logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2022
1h 19m

Dr Mindy Pelz | Fast Like a Girl: A Woma...

Ben Azadi
About this episode

Today, I am honored and blessed to have here with me again, Dr Mindy Pelz. She is a holistic health expert, author and speaker who is on a mission to educate men and women about their bodies through her vast experience and expertise in fasting, which can help us take control of our health.

She is the author of the most anticipated and upcoming book Fast Like a Girl: A Woman’s Guide to Using the Healing Power of Fasting to Burn Fat, Boost Energy, and Balance Hormones, which goes on a deep dive on ketosis and how hormones have the biggest impact to achieving a healthier body.

In this episode, Dr Mindy sheds light on the flaws of the current healthcare system. She believes there is no all-in-one solution even to the most basic problem, especially if it’s a problem related to our hormones. Tune in as we talk about the diet culture, educating teenage girls about hormonal changes, and the sad reality of the hormone literacy problems we are currently facing.

Dr Mindy Fast Like a Girl on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Fast-Like-Girl-Healing-Hormones/dp/1401969925/benazadi-20

Register your FREE spot for our upcoming 7 day keto challenge. We start January 9th 2023! Sign up here: http://www.ketokampchallenge.com 

/ / E P I S O D E   S P ON S O R S 

Paleo Valley beef sticks, apple cider vinegar complex, organ meat complex & more. Use the coupon code KETOKAMP15 over at https://paleovalley.com/ to receive 15% off your entire order.

Upgraded Formulas Upgraded Magnesium & Charge Electrolyte Supplements: http://www.upgradedformulas.com Use KK15 at checkout for 15% off your order. 

Text me the words "Podcast" +1 (786) 364-5002 to be added to my contacts list. 

[3:33] Dr Mindy’s Perspective on Why Healthcare is Broken

  • Dr Mindy describes the current healthcare system as identifying the symptoms, creating a diagnosis, and then prescribing a pill
  • She argues that it doesn’t work for everyone because human hormones are always around the clock 24/7
  • If a women patient goes to a doctor, it is crucial to identify the root cause first before issuing a medication instead of providing a generalized solution
  • Dr Mindy believes that a woman’s menstrual cycle should be factored into the overall healthcare
  • Women’s mood shifts before and during their menstrual cycle are being villainized 

[12:44] Why Are We Sick? The Main Themes That Dr Mindy Discovered

  • Our food intake and modern toxicity are some of the reasons why we are sick
  • Dr Mindy doubles down that evolutionary mismatch, especially among women, is one of the main culprits of why we are sick
  • Stress-eating work against our hormonal cycle
  • The thrifty-gene hypothesis proposes that humans who were able to survive long periods without food were due to the thrifty gene that allowed them to move into ketosis at a much quicker rate

[17:03] We Got The Diet Culture Wrong! Here’s Why

  • Dr Mindy strongly believes that the notion that there’s one diet to keep you healthy or lose weight is erroneous.
  • Metabolic switching helps the body to get the required energy it needs depending on the situation; the key is the constant in and out
  • People always look for “absolutes” in healthcare, but the body doesn’t respond well to those absolutes

[30:23] What Happened to Dr Mindy When She Started Fasting?

  • Dr Mindy discovered that cycling in and out of fasting assisted her in alleviating her menopausal symptoms
  • Identifying the quirks of hormones allowed Dr Mindy to identify the diet she needs
  • Progesterone needs more glucose. If you want to maximize estrogen, keep your blood sugar down
  • If you want to have a healthy ovulation, work on the microbiome and the liver, and you don’t want to go deep into ketosis
  • Plan your diet in various phases, power phase, manifestation phase, and nurture phase

[37:38] We Have a Hormonal Literacy Problem! How Do We Fix It?

