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Life in the Fasting Lane: The Essential Guide to Making Intermittent Fasting Simple, Sustainable, and Enjoyable
Take the guesswork (and fear) out of fasting with real-life and expert advice about the number-one diet trend.
Over the last decade, intermittent fasting—restricting calorie intake for a proscribed number of hours for a set number of days—has become increasingly popular. While some in the medical community initially dismissed the idea as a dangerous fad, in recent years researchers have validated the safety of fasting for weight loss, and found compelling evidence that it offers wide-ranging health benefits, including lowering blood pressure; reducing risk factors for diabetes, cancer, and other diseases; promoting longevity; and increasing cognitive function.
However, many people aren’t sure how to incorporate fasting into their daily routine. What are best practices? Do you need to fast every day? What do you eat on non-fasting days? How can you fast when your family doesn’t? What if you’re a person who gets hungry after not eating for a few hours?
In this essential guide, Dr. Jason Fung, Megan Ramos, and Eve Mayer address common questions and offer practical advice for integrating beneficial periods of food restriction into daily life. They set three initial goals: Start Your Fasting Engine, Find Your Fasting Lane, and Win the Race. Each goal is broken down into ten manageable steps that can be taken at your individual pace. Love breakfast? Then it may take a little while to get used to not eating it. Already skip it? Jump ahead to restricting lunch. Fung, Ramos, and Mayer know every person’s physiological and psychological response to food restriction is different, and they’re here to help you find the tools and strategies that will work best for your life.
Combining Mayer and Ramos’ years of personal experience with Dr. Fung’s clinical experience and scientific rigor, Life in the Fasting Lane is a unique, accessible, and life-changing guide to developing a sustainable and beneficial fasting routine.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 11, 2020
2287 people are currently reading
2033 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 561 reviews
March 20, 2020
I read The Obesity Code: Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss a few weeks ago, and it completely changed my life. It altered my view of food and how I eat more than any book or diet I've ever researched. It was, to be honest, a revelation. However, for those of you who read The Obesity Code: Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss, you know what I'm talking about when I say that it is short on practical, step-by-step advice on how to start and maintain a fasting lifestyle. Needless to say, I was hungry for more information and more guidance from Jason Fung. And I hoped that Life in the Fasting Lane: The Essential Guide to Making Intermittent Fasting Simple, Sustainable, and Enjoyable was what I was looking for to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and practical advice.
I really enjoyed Life in the Fasting Lane: The Essential Guide to Making Intermittent Fasting Simple, Sustainable, and Enjoyable, but I'm not sure if all of my questions were answered.
I think if you found "The Obesity Code" to be too technical or difficult to understand, "Life in the Fasting Lane" will be much more your speed. There are two co-authors with Dr. Fung, and they have a more relatable way of writing and conveying information to readers. I tend to like science and technical stuff, but I enjoyed how easy it was to read and understand the co-authors and their perspectives. Both have worked with obesity and have intimate knowledge of being overweight, so their personal stories helped show how this lifestyle can work for people who have also struggled with their weight.
I thought that some of the information was very helpful, like specifically how to do a longer fast and the recommended frequency of fasts. There was some great information on how to ease into fasting for someone who snacks a lot and has never skipped a meal. I also liked how they talked us through the emotions that we might feel during each day of fasting and possible normal and abnormal side effects we should be looking for. It also reinforced the need for a no sugar, low carb diet, something the Dr. Fung suggests but isn't as focused on in his original book.
The only thing I really wanted more of was specific meal planning suggestions. For example, what kinds of sweets to eat when you are trying to eliminate sugar. In "The Obesity Code," Dr. Fung suggests very dark chocolate, but I was looking for more suggesting like using chia seeds or other things to satisfy a slight sweet craving without taking too many steps backwards. However, I really liked that the fasting lifestyle is so flexible that even if you eat carbs or don't modify meals that much, you can fit fasting into your way of life. I also think that this book doesn't talk enough about daily fasting intervals as something you can do long-term and instead focuses more on 24-72 hour fasts.
