Let’s be honest—when someone first told me about a 36-hour fast, I thought, “Wait, so… no food? At all? For a day and a half? Girl, are you okay??” 😅
But then I tried it—and wow. It wasn’t just about skipping meals. It was about listening to my body, resetting, and realizing just how powerful our bodies are when we give them space to do their thing.
So here’s what actually happens to your body during a 36-hour fast, in plain, real-talk Lavanda style:
0–12 Hours: Just Getting Started
This is the easy part… kind of. 😅
You’re probably still riding off your last meal—especially if it had carbs.
- Your body is burning through glucose (sugar from food).
- Insulin levels start to drop.
- You might feel fine… or a little snacky.
(I literally caught myself opening the fridge out of habit, not hunger.)
Lavanda Tip: Drink water or herbal tea. Keep your hands busy. Distract yourself with a walk or a good playlist.
12–24 Hours: Fat Burning + Hello Ketones
Now we’re getting somewhere.
Your body says, “Oh, we’re not eating? Cool, let me grab some energy from storage.”
- It starts burning fat instead of sugar.
- You may enter ketosis, which is when your body makes ketones—fuel made from fat that your brain actually loves.
- Hunger comes and goes like waves. You’re not dying, I promise. You’re shifting.
You might feel:
- Tired… then alert
- Grumpy… then peaceful
- Cold… then weirdly energetic
Lavanda Moment: I was staring at the pantry like it wronged me, then 30 minutes later, I was dancing in the kitchen to Beyoncé like I was in a music video.
24–36 Hours: The Sweet Spot (Repair + Mental Clarity)
This is where the real magic happens.
Your body moves from just burning fat to healing itself. Yes, really.
Autophagy (aka: Cellular Housekeeping)
- Your cells start cleaning up: getting rid of junk, damaged parts, and toxic build-up.
- Think of it like your body sweeping out the corners and donating old clothes to charity.
(You’re decluttering… but inside!)
Brain Boost
- Ketones fuel your brain like premium gas.
- You may feel super focused, calm, and even creative.
Lavanda Note: Around hour 30, I wasn’t even thinking about food. I was journaling, praying, walking, and feeling so connected to my body.
Muscle-Saving Mode (Not Muscle Loss!)
- Growth hormone (HGH) increases a lot—up to 5x more!
- This helps protect your muscles while your body uses fat for energy.
Other Things That Happen:
- Your digestion rests. No bloating. No sluggish belly.
- Your taste buds reset. Food will taste AMAZING when you eat again.
- Your skin might even glow. (Mine did—and no, it wasn’t just the ring light.)
But Listen, Sis…
36 hours without food isn’t for everyone. Please be gentle with yourself.
You might feel:
- Lightheaded
- Tired
- Headache-y
- Moody (or straight-up hangry—been there)
Hydration is a MUST.
I sipped water, herbal teas, and even had a pinch of sea salt in warm water when I needed it.
If your body says “no,” then stop. Fasting isn’t a punishment. It’s a practice.
Final Thoughts from Lavanda Michelle
Doing a 36-hour fast felt like I was pressing the “reset” button—not just on my stomach, but on my mind and soul.
It taught me that hunger doesn’t always mean eat—it can mean pause, breathe, check-in.
I didn’t do this to punish my body. I did it to listen to it. To heal. To slow down.
If you try it, be gentle. Be proud of yourself. And when you break your fast?
Do it with something warm, nourishing, and light—your body deserves it.
Trust me… you’ll never look at food, or your own strength, the same way again.
What Really Happens to Your Body During a 36-Hour Fast
Until next time, shine amongst the stars!
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📌 Disclaimer:
I’m not a doctor, nutritionist, or medical professional. The information shared in this post is based on my personal experience and is for informational purposes only. Always talk to your doctor or a qualified health provider before making changes to your diet, exercise, or health routine—especially if you have any medical conditions or concerns.