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Fasting & Keto, the Sustainable Way

Updated July 10, 2026

Make intermittent fasting and lower-carb eating actually sustainable: ease into a window, keep your electrolytes and protein up, and stop the fatigue and cramps that make most people quit.

⏱️
Nutrition Educator
Not endorsed · Based on the published work of Thomas DeLauer
Daily time
Daily
Steps
6
Difficulty
Intermediate
Sources
5
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What it is

Thomas DeLauer's practical take on fasting and lower-carb eating. The fasting itself is free; what makes it work long-term is the support around it: electrolytes to prevent the 'keto flu' and fasting fatigue, enough protein to protect muscle, and a few targeted supplements. This protocol is about doing it sustainably, not about extreme or prolonged fasting.

Why it works
When you fast or cut carbs, your body sheds water and with it sodium, potassium and magnesium, which is what causes the headaches, cramps and fatigue people blame on fasting itself. Replacing those electrolytes, staying hydrated, and breaking the fast with protein keeps energy and muscle intact. DeLauer's message is that the support stack, not heroic willpower, is what makes fasting stick.
The evidence
Sources
Published work by Thomas DeLauer, cited straight to the source: long-form episodes, clips, peer-reviewed papers and their own writing. Select any to view it here.
1
48-hour fasting: how to do a 2-day fast, with electrolytes (Thomas DeLauer)
Video
2
Thomas DeLauer: how the keto diet has evolved (16 adjustments)
Article
3
DeLauer's top tips for going keto (electrolytes, fasting)
Article
4
Science-Backed Wellness: Thomas DeLauer on Ketosis, Fasting, and Sustainable Health (Habits & Hustle w/ Gabby Reece)
Podcast
5
Thomas DeLauer on keeping calories high enough during fasting (Instagram)
Clip
Source viewer
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The protocol
Clinical strong human trials Mixed some or emerging evidence Commercial weak or unproven, sold widely Equipment / Test not an evidence claim How we grade →
Core

Ease into a gentle eating window

Start ~12h overnight, build toward 14 to 16h if it suits you

A modest overnight fast is enough for most people. Build gradually and fast on busy days so you think about it less. Longer or stricter is not better.

DeLauer
For this step
No product needed
Core

Replace your electrolytes

Sodium, potassium and magnesium daily, especially while fasting or low-carb

Most fasting and keto fatigue, headaches and cramps are an electrolyte problem, not a calorie one. Replacing them is the single biggest fix for sustainability.

DeLauer
For this stepClinical
Electrolytes (sodium/potassium/magnesium)
Low or zero sugar; prevents 'keto flu'
Core

Add magnesium

As directed, evening is fine

Magnesium is commonly low on lower-carb diets and supports sleep, cramps and energy. DeLauer flags it as a near-universal addition.

DeLauer
For this stepClinical
Magnesium
Third-party tested
Core

Break your fast with protein

Lead with 30g+ protein at your first meal

Protein protects muscle during fasting and keeps you full. DeLauer's evolved view leans higher-protein to preserve muscle and metabolic rate.

DeLauer
For this stepClinical
Protein powder (whey or plant)
Break the fast with protein
Optional

C8 MCT oil for energy in the window

~1 tbsp, optional, build up slowly

A little C8 MCT can give steady energy during the fasting window without a big insulin response. Optional; start small.

DeLauer
For this stepMixed
C8 MCT oil
Optional, start small
Support

Cover the keto micronutrient gaps

Omega-3 and vitamin D3 with K2

Lower-carb eating can leave gaps; DeLauer's keto supplement list centres on omega-3, vitamin D and K2 alongside electrolytes and magnesium.

DeLauer
For this stepClinical
Omega-3 + vitamin D3 & K2
Third-party tested
Is this for you?
Good fit if
  • People trying intermittent fasting who keep quitting from fatigue
  • Anyone going lower-carb or keto who wants to feel good doing it
  • People who want to lose fat without losing muscle
  • Those who want the support stack that makes fasting sustainable
Cautions
  • Fasting is not for everyone. Skip it, or get medical guidance first, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, under 18, have a history of disordered eating, are underweight, or take medication (especially for diabetes) that requires food. If fasting drives preoccupation with food or restriction, stop.
  • This protocol is about gentle, sustainable fasting, not extended or aggressive fasting. More restriction is not better, and we do not give calorie targets here.
  • Electrolytes and magnesium are the fix for most fasting fatigue and cramps; if you feel unwell, eat and rehydrate rather than pushing through.
  • Supplements fill gaps; they do not replace real food, protein and sleep. DeLauer recommends products via affiliate links, so verify brands independently.
  • Educational only, not medical advice; speak to a clinician before big dietary changes.
Related protocols
Update history
  • July 10, 2026 Removed a non-specific channel link and added a verified Listen and Clip source.
  • July 3, 2026 Protocol published.
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Not medical advice. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Consult a qualified clinician before changing your health routine.
Independent curation. YourProtocol.ai is an independent platform. This protocol is based on the publicly available work of Thomas DeLauer and is not created, reviewed, endorsed by, or affiliated with Thomas DeLauer or Nutrition Educator.

Fasting & Keto, the Sustainable Way
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