5 Intermittent Fasting Books You NEED

The success I’ve maintained with Intermittent Fasting wouldn’t have been possible without having a great understanding of the science and the “why it works”. I really enjoy reading and got so much great information from the following intermittent fasting books.

I am linking to the amazon listing for each book. You can also sign-up for a free audible trial and listen to one of these books. The links I share are affiliate links, so if you click and purchase through a link I share, I may receive a portion of that sale/commission.

The one that started it all (for me!)

Fun fact, “Fast. Feast. Repeat.” came out on my 33rd birthday…(June 16th, 2020). It was released in early in the pandemic and from my personal point of view, the perfect time for me to grab it. I was planning to start fasting, but with no guidance or understanding of why people did it. Thankfully, a good friend suggested I pick this book up!

Gin Stephens is the author; as a former elementary school teacher she is a wonderful educator and communicator. She shares a wonderful balance of her own story along with scientific support. The information laid out is easy to digest and certainly inspiring.

Gin also lays out what she refers to a clean fasting; essentially what you can have while fasting – I’ll share more on this in future posts! With the clean fasting recommendations she challenges readers to try this way for 28 days – The 28 Day FAST Start.

You can check out “Fast. Feast. Repeat.” here (affiliate link). Of all the intermittent fasting books I recommend; this is my favorite and gives all the tools you need to succeed.

Another round of Gin

Even though I list this book second, it’s actually Gin Stephen’s original book. “Delay, Don’t Deny” is her personal story of how she came to find and live successfully with Intermittent Fasting. It’s an easy read, relatable to anyone with a diet history.

In my opinion much of what’s in “Delay, Don’t Deny” is also in “Fast. Feast. Repeat.” However, “Fast. Feast. Repeat.” is a bit more technical. The style difference between the two makes it worthwhile to read both. You also get to know Gin’s story more, which personally, I love!

You can check out “Delay, Don’t Deny” here (affiliate link).

Medical Doctor’s Opinion

“the Fast Diet” by Dr. Michael Mosley and Mimi Spencer was the first resource on Intermittent Fasting I read from a medical doctor. Without sharing the entire story, Dr. Mosley fell into fasting so he could be involved in a BBC documentary. Through this process he actually became a huge believer in the science and benefits.

Mimi Spencer is a writer and an author on at least 1 other book about dieting. As a woman she is able to offer insights into fasting from a woman’s perspective.

“the Fast Diet” suggests 2 days a week an individual should fast with only eating 500 or 600 calories. On the other 5 days, eat as usual. This is called “5 day-2 day” diet or “5:2”. I don’t personally follow this protocol, but still found much of the information in this book informative.

Much like “Fast. Feast. Repeat.” this book shares personal journey of IF, science to back-up the practice, testimonials from other’s impacted by the authors work. Additionally, there is much information on food, food choices and an actual diet plan if that’s what you’re looking for. The diet plan

You can check out “the Fast Diet” here (affiliate link).

3 Unique Perspectives

“Life in the Fasting Lane” has three authors; Jason Fung, MD, Eve Mayer and Megan Ramos. These three have a professional relationship with each other and offer three unique perspectives/experiences with Intermittent Fasting.

I really enjoy that throughout the book there is data supporting intermittent fasting. However, alongside the data, there are 3 individuals giving their very personal experience too. At each point, the headings share which author is “speaking” at that moment.

Once again, the style is very relational and makes this book both easy to read and easy to understand.

You can check out “Life in the Fasting Lane” here (affiliate link).

Reads like a Magazine

“Intermittent Fasting for Hungry People” was written by Michelle Stacey. I picked this one up recently. It really isn’t anything groundbreaking, but I appreciate the layout and ease of read. There is good information in it, though not everything represents the way I fast.

It was informative and entertaining; such as a section on celebrities that fast. I envision this book as a good coffee table book. In fact, that be exactly where I put mine! This isn’t where I would start if looking to shop for beginner intermittent fasting books. Even though there is a lot of information, it isn’t my favorite resource.

You can check out “Intermittent Fasting for Hungry People” here (affiliate link).

BONUS

“Obesity Code” – I haven’t read this all…. but SO many in the fasting community love it. I have started it, but haven’t finished it (yet!). It’s very science and reads much more data than story; which is great for information. I own the book and do plan to finish it (as I’ve been slowly reading it the last 18 months…oops!)

This book is also written by Jason Fung, MD. He is a doctor whose work with diabetic patients has transformed the lives of many. His work in researching and sharing how intermittent fasting is key to weight loss for both diabetic patients and non, is unparalleled.

You can check out “Obesity Code” here (affiliate link).

Just a note….

I wanted to make a note that advice, protocols and ideas will vary from resource to resource. These books will differ on smaller opinions (such as what is acceptable while fasting). Everything I do may not perfectly align with each step suggested by these books. But the beauty of being an individual is we can take in the information, try different ways/schedules/windows etc. and keep the items that work for us.

One thing we can all agree on, Intermittent Fasting is worth considering. For me personally, it’s been a wonderful addition to my life.