Honest Thoughts on Faster Way to Fat Loss
I just finished the 8-week program called Faster Way to Fat Loss.
I did it because I was lost when it came to getting my postpartum body back on track. I didn’t go into the program with the goal to lose weight, but to feel better, stronger and comfortable in my body.
I also did it because I knew people (in real life) that have successfully completed the program and seen results. I figured, if it worked for them - why not try it for myself?
I am skeptical of online diets and programs. I am pretty old school when it comes to my health & fitness - I want to know that I will actually get a return in my investment. So, for me to actually try this program was kind of a big deal.
The Program
I will try to keep this brief, but the program basically teaches you the skills to properly fuel your body with whole food nutrition and a weekly fitness routine based on knowing what you are eating and getting the right amount of nutrients each day. The program includes intermittent fasting (16+ hours of fasting) along with a weekly schedule that includes (2) low-carb days followed by full-macro days and (1) treat per week.
I realized from this program and from tracking my daily food and macros that…
I was often not eating ENOUGH. Who knew that underrating could cause weight gain
I was not getting enough protein + fat in my diet
I do NOT need to eat breakfast or a snack right when I wake up.
What I did
I fast everyday… even on weekends.
The first few weeks were an adjustment, but now my body doesn’t crave food in the morning. I typically keep my eating window from 10:30am - 5:30 p.m. Then I fast from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 a.m. Some days I push it a bit, especially if it’s a full macros day. Note: you cannot consume more than 50 calories during your fast.
I drink half my body weight in water
I start my day with water vs. going straight to coffee. By 7am, I have my first cup. For coffee, I love the Calfia Almond Milk creamer + coffee or will sip on Stoke cold brew. The creamer tastes naturally sweet and creamy, but is only 15 calories.
I workout 5x per week and move my body for 30-mins per day
This is key. I love to workout and this has never been an issue for me. But I really pushed myself to workout 5x per week (mostly classes at Health House) mixed in with walks and runs outside. I also increased my weights in class and push myself to keep challenging my body each week. Weight lifting paired with cardio is key. FWTFL does provide daily workouts to follow and fun videos, but I prefer to take classes vs. doing at-home.
Monday/Tuesday are “low-carb” days.
You still consume carbs, but are careful about consuming 50g or less carbs on low carb days. Trust me, those carbs go quickly! I typically do one serving of sweet potatoes or quinoa on these days. In order to stay full & satisfied, you have to up your fats and protein.
On low carb days, I love to eat salmon, avocado, big salads, and cauliflower rice bowls with veggies + protein. On days I am craving carbs, I love veggie pasta (made of lentils and zucchini) to satisfy those cravings.
I slowly eliminated processed sugar. Minus the occasional dark chocolate.
I am notoriously a “sweets” girl. So, eliminating sugar from my diet was hard for me. I started by eliminating one sugary-food at a time. I also think tracking my food helped me realize what I was consuming and when I had already reached my “sugar goal” for the day. My biggest sugar culprit? My daily coffee(s) and late-night “dessert.” For healthy deserts, I stick to fruit (like an apple with chocolate hummus or cinnamon) or a piece of dark chocolate. If I HAVE to have a sweet, I will. I just try not to go crazy.
I eat mostly at-home and love big salads or "“meal bowls”
I am learning to love to eat at home. I feel like I can make delicious, filling meals better at home. I think eating organic, unprocessed foods makes such a difference. While there are definitely days where I only have time to make frozen veggies or pre-made meals, I definitely try to cook everything to control the ingredients. I love doing big salads for lunch or a meal bowl. I always add avocado + protein to my salad for extra nutrients. For “meal bowls” I typically start with sweet potatoes, cauliflower rice or zoodles and layer on a protein + other vegetables. My go-to has been a “Spicy Buffalo Bowl” - sweet potatoes, egg whites, chicken, avocado and buffalo sauce.
I try to keep gluten & dairy at a minimum
I don’t think I can 100% give up cheese. I just don’t. But I have cut back on my intake by a lot! I used to add cheese to everything. Now I try to have 1-serving or less per day. For gluten, I don’t typically eat it. I am better about avoiding it, but also don’t sub in “gluten-free” products, as they are typically filled with other unprocessed additives. I do love cauliflower as a gluten sub. The Trader Joe’s cauliflower pizza crust is amazing and so is their gnocci. As I mentioned earlier, I also LOVE the veggie pasta (pre-made) or will buy lentil or edamame based pasta.
My Results
Did I lose a crazy amount of weight? Nope. In fact, I only see a 5-6lb difference on the scale. I am really trying to focus on Non-Scale Victories, something my FWTFL coach, Quincey talked about a lot. While the number on the scale doesn’t feel significant, the physical change and how I feel has changed. I feel stronger, leaner, less bloated, less tired, and healthier. I am learning to have a healthy relationship with my body and the scale.
I also feel like the education I received from the program was so valuable.
Before doing Faster Way to Fat Loss, I had an unhealthy relationship with food. I would reward myself with sugary treats after a hard workout. I would obsess over calories. I would under-eat, which often lead to overeating the wrong foods. I struggled to have a consistent game plan for my nutrition. I would have one “bad day” and then would let a few bad choices keep happening. I would give into cravings. And so on.
So, would I recommend it?
Yes! If…
You don’t understand macros, but want to
You don’t have a consistent nutrition plan or routine
You are wanting a long-term plan to feel your best (not quick results)
You can be self-motivated to implement the program
Are ready to make a total change with your health
Since I am not a coach or expert, I would highly suggest chatting with a coach to learn more to see if the program is right for you. I loved working with Quincey Burgess. She is SO sweet and is actually pregnant.
Yes, you can modify the program to be safe for pregnancy or breastfeeding! You can follow her on social media and DM any questions! https://www.instagram.com/thequincycollective/
