This listener Q&A episode tackles the most common fasting challenges with evidence-based solutions, addressing Monica's self-sabotage pattern after reaching new low weights by explaining the body's three-pronged defense system (defend phase preventing further loss, restore phase increasing regain rate, and prevent phase reducing future weight loss probability) that creates powerful physiological resistance requiring equally comprehensive counter-strategies. The hosts reveal how metabolic adaptation activates during weight loss like a toddler throwing a tantrum, making the body fight harder at new weight thresholds, while providing practical "when-then planning" to manage the slippery slope of increased hunger and reduced willpower that emerges from dopamine deficits caused by sleep disruption and stress. They address Emily's two-week plateau after losing seven pounds initially with 20:4 fasting, explaining the critical distinction between water weight loss from glycogen depletion versus true fat loss, recommending the Blueprint to Fasting for Fat Loss resource and strategic window timing adjustments to restart momentum. Patty's wine consumption question during OMAD receives honest analysis of alcohol's metabolic priority over fat burning, sleep disruption effects reducing next-day metabolic efficiency, and dose-dependent impact on hormones especially for postmenopausal women, with recommendations to shift from daily to occasional consumption strategically timed for better recovery. The episode covers supplement timing during fasting windows (berberine, creatine recommended daily for consistency despite potential stomach sensitivity), addresses sleep disturbances from excessive 48-hour fasting during maintenance (recommending 24-36 hour alternatives to protect sleep quality over marginal metabolic gains), and explains post-meal walking benefits for glucose management through skeletal muscle uptake and improved insulin sensitivity, even when continuous glucose monitors show delayed rather than reduced spikes. Throughout, Scott and Tommy emphasize viewing fat loss and maintenance as a continuum rather than separate phases, building sustainable habits during weight loss that seamlessly transition to lifelong maintenance, positioning their upcoming pre-Thanksgiving seven-day challenge as strategically timed to establish momentum before the holiday season while reinforcing that successful fasting integration requires addressing foundational lifestyle factors of stress, sleep, food relationships, and mindset alongside fasting schedules. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Take the NEW FASTING PERSONA QUIZ! - The Key to Unlocking Sustainable Weight Loss With Fasting!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Resources and Downloads: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR THE DROP OF THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GRAB THE OPTIMAL RANGES FOR LAB WORK HERE! - NEW RESOURCE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE RESOURCE - DOWNLOAD THE NEW BLUEPRINT TO FASTING FOR FAT LOSS!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SLEEP GUIDE DIRECT DOWNLOAD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DOWNLOAD THE FASTING TRANSFORMATION JOURNAL HERE!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Partner Links: Get your⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FREE BOX OF LMNT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ hydration support for the perfect electrolyte balance for your fasting lifestyle with your first purchase⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠25% off a Keto-Mojo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ blood glucose and ketone monitor (discount shown at checkout)! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our Community: Let’s continue the conversation. Click the link below to JOIN the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fasting For Life Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a group of like-minded, new, and experienced fasters! The first two rules of fasting need not apply! If you enjoy the podcast, please tap the stars below and consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it helps bring you the best original content each week. We also enjoy reading them!