Fasting and Hormones: Why I Quit Skipping Breakfast (And You Might Want To, Too)
So for a while I was fasting in the mornings… but lately, I’ve stopped. Here’s why:
First off—fasting is still an incredible healing tool. It can help regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, reset your gut, stimulate cellular repair (aka autophagy), and even improve mental clarity. It’s powerful—when your body is in a place to handle it.
But as someone on a hormone-healing journey—and someone who likely has high cortisol (that’s a stress hormone, by the way 😅)—I realized I needed to flip the script.
Fasting is technically a stressor. That’s part of what makes it effective, but it can also raise cortisol, especially if you’re already under stress. When cortisol spikes in the morning (as it naturally does), adding fasting to the mix can push your stress response too far, leading to symptoms like anxiety, fatigue, disrupted sleep, or stalled fat loss.
And that’s not the energy I’m trying to start my day with.
So instead of pushing my fast until noon or 1 PM, I’ve started doing the opposite:
🍽️ Eating an earlier dinner (around 4–5 PM)
😴 Fasting starts after dinner through overnight
🌞 And breaking my fast in the morning with a nourishing breakfast
This small change has helped me:
Cut back on late-night eating (which was sneaking up on me and stalling progress)
Sleep better
Support my hormones by eating with my natural cortisol rhythm, not against it
Eating too close to bedtime can interfere with digestion, sleep quality, and even insulin sensitivity—so it’s a win-win to give your body a longer break before bed.
A few tips for hormone balance + a stress-supportive morning routine:
Start your day with 25–30g of protein
Pair it with healthy carbs from seasonal fruit (like berries, citrus, or cooked apples/pears)
Add healthy fats like avocado or coconut oil to help stabilize blood sugar
Why?
That protein + carb combo tells your body: “You’re safe. You’re nourished.”
It helps regulate cortisol, balances blood sugar, and gives your brain and body the energy they need to function and thrive—without the crash.
So, if you’re feeling burnt out, anxious, or stuck with your fitness progress, consider swapping your fasting window and fueling your mornings instead. It’s a gentle shift that’s made a huge difference for me.
✨ Healthy trails, friends! And remember: just because something works for others doesn’t mean it’s right for you—listen to your body. 💛
