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Mid-Life Happenings

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  • Two Weeks Post Buchinger Clinic

    Hi everyone —

    Wow. Two weeks have already passed since I returned home from my two-week fast at the Buchinger Clinic. I continue to feel amazing — in fact, the “high” from the clinic hasn’t subsided one bit. If anything, it keeps deepening, expanding into every corner of my life.

    Vitals

    First off, I now weigh 173 lbs. During my stay at the clinic, the staff told me that the body’s muscle system bounces back quickly once you resume working out, and that your cardiovascular system functions more efficiently as well. I must say, those words couldn’t be more true.

    My blood pressure is now back to a healthy 110/70, and my appetite has returned with a vengeance! I’ve been hitting the gym almost daily and jogging every other day on the beach. It feels incredible to move again — to sweat, to breathe deeply, and to feel my body come alive the way it used to.

    What Have I Been Up To?

    Over the past two weeks, I’ve begun seeing a few clients again. I realized that I don’t want to fully retire; I simply want to work with a handful of people who genuinely need my help and truly appreciate what I bring to the table as a therapist.

    My goal is to work three days a week — most likely Monday, Wednesday, and Friday — so I can leave room for golf, creative pursuits, and life itself the rest of the time.

    I currently have two condos on the market, and once they sell, I hope to buy a house and bring another dog into my life. I miss that companionship deeply. My heart is set on another doodle — maybe a Sheepadoodle, Aussiedoodle, or Goldendoodle. My sweet Abby was a Goldendoodle, and she was simply the best companion I could have ever asked for. Here are some of my favorite memories of Abby. Oh and for the record — that was her car, she occasionally let me drive it.

    Patching Things Up with My Bestie

    The past few years, I haven’t quite been myself. I lost my footing — lost sight of who I am and what I stand for. During my meditations in Spain, a persistent thought kept surfacing: I needed to reach out to my best friend.

    Yesterday, I finally did. I let my guard down, spoke honestly, and apologized for not being as present as he deserved. To my heart’s delight, we had a beautiful conversation — real, heartfelt, and healing — followed by a long overdue hug. It felt like peeling away another layer of regret and rediscovering a connection that truly matters.

    Still No Guitar

    One thing I haven’t gotten around to yet is picking up my guitar. I’ve always wanted to learn to play, and I know I will — music has always been a deep part of my soul. Sometimes it’s the rhythm that moves me, sometimes the lyrics, and sometimes it’s both.

    Lately, I’ve been listening to Dermot Kennedy, especially a song called Two Hearts. There’s a line that always gets me:

    “Oh, what a beautiful feeling to love and know love in return.”

    Every time I hear that, I think of Joe. What a gift, what a rare grace, to have known a love like that in this lifetime.

    Still Reading

    I’m still reading James Hollis PhD — and his words continue to challenge and inspire me. He reminds us that growth isn’t about comfort; it’s about courage — the courage to face ourselves honestly and keep moving forward.  There was a paragraph that I read yesterday that inspired my to put into my own words and what resonates with me.  

    Doubt has a way of bringing me face to face with my own loneliness—the kind that exists when there’s no one left to reassure me or tell me I’m okay. It’s in that quiet, unguarded space that I come closest to who I really am, and where I’m forced to feel what’s truly inside me.

    I’ve come to realize that loneliness itself isn’t the enemy. It’s not a flaw or a weakness—it’s part of being human. We’re all lonely at times, even in the middle of a crowd, even in loving relationships. When I’m alone, I’m still with someone—myself. The real question is, how am I with myself?

    I’ve learned that when I can respect who I am, when I can listen to the quiet voice inside me that tries to guide me, I don’t actually feel so alone. It’s almost as if something deeper within me begins to speak—a wiser, gentler part of me that’s been there all along.

    Of course, guilt always finds its way in—the constant reminder of how often I fall short, how I fail to meet my own expectations or those of others. That’s why learning self-acceptance, forgiveness, and love isn’t just important—it’s essential.

    We all hear that we should love ourselves, but very few of us really know how. I’ve come to understand that narcissism isn’t self-love at all—it’s the absence of it, a cry from someone who doesn’t yet know how to embrace who they are.

    I think often about that simple truth: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Most of us have heard it our whole lives, but it’s easy to forget that it begins with loving ourselves first. Without that, we can’t truly love or accept anyone else—no matter how much we want to.

    Closing Reflections

    As I settle back into life in Fort Lauderdale, I’m finding that the lessons from the Buchinger Clinic aren’t fading; they’re integrating. They’re shaping how I live, how I connect, and how I care for myself and others.

    I’m learning to trust the quiet again — to let life unfold without rushing it. Healing, I’m realizing, isn’t a destination. It’s a rhythm, a way of being.

    Closing Photo

    Here I am at 173 lbs.   

    I wish everyone a fantastic week.

    Sincerely,

    Dan 

  • Dorothy and Eminem

    Dear Friends,

    My journey to the Buchinger Clinic was never about weight loss—though I arrived at 180 pounds and left at 165. It was a pilgrimage: a search for a total reset—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.

