Introduction vii
Part I Fasting, Food, and Hormones
Chapter 1 The Science of Fasting 3
Chapter 2 Beyond Science: The Mental and Emotional Benefits of Fasting 21
Chapter 3 Hormones and the Hunger Bully 27
Chapter 4 Forget Calorie Restriction 42
Chapter 5 A Path to Healthier Eating 55
Chapter 6 Prepare to Think Differently About Food 66
Part II Prepare to Fast
Chapter 7 Ready, Set, Goal! 83
Chapter 8 Get Your House in Shape and Your Family on Board 95
Chapter 9 Sex, Pregnancy, and Fasting 105
Chapter 10 Working with Your Doctor 110
Chapter 11 Letting Go of Shame 116
Part III Your Fasting Plan
Chapter 12 Fasting Simplified 123
Chapter 13 Stop Snacking 135
Chapter 14 Stepping into Fasting 141
Chapter 15 Exercise for Health, Not Weight Loss 152
Chapter 16 Feasting Without Guilt 162
Chapter 17 Meeting Your Goals and Going the Extra Mile 179
Part VI Problem Solve Your Fast
Chapter 18 Solving Health Complaints 193
Chapter 19 Mind Tricks While Fasting 198
Chapter 20 Fasting with a Social Life 209
Chapter 21 Getting Back on Track 222
Chapter 22 Finding a Community 227
Chapter 23 Living Your New Life 236
Afterword: Is Bariatric Surgery for You? 240
Acknowledgments 247
Fasting Glossary 251
Sources 257
Index 261