
Re-Release: How to Fast Like a Girl with Dr. Mindy Pelz
About this episode
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.
Helpful Resources
Paleovalley Essential Electrolytes
>>> Support easier fasting and better energy with clean hydration—save up to 20% on Paleovalley Essential Electrolytes.
Get every episode summarized
Each time ReThink Health with Dr. Autumn Smith publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from ReThink Health with Dr. Autumn Smith

Is Caffeine Helping or Hurting You? with Stephen Cherniske
ReThink Health with Dr. Autumn Smith

Is Processed Meat Really Bad for You? with Dr. Frederick Leroy.
ReThink Health with Dr. Autumn Smith

75% of People Are Missing This Critical Nutrient, with Dr. Philip Calder
ReThink Health with Dr. Autumn Smith

Grass-Fed Beef Has 3x More of This Critical Nutrient (Shocking Results) with Dr....
ReThink Health with Dr. Autumn Smith