    In the wake of losing the love of my life, Joe, I felt myself spiraling, with no one at the wheel, no pilot for my ship. I didn’t just lose my best friend; I lost my rock, my guiding light, my greatest cheerleader, and my confidant of 27 years. Most devastating of all, I lost a love so rare that few experience it in a lifetime. I have said before, and will always say, that I would not be the man I am today without Joe’s profound, kind, and gentle influence.

    At the same time, I lost the other most important person in my life—not to death, but because our relationship had run its course. Imagine losing the two people who anchor you, all at once. It was devastating, dark, and suffocating.

    One night I dreamed my left leg had been cut off and my right leg lay open. The symbolism was unmistakable: I had no legs to stand on. I awoke to tachycardia and what felt like atrial fibrillation, which spiraled into a full-blown panic attack. Doing something drastic—flying to southern Spain, fasting for 14 days, and investing heavily in my health—wasn’t a luxury. It was a necessity.

    Roots and Restlessness

    I grew up in a small Catholic family in a town of 17,000, shaped by lessons—spoken and unspoken—that whispered I was never enough. You’ll never be enough. You’re going to hell. You’re ugly. My mother often said, “Dan, you have champagne taste and beer money,” and she was right.

    Where my drive for beauty and achievement came from, I can’t say, because I wasn’t surrounded by it in Mandan, North Dakota. I chased a life of materialism and grandiosity, only to be left feeling empty and spiritually dry. Yet I now honor that drive and even the people who doubted me; they pushed me to seek education, become a sought-after therapist, and find communities where I felt welcome and loved. Today, that same drive calls me to something deeper in the second half of life.

    Stripped Down to the Soul

    The past weeks have been a time of solitude—alone with thoughts, feelings, and fears. With the help of my therapist, dear friends, meditation, and reading, I see clearly that I stand at a crossroads at 55.

    I arrived at Buchinger empty, broken, confused, and angry. Fasting became more than a physical cleanse: it stripped away bitterness and fear. With every pound lost, I released old pain. Through meditation, I gained perspective. I can honor that chapter, forgive others, and—most importantly—forgive myself for the years I spent flogging myself with guilt.

    I now see that I had been running from the raw truth of Joe’s inevitable passing. For years, the thought of losing him stole my breath and nearly paralyzed me.

    Love That Endures

    Do I miss Joe any less? Not at all. I still long for his face, his voice, the simple comfort of holding his hand. But something has shifted: to honor him, I must keep living. My task now is to find happiness and inner peace—not despite his absence, but alongside it.

    The Second Half of Life

    As I step into this next chapter, I know I must reclaim my spirituality from the noise of the world. I will no longer feel small or afraid. My goal is to move from victimhood into full participation in my journey, recognizing every event—even the painful ones—as an invitation to deeper communion with the divine.

    James Hollis writes that the second half of life demands two great tasks:

    1. Recover our personal authority—the truth entrusted to us by the soul. If we refuse, the pain becomes intolerable.
    2. Find an adult spirituality—one that resonates with our inner being, not what society or religion dictates, but what is true for us.

    My authority is to discover what is true for me and to live it fully.

    So, What Am I Doing Going Forward?

    Well, the first thing is: I’m eating… LOL. At 165 pounds, I’m too light for my frame. I’d like to gain about 10 pounds of muscle and call that my happy point.

    I plan to work part-time as a physical therapist and perhaps dabble a little in real estate. Of course, you’ll find me at Coral Ridge on the golf course whenever possible, and I’m eager to get back to teaching myself how to play guitar.

    I know every day won’t be a walk in the park. Life is full of challenges, and I believe meditation is the key to long-term happiness and managing daily stress. For the first time in my life, I feel like I have a blueprint for moving forward. I feel comfortable in my own skin, and I’m okay with being alone. This is a major step, because now I can invite someone into my life without feeling like I need someone.  

    I’ve been home for three days now, and I see Fort Lauderdale with new eyes. Like the great sage Dorothy once said: “There is no place like home.”  Sometimes I have to pinch myself at the thought that this is where I live—a place where people spend their hard-earned money just to escape for a week. My home rests along the most magnificent ocean in the world, the Atlantic, and everything here feels more vibrant, more breathtaking, than it did when I left a month ago. I can’t wait to reconnect with friends and return to the golf course, carrying this renewed sense of gratitude with me.

    To those of you who’ve followed my blog and sent words of encouragement: I can’t begin to thank you enough. Your kindness helped me through the two-week fast. I was genuinely surprised by how many people reached out, sharing not only encouragement but their own personal journeys. After all, we’re on this beautiful planet together—and as the great Eminem said in his song Beautiful:

    “But you’d have to walk a thousand miles in my shoes,
    just to see what it’s like to be me.
    I’ll be you, let’s trade shoes just to see what it’d be like to
    feel your pain, you feel mine, go inside each other’s minds
    just to see what we find, look at sh    it through each other’s eyes.”*

    I carry Joe’s love with me as I step forward—not away from the past, but into a wider, more luminous future. I would never have believed that two weeks of fasting and inner work could have such a profound impact, yet here I stand—grateful and renewed.