A very good companion to "The Obesity Code," I took away lots of helpful information from Life in the Fasting Lane: The Essential Guide to Making Intermittent Fasting Simple, Sustainable, and Enjoyable. An excellent tool to use when embarking on fasting for the first time.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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I really enjoyed Life in the Fasting Lane: The Essential Guide to Making Intermittent Fasting Simple, Sustainable, and Enjoyable, but I'm not sure if all of my questions were answered.
I think if you found "The Obesity Code" to be too technical or difficult to understand, "Life in the Fasting Lane" will be much more your speed. There are two co-authors with Dr. Fung, and they have a more relatable way of writing and conveying information to readers. I tend to like science and technical stuff, but I enjoyed how easy it was to read and understand the co-authors and their perspectives. Both have worked with obesity and have intimate knowledge of being overweight, so their personal stories helped show how this lifestyle can work for people who have also struggled with their weight.
I thought that some of the information was very helpful, like specifically how to do a longer fast and the recommended frequency of fasts. There was some great information on how to ease into fasting for someone who snacks a lot and has never skipped a meal. I also liked how they talked us through the emotions that we might feel during each day of fasting and possible normal and abnormal side effects we should be looking for. It also reinforced the need for a no sugar, low carb diet, something the Dr. Fung suggests but isn't as focused on in his original book.
The only thing I really wanted more of was specific meal planning suggestions. For example, what kinds of sweets to eat when you are trying to eliminate sugar. In "The Obesity Code," Dr. Fung suggests very dark chocolate, but I was looking for more suggesting like using chia seeds or other things to satisfy a slight sweet craving without taking too many steps backwards. However, I really liked that the fasting lifestyle is so flexible that even if you eat carbs or don't modify meals that much, you can fit fasting into your way of life. I also think that this book doesn't talk enough about daily fasting intervals as something you can do long-term and instead focuses more on 24-72 hour fasts.
A very good companion to "The Obesity Code," I took away lots of helpful information from Life in the Fasting Lane: The Essential Guide to Making Intermittent Fasting Simple, Sustainable, and Enjoyable. An excellent tool to use when embarking on fasting for the first time.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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April 19, 2020
After reading a couple of books on fasting by Jason Fung, this one was disappointing. The text and commentary felt like it was regurgitated from his other (and better) books. It was mostly commentary on fitting fasting into your life but did not have the actual how to's, charts or recipes. It feels like there was nothing original in this book and i waited for the actual details only to come to the end of the book with nothing.
if you are looking for help on fasting, read The Obesity Code, which despite its' very unfortunate title gives a better guide to fasting.
if you are looking for help on fasting, read The Obesity Code, which despite its' very unfortunate title gives a better guide to fasting.
February 16, 2023
Audiobook….read Brian Nishii, Courtney Patterson, and Piper Goodeve
…..7 hours and 36 minutes
“Bodies can either be storing energy or burning energy.
Fasting allows the body to use the energy and burn fat….by not eating often. Fasting is like a good nights sleep; it allows the body to rest. It can focus on replenishing and repairing”.
Fasting is worth exploring if you want to improve your health… not only to lose weight.
Medically, speaking… many diseases are caused by extra body fat. Being overweight increases the risk of heart, can raise blood pressure, create liver disease, cancer, and other medical risks.
I’m not overweight, I’m actually a little bit underweight at the moment- but I do have medical issues.
During my first year of marriage, I went to a fasting retreat in Palm Desert.
I was having many the same issues that I actually still have today. (a disease I was born with).
Fasting for a month was hard to do… (I was working with a medical team, and having colonics each day).
It wasn’t fun drinking mineral oil - my daily diet drink,
but I did improve, and the results lasted for many years after.
I think I lost 20 pounds during my stay, all of which came back as soon as I returned home and started eating again, but the important results lasted for many years as I already mentioned.
I’ve never gone to a fasting retreat again. It was over 40 years ago…. much less expensive than fasting retreats are today.
