When you start fasting, your body initially relies on blood glucose and glycogen stores for energy.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
- Initial Energy Source: Normally, the body gets energy from blood glucose through a process called glycolysis.
- Glycogen Stores: During fasting, maintaining blood glucose levels becomes crucial. The body first utilizes glycogen stores found in the liver and skeletal muscles to keep blood glucose levels stable. These stores are the body's readily available glucose reserves.
Energy Source | Location | Role During Fasting |
---|---|---|
Blood Glucose | Bloodstream | Provides immediate energy through glycolysis. |
Glycogen | Liver and Muscle | Primary reserve used to maintain blood glucose levels. |