HSOS #11: Intermittent Fasting After 40: What You Really Need to Know

October means Halloween candy season—and Kim kicks things off with a confession about her Costco-sized candy stash and the tricks she uses to keep it out of sight until trick-or-treat night. From there, she dives into the question she hears most: should women over 40 be doing intermittent fasting? Kim explains what it actually is (no, it’s not magic), what the research really shows, and why it often ends up feeling like another quick-fix diet. She shares the sneaky downsides, who should skip it, and offers a saner, more sustainable way to support your metabolism that doesn’t involve rigid fasting rules.Let’s talk.Welcome to Her Season of Strength—where women over 40 reclaim their bodies, their energy, and their voices, without apologies. I'm Kim Duffy—registered dietitian, personal trainer, mom, and your biggest hype woman when it comes to aging like you mean it.This show isn’t about chasing skinny or counting wrinkles. It’s about building real strength—physical, emotional, and hormonal. Each week, I’ll share straight-talking nutrition tips, sustainable fitness strategies, and conversations that help you feel powerful in your skin once again.Menopause is not an ending, it is only the beginning. This is your season of strength.🎙 Key Points in This EpisodeHalloween candy and why Kim hides hers until the last minuteClient questions about intermittent fasting—why it’s such a hot topicThe basics: 16:8, 5:2, and alternate-day fasting explainedResearch shows modest weight loss, similar to calorie reductionPossible benefits: simple rules, less nighttime snacking, appetite controlRisks: low energy for workouts, harder to hit protein needs, sleep issuesFood preoccupation and overeating once the window opensWho should avoid fasting: eating disorder history, pregnancy, meds, underweightWhy it’s often just another quick-fix that slows metabolismA better path: after-dinner kitchen close, protein-forward meals, strength training, sleepGrab the one page cheat sheet➡️ "The Truth About Intermittent Fasting for Women 40+"Quick listener askIf this helped, a rating or review makes a huge difference. Share it with a friend who’s curious about intermittent fasting, or message me and tell me your Halloween candy strategy—I’m all ears!Send me a textLinks & resources for this episode:Fit After 50+ Program: 8-Week Nutrition Coaching & Strength Program for menopausal women.  Join the interest list today for the best discounts, bonuses and updates about the next program coming Fall of 2026!Free cheat sheet: "20 Tips to Crushing Menopause"Join my free weekly newsletter list and get a new high protein recipe sent to your inbox every Thursday. Find me on social media: Instagram I Facebook I Tiktok