And I’m certainly not up for it, emotionally on any level…
but I have experienced some benefits from intermittent fasting…..on my own.
It’s flexible without rigid rules.
This book is informative….
….a great resource and introduction to intermittent fasting. Not for everyone—(I know people who don’t believe in it at all)…..but resting our bodies from eating occasionally— sixteen hour stretch between meals - *occasionally* - can have us feeling like the bunny energizer…. rather than the heavy hippo.
I found ‘Life in the Fasting Lane’ reinforced my own thoughts about fasting — a ‘part’ of the wellness lifestyle that I’m focusing on these days with determined gumption!
They say the gift of health is one of the greatest gifts in the world!
I’m very thankful these days to the wonderful acupuncturist that has been helping me with my spine and digestive issues.
Wishing all my friends and family good health 💕
…..7 hours and 36 minutes
“Bodies can either be storing energy or burning energy.
Fasting allows the body to use the energy and burn fat….by not eating often. Fasting is like a good nights sleep; it allows the body to rest. It can focus on replenishing and repairing”.
Fasting is worth exploring if you want to improve your health… not only to lose weight.
Medically, speaking… many diseases are caused by extra body fat. Being overweight increases the risk of heart, can raise blood pressure, create liver disease, cancer, and other medical risks.
I’m not overweight, I’m actually a little bit underweight at the moment- but I do have medical issues.
During my first year of marriage, I went to a fasting retreat in Palm Desert.
I was having many the same issues that I actually still have today. (a disease I was born with).
Fasting for a month was hard to do… (I was working with a medical team, and having colonics each day).
It wasn’t fun drinking mineral oil - my daily diet drink,
but I did improve, and the results lasted for many years after.
I think I lost 20 pounds during my stay, all of which came back as soon as I returned home and started eating again, but the important results lasted for many years as I already mentioned.
I’ve never gone to a fasting retreat again. It was over 40 years ago…. much less expensive than fasting retreats are today.
And I’m certainly not up for it, emotionally on any level…
but I have experienced some benefits from intermittent fasting…..on my own.
It’s flexible without rigid rules.
This book is informative….
….a great resource and introduction to intermittent fasting. Not for everyone—(I know people who don’t believe in it at all)…..but resting our bodies from eating occasionally— sixteen hour stretch between meals - *occasionally* - can have us feeling like the bunny energizer…. rather than the heavy hippo.
I found ‘Life in the Fasting Lane’ reinforced my own thoughts about fasting — a ‘part’ of the wellness lifestyle that I’m focusing on these days with determined gumption!
They say the gift of health is one of the greatest gifts in the world!
I’m very thankful these days to the wonderful acupuncturist that has been helping me with my spine and digestive issues.
Wishing all my friends and family good health 💕
November 17, 2021
Sorry folks, pass this one.
Background: due to a wackadoodle thyroid and resulting hormonal imbalance, I have gained thirty pounds. I’ve always eaten pretty clean, and never stopped exercising. My endocrinologist recommended switching to HIIT, carb cycling, etc. Scale hasn’t moved. Thought I’d give intermittent fasting a try, and I was looking for a book that would get behind the science of what IT does. I’m a researcher; I like cold hard facts and understanding why my body does what it does on a cellular level.
Cue disappointment.
This book is basically a collection of anecdotes and the three authors telling their own stories over …and over…and over again. Huge editing fail that in the very last chapter Eve recounts her three bariatric surgeries with multiple exclamation points and a few REALLY GUYS as if she hadn’t mentioned her surgeries in detail at least ten times.
I felt it was the equivalent of a long social media post with “it, like, totally works! And all those concerns you have, I, like, totally promise that they’re not valid, with no science at all to back it up!”
(Case in point. After spending a good long time reviewing why lowering your calorie intake will only stall your metabolism, they brought up the concern, “but won’t eating less also lessen my calories, and thus stall my metabolism?” The answer was, and I quote, “it won’t!” Ummmm …..WHY???)
