Keto and Intermittent Fasting for Insulin Resistance: A 90-Day Protocol
For people with significant insulin resistance, the combination of keto and intermittent fasting provides the most powerful dietary intervention available. This 90-day protocol structures the approach for maximum benefit.
Days 1–14: Keto Foundation
Establish ketosis before adding fasting. Focus entirely on getting under 20g net carbs consistently. No intermittent fasting yet. Allow the metabolic switch to occur undisturbed.
Days 15–30: Introduce 16:8
Add a 16-hour fasting window. Eat between 12pm and 8pm. This is usually straightforward once keto-adapted, as appetite suppression from ketones makes skipping breakfast effortless.
Days 31–60: Extend to 18:6
Move to an 18-hour fast. Shift the eating window to 1pm–7pm. At this point, most people are experiencing significant insulin sensitivity improvement.
Days 61–90: Optional 20:4
For maximum insulin sensitisation, try 20:4 fasting (eat 2pm–6pm) on 3–4 days per week. Maintain standard 18:6 on other days.
Testing at Day 30, 60, 90
Track fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and triglycerides at each milestone to document your progress.