Intermittent Fasting – A Natural Reset, If It's in Your Past

Intermittent Fasting (IF) is a method of time-restricted eating, where you consume your meals within a specific window of time and fast during the remaining hours. This gives your body a break from constant digestion and, after several hours, allows it to shift from burning carbohydrates to burning fat. This shift can support better digestion, mental clarity, hormonal balance, and weight regulation.

Important: Intermittent Fasting is not suitable for everyone.

Whether fasting is beneficial for you depends on your unique physiology, digestive capacity, and overall vitality. If you feel weak, drained, or if it simply feels unnatural for your body, it may not be the right approach for you. In my practice, I always look at the full picture: no 'one-size-fits-all', but tailored guidance based on your personal balance.

How Does Intermittent Fasting Work in Practice?

Unlike a traditional diet, IF doesn't tell you what to eat, but rather when to eat. There are several time-based fasting schedules to choose from:

16/8 schedule – 8 hours of eating, 16 hours of fasting
13/11 schedule – 11 hours of eating, 13 hours of fasting
12/12 schedule – 12 hours of eating, 12 hours of fasting
One meal a day (occasionally) – Once a week or as advised

Fat-burning typically begins around 12 hours after your last meal. That’s why IF is only effective if you fast for at least 12 consecutive hours. A popular and practical option is the 16/8 method—for example, eating between 12:00 PM and 8:00 PM, and fasting the rest of the day. During the fasting window, you may drink water, (herbal) tea, or black coffee. Adding a pinch of Celtic sea salt to your water can help maintain your mineral balance.

What Should You Be Aware Of?

Start gently, for example with a 12-hour fast, and build up gradually.
Stay well hydrated: aim for 1.5–2 liters of water per day.
Limit your eating to 2 or 3 meals a day.
Avoid continuous snacking throughout your eating window.
If you feel weak, dizzy, or irritable, fasting may not be right for you at that moment.
Always listen to your body.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is IF suitable for everyone?
No. Intermittent Fasting doesn’t work equally well for every body. It depends on your digestion, energy balance, hormonal state, and constitution.
Can I drink during the fasting period?
Yes, you can have water, herbal tea, and black coffee.
What if I always wake up hungry?
Then IF may not be the right approach for you—and that’s perfectly okay.
What if I feel weak or irritable while fasting?
It’s important to stop and explore why that’s happening. IF is meant to support your energy—not drain it. A mesologist can help identify the underlying cause.
What can a mesologist do for me if I want to start IF?
A mesologist takes a holistic view of your system—assessing how your body functions on a physical, energetic, and mental level. We examine your digestion, metabolism, and resilience to determine whether IF suits your body type.
I want to try fasting but I have hormonal or digestive issues. Is that a good idea?
Not always. In such cases, professional guidance is essential. A mesologist helps you assess whether IF is supportive—or disruptive—for your system.
Can a mesologist help if IF doesn’t work for me?
Absolutely. If IF doesn’t benefit you or worsens your symptoms, we’ll explore alternative methods that do suit your physiology. This may include adjustments in nutrition, daily rhythm, or supplementation—tailored to your unique needs.
How do I know which IF schedule suits me best?
There’s no one-size-fits-all. A mesologist examines your metabolism, hormonal profile, constitution (e.g. based on Ayurveda), and symptom patterns to recommend a fitting approach—or to determine if IF isn’t right for you at all.
Can IF be part of a broader mesological treatment plan?
Definitely. IF can be used as a supportive lifestyle intervention within a comprehensive plan to restore balance in the body. It is always tailored to your individual situation.

Curious whether intermittent fasting could support your health?

Don’t be led by trends—choose what’s right for your body.

At Bridge for Balance, we explore whether IF aligns with your body type, digestion, and energy balance. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. I'm delighted to help with personalized advice.

Book a consultation or get in touch for more information.