    With gratitude and hope,
    Dan

  • Day 14 – My Last Day at the Buchinger Clinic

    I woke up this morning with a smile. Fourteen days at the Buchinger Clinic—what an accomplishment. Today I intend to savor every moment of this life-changing experience.

    Today’s Vitals

    My final check-in with Antonia, the kind and attentive nurse I’ve seen every day. Blood pressure: 86/54. Heart rate: 54. My weight—still 165 pounds, despite a slight drop in kilos. Blood glucose: 86. Ketones: 2.2.

    Breakfast

    I couldn’t wait for 8 a.m. to arrive. Breakfast was muesli Kousmine and a black tea, far more satisfying than yesterday’s. I’ve decided to follow the clinic’s guidance for the most part but also to listen to my body. Right now it’s saying loud and clear: feed me more!

    Pilgrimage to Cult Espresso Bar

    With food in my system I floated down the hill to my favorite espresso bar, eager to thank the young barista, David, for keeping my espresso habit alive and inspiring me with his courage. Sadly he wasn’t there today. I wished him well from afar, ordered a rich espresso and an oatmeal bowl with coconut milk and fruit, and savored every bite. On the walk back I tried to imprint the sights, smells, and faces of this place in my memory.

    Last Workout

    Back at the clinic I headed straight for the gym. Since I’ll be traveling Saturday and Sunday, I chose a full-body session and pushed harder than I have in weeks. I could feel my lack of carbs and protein, but that’s fine—I’ll spend the rest of the day watching the Ryder Cup. Go Team USA!

    Lunch

    Lunch featured Budwig cream, beetroot salad with yogurt-mustard dressing, then baked eggplant with bulgur. The eggplant was outstanding.

    Fasting and Muscle Wasting

    Many people ask about muscle loss during a long fast. Here’s what the science—and a resident scientist who fasts yearly—says:

    • First 24–48 hours: your body burns stored glycogen.
    • After that: it switches almost entirely to fat, both white and brown.
    • Research shows about 96 % of your energy comes from fat, only about 4 % from protein/muscle, as long as fat stores are adequate.

    The tricky question is when to break the fast; human studies can’t ethically push people to the point of true protein breakdown. The clinic emphasizes that regular exercise during a fast preserves muscle. You won’t gain muscle without protein, but you lose very little.

    My own results: down 10 pounds in 12 days, waist from 35″ to 31″. I worried about muscle loss, but when I put on my slacks, the waist was loose while the thighs and seat were still snug—a good sign.

    Bottom line: if you have enough body fat and stay active, muscle wasting is minimal. But medical supervision is essential for a fast of this length.

    Dinner and Looking Ahead

    Dinner brought the first real protein I’ve had here: hearts of lettuce with hummus and carrot-mustard dressing, followed by an egg crepe stuffed with courgette. Wonderful. Tomorrow in Barcelona I plan to celebrate with fresh fish—the first animal protein since September 13. The nutritionist recommends waiting a week before red meat and ten days before alcohol, to give the liver and gallbladder time to recover.

    Tomorrow and Sunday, while traveling, I’ll write a final reflection on the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual journey of these past two weeks.

    Introduction Back to Food — Summer Menu

    Reflection and Comparison Photos

    As I pack my bags tonight, I feel both lighter and stronger—inside and out. Fourteen days ago I arrived curious and a little apprehensive; today I leave with a calmer mind, a leaner body, and a deeper respect for what thoughtful fasting can do. The Buchinger Clinic gave me tools, but the real gift was the reminder that our bodies know how to heal when we listen. Barcelona is next, and then home, but this experience will stay with me long after the journey ends. I bid you good day and I will leave you with two photos. The first one was taken on September 13th and the second one today, September 26th.

  • Day 13 – Breathing It All In

    Thursday unfolded with a slower rhythm—perfect for savoring these last days of reintroduction to food and a second Japanese Face-Lift treatment I’d been anticipating all week.

    Morning Vitals

    Blood pressure: 89/53 – YIKES
    Heart rate: 52

    The nurse handed me two vials of salt solution to nudge that pressure upward.
    Weight: holding steady at 165 lbs—no more loss, and I don’t want anymore!

    “You Call That Breakfast?”

    For the first time here, the food fell flat:
    Ryvita whole-grain buckwheat bread with avocado, cream cheese, carrot sticks, and tomato.
    Blah. I’d have traded it all for softly scrambled eggs or even peanut butter and jelly. 

    Espresso Pilgrimage

    Earbuds in, I set off on my familiar four-mile walk to the espresso bar—second to last visit, but the ritual still feels essential.

