Intermittent Fasting & Yoga: A Lifestyle of Healing and Balance 

This month, I’ve been revisiting the Yamas (ethical guidelines) of the Yoga Sutras, starting with ahimsa—the principle of non-harming. Ahimsa isn’t just about not punching people (though, solid life advice). It’s about reducing harm in all areas of life—toward others, toward the planet, and toward ourselves.

And yet, we spend so much time doing that we forget the power of not doing. So, my mantra this year? Do less. Unfortunately, I am terrible at it.

One area where I could absolutely do less? Harming my own body. Less negative self-talk, less stifling emotions, and less ignoring what my body actually needs. Which brings me to intermittent fasting—not just skipping meals but actually giving my body a break from constant digestion and insulin spikes.

My Oreo Epiphany

Let me preface this by saying: I am very active. As a dance, yoga, and fitness instructor, I’ve long operated under the delusion that I can eat whatever I want—because I burn it off, right? For years, that included a nightly Oreo ritual (which I conveniently convinced myself was for my son).

Then came a health scare—the possibility of cancer. It wasn’t, but the wake-up call shook me enough to rethink what I was feeding my body. I learned that cancer thrives on sugar, so I quit cold turkey.

And wow—I never thought I’d be one of those tragic humans not eating cake, candy, or cookies. My beloved Oreos! Gone! Yet, over time, something shifted—when I finally had a bite of birthday cake months later, it didn’t even taste good. Turns out, my taste buds recalibrated, proving just how addictive processed sugar is.

The Science Behind Sugar Addiction

Studies show that processed sugar hijacks the brain’s dopamine system, leading to cravings, mood swings, and overeating. One study published in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews found that excess sugar consumption alters neural pathways in the brain, making it as addictive as some drugs.

So, if I could quit sugar, could I level up with intermittent fasting?

Intermittent Fasting: A Holistic Approach to Health

After reading Fast. Feast. Repeat. by Gin Stephens, I felt fired up. Most people start intermittent fasting (IF) to lose weight, but the benefits go way beyond shedding pounds.

Science-Backed Benefits of Intermittent Fasting:

• •Regulates insulin levels (bye, blood sugar rollercoasters) 
• •Reduces inflammation, which supports heart health and anti-aging
• •Improves gut health, helping to balance microbiome diversity 
• •Boosts brain function, increasing mental clarity and focus 
• •Activates autophagy, your body’s way of cleaning out damaged cells

One study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that intermittent fasting enhances cellular repair and supports longevity. Researchers note that fasting allows the body to shift from energy storage to energy renewal, promoting natural detoxification.

Another fun fact? We don’t actually need breakfast to “jumpstart metabolism.” That’s old-school diet myth nonsense. IF stabilizes metabolism by reducing unnecessary insulin spikes, not triggering “starvation mode.”

Day Three: Trusting the Process

I’m officially three days in, going 14 hours without food—which sounds dramatic until you realize I’m asleep for most of it. My biggest shock so far? How much late-night snacking was just habit, not actual hunger.

And honestly? This whole journey feels like yin yoga for my digestive system. Yin yoga teaches us to pause, listen, and release tension—and fasting teaches us to listen to our body’s true needs instead of reacting impulsively.

Ahimsa: Nourishing Rather Than Harming

Ultimately, intermittent fasting isn’t about restriction—it’s about honoring what my body truly needs. It’s about allowing space for healing, rather than mindlessly overloading my system.

Ahimsa starts with self-compassion. It means feeding our bodies mindfully, resting when needed, and treating ourselves with kindness.

Encouragement for Your Journey: Eat with intention, not impulse. Trust your body’s wisdom. Let go of habits that no longer serve you.

Because non-harming isn’t just about what we avoid—it’s about how we choose to thrive.