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  • Day 6 – Devilish Temptations and Grief

    Hi everyone—whew, what a day!
    Life at the Buchinger Clinic has settled into a gentle rhythm, but every day brings its own little zigs and zags. Today was no exception.

    Today’s Vitals

    • Blood Pressure: 101/63
    • Pulse: 49
    • Weight: 169.5 lbs—yikes I dipped below 170!
    • Ketones: 2.5 (well into ketosis; normal is 0.6–1.5)
    • Blood Glucose: 87 mg/dl

    Because my blood pressure continues to run low, the doctor prescribed a saline solution—and, yes, told me to keep drinking coffee. Permission granted!

    Qigong on the Beach

    At sunrise I found myself the lone student for morning Qigong, which meant a private tutorial. The sea was calm, the breeze soft, sun was rising, the morning was perfect. We closed with an “emotional release” sequence that caught me off guard. A floodgate opened—kindly supported by the instructor—and that’s when grief came rushing in. I’ll circle back to that in a moment.

    A Little Luxury: Japanese Face Lift

    I try to plan one spa service or treatment per day to help me through the fasting process. I experienced my first Japanese Face Lift, and—wow. An hour of pure, meditative and sensation bliss. My skin felt alive and, dare I say, younger. I’m already plotting where I can find this treatment back in Fort Lauderdale. If you’ve tried it, tell me your experience please.

    Lunch

    Today’s lunch was simple but perfect: a soup and a juice with watermelon. One sip of the juice and I was hooked.

    Temptation Walks

    No gym today. Instead I logged about seven miles on foot: first to my beloved espresso shop, then to meet an old pen pal at The Forum, a beautiful shopping center. Pastries, gelato, and every devilish temptation surrounded me. My friend playfully teased me with offers of ice cream and pastries, but I just laughed and stuck with water. Ketones are incredible fuel—I walked back to the clinic without a hint of fatigue.

    Evening Plans

    It’s nearly 7 p.m. now. I’m content to let the evening stay quiet, maybe join a vocal toning session later. Here’s today’s photo and in closing the focus of this blog:

    My Experience with Grief

    I am no stranger to loss. When I was six years old I lost my oldest brother in a freak traffic accident. I did not then understand everything that was happening, but I understood one thing very clearly: I would never see him again. I remember my mother’s cries — raw, guttural anguish — and my father saying, “it doesn’t help to cry about it.” That line lodged in me, and over the years I’ve come to understand both why he said it and why it still stings.

    Since then I’ve lost my father, my mother, my oldest sister a little over a year ago, and my faithful companion of thirteen years, Abby. Abby didn’t pick me because I chose her — she literally picked me, I was her human. Her loss began to wake me up to the complex, messy work of grieving. Each loss arrived differently; each grief felt unlike the last. There is no single script, no reliable timetable. Grief refuses labels and schedules.

    Most recently I lost the love of my life. That grief is a whole other animal. I don’t think I will ever experience anything quite like it again. It has taught me that grief knows no timeline, no borders, no warning. It can seep into a quiet moment in Qigong class like it did today or crash over me when I’m least prepared. It is visceral; it moves through every cell of my body, and it comes when it wants.

    Grief is the most powerful force I’ve ever met. It’s an ache that doesn’t ask permission — a pressure that can make your chest tighten until breathing itself feels like a betrayal of how much you miss what’s gone. Name another emotion that would try to hush your breath to dull the pain; name one that would quietly invite you to leave this life behind. I can’t think of one. We like to reassure ourselves that we understand each other, that words and sympathy can bridge the distance — but the truth is more fragile: nobody can ever fully know the weather inside another person’s mind.

    Some of us meet life with a matter-of-fact steadiness; others feel our way through it. I am an empath — I feel everything — and that shapes how I grieve. My parents approached emotions differently, and while I once judged my father’s “don’t cry” response to my mother, I now see it as his way of coping. Still, no one should ever tell another person how or how long to grieve. Grieving is intimate and personal. What comforts one person may be intolerable for another.

