Ep. 104: How the Fasting Mimicking Diet Supports Midlife Longevity with Renee Fitton, RD

What if one simple nutrition strategy could support healthy aging, improve metabolic health, boost energy, and even help your skin look better? In this episode of Insights from the Couch, Laura sits down with Renee Fitton, VP of Growth at Prolon and a leading voice in nutrition and longevity science, to unpack the research behind fasting and the fasting mimicking diet. We explore the growing confusion around nutrition in midlife, from protein overload to supplement fatigue, and discuss a more balanced approach to health, longevity, and wellness. Renee shares how fasting mimicking works, why autophagy matters, and what the science says about supporting your body through midlife and beyond. If you've been curious about fasting but overwhelmed by conflicting advice, this conversation is a great place to start. Episode Highlights [0:03] - Laura introduces Renee Fitton and the science-backed world of fasting and longevity [2:13] - Why so many midlife women feel overwhelmed by health and nutrition advice [2:52] - What Prolon is and how a fasting mimicking diet works [6:30] - The current protein craze: what's helpful, what's excessive, and what longevity research suggests [13:36] - Understanding autophagy and the body's natural repair and rejuvenation process [15:44] - The surprising health benefits linked to fasting mimicking, from metabolic markers to skin health [17:28] - How long the benefits last and why fasting may improve your relationship with food [19:30] - Renee shares her personal experience completing multiple fasting mimicking cycles [22:19] - What you actually eat during a Prolon fast and how manageable it feels day-to-day [24:02] - The real-world changes Renee notices in energy, sleep, skin, and mental clarity [27:01] - Who should avoid fasting mimicking and important safety considerations [28:24] - Fasting, cancer recovery research, and resources for survivors [30:18] - Why a gentle 12-hour circadian fast may be more effective than extreme intermittent fasting [32:35] - The hidden impact of skipping breakfast and relying on coffee [34:03] - Why fasting mimicking can be especially beneficial for women in midlife [37:43] - Where to learn more about Prolon and how to get started Links & Resources • Prolon Life: https://prolonlife.com • Renee Fitton on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fittonnutrition • Renee Fitton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneefitton/ If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more! #InsightsFromTheCouch #PodcastForWomen #MidlifeJourney #TherapistTalks #RelationshipAdvice #ParentingTips #CareerDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #HealthAndWellness #AgingGracefully #MentalHealthSupport #Midlife #MentalHealth #WomenEmpowerment #LifeGuidance