Dan Hellman's Blog

I woke at 6:45 to a cool Mediterranean morning and headed straight to the lab for a blood draw and urine sample. I asked them to tack on two extra tests—PSA and gluten sensitivity—because why not gather a little extra intel while I’m here?
The doctor prescribed a daily magnesium–potassium supplement so I can keep lifting weights without worrying about muscle cramps. Back in my room an herbal tea was waiting, fragrant and calming.

From the lab I went directly to the nurse: vitals came in at 120/70, pulse 44, weight 174 lbs—one more pound down. I already have a trace of ketones in my urine and yesterday’s waist measurement was 35 inches. The fast is clearly doing its work.

Next came a complimentary session with one of the clinic’s psychologists. Every guest gets a mind-therapy check-in, which I found both grounding and surprisingly uplifting. Afterwards I slipped into the gym for 15 minutes of cardio, a weight session, and, of course, three ELDOA’s to finish.

Post-workout I treated myself to a small apple-cinnamon tea; I’d been a little shaky in the gym and the sweet warmth hit the spot. On my way out I passed a man at the service desk having a full-on meltdown because he wanted a salad. Poor guy—it felt like a scene straight out of White Lotus.

The Coffee Temptation

I haven’t touched espresso in four days. Day one brought only a mild afternoon headache, and the doctor and nutritionist actually recommend I keep coffee in my life: it contains magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants, and my already-low blood pressure could use the bump. Their real advice? Enjoy it the European way—small, strong, and savored, not the giant to-go cups Americans love.

Still, I wanted to test my resolve. Earbuds in, I walked two miles into Marbella to the highly rated Cult Espresso Bar, inhaled the intoxicating aroma—and walked right back out. No espresso. Just a four-mile round-trip victory lap. But, tomorrow I am going to have one!

A Taste of Simplicity

“Lunch” was the usual choice of broth, gazpacho, or juice—only 125 calories total if you combine them. I chose gazpacho and dill-scented soup, and both were extraordinary. It’s amazing how fasting sharpens the palate; every tomato note sang.

Pure Indulgence

After lunch I the nurse came to my room to apply the liver pack, a warm, moist compress that supports the body’s natural detox. Translation: a blissful 45-minute nap.
Then came my first massage—pure heaven for a physical therapist who’s usually the one doing the work. If I could bottle that feeling, I’d have it every day.

The afternoon drifted by with a swim and a gentle yoga class. Dinner was a half-and-half sampling of the evening soups, light and satisfying. Now I’m back on my terrace with a book, the sea breeze lifting the pages.

For dinner I chose a half of each of the two soups, again 125 calories. I am finding that this is not as daunting as I thought it would be. Tomorrow starts early: a quick nurse check before I catch the bus to the beach for morning Qi Gong.

Here is the daily photo of me at 174 lbs.

Until then,

Dan