Day 5: Why Intermittent Fasting for Burnout Recovery

October 14, 2023

Intermittent fasting is just one potential tool in a broader strategy for addressing burnout. The key is to check with your doctor before beginning a fast.

Food:

Breakfast:

Fasting – No Food, Water Only

Morning:

Fasting – No Food, Water Only

Lunch:

Fasting – No Food, Water Only

Afternoon:

2 eggs
1 small red delicious apple
8 oz spinach/banana smoothie
1 2oz pack of trail mix

Dinner:

Tossed green salad with mushrooms, carrots, tomatoes topped with 4oz of grilled chicken

Evening:

Fasting – No Food, Water Only

Business:

I was mentally focused all day.
Able to go back and catch up on lots of pending projects and complete them.
I recorded a one-hour show today for the Ask a House Cleaner channel with Lisa Bronner about the low-tox cleaning options of using Dr. Bronner’s soaps (she was an amazing guest by the way) and I felt I was able to concentrate on the questions and really be present in the conversation.

Challenges:

A guest who got banned from the show for 2 x no-call, no-shows threw an online tantrum and verbally attacked a member of my team when he was unable to reschedule.

The team member started second-guessing her handling of the situation and went into overdrive to prove she had sent 11 messages to the guest to let them know the login date and time, sent texts, and emails, and personally called his office phone. The agent for the guest, our production team, and the other show hosts were all copied on all the correspondence though neither the agent nor the guest confirmed for the show.

The guest screenshot the emails and texts he said he never received (but how did he screenshot them if he didn’t receive them? 🤯) and said he didn’t know he was supposed to “confirm.”
Normally, we don’t engage with adults throwing tantrums – but due to the people on the thread, I felt I had to back up my team member and diffuse the situation. I sent back a simple note that said “I apologize for the confusion, right there in the middle of all your screenshots it says ‘Will you be there? C to confirm, D to Decline’. Let’s all use this as a learning opportunity. We will make it clearer for future guests.” He fired back with multiple emails that said he thought that was an automation that didn’t require an answer. 🤔 This is the reason we have a company policy not to participate in unreasonable conversations.

Relationships:

It’s been a week since going to the gym. I’ve learned the names of all the locker room ladies. And the names of the ladies who run the front desk upon entering. While I was going to the gym anyway, and it took no more of my time – I made 8 new friends last week. 🥳

Progress:

Knee: – I found myself running up the stairs in my house today. And I realized how much healing my knee has experienced in just one week.
My heart has been really pushed this week with interval running and kicking in the pool. I believe I’ve given it a great workout this week. Feeling heart strong.
Menopause: I’m learning about different vitamins and supplements that are appropriate for a woman going through this. Hoping to find a balance soon.

Why Intermittent Fasting for Burnout Recovery

Intermittent fasting should be seen as just one potential tool in a broader strategy for addressing burnout. The key is to check with your doctor before beginning a program that will affect your health.

Before I began my fasting journey, I had an annual checkup and had the doctors do all my blood work. I had a colonoscopy, and a mammogram and got a clean bill of health to begin. I spoke with my general practitioner about my plan to add intermittent fasting and daily exercise to my routine. My doctor who knows my health and history, gave me the go-ahead and thumbs up.

Consult Your Medical Professional

Note: I’m also using My Chart, which is a monitoring app between me and my doctors. The app tracks all my appointments, my notes, the doctor’s notes, any of my questions, and any prescriptions they give me. It’s also connected to CVS, where I have my prescriptions filled if needed. This way, all my medical records, bills, upcoming appointments, etc. are in one place.

What is Intermittent Fasting?

Intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating pattern that involves alternating periods of fasting with periods of eating. It does not prescribe specific foods to eat but rather focuses on when to eat. There are several popular methods of intermittent fasting, including:

16/8 Method: This method involves fasting for 16 hours each day and restricting your eating to an 8-hour window. For example, you might eat between 12:00 PM and 8:00 PM and fast from 8:00 PM to 12:00 PM the next day.

5:2 Method: In this approach, you consume your regular diet for five days a week and significantly reduce your calorie intake (usually around 500-600 calories) on the other two non-consecutive days.

Eat-Stop-Eat: This method involves fasting for a full 24 hours once or twice a week. For example, you might fast from dinner one day until dinner the next day.

Alternate-Day Fasting: This approach alternates between days of regular eating and days of fasting or consuming very few calories.

The Warrior Diet: This diet involves fasting for 20 hours and eating a large meal within a 4-hour eating window in the evening.

Health Benefits of Fasting

Intermittent fasting has gained popularity due to several potential health benefits, which may include:

Weight Loss: Intermittent fasting can help reduce calorie intake, leading to weight loss if done consistently. During fasting periods, the body may also tap into stored fat for energy.

Improved Insulin Sensitivity: IF can help lower insulin levels and improve insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Reduced Inflammation: Some studies suggest that intermittent fasting may reduce markers of inflammation, which are linked to various chronic diseases.

Heart Health: It may lead to improvements in heart health by reducing risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglycerides.

Brain Health: Some animal studies suggest that intermittent fasting may have neuroprotective effects and potentially promote brain health.

Longevity: Research on animals has shown that fasting may extend lifespan, although more human studies are needed to confirm this effect.

Effects of Fasting

While the effects can vary from person to person, the benefits of intermittent fasting are known for improved mental clarity, focus, and mood brightening during fasting periods.

During the detox phase, the body devours fat cells and removes toxic buildup. During this time it is possible to experience irritability or fatigue. It’s important to realize the benefits outweigh the symptoms during the reboot phase.

It’s important to note that intermittent fasting may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions or specific dietary needs. Before starting any fasting regimen, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual circumstances. Additionally, staying hydrated and consuming balanced, nutrient-dense meals during eating windows is crucial for overall health while practicing intermittent fasting.