    A wise friend named Bill Braunlich told me, “While death ends the physical presence of the loved one, it doesn’t end the relationship.” I find that profoundly true. I feel the presence of the love of my life everywhere; I talk to him constantly. Bill also told me that as life unfolds, I might gain new understanding of things he said and did, and that, if I remain open, my relationship with him can continue to grow. Those words have been a calming guide, and I am grateful for them. Thank you Bill.

    Coming to the Buchinger clinic has been the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. My reason for fasting wasn’t physical — it was emotional, mental, and spiritual. This time has helped me find my way back to who I am. I feel like I’ve found Dan Hellman again; I had been lost for a while, and here I am finding my way back.

    Life is still beautiful. I have another day on this amazing planet to search for and live my authentic self. Thank you — thank you all — for letting me grieve in my own way, for being present, for your patience and compassion. Your kindness means the world to me.

    Much love,


    Dan

  • Day 5 – Validation for Water Snobbery

    Hi everyone,

    Day 5 is winding down here in Marbella, and what a day it’s been. I’ll spare you a full play-by-play since much of it mirrored yesterday—rinse, wash, repeat—with just a few small twists.

    Morning Stats
    Blood pressure of 106/66 and a heart rate of 50. My weight has dropped to 170 lbs, and my urine shows between + and ++ ketone bodies. After a sunrise Qi Gong session on a new stretch of beach, I skipped my usual espresso stop and headed straight to the clinic for an hour-long IV vitamin infusion.

    Of course I was not skipping espresso “duh” – Needle out, earbuds in, I hit the trail for a two-mile walk to the Cult Espresso Bar. The return trip is all uphill, but with a pocket full of ketones and that single shot of espresso, I felt unstoppable.

    A Lunch Surprise
    Back at the clinic, lunch brought a twist: instead of the usual half soup/half gazpacho, an intriguing green juice appeared. One sip and—wow—instant fan. A fellow guest teased me for “cheating” with the extra taste. LMAO indeed.

    Today’s Focus

    Why Water Is Medicine Here’s what I really want to share today. I’ve always told my clients the two best medicines on earth are proper breathing (free!) and high-quality water (not so free). I personally spend $500–$600 a month on water, and this clinic validates every penny of my so-called “water snobbery.”Each room here is stocked with five different glass-bottled waters, each carefully described for its properties and benefits. If you’re curious about the healing power of water, check out Dr. Fereydoon Batmanghelidj’s classic Your Body’s Many Cries for Water. Here are the clinic’s five featured waters:

     (And yes, every single bottle is glass—no plastic anywhere on the property.)

    Mondariz Water – Drawn from the River Tea, a tributary of the Miño in southern Galicia. Low mineralization, high in sodium bicarbonate. Stimulates the gastric system, is quickly absorbed in the intestine, and helps flush oxalate, calcium phosphate, and struvite which is a phosphate mineral—supporting digestion and protecting against kidney stones.

    Sparkling Version of Mondariz

    Cazorla Water – Bottled in the Natural Park of Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas. Rich in sodium bicarbonate, it promotes the elimination of uric acid crystals and has a strong diuretic effect.

    Solan De Cabras Water – From a spring 3,000 feet up in Spain’s Serranía de Cuenca. Calcium-bicarbonate rich, diuretic, and excellent for flushing uric-acid crystals to prevent gout. Also recommended for kidney stones, constipation, and skin conditions, and ideal for low-sodium diets.

    Bezoya Water – Sourced from a spring in Ortigosa del Monte, north of Madrid. Lightly mineralized and highly diuretic, perfect for kidney issues, low-salt diets, and controlling high blood pressure.

    Several Carts in the Hallway Filled with Water

    Buenas Noches

    So, I bid you all a pleasant evening and as usual here is my daily photo.  If I lose much more I am going to be down to my high school basketball days.  

    Until tomorrow

    Dan 

    P.S. I am secretly in love with this tree!

  • Day – 4 I Am In The Groove and Espresso!