  • Dr Mindy spoke to thousands of doctors and found out that only a handful of them understood the underlying facets of hormones in our bodies
  • She believes that we have a hormonal literacy problem, and women are the most affected as an imbalance in their hormonal cycle is being villainized
  • Teenage girls should be taught early on about the emotional, physical, and chemical stress
  • The language of hormones should be brought back because it helps control our mood, energy, and sleep. It helps control how we gain and lose weight. Understanding hormones means understanding the ins and outs of the body

[50:58] Do You Have an Eating Disorder? Here Are Some Precautions YOU Should Know Before Fasting!

  • If you have an eating disorder, you need to work with a health coach or your psychologist who has a deep understanding of fasting
  • Fasting is done best when done with the community
  • Working with the community on your fasting journey and connecting with them lifts up your oxytocin
  • The strength of your marriage and the quality of your friendship plays an important role in living a healthier life and happiness
  • You might want a quick fix to problems, the best way to diet or fast, but don’t lose sight of the importance of community 

[58:47] Diet Failed Us! Why Understanding the Glycemic Index Matters

  • Fast Like A Girl Book has an extensive discussion about failed diet strategies, one of them is the glycemic index
  • You can search online for the GCM of something, but the most accurate way would be to have a CGM or blood sugar reader to have a full view of how much glucose your body is taking in
  • Different foods have different glycemic impacts, and understanding that is important if you want to achieve a healthier body

AND MUCH MORE!

Resources from this episode:

Register your FREE spot for our upcoming 7 day keto challenge. We start January 9th 2023! Sign up here: http://www.ketokampchallenge.com 

/ / E P I S O D E   S P ON S O R S 

Paleo Valley beef sticks, apple cider vinegar complex, organ meat complex & more. Use the coupon code KETOKAMP15 over at https://paleovalley.com/ to receive 15% off your entire order.

Upgraded Formulas Upgraded Magnesium & Charge Electrolyte Supplements: http://www.upgradedformulas.com Use KK15 at checkout for 15% off your order. 

Text me the words "Podcast" +1 (786) 364-5002 to be added to my contacts list. 

*Some Links Are Affiliates*

// F O L L O W

▸ instagram | @thebenazadi | http://bit.ly/2B1NXKW

▸ facebook | /thebenazadi | http://bit.ly/2BVvvW6

▸ twitter | @thebenazadi http://bit.ly/2USE0so

▸ tiktok | @thebenazadi https://www.tiktok.com/@thebenazadi

Disclaimer: This podcast is for information purposes only. Statements and views expressed on this podcast are not medical advice. This podcast including Ben Azadi disclaim responsibility from any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. Opinions of guests are their own, and this podcast does not accept responsibility of statements made by guests. This podcast does not make any representations or warranties about guests qualifications or credibility. Individuals on this podcast may have a direct or non-direct interest in products or services referred to herein. If you think you have a medical problem, consult a licensed physician.

