Nutrition for Mamas

← Nutrition for Mamas25 aug · 16 min

131. Should Moms Intermittent Fast? What a Dietitian Wants You to Know

131. Should Moms Intermittent Fast? What a Dietitian Wants You to Know25 aug16 min

Intermittent fasting is everywhere right now. The promise? Drop body fat fast just by changing when you eat. But most of that advice wasn't designed for a mom's body.

In this episode, Brooke, a registered dietitian and lactation counselor, breaks down whether intermittent fasting actually works for women, how it shifts across different life stages, and what she recommends to the busy moms she works with every day.

If you've ever wondered whether IF is safe while breastfeeding, whether a 16-hour fast is realistic with kids' schedules, or whether skipping breakfast is actually hurting you, this episode is for you.

What You'll Learn

Why intermittent fasting is not recommended in the first 6 months postpartum, especially while exclusively breastfeeding

How under-eating while breastfeeding can affect milk supply

Why a gentle 12-hour fasting window is generally safe for most women, and how it naturally happens already

The truth about whether intermittent fasting is required for weight loss (spoiler: it's not)

What research from the University of Illinois Chicago found about shortening eating windows in pre- and postmenopausal women

Why weight loss really comes down to a calorie deficit, and why "low calorie" doesn't always mean nutrient-dense

The difference between a 12-hour fast and a 16-hour fast, and why longer fasts are a bigger ask for busy moms

Why skipping breakfast is one of the biggest mistakes moms make, and why a high-protein, high-fiber breakfast matters more