Fasting is much more than just a method for weight loss. It can cleanse the body and mind, enhance well-being, and offer new perspectives on nutrition. Recently, I decided to embark on a fasting week and achieved impressive results: in just eight days, I lost over five kilos. However, this experience was far more than just weight loss. In this article, I share my experiences at Hotel Brunnwald, where I fasted according to the Buchinger method, and explain why this week was one of the most transformative experiences of my life.
“Through fasting, I have found perfect health, a new state of existence, a feeling of purity and happiness, something unknown to humans.” – Upton Sinclair
Table of Contents
Why I Chose to Fast
Many of us know the feeling of being controlled by unhealthy eating habits or emotional eating. My decision to fast was not just about losing weight but also about giving my body and mind a break and making a conscious fresh start. Fasting has been valued for centuries as a method of internal and external cleansing, and for me, a fasting week has become an essential annual ritual.
This time, I chose Hotel Brunnwald in the Mühlviertel region of Upper Austria. The hotel offers holistic care, an ideal environment for fasting, modern rooms, and a stylish spa area. One of the most valuable features for me was the body fat analysis scale at the beginning, which allowed me to track changes precisely. Additionally, the relaxing massages were a wonderful support.
My fasting week lasted from Friday to the following Sunday – a perfect time frame to mentally and physically reset. I opted for therapeutic fasting following the Buchinger method, a well-established approach based on liquids such as water, tea, and vegetable broth.
The Toughest Part: Getting Through the First 48 Hours
On arrival day, Friday, there was a light dinner with vegetable curry before the fasting week officially began. After that, only liquids were allowed: water, tea, and broth. The first two days were the most challenging – my stomach grumbled, and my body craved solid food.
On Saturday, the first full day of fasting, intestinal cleansing with Epsom salt was on the schedule. This method helps empty the digestive tract and makes it easier for the body to adapt to fasting.
The body needs time to switch to burning fat stores instead of relying on glucose. To ease this transition, I engaged in light activities such as morning exercises, hiking, yoga, spa visits, and drank plenty of water and tea. These helped me manage hunger and stay motivated.
The Turning Point: Feeling Energized and Clear-Minded
By the third day, everything changed. The initial fatigue and cravings faded, and I started to feel light, energized, and mentally sharp. My skin looked fresher, and my mind felt clearer. I could feel my body letting go of unnecessary burdens—both physically and mentally.
These days became a time of deep self-reflection. I read, walked in nature, and practiced yoga, all of which supported my relaxation and the fasting process. I also became more aware of how often we eat out of habit rather than true hunger.
The Results: More Than Just Weight Loss
After eight days, I had lost over five kilos. But beyond the number on the scale, the most significant benefit was the feeling of being healthier, more awake, and internally cleansed. This experience fundamentally changed my approach to food and made me more mindful of my body’s signals.
Breaking the Fast: A Gentle Transition Back to Eating
On the ninth day, fasting was broken with a gently cooked apple. The fasting guide provided valuable tips on how to reintroduce solid food gradually. The post-fasting phase should be about one-third of the fasting duration. For an eight-day fast, a three-to-four-day transition period is recommended to allow the body to adjust.
Key Takeaways from My Fasting Week
- We eat more often than we truly need to. This week showed me how much of our eating is driven by habit, emotions, or boredom.
- Giving the body a break feels incredibly liberating. Not just from food but also from overstimulation and daily stress.
- Fasting is not just about the physical aspect. It’s a reset for the mind and soul as well.
Conclusion: Should You Try Fasting?
Fasting is not for everyone, but if you are curious and open to the experience, I highly recommend it. The benefits go beyond weight loss – it’s a process of renewal, awareness, and clarity.
My fasting week at Hotel Brunnwald was an eye-opening experience that I would not want to miss. It helped me develop a healthier relationship with both food and myself, reinforcing the importance of mindful living.
Important Note: Fasting is not suitable for everyone and should only be undertaken by healthy individuals. Please consult a doctor before starting a fasting regimen to ensure it is safe for you.
