From sugar to fat burning: the โmetabolic switchโ explained โ with timeline, reaction table, myth check and quiz.
Metabolism covers all biochemical processes by which your body gains energy, builds and breaks down substances and maintains itself.
Day to day your body gets much energy from carbohydrates. During a longer break insulin falls and the body increasingly uses fat reserves โ the โmetabolic switchโ.
Simplified overview โ timing is individual.
The body uses the last meal and refills stores.
Liver glycogen keeps blood sugar stable โ stores gradually empty.
Insulin falls, fatty acids are released, the liver makes ketones.
Fat and ketones become the main fuel โ many now feel clearer.
With breaking the fast metabolism gently switches back.
What often changes during a fasting week.
| Value | Trend | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Blood sugar | โ | stabilises lower |
| Insulin | โ | falls โ fat becomes accessible |
| Ketones | โ | alternative fuel |
| Body weight | โ | water and glycogen at first |
| Blood pressure | โ | supervise with medication |
| Triglycerides | โ | often favourable changes |
Trends from studies and experience โ individual. Have unusual symptoms checked.
Front: question โ back: answer.
Your result
0Great โ now you know!
At Landhotel Altes Zollhaus in the Ore Mountains you fast according to Buchinger in a small group โ guided by experienced fasting leaders, with vegetable broth, fresh juices, fasting hikes, liver compresses and rest in our spa.
All prices per person in a double room. All about Buchinger fasting
07.11. - 13.11.2026Fasting is not about giving something up โ it is an encounter with yourself. This fasting week combines relief, exercise and joie de vivre into a healing break.
29.11. - 04.12.2026Experience fasting: more mindfulness, more clarity โ a break for body and mind.
10.01. - 15.01.2027A soothing fasting week with exercise, nature, mindfulness and valuable inspiration for regeneration and new inner balance.
17.01. - 22.01.2027Experience fasting with Kirsten Jahns โ a soothing time out for body, mind and soul.
21.02. - 26.02.2027Experience fasting โ consciously let go, gather new strength.
07.03. - 12.03.2027Treat yourself to a time out with Buchinger fasting at the Zollhaus. Elke Fleps supports you with holistic care, laughter yoga, hiking and valuable inspiration.
14.03. - 19.03.2027Buchinger fasting with Katja Pohl โ a mindful time out for body and mind with nature, peace, hikes and fasting guidance.
21.03. - 26.03.2027A mindful time out with peace, nature, hikes and attentive fasting guidance.
04.04. - 09.04.2027A week that relieves body and mind and awakens new joie de vivre, with rest, exercise and cheerful impulses back to more lightness.
First glycogen, then increasingly fat; the liver makes ketones.
Some lean mass is lost; gentle movement helps preserve muscle.
Yes; with diabetes fast only under supervision.
The basal rate may adapt slightly โ normal.
It can be an impulse; long-term, diet, movement, sleep and moderation matter.
Buchinger fasting shows how adaptable your metabolism is. With movement, calm and nature it becomes a soothing break โ with us in the Ore Mountains.
Further sources: รrztegesellschaft Heilfasten & Ernรคhrung e. V. ยท Klinik Buchinger Wilhelmi
Guided Buchinger fasting with hikes, yoga, wellness and lots of forest calm.