    Hi everyone,

    First, thank you for following along and the inspirational words of encouragement. Writing these daily notes is as much for my own sanity as it is for sharing the ride. Fasting is uncharted territory for me, and staying busy keeps me grounded. Many of you have asked about the experience, so if these updates help or inspire you in any way, consider me your humble guide.

    Morning Vital Signs

    Day 4 flew by in a snap. At 7 a.m. the nurse checked my vitals: blood pressure 108/68, pulse 53. A urine test confirmed I’m in ketosis, and—shockingly—my weight has dropped to 171.5 lbs. Looks like I’m losing that bet with the G.O.A.T.

    Qi Gong by the Sea

    From there I hopped on the bus to Marbella for Qi Gong on the beach. The rhythmic lap of the Mediterranean against the shore was pure bliss—a melody that hums through your whole body.

    Espresso Pilgrimage

    After class I strolled a mile and a half to Cult Espresso Bar, a tiny café that was absolutely worth every step. That single, velvety shot of espresso reminded me how magical good coffee can be. I’m grateful the clinic doesn’t outlaw espresso; that little cup was pure joy. I walked the two miles back to Buchinger under a flawless sky with a smile on my face.

    Strength & Sweetness

    Back at the clinic I hit the gym for an intense weight-lifting session that left me slightly shaky. The Buchinger clinic encourages workouts. In fact I am told by the fourth or fifth day I should feel relatively strong, because my body is now using fat as energy. The staff encourages a touch of honey if you work out aggressively, so I treated myself to an apple-cinnamon tea with a drizzle of honey. That instantly took away the shakiness.

    Body Check &…Real Life

    Next came a DEXA scan—my first. It measures bone density, body fat, and muscle mass; results will come during my doctor follow-up.
    Then, the less glamorous side of fasting: the scheduled enema. It’s every other day to keep things moving and help clear toxins. Let’s just say it went smoothly – leave it at that and spare any photos.

    Midday Pause

    Lunch was my usual half-and-half of soup and gazpacho, savored while chatting with a nice man from Guatemala. Afterward I indulged in a 45-minute nap with a warm liver pack—surprisingly comforting and the perfect excuse to doze.

    Evening Reflections

    The afternoon brought excellent news: every marker on my bloodwork came back normal. We’re just waiting on PSA and gluten-sensitivity results.

    Later I crossed the street to Antares, the clinic’s serene meditation house, for yoga and breathing exercises. It’s meant to be a no-talk zone—though a few visitors apparently missed that memo and the blatant signs saying “quiet zone.”

    The day wrapped up with a welcome meeting for new guests. One veteran attendee, here for his tenth stay and a scientist who researches fasting in animals, gave an inspiring talk on the body’s ability to heal. Others shared stories of fasting helping with everything from heart disease to menstrual issues—fascinating and motivating.

    Dinner, as always, was two half-servings of soup—simple and delicious. I’m honestly amazed how natural it feels to go without solid food now.

    I’ll finish the evening with some reading and journaling on my terrace, the Spanish twilight settling in around me. Here is today’s photo.

    Until tomorrow,

    Dan

  • Day 3 – Finding My Rhythm at Buchinger

    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

  • Day – 2 In The Books

    I woke up at 7 a.m. after a wonderful rest and began the day with meditation from 7:30 to 8.

    Yesterday, the nurse recorded my blood pressure at 132/81, heart rate at 49, and weight at 179 lbs. Today’s numbers were noticeably different—blood pressure 90/64, heart rate 52, and weight 175. A four-pound drop in just one day—yikes!  I have a friendly bet with the G.O.A.T. for a $100 on the amount of weight I am going to lose and I am pretty sure I will lose the bet! I headed off to the gym for 45 minutes where I performed just 15 minutes of cardio and then 30 minutes of weight training. The gym is really nice with a great view of the pool.

    Back in my room, I sipped mint tea and drank plenty of water before meeting with the nutritionist. We discussed what breaking the fast will look like after 10 days and the foods I’ll be able to reintroduce. Fish comes back on day four, and red meat on day ten. She advised me to avoid alcohol for at least 10 days post-fast, which is no big deal. She also suggested that if I decide to work out, I should keep some honey nearby—just in case my energy dips too low.

