Why Plateaus Happen — and How to Turn Them Into Progress

Why Plateaus Happen — and How to Turn Them Into Progress

Author: The Fasting Method October 7, 2025 Duration: 38:06

Episode #226

We've all been there — things are going great, the scale is moving, fasting feels easy… and then suddenly, everything stops. In this episode, Coaches Terri and Heather open up an honest conversation about plateaus: what causes them, why they're normal, and how to move through them without losing your motivation.

From dialing up your fasting rhythm to rethinking "healthy" foods that might be slowing your progress, this chat dives into the real-life adjustments that make a difference. They also explore how stress, sleep, and lifestyle habits play a bigger role than we often realize — and how to find balance again when things stall.

If you're feeling stuck or discouraged, this episode will remind you that plateaus aren't failure — they're part of the process. Listen in for encouragement, practical tips, and a few laughs along the way.

💭 What's one lifestyle habit (not food or fasting!) that could help you move past your current plateau?

 

Transcripts of all episodes are available on the Podcast page at www.thefastingmethod.com

Join the TFM Community

https://www.thefastingmethod.com/community/

Book a complimentary 15-minute coaching intake assessment with one of the TFM coaches

https://www.thefastingmethod.com/coaching/

Connect With Us

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fastingmethod/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheFastingMethod

Join our FREE Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/TFMNetwork

 

Timestamps:

00:00 Not coming for your cheese — promise!

00:16 Why plateaus happen after early success

02:59 When to go beyond 24-hour fasts

05:23 Are "healthy" foods slowing you down?

08:00 Surprising glucose responses & tracking tips

10:43 The cheese and nuts conversation

14:10 Sneaky foods and inflammation

17:07 Restaurant traps and "hidden sugars"

18:24 Stress, planning, and lifestyle habits

21:14 The importance of "safety foods"

24:57 Why stress management = weight management

27:59 Proactive self-care and emotional awareness

30:46 You can't change your body without changing your life

33:20 Focus on lifestyle, not just fasting

37:04 Pick two tips to carry with you

 

Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional. You should always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before doing any fasting, changing your diet, taking or adjusting any medication or supplements, or adopting any treatment for a health problem. The use of any other products or services purchased by you as a result of this podcast does not create a healthcare provider-patient relationship between you and any of the experts affiliated with this podcast. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.


For anyone navigating the world of intermittent fasting, sorting through the noise can be the hardest part. The Fasting Method Podcast cuts through that confusion with clarity and authority. Co-hosted by recognized experts Megan Ramos and Terri Lance, Ph.D., this podcast is built on a foundation of real science and practical application. The conversations here move beyond simplistic tips to explore the nuanced physiology of fasting, the psychological hurdles, and the sustainable strategies that lead to lasting health changes. You’ll hear detailed explorations of metabolic adaptation, hormone regulation, and the social complexities of changing one's eating patterns, all grounded in the hosts' extensive clinical and research experience. This is a space where listener questions drive the dialogue, making each episode a direct address to the real-world challenges people face. Tune in for a candid, evidence-based resource that treats fasting not as a trend, but as a deeply personal tool for wellness. The discussions on this podcast are designed to empower you with knowledge, demystify the process, and provide a supportive audio companion for your journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Fasting Method Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Hot Topic: Best Practices for Success [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:25
Episode #187 In this week's episode, Terri is joined by Coach Bethany to discuss best practices they have gleaned from their clients and Community-member success stories: Consistently showing up for Community and coachin…
Hot Topic: 7 Beginner Fasting Pitfalls [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:58
Episode #186 In this week's episode, Terri is joined by Coach Heather to talk about 7 common mistakes fasting beginners make when they are excited about the power of fasting. Neglecting to manage electrolytes. [02:25] Tr…
Hot Topic: Fasting Foundations or Framework [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:39
Episode #185 In this week's episode, Terri is joined by Coach Bethany to talk about the importance of establishing and returning to your fasting foundations or the framework structure you have put into place. They emphas…
Hot Topic: Thoughts From The Fasting Analogy Queen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:25
Episode #183 In this week's episode, you will hear a solo episode by Terri, the Analogy Queen. Because her brain works in analogies, she wanted to share some recent images she has been using in her work with fasting clie…
Hot Topic: Making The Leap From a 24-Hour Fast to Overnight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:39
Episode #182 In this week's episode, Terri is joined by Coach Heather for a discussion about a common struggle for so many fasters - getting beyond the 24-hour fasts to do an overnight fast. They highlight how to navigat…
Hot Topic: Exercise - Are You Overtraining or Not Moving Enough? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:10
Episode #181 In this week's episode,Terri is joined by TFM Coach Bethany who shares wisdom to help listeners assess if they might be interfering with their goals by overtraining or avoiding exercise due to beliefs that d…
Hot Topic: Ways To Boost Motivation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:11
Episode #179 In this week's episode,Terri is once again joined by Coach Heather Shuker. They discuss ways that we interfere with feeling motivated vs ways that we can help foster motivation. Transcripts of all episodes a…
Member Transformation: Lisa Enns [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:05
Episode #178 In this week's episode,Terri is joined by TFM Community mentor Lisa Enns who shares her health and weight-loss journey. This is a great episode to remind all of us of the longer-term reality of the 'fasting…