Posted on May 1, 2025
As a midlife mom with a school-age kid, I don’t have time for complicated wellness protocols. I need energy that lasts past 3 p.m. and a cycle that doesn’t act like a mystery novel. So I decided to run a 30-day experiment on myself—and the results honestly blew me away.
In just one month, I balanced my blood sugar and got my cycle back on track. Here’s exactly what I did and how you can try it too.
What I Tried: The “Fast Like a Girl” Protocol
I followed the Type 2 Diabetes plan from Fast Like a Girl by Dr. Mindy Pelz. It’s a hormone-aware intermittent fasting protocol designed specifically for women—and that part really matters. Because unlike men, we can’t just “fast the same way every day” due to our fluctuating hormones.
Here’s how the plan broke down:
🗓 Cycle-Based Intermittent Fasting Schedule:
- Days 1–5 (Start of period): 13-hour intermittent fast + ketogenic/biotic diet
- Days 6–10: 15-hour intermittent fast + same keto/biotic foods
- Days 11–15: 13-hour fast + hormone feasting (yes, this is as fun as it sounds)
- Day 16: 17-hour autophagy fast
- Days 17–19: 13-hour fast + keto/biotic
- Days 20–start of next cycle: No fasting + hormone feasting again
Why I Don’t Recommend Intermittent Fasting for Everyone (At First)
In my coaching programs (like Vibrant Midlife Mastery and my 1:1 work), I talk a lot about the power of fasting—but it’s not always the first step. If you’re dealing with chronic stress (hello, most midlife moms), fasting can actually become another stressor. That’s why I always say: test, don’t guess.
If we find that your cortisol is tanked or spiking at the wrong times, I may not start you with fasting. But when the timing’s right? It can be a game changer.
The Science Behind Intermittent Fasting
Fasting stimulates something called autophagy—your body’s natural clean-up system. It helps clear out old, underperforming cells and supports gut health, metabolic flexibility, and hormone balance. That’s why when done right, fasting can improve:
- Blood sugar regulation
- Gut microbiome health
- Hormone harmony
- Even the length and regularity of your cycle
My Results: Blood Sugar Balanced
I wore a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) throughout this experiment. Before I started, I’d get frequent alerts for high blood sugar spikes. After following this cycle-based fasting protocol? I didn’t get a single high alarm.
Average blood sugar over 30 days: 120 mg/dL
I haven’t checked my A1C yet, but I’m excited to see the progress!
My Results: Menstrual Cycle Back on Track
Before this experiment, my cycles were all over the place. I had a 6-month stretch of shortened 21-day cycles, followed by long ones—some 35 days or more. While I didn’t have severe symptoms (and I don’t take HRT), the irregularity was frustrating.
Now? My cycle is more predictable, my temperature tracking with the Oura Ring shows clear follicular and luteal phases, and everything looks… normal again. Which is such a gift when you’re managing school calendars and busy family life.
The Tools That Helped
- Oura Ring – For tracking body temp and cycle trends
- Mira Hormone Tracker – A fantastic at-home hormone test, originally made for fertility but now upgraded for perimenopause tracking
- Dr. Mindy Pelz’s Book – Fast Like a Girl is the foundation I used for the whole 30 days
You Don’t Need HRT to Feel Good in Midlife
Let me be clear: I’m not anti-HRT. But I’ve had clients told they can’t take it, or who want to try other tools first. If that’s you, this method is a solid option. Balanced blood sugar and a supported lifestyle can reduce or eliminate perimenopause symptoms—without adding hormones.
Ready to Try This Yourself?
If you’re a midlife woman ready to feel steady, clear, and strong again—without the guesswork—I’m here for it. I’m currently accepting two new 1:1 clients. If you’d like to apply, click here to book a free call.
Questions? Curious about whether this approach is right for you?
Drop a comment below or reach out. And if you haven’t yet—subscribe to my YouTube channel for more tips on metabolic health, hormones, and thriving in midlife.
This article is for educational purposes only and must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional with questions you may have regarding your health or medical condition. If you are currently taking medications always consult with your doctor before making diet and lifestyle changes.