The majority of the book was repeating the basic idea of “it works!” for about hundred pages. The rest was teaching you how to be hungry, and convincing you that yummy food isn’t that important anyway, and you won’t even miss it. Here’s my summary: first, try not eating for a while. Then, go even longer without eating. THEN, try not eating for even LONGER. Voila!
Honestly, anyone struggling with anorexia should stay as far away as possible from this book. It would be extremely triggering and truly devastating. Despite claiming medical reasons to lose weight, the authors proudly declare that wearing a bikini is the number one reason they fast.
In conclusion- because I’ve already spent far too much mental energy on this bunk- the authors are not doing their cause any favors. I’m still going to try intermittent fasting, but IN SPITE of this book, certainly not because of it. I very generously gave it two stars for the roughly ten pages of science, where it explained what triggers the hunger response.
Background: due to a wackadoodle thyroid and resulting hormonal imbalance, I have gained thirty pounds. I’ve always eaten pretty clean, and never stopped exercising. My endocrinologist recommended switching to HIIT, carb cycling, etc. Scale hasn’t moved. Thought I’d give intermittent fasting a try, and I was looking for a book that would get behind the science of what IT does. I’m a researcher; I like cold hard facts and understanding why my body does what it does on a cellular level.
Cue disappointment.
This book is basically a collection of anecdotes and the three authors telling their own stories over …and over…and over again. Huge editing fail that in the very last chapter Eve recounts her three bariatric surgeries with multiple exclamation points and a few REALLY GUYS as if she hadn’t mentioned her surgeries in detail at least ten times.
I felt it was the equivalent of a long social media post with “it, like, totally works! And all those concerns you have, I, like, totally promise that they’re not valid, with no science at all to back it up!”
(Case in point. After spending a good long time reviewing why lowering your calorie intake will only stall your metabolism, they brought up the concern, “but won’t eating less also lessen my calories, and thus stall my metabolism?” The answer was, and I quote, “it won’t!” Ummmm …..WHY???)
The majority of the book was repeating the basic idea of “it works!” for about hundred pages. The rest was teaching you how to be hungry, and convincing you that yummy food isn’t that important anyway, and you won’t even miss it. Here’s my summary: first, try not eating for a while. Then, go even longer without eating. THEN, try not eating for even LONGER. Voila!
Honestly, anyone struggling with anorexia should stay as far away as possible from this book. It would be extremely triggering and truly devastating. Despite claiming medical reasons to lose weight, the authors proudly declare that wearing a bikini is the number one reason they fast.
In conclusion- because I’ve already spent far too much mental energy on this bunk- the authors are not doing their cause any favors. I’m still going to try intermittent fasting, but IN SPITE of this book, certainly not because of it. I very generously gave it two stars for the roughly ten pages of science, where it explained what triggers the hunger response.
April 17, 2020
A nice read. A nice advice book for starters in intermittent diet. The authors have nice to say about a topic and sometimes it is confusing who is who. I bet I should concentrate more in reading 😊😀😄😂
May 24, 2020
Okay for newcomers to fasting and Fung but nowhere near as good as The Obesity Code and The Diabetes Code.
June 20, 2021
One of the better books available on how fasting can be used for weight loss and overall health. Particularly useful at explaining the connection between weight gain and the hormone, insulin. Describes how type 2 diabetes (and pre-diabetes) can be reversed by proper use of fasting. Dispels common myths such as "it's better to eat many small meals during the day in order to keep up your metabolism" or "weight loss is just a matter of controlling intake and exercising", etc. Notes how fasts have been used for thousands of years, and are still practiced today by many religions and cultures, to maintain overall health and mental state. I found this book to be helpful and different from the countless books found in the diet section of your book store.
May 2, 2022
The sections written by the two women read like a manual for acquiring an eating disorder. Very little input from Fung and extremely pro-ana.
January 3, 2025
A lot of anecdotal commentary but not a lot of scientific specifics.
