*This is the final post in our series about The Fast Metabolism Diet. You can find the previous post here: Week Three: Pushing Through.
I have reached the end of my 28-day journey following The Fast Metabolism Diet: Eat More Food and Lose More Weight by Haylie Pomroy. This journey has proved to be both challenging and beneficial for me, changing my attitude towards what I eat and when I eat.
Each week completed is a time to reflect on what I did well and what proved to be dietary shortcomings. We are taught from an early age to clean our plates; however, little emphasis tends to be placed on making sure that the right foods are placed on those plates. This is, in fact, one of the strengths of this diet program—teaching you how to couple foods together in a way that optimizes their benefits to your health when eaten.
The author points out that as each week is conquered, the body is in a different metabolic state. Dietitians like to use car analogies when we discuss the impacts of nutrition and activity on the body, so staying in that vein, I use the analogy of thinking of our organs as “filters” for the engine. Therefore, at the conclusion of this program, we can expect our “filters” to be cleaned out from the gunk that has accumulated over the years.
The optimal outcome should be that you are feeling less stress, less brain fog, less inflammation, and will see improved sleep habits and lab work. Yes, of course, weight loss is an outcome that you can experience, but do not expect to lose all 20 pounds that the cover boasts. My advice is to follow this program for the multiple health benefits that can help to reset you, not just for the weight loss.
As the author explains when discussing what to expect during this final week, it is important to adopt a healthier eating pattern than how you were eating before. If we simply go back to eating highly processed foods, consume too much caffeine, sugar, and/or alcohol, then we will find our metabolism taxed again. Moderation is key to long-term success.
What I Liked About the Program
Overall, I believe in the solid science of this program. I like that this is a program that can be repeated safely as many times as needed to keep the metabolism in a healthy state. Another thing I like is that it promotes eating whole foods versus highly processed diet foods. I like that it provides not only a food list for each Phase but also recipes for those who need assistance putting meals together.
As a dietitian, what I did not like was the emphasis placed on weight loss. Yes, losing weight can provide a lot of health benefits alone, but making long-term changes to habits and behavior is better proven to improve one’s overall quality of life.
A Deeper Look at Our Habits
It is human nature to focus on what we do well, and we tend to think in linear terms when we discuss eating better. An example of this: we tend to start the day out eating right, but when the stress of the day bears down on us, we tend to reach for an unhealthy snack or eat unhealthy comfort food for dinner.
This diet program helps to make clear where we are struggling with our daily eating habits, so we should focus on those weaknesses and make a plan to identify and improve those areas. If you struggle in the afternoon, then focus your energy there.
For example, I learned exactly how little protein I eat daily, so I have set a goal to include protein with each meal and snacks. When we become hyperaware of an area to improve, it will make it easier to become habit—especially once we learn that it takes 21 days for a new behavior to become a habit.
Fast Metabolism Diet Results
- Improved focus
Experienced improved attention span and less brain fog - Overall improved quality of sleep
This final week I did find it harder to fall asleep, but I continued to sleep deeply and awoke rested - No desire to return to caffeinated coffee
Purchased a single-serve French press and decaf coffee so that I will continue to be caffeine free - No cravings for cheese or sugary foods
- Plan to change my baking methods by continuing to use the approved non-nutritive sweetener in place of regular sugar
- Plan to get my “sugar” fix by eating fresh fruits that are naturally sweet
- Overall I lost 12 pounds
- Will have to wait until my next doctor visit to learn my updated lab numbers
Tips for Long-Term Success
- Reflect how different you feel today than before you started. Use this as your launching point to motivate permanent change in your life.
- Develop self-care habits. Each of us is important and we need to treat ourselves with love.
Final Thoughts
This experience has reaffirmed the power of food as medicine and the importance of truly tuning in to how we nourish ourselves. While the Fast Metabolism Diet is just one approach, the lessons I’ve learned—about habits, food choices, and the role of self-awareness—will carry forward into whatever comes next.
Here’s to continued progress, mindful eating, and lasting change.
Written by Joy Hinshaw, MSND, RDN, LDN, CHES®, CCP-CHC
If you want to learn more about The Fast Metabolism Diet, purchase the book here.
*Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases when you shop through our links.