“I fast between meals, does that count?”
Indeed it does help.
Insulin and other hormones are meant to go up and down. Snacking can keep insulin high which keeps metabolism in fat-storage mode. See Dr. Jason Fung for advice on balancing feeding and fasting cycles.
Once a week I fast 24 to 36 hours between meals because it works well for me. Dr. Valter Longo has an easier protocol that allows a small meal on “fasting” days.
24 to 36 hours?! No, I’m thinking more of 1 to 2 hours, maybe 3 to 4 at most.