Tag: Fasting start time

Over 5% of US adults report using intermittent fasting for weight loss, making understanding exactly **what time exactly does fasting start?** a common and crucial question. The answer, however, depends heavily on the specific fasting protocol you follow and is not one-size-fits-all.

The notion that all fasts begin precisely at 12 AM is a common misconception, with the actual start time depending entirely on the specific fasting protocol or religious tradition being followed. This article will delve into the different fasting schedules and traditions to clarify when a fast truly begins and ends.

According to Johns Hopkins neuroscientist Mark Mattson, the body enters a fat-burning state after exhausting its sugar stores, a process that begins after hours without food. This critical metabolic shift directly answers the question, 'Does fasting start at the last meal you eat or the first?', beginning the moment you finish consuming your last calories.