153: Intermittent Fasting with Gin Stephens

153: Intermittent Fasting with Gin Stephens

Author: Dr. Steve Hughlett October 20, 2025 Duration: 1:00:00

In this episode I am interviewing Gin Stephens.  

Gin Stephens is a bestselling author, podcaster, and educator who has become a leading voice in the world of intermittent fasting. She began dabbling in intermittent fasting around 2009, but truly committed to the lifestyle in 2014 after her weight reached 210 pounds, ultimately losing over 80 pounds and transforming her health.

Her books, including "Delay, Don't Deny" and "Fast. Feast. Repeat.," have helped popularize the concept of a "clean fast" and empowered thousands to adopt intermittent fasting for weight management and well-being.

The key principles of Gin Stephens' fasting approach center around the concept of the "clean fast" and intuitive eating during the eating window.

She emphasizes the importance of avoiding all flavors (sweet, sour, umami) during the fasting period, meaning only plain water, black coffee, and unflavored tea are permitted—no sweeteners, creamers, flavored drinks, or supplements that could trigger an insulin response or hinder autophagy.

Main Topics Covered

  • Gin's background as an educator and author

  • How she started intermittent fasting in 2014 and refined it over time

  • The difference between Delay, Don't Deny and Fast, Feast, Repeat

  • What "clean fasting" means and why small mistakes matter

  • The link between insulin, brain health, and longevity

  • The shift in the fasting community from weight loss to overall health

  • Research by Dr. Mark Mattson and Dr. Ben Bikman on fasting and neurological health

  • How fasting lowers inflammation and helps prevent diseases like Alzheimer's 

 

  • Please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, share, and subscribe if you enjoyed my show.

     

    If you'd like even more information on this topic, you can go to Amazon or Audible and pick up my book, Your Plate Is Your Fate.

    Check out our website: drstevehughlett.com

    You can also check us out on Youtube.

    Sign up for a FREE 15 minute Weight-Loss Solutions Chat to help you decide if you would like our help on your weight-loss journey.

    For more in-depth answers on how to lose weight the healthy way, how to decrease the need for medications, and how to eliminate diseases like type 2 diabetes, sign up for our FREE weekly Thrive Naturally Newsletter released every Thursday

  • Disclaimer:  The information provided on this channel/podcast/publication is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medications.


There’s a quiet revolution happening in how we think about health, one that questions whether a pill is always the answer. Nutrition Prescription: Wellness vs Medications explores that space where food and lifestyle intersect with conventional medicine. Hosted by Dr. Steve Hughlett, this podcast digs into real, practical strategies for building vitality that don’t rely on restrictive diets or costly supplement regimens. Each episode is built around actionable tips and genuine success stories from people who have navigated similar challenges. You’ll hear conversations focused on cultivating more natural energy and confidence, fundamentally shifting the approach from managing symptoms to fostering lasting health. It’s for anyone who feels stalled by their current routine, is curious about reducing reliance on medications under proper guidance, or simply wants a more balanced and informed relationship with food. The discussions steer clear of quick fixes, emphasizing instead sustainable habits and a deeper understanding of how nutrition acts as foundational medicine. Tune in for a grounded, evidence-informed perspective that makes holistic wellness feel accessible and practical, one meal and one mindful choice at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Nutrition Prescription: Wellness vs Medications
Podcast Episodes
159: Diabetic Medication Mis-Direction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:35
In this episode, Dr. Steve shares a powerful talk from the Secrets in Health Conference about how diabetes medications often "miss the mark." He explains the real root problem behind type 2 diabetes (insulin resistance),…
158: Healthy Holiday Eating Habits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:33
Click here to join...Freeze the Scale This episode dives into simple and practical ways to keep your health and energy on track during the holiday season. Learn why most people gain weight between Thanksgiving and New Ye…
157: Glucose or Fat - Choosing your Fuel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:03
JOIN The FREEZE the SCALE Challenge Your Body's Two Sources of Fuel The body can use either glucose or fat as fuel. Most people rely on glucose due to dietary guidelines over the last 40–50 years, but this is not the way…
156: Pain Free and 45 lb weight loss with David Woodcock [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:31
Introduction In Today's episode Dave Woodcock, shares how their relationship began and how Dave's health journey recently became inspiring for many. Dave explains their connection through family and describes their first…
155: Fat Cells and their link to Insulin Resistance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:55
This episode dives deep into what fat cells actually do, why we have them, and how they play a huge role in health, energy, and the development of insulin resistance. The discussion is practical and focused on helping yo…
154: My Before and After Weight Loss Journey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:44
This episode is a deep, personal look into my own weight-loss transformation — from struggling with weight gain and low energy to regaining health and vitality. I walk through the early days of trying the Body for Life p…
152: Medicine or Marketing,  Untangling the Deception [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:53
This episode explores how big corporations use marketing tactics—like the food pyramid and low-fat trends—to prioritize profits over genuine health. Listeners will learn how processed foods and misleading dietary advice…
151: All Medications Have Adverse Effects [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:22
This episode dives into the hidden truth behind medications: all of them have adverse side effects, and the medical system doesn't always teach patients how nutrition and lifestyle changes can help reverse chronic health…
150:  What is meant by the term Man-Made-Food [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:49
In this episode, I break down what "man-made food" truly means and why it's important for anyone struggling with weight, low energy, or health issues. Discover how food manufacturers changed the way we eat and why those…
149:  Cholesterol, The Good, The Bad and the Ugly [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:44
In this episode, I cut through the confusion around cholesterol and break down what you really need to know about HDL, LDL, and why they're not "good" or "bad" cholesterol. Cholesterol itself is vital for life—it helps b…