Why IF and Keto don’t work for women 40+

Are you a women over 40❓
Do you notice that your body does not respond the same to diets anymore❓

If you answered YES to these two questions, then you are going to want to read this. 

Maybe you’ve tried intermittent fasting or the keto diet, hoping to see the same results your husband, son, or even your male trainer has experienced, only to end up frustrated and feeling worse. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And there’s a very good reason for it—diets just don’t work for us in the long run.

Why? Because women are unique, especially once we hit 40 and beyond. Our bodies, our hormones, our metabolisms—they’re all different from men’s. The diet industry doesn’t want to admit it, but the truth is that most of the popular diets out there—whether it’s intermittent fasting, keto, or anything else—were designed with men in mind.

Let’s break it down: The Science Behind Diets and Why They Fail Women Over 40

Intermittent fasting and keto have been all the rage, largely because of the impressive results men seem to get from them.

But here’s the kicker: most of the studies proving the effectiveness of these diets have been conducted on men, not women. Why? Because women’s bodies are considered more “complicated” due to our hormones, so they’re often excluded from research studies.

But newer studies that do include women are showing a different story and scary stats. For men, fasting can lead to improved insulin sensitivity, lower body fat, and even increased fertility. However, when women over 40 try intermittent fasting, the results can be the exact opposite:

• Increased abdominal fat
• Decreased fertility
• Slowing of thyroid function
• Decreased metabolic rate
• Increased stress response (hello, cortisol!)
• Mood swings, brain fog, and fatigue

Women’s hormones, particularly after 40, simply don’t respond well to extreme diets. Our bodies are biologically wired to resist starvation and stress—exactly what fasting and low-carb diets can trigger. This is why you might see initial results, but soon after, you’re left feeling worse than before.

Why I’m the Anti-Diet Nutritionist
This is why I proudly call myself the Anti-Diet Nutritionist. The only way to truly feel great in your body again and reclaim your health is by healing your metabolism—not by starving it.

Here’s what we do differently:

• We focus on fueling your metabolism, not depriving it. We teach you how to eat at regular intervals with balanced, nutrient-rich meals that keep your blood sugar stable and your energy levels high.
• We address your unique hormonal needs. We help you choose foods and create meal plans that work with your body, not against it. No more one-size-fits-all diets that leave you stressed, hungry, and frustrated.
• We emphasize lifestyle and mindset shifts. We teach you how to reduce your cortisol levels, improve your sleep, and manage stress—all of which are crucial for a healthy metabolism.

When you nourish your body properly and manage your stress, natural weight loss becomes possible. You’ll feel more energetic, clearer-headed, and finally see the results you’ve been longing for—not just on the scale, but in every aspect of your life.

What you should do next …

✅ Register for my Nutrition Class: 3 Realistic Solutions to Rev Your Metabolism so you can Drop Weight Naturally Without Deprivation. And after class, you will receive a gift (My Favorite Balanced Breakfast Recipe Book). I recommend you register early; spaces are limited! 

✅ Sign-up for my 3-Day Eating Reset: Tame your sugar cravings without feeling deprived. You will receive my step-by-step guide to stabilize your blood sugar with a done-for-you menu plan, simple recipes, and shopping list.

✅ Schedule a FREE Metabolism Mastery Call: This is a no pressure phone conversation with our health coaches.  Let’s dive into your specific challenges and goals to figure out what next steps are best for you.

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About the Author

Hello, I’m Betsy Markle.  I’m a Registered Dietitian and Holistic Nutritionist with over 20 years of experience. Living a busy life with 3 kids and a passionate career, I understand the importance of realistic nutrition, exercise, and balanced living.

Women tend to put the needs of everyone else before their own. My passion is to empower women to create a healthy lifestyle that they love and can stick with forever.

Here at Sunshine Wellness, we are proud to help women lose weight effortlessly, overcome cravings, and revive energy so they can heal their metabolism, ditch the diet mentality, and love their bodies.

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