Episode 40: Intermittent Fasting for Women Over 40: GLP-1, Hormones, Cortisol Myths & How to Lose Weight Without Dieting

If you’ve been confused about intermittent fasting, hormones, cortisol, and weight loss in midlife, this episode is going to clear it ALL up.Today, Michelle and Tabitha sit down with New York Times bestselling author Gin Stephens, one of the leading voices in intermittent fasting, to break down what actually works—and what’s just noise.We dive into:The truth about intermittent fasting for women over 40Whether fasting really impacts hormones and cortisolWhy most diets fail (and what to do instead)The science behind clean fasting vs “dirty fasting”How to lose weight without restriction, guilt, or burnoutWhy diet culture has failed women for decadesAnd how to finally trust your body againGin shares her personal story of losing 75+ pounds and maintaining it for over a decade—and explains why intermittent fasting is about so much more than calories.If you’ve been told:❌ “Fasting is bad for women”❌ “You need to eat every 2–3 hours”❌ “Skipping breakfast ruins your metabolism”This episode will challenge everything you’ve heard—and empower you with real, science-backed clarity.🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How intermittent fasting actually works (beyond calories)✔️ Why insulin—not willpower—is the key to fat loss✔️ The difference between clean fasting vs dirty fasting✔️ The truth about cortisol and fasting for women✔️ Why diet culture keeps you stuck✔️ How to reduce food guilt and eat in a more sustainable way✔️ What “eating like a grown-up” really means✔️ How to listen to your body and find your own rhythm⏱️ Timestamps (optional but GREAT for SEO + YouTube)00:00 – Why diet culture starts so young06:00 – What intermittent fasting actually is12:00 – Clean fasting vs dirty fasting explained18:00 – The real reason fasting works (insulin + fat burning)22:00 – Cortisol myths & fasting for women30:00 – Removing guilt around food (clean-ish approach)34:00 – Eat Like a Grown-Up program explained40:00 – How to trust your body again👩‍⚕️ About Gin Stephens:Gin Stephens is a New York Times bestselling author, podcast host, and leading expert in intermittent fasting, helping thousands of women transform their health, metabolism, and relationship with food.She is the author of:Fast. Feast. Repeat.Delay, Don’t DenyClean(ish)🔗 Resources & Links:Gin Stephens Website: https://jenstephens.comFast Feast Repeat App: https://app.fastfeastrepeat.comBook: Fast. Feast. Repeat.Book: Delay, Don’t Deny Questions or topic requests? Email Michelle to be part of the conversation!Email: [email protected] a free discovery call with Michelle: theinspiredwellnesscoach.comFollow Michelle on Instagram & Facebook: @TheInspiredWellnessCoach Check out my online supplement dispensary for 10% off quality supplement brands [email protected] Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.