April 12, 2020
It was fine, definitely geared toward very beginner. I like the way things were framed, but it was very light on science, and heavy on limited anecdotes and the perspectives of two of the coauthors (I've read Fung's other books which are science-heavy and I appreciate a lot more). The perspective and advice also leaned heavily toward women, and common problems/lifestyles/insecurities of women. I am a woman but I would have liked a broader, more inclusive perspective. Also would have liked this book to address, in more detail, why fasting is not anorexia/self starvation. For some reason Fung has been very brief about this, and it is a very common misconception for people that I wish would be handled in Fung's wonderfully scientific way, beyond simply saying that "starvation is involuntary." That is not always the case. Overall a good book for people who haven't read his previous works.
March 2, 2025
This one was an interesting read. I liked the writing approach of the 3 authors. A lot of practical advice – both real-life and expert- offering a customizable program for tailoring one’s fasting routine. I appreciated the scientific backing and the personal stories.
June 19, 2020
How many ways can you tell people "don't eat!" :) I feel like this book was more for the person who maybe wants a little less science and more hands on 'how to handle different situations' kind of advice. I enjoy the science aspect of Dr Fung's books but this was a nice resource too, with input from 2 docs and a gal who has been through it. People have been fasting for thousands of years. Don't be scared of it. Your body is smart, it won't let you die. If you are scared, here's yer book.
July 12, 2021
This book blew my mind. Basically, most of what I believed about weight loss has been a bunch of nonsense, and I've suffered needlessly trying to lose weight (if you ever tried counting calories, sticking to low-fat diets, and doing sports in order to lose weight, you suffered needlessly too). You won't stay thin using these methods, our bodies don't work this way. Also, weight loss doesn't have to be as difficult as we have been taught to believe.
Intermittent fasting + keto 🚀
Intermittent fasting + keto 🚀
April 28, 2022
Excellent well-documented material - informative and easy to read. If you only have time to read one book on fasting for health, this is the one to pick.
July 20, 2021
I hate to say it but this is a terrible book and incredibly misleading in terms of nutrition and diet.
It always amazes me the lengths people will go to to create diets that will allow them to continue to eat the garbage food that got them sick in the first place. This book, for 240 pages tries to convince readers that fasting is the end-all-be-all and they can continue to eat the low quality, crap foods that are getting millions upon millions of Americans sick on a daily basis.
Eat an entire pizza to yourself? Just fast! Sneak some sugary doughnuts? Just fast! Want to eat bacon and red meat? Just fast!
They do get a couple things right in that they recommend avoiding processed foods and eating whole foods. And I also do agree with certain types of fasting. However, the negligence of eating plant based and describing bacon and red meat as their personal "feel good" foods is shocking. If you want to read a REAL nutrition based book that'll help your health and change your life then you should be diving in to the likes of T Colin Campbell, Micheal Greger, Neil Barnard or William M Li.
(I just want to make a note that I do understand Jason Fung is a very successful doctor and author and these comments I have made here are not a reflection of his previous books (Obesity Code, Diabetes Code), these comments are strictly about this book in which I find he barely takes much part in anyway).
It always amazes me the lengths people will go to to create diets that will allow them to continue to eat the garbage food that got them sick in the first place. This book, for 240 pages tries to convince readers that fasting is the end-all-be-all and they can continue to eat the low quality, crap foods that are getting millions upon millions of Americans sick on a daily basis.
Eat an entire pizza to yourself? Just fast! Sneak some sugary doughnuts? Just fast! Want to eat bacon and red meat? Just fast!
They do get a couple things right in that they recommend avoiding processed foods and eating whole foods. And I also do agree with certain types of fasting. However, the negligence of eating plant based and describing bacon and red meat as their personal "feel good" foods is shocking. If you want to read a REAL nutrition based book that'll help your health and change your life then you should be diving in to the likes of T Colin Campbell, Micheal Greger, Neil Barnard or William M Li.
(I just want to make a note that I do understand Jason Fung is a very successful doctor and author and these comments I have made here are not a reflection of his previous books (Obesity Code, Diabetes Code), these comments are strictly about this book in which I find he barely takes much part in anyway).