    After that, my broth arrived. Simple, but surprisingly good.

    Next was a full checkup with the doctor. The physicians here are incredibly thorough and take the time to sit with you and really talk. Following the appointment came the “salts”—a prescribed solution designed to flush out the system. Let’s just say it works quickly and effectively, and you don’t want to stray far from your room afterward.

    The rest of the day was quiet and reflective. This solitude gives me the chance to think about the love I’ve shared, the beautiful memories, and the next chapter of my life. Journaling has been a powerful way to begin shaping that vision. I’ve always believed in creating my own reality, and I don’t think this next phase will be any different.

    The universe, of course, doesn’t work on our timeline. What we wish for today may appear in two months—or ten years. Still, I know what I want: someone to share life with. Not someone I need, but someone who complements me. Someone kind and compassionate, who loves dogs, the ocean, cares for the environment, and above all, radiates kindness. 

    Here is today’s photo – no changes are seen, but I am down 4 lbs

    Until tomorrow

    Dan

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  • DAY-1 In The Books

    Day 1 is coming to a close here at the Buchinger Clinic in Marbella. To say the clinic is beautiful would be an understatement—it’s not only well run but also set on a property that feels almost magical.

    I arrived around 1 pm, and after being dropped off, I was immediately checked into my room. Since today is considered a preparation day, I enjoyed a proper lunch and dinner of rice and vegetables. I savored every bite, knowing it would be my last solid meal for the next 10 days. Starting tomorrow, I won’t be chewing any food at all.

    My Room

    After lunch, I unpacked and went on a guided tour of the grounds. The clinic has everything: a pool, gym, sauna, cold plunge, meditation room, yoga studio, treatment areas, vitamin therapy rooms—the list goes on. And then, of course, there’s the Marbella weather, which is hard to beat: 80 degrees and low humidity.

    Later, I met with the nurse, who took my vitals and gave me my schedule for tomorrow. Part of the day will involve staying close to my room while drinking a salt solution (more on that in tomorrow’s post). Afterward, I headed to the gym for a 40-minute workout just to move my body. The clinic encourages guests to stay as active as possible during the fasting process, and I’m hopeful I’ll even get in a couple rounds of golf if energy allows.

    One thing that strikes me is how structured life here is. There are classes, activities, and events scheduled throughout the day to help keep you occupied—a thoughtful approach that I imagine makes fasting more manageable. At the moment, there are 115 clients here, from all walks of life: some battling illness, others here to lose weight, and quite a few, like me, simply seeking a total reset.

    Here’s a photo I took an hour ago. After my indulgent eating and drinking in Sardinia, I’m feeling a bit bloated. I weigh 179 lbs today, and I’m very curious to see how my body, mind, and spirit transform over the next two weeks.

    Time to rest—tomorrow begins the real journey.

    Until then,
    Dan

  • The Buchinger Clinic Marbella, Spain

    Today I Begin A Different Kind of Fast — A Reset, Not a Diet

    Today I begin my fasting experience at the famous Buchinger Clinic in Marbella, Spain. This isn’t about losing weight — it’s about a total reset: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. After the last several months, I needed space to breathe, to feel, and to begin to rebuild.

    On May 22nd I lost the love of my life. Grief has been nothing short of brutal. It’s a strange, complicated thing — unique for each person and stretched across its own unpredictable timeline. For me, grief arrived as more than sorrow: I lost my rock, my best friend, my greatest cheerleader, someone who helped shape the man I am today. I am also deeply grateful that I had the chance to know that kind of unconditional love. I know many people never get to experience the love we shared. I count myself fortunate, even while my heart breaks.