Up next
Yesterday
#1120 This Forgotten Sweetener Could Be the Key to Fixing Your Metabolism and Burning Fat Effortlessly — With Ben Azadi
If you’re eating clean but still storing belly fat, insulin resistance—not willpower—is the real culprit. In this episode, Ben Azadi reveals a surprising metabolic secret: blackstrap molasses. Discover how this nutrient-dense sweetener can help balance blood sugar, lower insulin ... Show More
14m 48s
Oct 7
#1119 What Fasting Really Does to a Man’s Body After 40 — The Truth About Testosterone, Growth Hormone, and Fat Loss With Ben Azadi
After 40, men experience a natural drop in testosterone, energy, and metabolism — but aging doesn’t have to mean decline. In this episode, Ben Azadi breaks down how fasting acts as a biological reset for men, helping you burn visceral fat, boost testosterone, and increase growth ... Show More
19m 25s
Oct 6
#1118 The 72-Hour Secret to Rewiring Your Body & Brain – The Most Powerful Fast You’ll Ever Do with Dr. David Jockers
In this episode of the Metabolic Freedom Podcast, Ben Azadi sits down with Dr. David Jockers for an inspiring deep dive into the incredible power of fasting—especially the transformative effects of a 72-hour fast. Together, they unpack how fasting does far more than just burn fat ... Show More
1h 1m
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2024
TMHS 832: Why Fasting for Women Is DIFFERENT & How To Eat RIGHT During Your Cycle | Dr. Mindy Pelz
Over the last several years, intermittent fasting has been widely regarded as a powerful method to shed unwanted fat, improve insulin sensitivity, and even take advantage of the benefits of autophagy. But what’s often missing from the conversation on fasting is that most, if not ... Show More
59 m
Jun 2021
Nutrient Timing to Balance Female Hormones with Dr. Mindy Pelz
Today's episode is also sponsored by LMNT, my go-to electrolyte drink mix that I recommend to anyone who wants to stay hydrated.  Everyone needs electrolytes to function and when you sweat, adopt a low-carb diet, or practice intermittent fasting, your electrolyte needs increase. ... Show More
52m 59s
Sep 2024
How To Eat To Balance Hormones, Boost Energy & Burn Fat with Dr Mindy Pelz #474
CAUTION: This podcast discusses fasting, and its advice may not be suitable for anyone with an eating disorder. If you have an existing health condition or are taking medication, always consult your healthcare practitioner before going for prolonged periods without eating. For ma ... Show More
1h 59m
Aug 2024
The Truth About Birth Control, Cortisol, Hormones, Fasting & Cycle Syncing
Ep. # 128 In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcome back Dr. Mindy Pelz, a fan favorite and one of my personal top picks for all women to hear. As a renowned women’s health expert, Dr. Pelz will guide us through essential topics like the impact of birth control, cortisol mana ... Show More
53m 21s
May 2025
Optimizing Female Health, Mindy Pelz on Fasting, Menopause, and Fertility
In this episode of A Really Good Cry, I speak with Dr. Mindy Pelz, a fasting researcher, bestselling author, and expert in women’s health. Dr. Pelz shares the latest science on what happens in the body after a fast—and why your first meal can significantly influence the results o ... Show More
1h 10m
Sep 2024
Dr. Mindy Pelz on Embracing Womanhood & Reconnecting With Your Body | Ep 48
Food fasting has become a popular trend in the health and wellness world, with many people turning to fasting as a way to improve their overall health and well-being. One of the leading voices in the fasting movement is Dr. Mindy Pelz, a Best-selling Author and Keynote Speaker wh ... Show More
57m 32s
Jul 2024
A Guide to Taking Back Women's Health & Fasting Like a Girl
In this special live episode, captured from the Keynote at the ICDI conference, Dr. Mindy delves into women's health, particularly addressing metabolic health, hormones, and lifestyle adjustments. She highlights the necessity of tailored approaches to health and the significance ... Show More
1h 29m
Oct 2024
"Doctors Are CLUELESS About Women's Bodies" - How To Take Your Power Back & HEAL
Today I have three extraordinary experts in women's health - Dr. Mindy Pelz, Dr. Mary Claire Haver and Dr. Ellen Langer. We dive deep into the often misunderstood world of menopause, hormonal changes, and how women can optimize their health throughout different life stages. From ... Show More
1h 17m
Sep 30
How Food, Fasting & Lifestyle Can Transform Your Metabolic Health & Reduce Your Risk of Disease with Dr Ben Bikman #582
Most of us will never have our insulin levels tested, yet this single hormone is the body’s master regulator of energy. When it stops working properly, almost every system in the body is affected, from how we store fat, to how we age. Today’s guest is Dr Ben Bikman, a scientist a ... Show More
2h 17m
Sep 16
The New Science of Women’s Health: Strength, Metabolism & Menopause with Dr Stacy Sims #578
As we get older, have you ever wondered why the exercise advice we’ve been given doesn’t seem to work as well as it once did? As we move into our 40s and beyond, our physiology changes in ways that can often feel confusing and frustrating. But what if we could harness those chang ... Show More
2h 18m