    Swim & Sun

    Back from coffee, I slipped into the pool for a fifteen-minute swim, then stretched out under the Andalusian sun.
    Swimming always leaves me ravenous—today was no exception.

    My Final Japanese Face-Lift

    The highlight of the day.
    This massage remains the most luxurious treatment of my entire stay: profoundly relaxing, leaving my skin tight, bright, and alive.

    Lunch & Mid-Afternoon Snack

    The kitchen redeemed itself beautifully:

    • Budwig Cream
    • Zoodle & tomato salad with basil dressing
    • Mediterranean summer vegetables with tahini sauce and oven-baked potato

    I could have eaten twice as much. Later, a welcome snack of kefir and almonds arrived while I worked on the blog.
    My DEXA scan shows I need at least 1,720 calories a day to maintain metabolism—exercise not included—so every bite counts.

    Breathing: The Free Medicine

    Earlier I wrote that two of the most powerful “medicines” are water and proper breathing. Here’s my simple take:

    • Nose Only.
      The mouth has zero purpose in breathing. Practice nasal breathing at all times—even during workouts. Consider gentle mouth taping at night to reinforce the habit.
    • Slow & Diaphragmatic.
      Healthy adults breathe about 6–12 times per minute at rest. Faster than that is mild hyperventilation.  The number of breaths per-minute will impact every biochemical process in your body. 
      Engage the diaphragm—the body’s second pump after the heart. Each deep, diaphragmatic breath gently massages your internal organs.
    • Explore Techniques.
      Box Breathing • Wim Hof • Oxygen Advantage • Buteyko.
      My friend Alessandro Romagnoli of Oxy Lab 360 offers excellent online coaching if you want guidance.

    Dinner Time

    Getting dressed for dinner and slipping into slacks for the first time in a while, I was pleasantly surprised by the fit. The waist is far too big—I’ve lost about four inches—but the legs and seat are still snug. It feels like I haven’t lost much muscle at all. I’ll write more about that tomorrow.

    Tonights dinner salad of tomato in different textures following by a quite extraordinary pumpkin and quinoa soufflé. I have to admit dinner was fantastic. But, not enough.

    Today was a reminder to inhale life fully—quiet walks, a shimmering pool, a face renewed, and the simple, vital act of breathing.

    In closing here is my daily photo post swim.

  • Day 12 – Did You Say More Weight Loss? No Way!

    Wednesday Morning Vitals & the Envy of Buchinger

    I woke with a pep in my step—today I finally get breakfast. But first, the vitals:

    • Blood pressure: 93/53
    • Pulse: 52
    • Weight: 165 lbs

    Yes, two pounds down since breaking the fast yesterday. The nurse and I stared at the scale, then laughed. “You’ll be the envy of the clinic—maybe don’t tell anyone,” she joked. My ketones held steady at 2.8, proof my body is still burning fat.

    Breakfast—Louis Armstrong, What a Wonderful World

    I was first to the dining room, eager for that first bite. It’s been so long I can’t remember my last breakfast. On my plate: Muesli Kousmine, a raw whole-food cereal inspired by Dr. Catherine Kousmine’s philosophy, with a cup of black tea. Simple. Pure. Satisfying—but not quite espresso.

    Sad Farewell to Ozone & Glutathione

    After breakfast came my final ozone and glutathione infusion. I’ll miss the gentle buzz of energy it brings. The doctor and I shared many thoughtful conversations, and I’ll miss her as much as the treatment itself. We exchanged a warm hug and a promise: “Maybe I’ll see you next year.”

    Final Doctor Check-In

    The results? Fantastic.

    • Waist: down from 90 cm (35.4 in) to 81 cm (31.9 in)—nearly four inches gone.
    • Blood work: “Fantastic,” the doctor beamed.
    • Gluten test: Negative for sensitivity, prompting a debate on whether U.S. issues stem from gluten or the chemicals sprayed on crops.
    • Hormones: Testosterone normal—this honestly surprised me.
    • DEXA scan: Bone density and body fat solidly in the green.

    “We rarely see scans this good—keep doing whatever it is you’re doing,” he said. My heart and energy soared.

    Morning Walk & Espresso

    With a clean bill of health and ozone still humming through me, my stroll to the espresso bar felt extraordinary. Knowing my time here is nearly over, I soaked in everything—the scent of the air, the flowers and trees, the passing faces.

    I chatted with the 17-year-old barista and asked if he’d come to Marbella because of the war. “I love Kyiv with all my heart,” he said, “but I couldn’t stay after the invasion. My family is still there.” His courage moved me and reminded me that the second half of life is about daring to begin again.

    Lunch & Mid-Afternoon Snack

    Lunch was a study in contrasts and color: Budwig Cream (a silky yogurt base) with salad leaves and pesto, followed by mashed potatoes, baby courgette, and miso–spinach cream. Later, a simple kefir with psyllium and 20 g of walnuts—nourishing and grounding.  Sadly, no more liver packs.  I will miss those comforting warm packs and the gentle snooze that followed.  

