Q&A with Dr. P: Weight Management Tips & Tricks

Written and medically reviewed by Naomi Parrella, MD

Lunchtime Hunger, Chronic Stress, Electrolyte Needs, & Parental Challenges When Fasting

Feeling ravenous by lunchtime? Worried about chronic stress? Wondering whether you need an electrolyte supplement? Struggling to maintain your fasting practice while parenting?

Concerns like these come up regularly in my clinic and during Zero Live sessions. These challenges can interfere with health goals, including managing weight and metabolism, that promote longevity. Read on for answers that will help you continue making progress towards your weight loss and health gain goals!

When I fast, I get super hungry by lunchtime—especially if it’s been a stressful day. What can I do?

First off, I want to say that hunger is a normal and necessary signal from the body. Feeling hungry at lunchtime is therefore perfectly normal, especially if that’s when you typically break your fast. However, if the hunger signals are increasing or earlier than expected (i.e., before you want to break your fast), this might be your body signaling it’s in a state of dehydration or lacking sufficient protein. Start tracking those things—namely water, salts, and protein—and