When you fast, your body starts using up stored energy.

Most of this energy comes from a substance called glycogen. Glycogen is found in the liver and muscles.

Once those glycogen stores run low, your body starts a process called gluconeogenesis. This means your body can create glucose from other sources that aren’t carbohydrates.

When you eat, things work differently. The carbohydrates in your food get broken down into glucose.

Then, a hormone called insulin helps move the glucose into your cells. This gives your cells energy or stores it for later.

For example, if you have a big pasta meal, insulin helps take the extra glucose and turn it into glycogen. This way, when you need energy later, you have some saved up.

Keeping this balance between eating and fasting helps keep your blood sugar levels steady.

This is really important for your overall health.