    Gym & Swim

    Weights first, then a glide through the clinic’s salt-water pool—no harsh chlorine, just cool, clean water. Swimming has always felt like the most challenging cardio for me, and here it’s pure pleasure. Since I was already wet and wearing a Speedo, I decided it was the perfect time for my daily photo. I’m really liking how my body feels and looks right now, though when I’m back in the “real world” I’d like to add a bit more muscle. Every longevity expert seems to agree: maintaining healthy muscle mass is one of the keys to aging gracefully.

    Dinner Time
    Tonight’s meal began with a carrot salad topped with a herbed yogurt dressing. The main course was cannelloni of courgette, stuffed with buckwheat and vegetables, finished with tomato and béchamel sauces. Absolutely fantastic. I dined with the same group of fellow guests who are on the exact clinic schedule as I am, and not a single person has anything but praise for the Buchinger Clinic.

    Reflection

    Today felt like a celebration of balance—body, mind, and spirit. From the surprise of more weight loss to the quiet courage of a young barista, Marbella and the Buchinger Clinic continues to teach me that renewal begins with simple, intentional choices.

    Until tomorrow my friends, have a wonderful evening.

    Dan

  • Day 11 – Breaking the Fast and Colonic Irrigation

    Good Morning

    Tuesday arrived early—I was up at 6:30 a.m. for a blood draw at the lab. A hint of fall lingered in the crisp 60-degree air as I walked to the lab for bloodwork. Today’s draw will be compared to last week’s results, and I added a hormonal panel to see how fasting has affected my testosterone levels. I’ll report back when those numbers come in.

    Today’s Vitals

    Blood pressure: 92/59
    Heart rate: 50
    Weight: 167 lbs
    Ketones: trace

    Perhaps the yogurt is lowering my ketones—or maybe there’s just not much fat left to convert into ketone bodies.

    The nurse asked where I’d like to break my fast. My answer was easy: in the garden. Back in my room, I savored yogurt, water, and electrolytes, then pulled on a pullover for the chilly walk to my favorite espresso spot. The morning air was brisk and clean, the espresso as perfect as ever.

    Thai Me Up

    When I returned, a traditional Thai massage awaited. In my opinion, nothing compares to an expert Thai massage, and today I struck gold. My therapist had trained in Thailand and delivered 50 minutes of pure bliss.

    Thai massage—performed fully clothed—blends acupressure, Indian Ayurvedic principles, and yoga-like stretches. Fingers, elbows, even toes work together to release tension. The result? A full-body experience of deep relaxation and energy.

    At Last—Food!

    At 12 noon Marbella time, I finally chewed my first bite of food since Saturday, September 13. Don’t get too excited—it was modest. But oh, the joy of chewing!

    The Buchinger Clinic treats reintroducing food with reverence. My first meal was a simple green dish crowned with an intensely flavorful pesto. I literally got to cut my own herbs with a scissors. The flavors burst alive on my tongue. Across the table, two fellow guests—fasting for over 20 days—joined me in quiet celebration.

    Tonight I’ll receive the menu for the next four days and will happily share it. Between that exquisite Thai massage and the taste of real food, I feel on top of the world.

    Colonic Irrigation with Ozone

    To round out the day, I tried colonic irrigation for the first time. I’ve known about it for years but never taken the plunge — pun intended.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, I like to add at least one therapeutic treatment each day to support the fasting process and to take my mind off of food.

    Colonic irrigation—also called colon hydrotherapy—is said to flush waste and “toxins” from the colon, encouraging better digestion, improved nutrient absorption, and even clearer skin. Advocates claim it can boost energy and reduce bloating. Whether all those benefits hold true, today was about exploration and caring for my body.

    The session lasted about 45 minutes. As the doctor explained, an enema cleans only the rectum, while colonic irrigation cleans the entire colon. At times it was a bit uncomfortable, but the doctor stayed with me the whole way, palpating the colon as it filled and emptied.

    The second stage involved introducing ozone water into the colon. Once finished, I actually felt surprisingly good. He recommends three sessions in a week and will prescribe a probiotic to help recolonize the gut with beneficial bacteria. The doctor was adamant that regular colonics are essential for health—especially given today’s food supply and sedentary lifestyle.

    Interestingly, there’s a clinic near my office in Fort Lauderdale, so I may consider a yearly maintenance cleanse. If any of you have long-term experience with colonics, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

    Mid-Afternoon Surprise

    When I returned to my room after the colonic cleanse, a pleasant surprise awaited—a small tray holding a cup of apple and cinnamon tea, and a tiny dish of almonds.

    As stated before, the Buchinger team treats food reintroduction with care, encouraging chewing as part of the healing process. And oh, how those few almonds tasted—rich, toasty, almost decadent after days of fasting. Such a simple plate, yet every bite felt extraordinary.

    Dizziness When Standing

    One constant since my second day here has been a mild dizziness whenever I stand up from sitting or lying down. I’ve always been prone to this, and with my blood pressure so low, it’s even more noticeable.