September 7, 2021
I was surprised at how approachable this book was. I have been an intermittent faster by nature for as long as I can remember. Maybe even since childhood. I just never felt hungry until noon or 1:00 or 2:00 p.m. this book is nice because it helps to normalize that behavior which is typically considered odd. Much of it also just makes plain sense. It was nice to see it broken down into all of the nutritional and medical aspects. I was already pretty sold on the idea before I started the book. It does make sense that if the body is a machine it will eventually get worn down if it is overused. I will say that what makes this book a standout among other health nonfiction is that Eve Mayer is absolutely hilarious! Without her, it would have been a nonfiction book about science and health. With her it's some weird sort of David sedaris mix that is both entertaining and educational. I am nervous to try a full day fast. But I feel that by the end of this book there were a lot of tips and tricks to make that a reasonable possibility. And since I'm already sold on the health benefits of it, I may be revisiting this book again shortly.
December 1, 2021
Like many of these books there was some (a little) good information in this book. Unfortunately not enough. The book is written by a doctor, a researcher and a lay person. Unfortunately it seemed most of the book was the lay person giving a bunch of antidotal crap with nothing but her personal random experiences. Some of the food recommendations (by all three authors unfortunately are outrageous. Drink whole milk? Eat ribs? Enjoy a big rib eye steak? Eat bacon and eggs ? It is like these people have not seen any of the research on a plant based diet. Way too much crap to wade through in this book to get the very few good parts.
December 5, 2021
Pretty much a watered down version of his other books.
November 19, 2021
This is Nonfiction/Health. This is the 4th book that I've read by this author in the last month. I liked this one. However, it felt more like a "why" this type of fasting is beneficial and how to fit it into your life than anything else. There were 3 authors represented here and there were also testimonials...all fine and good, but this wasn't a HOW TO. This has good info for the reader thinking about this type of lifestyle. But to be successful, other books would be needed. So 3 stars.
December 31, 2021
Good book to read if you are thinking of incorporating fasting into your life. Encouraging book for a beginner.
April 28, 2021
Having been overweight, often obese much of my life I am skeptical of any claims. It bothers me that there is an emphasis on keto, which is absolutely wrong for me. Tried it first as a child (mom’s idea) when it was Dr. Stillman’s Quick Weight Loss Diet.
A different fast in the late 70’s, “The Last Chance Diet” messed up my heart rhythm, stopped my periods, cost me a third of my hair and thrust me into anorexia. When I saw on TV people were dying of this diet I went to the infirmary, started eating again slowly and soon binged my way into double my weight loss and my first major clinical depression.
A lot of folks, like me, have a lot more going on than just food and weight. Though that alone is way more complex than the medical community has ever owned up to. I am a survivor of severe childhood trauma. In some ways my weight is armor to keep anyone from getting close enough to hurt me. These issues are dealt with in therapy and 12 step groups.
I admit I am still looking for a magic bullet. I am doing intermittent 8-16 fasting, measure all my food, eat nothing processed, particularly sugars or wheat. I feel great and take long walks. My weight is still over 200 and I am only 5’ tall.
I have found that my body needs complex carbohydrates, like beans and sweet potatoes. Maybe all the crazy diets and yo-yoing irreparably damaged my metabolism. I don’t know. I’m going to continue exploring fasting, but not with keto or ketosis. Wish me luck.
A different fast in the late 70’s, “The Last Chance Diet” messed up my heart rhythm, stopped my periods, cost me a third of my hair and thrust me into anorexia. When I saw on TV people were dying of this diet I went to the infirmary, started eating again slowly and soon binged my way into double my weight loss and my first major clinical depression.
A lot of folks, like me, have a lot more going on than just food and weight. Though that alone is way more complex than the medical community has ever owned up to. I am a survivor of severe childhood trauma. In some ways my weight is armor to keep anyone from getting close enough to hurt me. These issues are dealt with in therapy and 12 step groups.
I admit I am still looking for a magic bullet. I am doing intermittent 8-16 fasting, measure all my food, eat nothing processed, particularly sugars or wheat. I feel great and take long walks. My weight is still over 200 and I am only 5’ tall.
