Whether you’ve been fasting a while, or you’re a newbie, hiring a fasting coach could be just what you need.
Let’s look at what a fasting coach actually does, and how to know if you need one or not.
What does a fasting coach do?
While every coach will be a little different in their approach, here’s some of the ways a coach can help you on your fasting and weight loss journey:
Accountability
Most coaches will check in with you daily. Some will ask you to send daily or weekly weigh-ins.
The number one thing I hear with my clients is that knowing they are accountable to someone else helps them stay on track.
Knowledge
Fasting seems simple, right? You just don’t eat.
But there’s a lot more to it than that. There are so many questions that come up during the fast.
Will this break my fast? How much water do I need? Can I exercise? Why am I feeling bad today? Is this normal?
You can find answers online or in your favorite support group, but it’s comforting to know that there’s someone with experience and knowledge that you can turn to.
Support
Your fasting coach can help you when you feel like quitting.
When you start to struggle, you can reach out and your coach will talk you through the hard part.
Sometimes that’s all you need is that extra push to keep going.
Motivation and Inspiration
Some coaches love to send daily motivational messages, and share their own fasting stories.
This is so helpful, especially if you’re someone who has a hard time motivating yourself.
Your own fasting plan
Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start.
Which kind of fasting should you do? Extended? Intermittent? OMAD? 19/5?
A coach can help you set up your own fasting schedule that works for you and your specific lifestyle.
Troubleshooting
During a fast, there are going to be times when something is just not working.
Days when the scale isn’t moving or the hunger refuses to go away.
Those days, it’s great to have a fasting coach who can help you pinpoint what’s going on and help get you back on track.
Tips
Most fasting coaches are also fasters themselves.
They know what works, and they’ve picked up lots of tips that they are happy to share with you.
Who would benefit most from a fasting coach?
Not everyone needs a fasting coach. Plenty of people fast successfully without one.
But let’s talk about who would benefit the most from hiring a fasting coach.
Brand new to fasting
If you’re just starting out, a fasting coach is going to be a good investment.
Like anything else, fasting is a skill.
Having someone who knows what they’re doing is going to help you lay a solid foundation for your fasting lifestyle.
Your coach will answer all those newbie questions that come up and give you lots of support while you build your fasting muscles.
You won’t have to wonder whether you’re doing this right or not.
Extended Fasters
If you’re planning a fast longer than 3 days or so, we definitely suggest hiring a fasting coach.
And especially if you’re doing longer than a week.
While Extended Fasting is safe for most people, there are many things that can come up–and yes, things that can go wrong.
Your fasting coach can keep an eye out and give you solid advice if things go awry.
Keep in mind, most fasting coaches are not doctors, and you should always consult with your doctor if you feel unwell.
But it’s reassuring to know there’s someone watching out for you.
Another benefit Extended Fasters can get from their coach is during the refeed phase.
Refeeding after a long fast can be tricky. Most fasting coaches will support you through the refeed as well.
No other support
We all need someone in our corner rooting for us.
Many times family and friends are not supportive of fasting.
If you don’t have that support at home, and you’re not a part of a fasting community, get you a fasting coach.
How do I find a fasting coach?
Knowing that you need a fasting coach is one thing, finding a good one is another.
Let’s look at some ways you can find your very own fasting coach.
Word of mouth
If you have friends or family members who fast, ask for their recommendations. They might know someone they can recommend.
Your doctor
If your doctor is supportive of fasting, they might be able to steer you to a good fasting coach.
Your favorite fasting experts
Many fasting experts do their own coaching or have coaches who work with them.
Dr. Fung, for example, has his own team of coaches.
Keep in mind that you’re going to pay a lot more for someone who is more well known, but if it’s in your price range it could be a great option for you.
Support Groups
Your favorite fasting groups on social media should be able to point you to a good fasting coach.
Shameless plug here: Over at the Official Fasting for Weight Loss Group, we have an awesome team of fasting coaches, and we’d love to help you! Come check us out.
A fasting coach could be your key to success!
A coach can’t do the fasting for you, and they can’t guarantee your success.
But a good fasting coach could be the thing you need to finally achieve your goals.