    I’m confident it will ease once I return to a more normal diet, but for now I move slowly and deliberately when getting up. It’s a gentle reminder to stay present in my body.

    Gym Time & Alone Time

    Other than a visit to the gym, my plan is simple: spend the afternoon on my terrace. The weather is gorgeous, perfect for writing and reading.

    Since September 2, I’ve spent long stretches of this trip alone. Yes, I met friends in Sitges and traveled with my dear friend Gina in Sardinia, and I’m surrounded by people here at the clinic—but mostly, I’ve been alone with my thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

    At the start of this journey I felt a real loneliness. But fast forward to today, and I’m beginning to enjoy my own company again. As my mentor Paul Chek often says, “We must have an ‘I’ before we can have a ‘We,’ and a ‘We’ before we can have an ‘All.’”

    I think he’s right. This time has been about strengthening my “I.”

    Dinner Time

    Tonight’s dinner was a hearty vegetable soup. Although still a soup, it had far more substance than the delicate broths I’ve had over the past days. The dining table was beautifully set, and everyone offered kind congratulations for completing my 10-day fast. The staff here continues to amaze me with their care and attention. Tomorrow, I’ll share the menu for the coming days so you can see how they’ll be gently reintroducing food into my diet.

    Daily Photo

    Goodnight everyone

  • Day 10 – Ozone Energy, Vitamin C Glow

    Morning Vitals
    I woke up feeling fantastic: blood pressure 91/55, heart rate 54. The scale read 168 lbs—though I blame the heavy linen shorts for that little “gain,” LOL. Ketones were a gentler 1.4. Since I’m feeling stronger and want to keep my weight steady, the nurse sent yogurt to my room. I savored it with my magnesium–potassium tablet while watching the first light stir the birds across the property.

    Ozone & Glutathione Lift

    My first appointment was the second in a three-part ozone and glutathione series. An hour later, the doctor removed the needle and I practically floated down the hill to the Cult Espresso Bar. Report later? No need—I felt amazing on the spot. Was it the infusion or the double espresso? Who cares! The weather joined the celebration: temperature perfect, humidity perfect, a sky so clear it almost hummed.

    Lunch & Liver Pack

    I made it back just in time for a simple but elegant lunch—half a zucchini-dill soup (they had me at dill) and half a watermelon-spearmint juice—before my warm liver pack. My Belgian friend and I chatted, inevitably landing on the question, “So what’s happening in your country?” Of course I have limited words, because I don’t understand it either. She makes this clinic a yearly pilgrimage and I can see why.

    Forty-five minutes of gentle heat later, I could happily make the liver-pack nap a daily habit.

    Vitamin C Ritual

    Earlier in the week I booked a treatment called Vitamin C Ritual for the Body, not knowing what to expect. It began with a full-body salt scrub and a shower, followed by a vitamin C mud wrap that swaddled me like a baby. While the nutrients soaked in, I drifted into a light nap as she performed a facial and applied a vitamin C mask. After a final shower and a silky lotion massage, my skin felt new—smooth, bright, alive.

    Leg Day—on 250 Calories

    Next stop: the gym. Leg day. Yes, it’s as tough as it sounds—especially running on roughly 250 calories. But ozone, glutathione, and vitamin C must have been coursing through me; I surprised myself and powered through, including the walking lunges and hanging leg raises.

    Evening Wind-Down

    After 5 p.m. Marbella’s golden light signaled another day almost gone. Tonight’s line-up: yoga, a breathing class, meditation dinner, and a lecture on muscle loss during fasting. Tomorrow I “break the fast,” though at just 500 calories it hardly counts. Ten full days of calorie deficit—mission almost accomplished.

    I’m looking forward to heading back to Fort Lauderdale soon; I’ve been away since September 2. Until tomorrow, wishing everyone a fantastic Monday.

    Sincerely,

    Dan

  • What a Difference 0.2 mmol/L of Ketones Makes

    Happy Sunday! I woke up feeling worlds better than yesterday.
    Today’s vitals: blood pressure 104/56, pulse 50, blood sugar steady—and best of all, no more weight loss. I’m still holding at 166 pounds. My ketones registered 2.8, down from 3.0 yesterday. Only a tiny 0.2 mmol/L difference, but for my body it feels monumental. The nurse prescribed another serving of yogurt today and wants me to keep it up until I break my fast on Tuesday. No complaints there!

    Welcome Back, Espresso

    With my energy restored, I was thrilled to find my favorite espresso bar open. After my morning saline solution, magnesium/potassium supplements, and a bowl of yogurt, I popped in my earbuds and strolled the two miles down to the café. The walk through Marbella never disappoints—lush greenery, fragrant flowers, and the shimmering Mediterranean by my side.

    Espresso in hand, I practically floated back uphill to the clinic, powered by a double shot of caffeine and a steady stream of ketones. Turbo mode, activated. Here is a photo of just one of the hills.

