The Pause and Fast Podcast

Roxi Ruiz - The Unexpected Freedom of Fasting

“There’s so much freedom in the perceived restriction” — in Episode 22, Roxi Ruiz explains why it can actually become one of the most freeing and empowering tools for better health. After being diagnosed with prediabetes and fatty liver disease, Roxi began intermittent fasting in 2019 and completely transformed her health. In just 10 months, she reversed her medical markers through consistent fasting and lifestyle changes — and seven years later, she continues to maintain her results while helping others do the same. In this conversation, Roxi shares how fasting helped her break free from constant food obsession, improve her emotional resilience, and create lasting habits that support longevity and vitality. She also opens up about growing up in one of the most obese cities in America and navigating the cultural and emotional ties many people have with food. You’ll hear practical advice on: • How to get started with fasting • Why the “clean fast” matters • Building consistency without perfection • OMAD and alternate-day fasting • The power of community support like Meal-less Mondays • How fasting naturally changes movement, mindset, and food choices Whether you’re brand new to fasting or looking to deepen your journey, this episode offers real-life encouragement, practical wisdom, and a refreshing perspective on what it truly means to live well. https://youtu.be/E2OfTmJ-LJ8 [https://youtu.be/E2OfTmJ-LJ8]

Jackie Moravek - Becoming an Intermittent Fasting Foodie

In this episode of The Pause and Fast Podcast, Erika Barnhart talks with Jackie Moravek, social media creator behind The Intermittent Fasting Foodie and Grocery Addict, about building a sustainable fasting lifestyle without guilt, restriction, or food obsession. Jackie shares how her journey with intermittent fasting evolved from a strict, scarcity mindset into a flexible lifestyle centered around freedom, family, and enjoying food. As a stay-at-home mom from Kalamazoo, she explains how she balances fasting with busy family life while still embracing spontaneous moments, favorite foods, and meaningful meals with loved ones. This conversation explores intuitive eating, flexible fasting windows, OMAD, mindset shifts, and how removing rigid food rules can create a healthier relationship with food—for both adults and children. ✨ “When I don’t have these rules that make me feel restricted, I feel flexible.” IN THIS EPISODE: • Intermittent fasting and food freedom • Flexible fasting and OMAD • Mindset shifts around dieting and restriction • Family meals and intuitive eating • Creating a sustainable fasting lifestyle Jackiemoravek.com [http://Jackiemoravek.com] intermittentfastingfoodie.com [http://intermittentfastingfoodie.com] Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/PorGyX5pLDo [https://youtu.be/PorGyX5pLDo]

Laurie Lewis & Jalene Weigand- Maintaining Intermittent Fasting for Life

In this special episode, Erika Barnhart sits down with two experienced voices in the fasting community — Laurie Lewis and Jalene Weigand — for a powerful and honest conversation about what it really takes to maintain intermittent fasting for life. This isn’t about quick results. It’s about becoming the kind of person who can live this lifestyle long-term. Together, they explore: * How motivation evolves over time (and why it matters less than you think) * The surprising power of “being boring” with your habits * What “effortless effort” actually looks like in real life * How to feel confident living differently than the people around you * Other ways we can “pause” in life beyond food You’ll also hear personal stories, mindset shifts, and practical tools that can help both beginners and experienced fasters stay consistent — without burnout. If you’ve ever wondered “How do I make this stick forever?” — this episode is for you. We referenced - The Hunger Habit - Judson Brewer, MD

Alison Pizanie - Fasting After Bariatric Surgery

In this episode of The Pause and Fast Podcast, Erika Barnhart talks with Alison Pizanie, a board-certified bariatric educator and author, about her journey through bariatric surgery, weight loss, and finding long-term success with intermittent fasting. Alison shares why bariatric surgery is a powerful tool—but not a complete solution—and how intermittent fasting helped her manage weight regain, improve her relationship with food, and build a sustainable lifestyle. They also discuss the importance of mindset, emotional health, proper nutrition, and community support for lasting results. In this episode: • Bariatric surgery and long-term weight management • Intermittent fasting after surgery • Mindset and emotional health • Nutrition and protein intake • Building sustainable habits ✨ “Fasting is a lifestyle, not a diet.” https://youtu.be/SsPvl98ppsU [https://youtu.be/SsPvl98ppsU]

Laurie Lewis - Mastering Intermittent Fasting

What if the simplest health shift is the one that actually sticks? In this powerful, no-nonsense conversation, Laurie Lewis shares her 9-year journey with intermittent fasting—and how it transformed her energy, mindset, and overall health when nothing else worked. This episode cuts through the noise. You’ll learn what a clean fast really is, how to find your ideal eating window, and why fasting is about so much more than weight loss. If you’re looking for a sustainable, realistic approach to better health, this is it. In this episode: • What actually makes intermittent fasting work • How to start (and stick with it) • The mindset shift that changes everything • Why “pausing” might be the missing piece Simple. Practical. Transformational. Resources: Fast Forward Wellness: https://fastforwardwellness.com [https://fastforwardwellness.com] The Obesity Code by Dr. Jason Fung Atomic Habits by James Clear Zero Fasting App Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/uBJpbodKpLs [https://youtu.be/uBJpbodKpLs]