*This is post four in our series about The Fast Metabolism Diet. You can find post three here: Week Two: Staying on Track Through Challenges.
I promised in the beginning that I would be 100% honest when writing about my journey. So here it is: this has been my hardest week so far, but I’m pushing through it.
Pushing Through the Hard Days
I continue to love Phase 1 and Phase 3 days, but Phase 2 is still a challenge. This week, I didn’t manage to eat all 10 times during the two days of Phase 2.
As I mentioned in last week’s post, success with this program requires stepping outside your comfort zone. Trying new foods can help you meet the eating goals of each phase. But it’s also okay to repeat meals and stick with a few safe choices if that’s what works for you—the author says so herself!
So, how do I stay motivated after a discouraging week? I remind myself that I love five out of the seven days, and that’s what keeps me going. Out of the 35 meals in a week, it’s only 10 that feel hard—and I just powered through. We’re human. There will be bumps in the road but pushing through is possible.
Small Change, Big Impact: Prepping Ahead
One thing that really helped me this week was taking an afternoon to prep and portion out snacks for the coming days. What a difference that made!
If you have a TV in the kitchen or can stream something on your phone, turn on something you enjoy while you prep. I listened to an audiobook with my earbuds and actually enjoyed the process. It felt like some relaxing “me” time.
Week Three Outcomes
- I lost 2 pounds at the beginning of the week but gained them back—likely due to missing meals during Phase 2. My total weight loss is back to 8 pounds.
- My focus continues to improve—I spent time organizing spaces I had been putting off.
- My sleep quality remains improved.
- Overall, I feel better!
Tips for Success
- When you feel overwhelmed, remind yourself why you started.
- Try setting a short-term goal to help push through the hard parts.
- If you’re getting bored, revisit the Master Food List in the back of the book. It might inspire some new meal ideas.
- Stay on top of your hydration: drink half your body weight in ounces daily (for example, if you weigh 180 lbs, aim for 90 oz of water).
- Don’t give up—focus on how far you’ve come!
Final Thoughts
Week three may have brought the most struggle so far, but it also reminded me of the progress I’ve already made. Even when it feels tough, every step forward matters. I’m holding onto my reasons for starting and keeping my eyes on the finish line—just one more week to go!
Written by Joy Hinshaw, MSND, RDN, LDN, CHES®, CCP-CHC