    Lunchtime Connections

    Lunch was simple and perfect: flavorful carrot soup followed by a refreshing juice—melon with mint, my absolute favorite. I shared the table with new friends from Belgium, France, and Spain, all buzzing about how good they felt. One woman even shared that her stubborn foot tendinitis had completely disappeared.

    Post-Lunch Liver Pack & Snooze

    Just like every afternoon at the clinic, around 1:30 the nurse arrives with a hot-water bottle and wraps me up like a baby. It’s heavenly—and it never fails to deliver a perfect nap. Naps have always been foreign to me, but I think I’m becoming a convert.

    Weekends here move at an easier pace than the weekdays, and I’ve loved the extra time for quiet self-reflection and meditation. Here’s a glimpse of what a typical weekday looks like. Obviously all of these activities are optional, but included in the price.

    Gym Time

    After the liver pack I was ready to move. Fasting workouts are short and sweet, just the way I like them. I head to the gym every day, breaking the body into parts so I don’t over-train while running on limited calories. The gym has everything you need—simple, efficient, and well equipped. Here are some photos of the gym and courtyard.

    Quiet Area

    Once my body was worked, it was time to nourish the soul. I wandered over to the Antares building for a peaceful Qigong session and some time in the art studio. Not another soul was around; the silence was its own kind of therapy.

    Evening Plans

    As evening settles in—past 6 p.m. now—the only thing on my agenda, besides dinner, is a presentation by French scientist Yvon Le Maho, who is here for his annual fast. His topic: “Muscle Wasting During Fasting: A Myth Now Debunked.” I can’t wait to hear his insights.

    Daily Photo
    I’m happy to report no more weight loss today.

    Until tomorrow, wishing you all a peaceful Sunday from beautiful Marbella, Spain.

    All the best,

    Dan

  • Day 8 – A Physical, Emotional and Mental Fight

    I woke heavy with fatigue, my body thick with lethargy. After the usual saline solution, magnesium, and potassium, I shuffled to the nurse for my morning vitals: blood pressure 98/62, heart rate 55, weight 166.6. She scheduled my enema for 11:30.

    Back in my room I dipped a test strip into my urine—ketones: ++. Nothing alarming, I thought. My beloved coffee shop was closed, and to my surprise I felt relieved; I had no energy for the four-mile walk anyway. I settled for the clinic’s “coffee,” more black water than brew, and sat on the terrace as the morning unfolded—light slow and forgiving.

    Before the scheduled enema I wandered to Anteres, the quiet building with its lily-studded pond and luminous art studio.

    Ketone Overload

    Even that short stroll felt like a climb. I headed back to my room for the enema.  When the nurse arrived, I confessed how drained I was. She retook my vitals—blood pressure and sugar fine—but my ketones had spiked to 3.0.
    “This is why you feel so awful,” she said gently. “Everyone reacts differently. You’re a bit too high.”
    She brought yogurt with honey and another cup of thin coffee. I have to admit the yogurt and honey tasted fantastic and it really satisfied my starving body.

    Then she asked a simple question: “Have you been under stress lately?”

    The tears came before words. I told her about my loss four months ago. She spoke quietly: fasting doesn’t just heal the body; it peels back layers of emotion—stress, anger, grief—until the raw core shows.

    Her words echoed last night’s osteopathic session. The practitioner never cracked or twisted anything. Instead, he used subtle muscle-energy techniques with touches of Chinese and Japanese practice. His first focus was my jaw. “Do you clench or grind at night?” he asked. I denied it; he only smiled. Then he turned to my liver and spent a great time treating it and the involved meridian.
    “You’ve been carrying deep stress,” he said. “Your liver is holding grief and anger.”
    He suggested a course of acupuncture when I return home. I will follow his advice.

    Fasting, Stress, and Grief

    The nurse explained that many who come to the Buchinger Clinic carry loss, betrayal, or long-simmering anger. Fasting, she said, doesn’t merely cleanse—it draws hidden emotions to the surface, demanding to be felt.

    Over these days my senses have sharpened. Smell is almost electric. Flavors I’d never noticed now bloom on my tongue. I can feel the energy of a room. My ability to sit in silence, fully present, is unlike anything I’ve known. And my emotions—unbridled.

    Today I wept again and again: for the loss of my love Joe, for the betrayal of someone I thought had my back, even for the sheer beauty of flowers in the garden.

    Now I understand why so many faiths prescribe fasting: it draws us close to the divine. In a world of relentless stimulation, our senses grow dull, like windows filmed with grime. Busyness—even the “good” kind—separates us from the world our senses were made to embrace.

    Today, fasting has flung those windows open. The good, the true, the beautiful stand vivid and near.
    This is, without question, the greatest gift I have ever given myself.

