What Really Happens When You Fast

During fasting, your body undergoes several metabolic changes. When you pause eating, digestion rests and your cells begin clearing stored waste through autophagy. After 12-16 hours, your body shifts from glucose metabolism to fat oxidation, triggering cellular autophagy and metabolic optimization.

  • 0-8 hours: Last meal digests, blood sugar stabilizes
  • 8-12 hours: Body switches to fat-burning mode
  • 12-24 hours: Cellular repair accelerates, inflammation drops
  • 24+ hours: Deep detoxification begins

Choose Your Perfect Fasting Schedule

Start where you are. Progress at your pace.

Foundation Levels

  • 12:12 Window (8am-8pm eating) — Perfect for beginners
  • 14:10 Window (9am-7pm eating) — Easy progression
  • 16:8 Window (12pm-8pm eating) — Sweet spot for most

Advanced Levels

  • OMAD — One Meal A Day (23-hour daily fast)
  • 24-Hour Fast — Dinner to dinner, weekly
  • Extended Fasts — 3-5 days quarterly

Your First 24 Hours: Navigation Guide

Understanding each phase helps you navigate with confidence.

  • Hour 0-8: Finishing digestion; hunger waves last 15-20 minutes
  • Hour 8-12: Body preparing stored fuel; clearer mind
  • Hour 12-24: True fasting activated; consider vegetable broth if shaky

Hydration & Fasting Drinks

  • Minimum: 1 oz water per 2 lbs body weight
  • Optimal: 1-3 gallons daily, sip steadily
  • Method: Water, herbal teas, electrolytes; black coffee and green tea allowed

Herbal Support System

Detox & Cleansing: Red Clover, Burdock Root, Dandelion, Pau D'Arco, Milk Thistle
Appetite Control: Chickweed, Gymnema Sylvestre, Bitter Melon
Calm & Sleep: Chamomile
Kidney Support (3 days max): Juniper Berry, Uva Ursi, Gravel Root

Breaking Your Fast - Critical

  • Short Fasts (Under 24h): Warm lemon water → water-rich fruits → light salad
  • Medium Fasts (24-72h): Diluted juice → steamed vegetables → raw to cooked progression
  • Extended Fasts (3+ days): 4 oz diluted juice → vegetable broth → small steamed vegetables

Your 30-Day Transformation

  • Week 1: Days 1-3: 12:12 window; Days 4-7: 14:10 window
  • Week 2: 16:8 most days; add electrolytes; optional 20-hour fast
  • Week 3: Daily 16:8; optional 24-hour fast; implement food combining
  • Week 4: Find your rhythm; trust your signals; celebrate progress

Never Fast If:

  • Pregnant
  • Breastfeeding
  • Underweight
  • Eating disorder history
  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Without medical supervision if on medications