I have found that my body needs complex carbohydrates, like beans and sweet potatoes. Maybe all the crazy diets and yo-yoing irreparably damaged my metabolism. I don’t know. I’m going to continue exploring fasting, but not with keto or ketosis. Wish me luck.
April 18, 2022
Fasting gets more manageable over time as your body adapts to fueling itself with body fat rather than food.
Nothing new here folks. If you’ve read any of the other fasting books by this author - don’t expect your third eye to open in this one.
Having said that - it is still good information and still relevant. If you happen upon this book - and feel compelled - by all means, dive in.
Only, if you are new to fasting - I recommend starting with The Obesity Code: Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss and The Complete Guide to Fasting: Heal Your Body Through Intermittent, Alternate-Day, and Extended Fasting, then check out the others by the author. If you are like me, and like to keep it fresh and further reinforce the good information provided - you cannot go wrong here.
Listened to the audio, read by multiple narrators. Is an easy listen.
June 11, 2021
This is the second book I’ve read on fasting, it was informative and I learned new and different things. I liked both books, what I specifically liked better about this book is the input from three sources: a long-time patient and dieter, a medical lab researcher, and Dr. Fung a nephrologist—or kidney disease specialist and the approach they took on fasting from a diabetes angle. This book also effectively shot down the “calories in, calories out” approach to weight loss and explained that hormones have more to do with weight loss. They discussed and explained insulin and it’s effect on the body and the body’s need to take a break from constant insulin secretion. It dispels false ideas about fasting including the false idea that fasting will decrease metabolism, etc.
This quote is a good explanation of fasting:
“If I could sum up fasting in one sentence, I would say this: fasting regulates your hormones. It’s more than a diet; it resets your body’s internal controls, allowing it to burn the right amount of energy to keep you alive.” (page 12)
This quote is a good explanation of fasting:
“If I could sum up fasting in one sentence, I would say this: fasting regulates your hormones. It’s more than a diet; it resets your body’s internal controls, allowing it to burn the right amount of energy to keep you alive.” (page 12)
April 27, 2023
I was extremely disappointed with this book. I originally purchased it online & when I saw it was available through my local library I was able to cancel the order. Thankfully I caught it in time. If I’d have purchased this book I would be extra disappointed.
If I’d never heard of, thought about or tried fasting this book might have been better for me. I already knew quite a bit about fasting as well as the low carb diet & exercise. I found the book too simple & repetitive. Full disclosure … I skimmed a lot of the content as it was of little interest or there was no need to read it.
If new to these concepts it might serve as a good introduction. If you pick this up expecting very much, if any, science behind fasting, diet & exercise you’ll be disappointed. If you read it expecting very little science & a lot of touchy-feely fluff, you’ll be happy.
If I’d never heard of, thought about or tried fasting this book might have been better for me. I already knew quite a bit about fasting as well as the low carb diet & exercise. I found the book too simple & repetitive. Full disclosure … I skimmed a lot of the content as it was of little interest or there was no need to read it.
If new to these concepts it might serve as a good introduction. If you pick this up expecting very much, if any, science behind fasting, diet & exercise you’ll be disappointed. If you read it expecting very little science & a lot of touchy-feely fluff, you’ll be happy.
May 28, 2020
There wasn’t too much new info here. Avoid sugar. Don’t eat when you’re bored.
Basically, if you don’t eat for 16 hours, your body will burn fat.
I listened to the audio book and didn’t enjoy the concept of the 3 authors each reading their section of the chapter, always beginning with Eve and her personal experience. I think they should have started with the doctor to get some science (which isn’t much), and then if you need experience then you can keep on listening. As it is, I had to keep forwarding 15 seconds each chapter til the doc showed up.
Basically, if you don’t eat for 16 hours, your body will burn fat.