    After Lunch

    Following half the soup and half the gazpacho — I settled into my room with Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life by James Hollis, PhD. Plenty of passages leapt out at me today, but I’ll leave you with one that landed hard: “As scary as living can be, stop and think how you will feel if, on your deathbed, you look back on your life and conclude that you never really showed up because you were afraid. Isn’t that grim prospect more frightening than facing the fear itself, upfront, now?” It felt like a small shove toward courage.

    Gym Time


    The yogurt, honey and lunch brought back much-needed energy, so—because I’m terrified of losing muscle—I went to the gym for a weight training session. The doctors, nurses and nutritionists all say I won’t build muscle while fasting (no protein), but I can maintain what I have if I keep lifting. I just have to be careful not to overdo it; I’m only taking in about 250 calories a day.

    Pool Time


    After the gym I headed to the pool to read and soak up a little more sun. The pool is huge and the water is perfectly tempered—just cool enough to refresh the body after taking in the vitamin D.

    Evening Hours


    It’s after 6 p.m. now, and I’m thinking of wandering over to the art studio to see what surfaces. Dinner “rations” come around 8 p.m., and I believe there’ll be a guitarist and singer tonight. The clinic always arranges evening entertainment; it’s one of those small, human touches that makes this place feel world-class.

    I also want to thank the medical staff — they’re so knowledgeable and kind. There’s no way I could do this without them. As of right now I’m scheduled to end the fast on Tuesday. To be honest… I’m ready.

    Here’s today’s photo. Wishing everyone a great day.

  • Day 7 – Salt, Ozone, and the Psychology of Willpower

    Today’s Vitals

    Although I felt fine this morning, my blood pressure registered 87/54—yikes.
    The nurse immediately opened three vials of salt water and had me hold each under my tongue before swallowing. I now have a box of these vials to use twice a day.

    • Heart rate: 49
    • Weight: 168.7 lbs
    • Ketones: a bit higher than yesterday

    Next week I’ll have another blood test, and I asked the nurse to add a full hormonal panel to check my testosterone levels.

    No Qigong—But Ozone

    Instead of Qigong, I had my first of three ozone therapy sessions. A portion of my blood was drawn, mixed with a carefully measured oxygen–ozone blend in a closed system, and then re-infused.

    This treatment is designed to stimulate antioxidant defenses, enhance oxygen transport, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation—essentially to sharpen overall well-being and physical performance. I’ll report back after session three.

    Espresso Power

    With the needle out and ozone circulating, it was time for my daily joy: espresso.

    The barista, only seventeen, is a refugee from Kyiv who now crafts perfect shots here in Marbella. On the walk back, La Concha mountain was crowned with a soft halo of cloud—breathtaking.

    A Life of Willpower

    One unexpected gift of this fast is the discipline it demands.

    I grew up in a large, modest family where dinner was a free-for-all—eat fast or go hungry. As a kid, I was a junk-food junkie: half a bag of Chips Ahoy, four Pop-Tarts, three burgers, endless bowls of sugary cereal.

    Higher education and mentors like Paul Chek reshaped my food priorities. I sought out the highest-quality ingredients, but the compulsion stayed. A $6 Hu chocolate bar? One square was never enough, I would eat the entire bar or even two.

    This fast feels like a reset. I want to return home with the strength to say no, to stop when enough is enough. My body never screamed “gluttony,” but subtle medical signs were whispering, pay attention.

    Now I stroll past pastry shops, gelato counters, and fryers perfuming the air, and I simply smile and keep walking.

    A Wardrobe Dilemma

    Earlier this year I weighed 192 lbs; today I’m at 168.

    I didn’t come here to lose weight, but it’s a clear by-product. My clothes hang off me, and I feel as if I’ve set down a small child. I loved the muscular look at 192, but I didn’t love how heavy it felt.

    Do I dare ask the question… what would my dear friend—my sister from another mother—Janet Alexander say? I already know: “Let’s go shopping, babe!”

    Janet, I’ll find a happy medium first… and then, absolutely, let’s go shopping.

    Lunch & Dinner

    Both meals mirrored Monday’s menu—half a bowl of soup and half gazpacho. Simple and deeply satisfying. I lingered on the terrace, phone tucked away, soaking in the garden views.

    Post-Lunch Psychology

    During my liver pack I had my weekly session with Jo Todd, PhD, from Austin, Texas—a referral from my friend Chris Como.

    For the past five months Jo has helped me navigate loss, betrayal, and the slow work of charting a new path. She recently recommended Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life by James Hollis, PhD. What a revelation. It’s helping me not only understand my past but also envision the road ahead. I’m deeply grateful to both Chris and Jo.

    Gym & ELDOA

    Despite lower energy, I completed a weight session. A trainer spotted me doing ELDOA stretches and was intrigued. I shared my website—who knows, maybe Buchinger will add ELDOA to their program one day.

    Evening Treatment

    I’m closing the day with an osteopathic session. The last osteopath I saw was the legendary Guy Voyer, truly the best in my opinion. I’m keeping an open mind and will report back tomorrow.

    Here’s today’s photo—yes, I’m definitely getting lean. Until tomorrow, friends.