    The heartbreak didn’t stop there. Around the same time I lost another relationship — someone I thought would be there, someone who would help carry the weight and stand beside me through the next chapter in my life. Instead, I learned an old truth anew: a zebra cannot change its stripes. I learned, once again, that we teach people how to treat us and I take responsibility for my contribution.  Betrayal is a completely different type of pain and loss. I can wrap my head around death, no one escapes it, but betrayal, I struggle understanding.  Those lessons cut deep, especially when they arrive on the heels of enormous loss. In an instant, I felt as if I had no legs to stand on and panic attacks literally felt like heart attacks.  It was an extremely scary time.  

    Through all of it I’ve been held — by friends, by family, and by an amazing therapist. Their presence, patience, and steady hands have been the small, daily lifelines that kept me moving forward when moving felt impossible. For that I am thankful to those who show me empathy and compassion.

    So why a fasting clinic? For me, fasting is a way to clear space. It’s a permission slip to slow down and notice what’s left when the noise of daily life is stripped away. It’s not a cure, and it’s not a shortcut, but it’s a committed practice: rest for the body, time to process for the mind, and silence for the heart to start whispering again. In the quiet of Marbella’s light and Mediterranean air, I hope to reconnect with a center that feels steady and true.

    Grief has taught me hard lessons about love and about boundaries, about tenderness and about self-respect. It’s shown me how resilient I can be and how much support matters. It has also taught me that there isn’t a single “right” way to move forward — only the next wise step you can take.  The betrayal taught me what I don’t want in life and I honor this person for the life lessons. 

    So today I put one foot in front of the other. It’s onwards and upwards, because what other option is there? I’ll be gentle with myself. I’ll keep showing up to the work of healing. I’ll keep leaning on the people who show up for me in real ways.

    If anything, this is a note to myself — and to anyone reading who’s lost someone, or who’s been let down by someone they trusted — that grief and disappointment do not have to be the end of your story. They can be the beginning of a reset, deliberate and brave.

    Thank you to everyone who has reached out, listened, or simply sat in silence with me. I carry that kindness with me to Marbella and back into the days that follow.

    With gratitude for another day of life on this amazing earth.

    — Dan

  • Journey to the Buchinger Clinic

    Before arriving at the Buchinger Clinic in Marbella, Spain, my journey began on September 2nd at Miami International Airport. My first stop was Barcelona — a city I’ve visited a few times before and never tire of. From there, I made my way by cab to the charming beach town of Sitges. Known for its vibrant beach life, sidewalk cafés, and world-class people-watching, Sitges was the perfect place to spend four sun-filled days.

    Next, I boarded a flight to Sardinia, Italy — my very first time visiting the island. Sardinia turned out to be nothing short of magical. I was fortunate to spend five days with one of my favorite clients-turned-dear-friend, Gina, who had rented a villa for the month. Together we explored ancient ruins, enjoyed wine tastings, wandered through local shops, visited a turtle hospital and of course indulged in incredible Italian food. The highlight was a day aboard a catamaran, sailing across the crystal-clear Mediterranean. For those who know me, the water is my “happy place” — calming, restorative, and where I feel most at peace.

    As special as these days were, the thought of embarking on a two-week fast has been lingering in the back of my mind. The Buchinger Clinic is world-renowned, with another location in Germany, and it was no small feat to secure a room. While I don’t yet know how many others will be in residence, I do know that it’s a supportive community, guided by daily doctor or nurse visits and set within a complete medical spa environment.

    I first learned about Buchinger through the late, great osteopath Dr. Guy Voyer. I still remember sitting in a classroom in New York as he described extended fasts — my palms literally breaking out in a cold sweat at the idea. Up until now, the longest fast I’ve ever done was three days. This time, it will be two weeks. I’ve also had friends experience the clinic — including Fritz and Richard. Richard, in fact, just returned from a three-week fast, and when I saw him, I could hardly recognize him. He looked amazing.

    My next post will share the check-in process and first-day activities. I also plan to post a daily photo along with my weight. My hope is not to lose too much — weight loss is not my goal, and I don’t have much to spare. This is about something deeper: a reset for body, mind, and spirit. Here are a few photos of my time in Sitges and Sardinia. I am presently checked in to the clinic and waiting for my first visit with the nurse.