dominance affect fasting results • The difference between time-restricted eating and therapeutic fasting • How to structure 24-hour fasts to rebuild your fasting "muscle" • Why heavy cream and fat-based fasting aids can stall progress • How to use the "rule of three" to improve eating days ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 — Why short fasts stop working 02:00 — The 16–18 hour plateau 07:03 — The 24-hour insulin drop explained 10:06 — Menopause, estrogen dominance, and insulin resistance 11:11 — Starting with time-restricted eating properly 13:11 — Batching 24-hour fasts 16:43 — What therapeutic fasting actually means 18:01 — Electrolytes and salt: what to use and when 22:31 — Why fat-based fasting aids stall progress 23:33 — Eating day mistakes 24:59 — The "rule of three" for food variety 30:26 — Satiation, fatty protein, and dialing it in 32:06 — Closing thoughts 📝 Transcript The transcript for this episode is available on our website: https://www.thefastingmethod.com/podcasts/ 💛 Community Support Join The Fasting Method Community for guidance, accountability, and coaching support: https://www.thefastingmethod.com/community/ 📘 The Hunger Code Pre-Order Bonus Bundle Pre-order The Hunger Code by Dr. Jason Fung and receive access to a powerful bonus package, including The Hunger Code Masterclass and a guided 5-Day Fasting Reset, hosted by Dr. Jason Fung and The Fasting Method coaching team. ⏰ Deadline to claim the gift bundle: March 22 👉 Learn about the Masterclass + 5-Day Reset: https://www.thefastingmethod.com/the-hunger-code-masterclass-5-day-fasting-reset/ 👉 Claim your gift after pre-ordering: https://www.doctorjasonfung.com/gift-with-purchase-offer ✨ Partner Offer 🧪 Curious about Aeira? Learn more at drinkaeira.com and use the discount code podcast10 for 10% off Aeira products. 📣 Connect With Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fastingmethod/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheFastingMethod Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/obesitycodenetwork ⚠️ Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional. You should always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before doing any fasting, changing your diet, taking or adjusting any medication or supplements, or adopting any treatment for a health problem. The use of any products or services purchased does not create a healthcare provider–patient relationship. Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.