Fasting After 50: A Tool, Not a Rule

Deb Peters
Jun 19
2 min read

Let’s talk about fasting — that buzzword that keeps popping up in conversations, books, and on social media. Especially for women over 50, fasting can feel like a tempting tool in the “what’s next?” phase of wellness. But before you jump in, let’s slow down and get honest about it.

Guess what? You already fast — every single day.

When you go to bed at night and stop eating, you’re fasting! That natural break from food while you sleep is your body’s built-in reset. And when you give yourself a break between meals — without constant snacking — that’s another form of fasting. See? Fasting isn’t always about long, dramatic food restrictions.

Fasting is just a tool — not the golden ticket.

Fasting can be helpful. It might give your digestion a rest. It might help with managing blood sugar. But it’s not magic, and it’s definitely not for everyone. There are guidelines — and there are exceptions. The most important rule? You need to know what works for your body.

Ask yourself:

Am I fasting because I genuinely feel better — more energized, clearer, stronger?
Or am I doing it because my friend is getting great results, and I don’t want to feel left out?

We’re all built differently. What works wonders for someone else might not serve you at all. And that’s okay.

Be honest with yourself about your why.

Before you commit to fasting, dig deep. Are you doing it to feel stronger and healthier? Or is it another attempt at shrinking yourself down to fit an old standard of “skinny” that no longer fits your values — or your life?

Strong > Skinny — especially as we age.

Here’s the real secret sauce: Strength matters so much more than being thin. After 50, building muscle, staying active, and nourishing your body gives you a foundation for health that lasts. When you focus on building strength, you’re investing in your future self — the one who can lift grandkids, travel with ease, and feel confident in her skin.