I listened to the audio book and didn’t enjoy the concept of the 3 authors each reading their section of the chapter, always beginning with Eve and her personal experience. I think they should have started with the doctor to get some science (which isn’t much), and then if you need experience then you can keep on listening. As it is, I had to keep forwarding 15 seconds each chapter til the doc showed up.
July 23, 2023
If you have already read Jason Fung elsewhere, then you won't get any new science from this book. However, I find that continuing to read about fasting, keto, etc etc always helps me change my mindset and behavior for the long term. This particular book does address all the nuanced challenges of learning how to fast and being successful at it as a sustainable lifestyle. Some sections I skimmed but the rest was very helpful. I feel more pumped up to keep trying fasting!
October 29, 2020
2/3 of this book are a personal account of weight loss struggles and eventual success through fasting. 1/3 was about the actual science and conduct of a healthy fast. If you don’t need the weight loss motivation or self-compassion psychology, then I would recommend getting the fasting info elsewhere.
January 12, 2022
Fantastic! So easy to read and very informative. Great personal experiences added in with every chapter. The science behind the fasting model is explained in layman’s terms and there are great examples to show the different choices open to this lifestyle choice. This was a fast and easy read for me because I found it to be so interesting!
July 31, 2023
This is the "small brain" version of the "The Obesity Code", which I recently finished. I really liked this book, too, because the two ladies who authored it with Dr. Fung offer great practical advice for making fasting work, in addition to the hard science that explains what fasting is and why it is the key to weight loss. Reading the 2 books in conjunction with each other has been very helpful to me.
September 23, 2024
I have opened my Kindle highlights for an easy reference to what the book is about and what it says.
Intermittent fasting is not a new practice. It is certainly not new in the eastern world. After reading the book and other texts on fasting, I am realising that it is an absolute torture to the body to keep eating all through the day.
On the other side, the benefits of fasting when done regularly are tremendous. ‘I wish I knew this early.’—you would hear this echoing all throughout while reading the book.
I wanted to explore the scientific basis on the effectiveness of fasting and at the same time text with no heavy jargons. So after some research, I picked this one.
Life in the Fasting Lane describes the entire process of fasting from an external as well as an internal point of you.
It understands the struggles that a person may have while choosing to fast and how to overcome those.
It has three authors of different backgrounds to give you an overall view of this situation, and thus attempts to clear your mind of all the myths and stigma associated with keeping oneself hungry.
The second half of the book is dedicated to personal issues that one could face while fasting such as going on trips or explaining your decision to the family. It gives psychological perspectives and grandma’s advices at the same time. It becomes a cosy read towards the end.
In the first half, it explores the scientific benefits of fasting, which was the main reason I picked up this book.
In all, if you want to really understand the technicalities of fasting, I would suggest to read another book by Dr Fung.
This one is close to a light-hearted conversation that you may have with a friend who is already doing the practice and encouraging you to do the same.
Intermittent fasting is not a new practice. It is certainly not new in the eastern world. After reading the book and other texts on fasting, I am realising that it is an absolute torture to the body to keep eating all through the day.
On the other side, the benefits of fasting when done regularly are tremendous. ‘I wish I knew this early.’—you would hear this echoing all throughout while reading the book.
I wanted to explore the scientific basis on the effectiveness of fasting and at the same time text with no heavy jargons. So after some research, I picked this one.
Life in the Fasting Lane describes the entire process of fasting from an external as well as an internal point of you.
It understands the struggles that a person may have while choosing to fast and how to overcome those.
It has three authors of different backgrounds to give you an overall view of this situation, and thus attempts to clear your mind of all the myths and stigma associated with keeping oneself hungry.
The second half of the book is dedicated to personal issues that one could face while fasting such as going on trips or explaining your decision to the family. It gives psychological perspectives and grandma’s advices at the same time. It becomes a cosy read towards the end.
In the first half, it explores the scientific benefits of fasting, which was the main reason I picked up this book.
In all, if you want to really understand the technicalities of fasting, I would suggest to read another book by Dr Fung.
This one is close to a light-hearted conversation that you may have with a friend who is already doing the practice and encouraging you to do the same.
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