10 Benefits of Intermittent Fasting Over 60: My Go-To for Fat Loss, Energy, and Feeling Great (Without Counting Calories)
When it’s time to drop a few pounds or tighten up my jeans, I don’t count calories, carbs, or give up the foods I love – because honestly, that’s not how I live. My go-to method for fat loss and feeling amazing? Intermittent fasting.
I’ve used intermittent fasting (IF) many times, and it always works – without the stress or math of dieting. It’s a simple shift in when you eat, not necessarily what you eat. That means I still get to enjoy my partner’s incredible Indian and Italian dishes, his homemade granola, and fresh sourdough bread – no guilt required.
What’s more, I usually lose 8 pounds in a month while keeping up with yoga and biking five times a week. The inches melt off my waist and hips, and I feel the difference – especially when my jeans start fitting better!
Why Intermittent Fasting Works – Especially for Women Over 60
As a Doctor of Naturopathy, I’ve taught intermittent fasting to hundreds of women, and they love it for the same reasons I do: it’s easy to follow, doesn’t require complicated meal plans, and it delivers real results – especially in that stubborn belly fat area.
I typically follow the 16/8 method, where I eat between 11 AM and 7 PM. This gives me flexibility for later dinners and lets my body rest and reset for 16 hours overnight. During that fasting window, your body taps into fat stores for energy, balances hormones like insulin, and even boosts brain health – all naturally.
It’s Not a Diet – It’s a Lifestyle
One of the best things about intermittent fasting is that it’s not a fad or restrictive diet – it’s a lifestyle practice that supports good health every day. Clients tell me their emotions stabilize, they sleep better, and they feel more clear-headed, focused, and determined. That’s not a coincidence. Intermittent fasting stimulates a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports memory, learning, and mental sharpness. Think of it as fertilizer for your brain cells!
In fact, studies show that intermittent fasting may even reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and support longevity – goals many of us have as we age.
10 Benefits of Intermittent Fasting for Women Over 60
Here’s a quick look at some of the most powerful benefits my clients and I have experienced firsthand with intermittent fasting:
- Fat Loss – Especially around the belly, hips, and waistline.
- Improved Metabolism – Encourages your body to burn fat for fuel.
- Better Sleep – Many report deeper, more restful nights.
- Stable Energy – Say goodbye to sugar crashes and afternoon slumps.
- Hormone Balance – Helps regulate insulin, cortisol, and growth hormone.
- Enhanced Brain Function – Boosts BDNF for better memory and focus.
- Reduced Inflammation – Supports joints, digestion, and overall wellness.
- Longevity Support – May activate genes linked to longer life.
- Improved Digestion – Your gut gets time to rest and reset.
- Emotional Balance – Many feel calmer, clearer, and more in control.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time
Here’s the truth: after 60, our bodies change. Weight can creep on, energy dips, and we start to feel – not just older – but disconnected from our vibrant, younger selves. Intermittent fasting helps you reconnect with that energy. It’s like giving your body a reset button.
And because it works beautifully alongside natural cleansing, I often guide clients through gentle liver-supportive cleanses while fasting. That’s when the fat-burning kicks into high gear, and women really begin to feel younger again.
Ready to Get Started?
I’ve created a free guide to help you take the first step with confidence:
“Intermittent Fasting Made Easy: A Simple Guide for Women Over 60 to Burn Fat, Feel Energized, and Boost Longevity Naturally.”
Inside, you’ll find:
- A simple fasting schedule you can follow today.
- Tips for staying energized and beating hunger.
- What to eat (and avoid) for best results.
- Brain-boosting benefits and more.
To receive your free PDF guide, just send me an email at drshirleysays@gmail with “IF PDF” in the subject line.
And if you’re ready to make April your breakthrough month, I invite you to join my “IF Not Now?” April Challenge – a supportive, step-by-step experience to help you lose fat, feel great, and thrive naturally with intermittent fasting. You can request all the details by email as well.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re new to intermittent fasting or ready to recommit, remember this: it’s never too late to feel better in your body. Intermittent fasting is simple, powerful, and adaptable to your life – especially when you have the support and know-how to make it work for you.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Have you tried some form of intermittent fasting? What works for you? Which of the benefits of intermittent fasting might you consider as a goal?
Yes, IF is the way to go. It isn’t magic and I don’t really believe the claim of losing 8 lbs in a month for us gals in our 70’s who have slowed down on the vigorous running, biking, swimming exercise. It just helps me maintain my weight or lose a few pounds and my exercise consists of daily walking and twice a week exercise class. My schedule is usually noon to 8pm. That allows me a lunch, an early dinner, and a light snack which is finished before 8pm. This schedule helps me sleep better and it does a great job of regulating my blood sugar. I have don’t this for at least five years.
Wow! Congratulations…that’s an impressive track record with IF! Well done!
Thank you for this article. Intermittent fasting is something that should be promoted more. I love Intermittent Fasting and have been eating like this for 3+ years. It works for me. It is so easy to do!!!! I didn’t need to lose weight but I didn’t want to gain either! Yes, you can feel the difference and I like the way I feel both physically and mentally. thank you for the PDF too. I read so many books and articles and really found “Fast like a Girl” to be very clear, informative, and easy to read. I will actually go more than 24 hours randomly, based on my schedule, to really kick in even more of the benefits. I love the flexibility. It’s easy to plan meals. I look forward to cooking now. All the benefits are there for the taking!
You are on it, Lauren! Sounds like you really have found IF to be an amazing fit…I’m happy for you!
I have been eating like this for almost 4 years (since my divorce and I don’t have to wait to eat with my husband!) My hours are 10am/6pm… I don’t need to lose weight, but I do want to maintain where I am (or lose a few now and then), and this keeps my weight very constant which is important, especially in the less active winter months when I can’t get into my yard and work.
That’s a wonderful testimony…there are so many more benefits than just losing weight!
6 yrs ago I had a mastectomy at age 70, followed by 5 yrs of an estrogen inhibitor. When I started the EI, my oncologist told me to be prepared to gain about 29 pounds from it. I thought ‘not this girl!’ Started intermittent fasting. Started slowly and slowly ramped up to 18/6 and lost 34 pounds in 13 months and have kept it off. I work out/swim 5-6 days/wk. It’a very flexible lifestyle. If my granddaughters want to go out to breakfast (outside of my ‘window’), I go! It works!
It’s worked for me. I lost of 40 pounds in 3 years.