The Fast Metabolism Diet, popularized by Haylie Pomroy, is a unique eating plan designed to boost your metabolism by keeping it guessing. The diet consists of three distinct phases each week: Phase I (Monday-Tuesday), Phase II (Wednesday-Thursday), and Phase III (Friday-Sunday). Phase I focuses on high-carbohydrate and fruit-rich meals.
This article concentrates on Phase 1 recipes, providing a selection of meal ideas to kickstart your metabolism. The core principle of Phase 1 is to fuel the body with carbohydrates and fruits, encouraging it to burn fat and reduce stress.
Understanding Phase 1 of the Fast Metabolism Diet
Phase 1, occurring on Mondays and Tuesdays, is all about consuming plenty of carbs and fruits. This phase aims to destress the body and prepare it for the subsequent phases. It’s a period to indulge in complex carbohydrates and a variety of fruits while keeping fat intake low.
Key Principles of Phase 1
- High Carbohydrate Intake: Focus on complex carbohydrates like brown rice, oatmeal, and whole grains.
- Fruit Focus: Enjoy a variety of fruits, including those high in Vitamin C, such as grapefruit, oranges, and berries.
- Lean Proteins: Incorporate lean protein sources.
- Low Fat: Minimize fat intake.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to support metabolic processes.
Delicious Phase 1 Recipes
Breakfast Options
1. Phase 1 Smoothie
Smoothies are a quick and easy way to start your day during Phase 1. Combine Phase 1-approved fruits like berries, apples, or pears with water and ice. You can add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 apple, cored and chopped
- 1 cup water
- Ice (optional)
- Cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.
2. Overnight Oatmeal
Prepare this the night before for a hassle-free breakfast.
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Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup water (or unsweetened oat milk)
- 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
- Optional: Freeze-dried fruit
Instructions:
- Combine oats and water (or oat milk) in a jar or container.
- Stir well and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Top with fresh blueberries and freeze-dried fruit if desired.
Lunch Options
1. Turkey Wraps (Cheese-Free)
Skip the cheese to make these wraps a perfect weekday meal during Phase 1. You can use any bean variety you have too - kidney beans would work great!
Ingredients:
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced turkey breast
- Beans of choice
- Phase 1 veggies
Instructions:
- Lay out the lettuce leaves.
- Add turkey, beans, and Phase 1 veggies.
- Wrap and serve.
2. Veggie Candy Corn
This super fun Veggie Candy Corn is a fun and healthy dish for your friends and family.
Ingredients:
- Cut veggies
Instructions:
- Cut your vegetables to resemble candy corn.
- Serve
Dinner Options
1. Fast Metabolism Buddha Bowl
These kind of bowls are very easy to put together for either phase 1 or phase 3.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown rice
- Steamed Brussels sprouts
- Roast winter squash
- Steamed to reheat deli rotisserie chicken (take out).
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Serve
2. Easy Chicken Stir-Fry
This versatile dish lets you use whatever meat you want, the grain you prefer and veggies you like.
Ingredients:
- Cooked rice
- Chicken
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Bell pepper
- Zucchini
- Carrot
- Chicken stock
- Garlic
- s&p
- Cumin
- Chili powder
Instructions:
- Squeeze half a lime into cooked rice, add a bit of cilantro.
- Brown chicken using olive oil for p3 or non stick pan for p1.
- When chicken is almost cooked, add onion, bell pepper, zucchini and carrot.
- Use a little chicken stock if necessary.
- Add garlic, s&p, cumin and chili powder and cook until veggies are just tender.
- In a bowl, put 1 cup rice, topped with ½ cup seasoned black beans.
- Add ¼ of the chicken and veggie mixture.
- Top with tomatoes, green onion, cilantro and guacamole if p3.
3. Ground Turkey and Veggie Stew
This recipe is easily adaptable to Phase 1 by ensuring it's served with a Phase 1-approved grain like brown rice or pasta.
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Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 4 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, parsnips, shallots, turnips, potatoes, boiling onions, kohlrabi, celery root, elephant garlic)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp mixed herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, oregano)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups tomato juice (check label for added sugar)
- Brown rice or pasta for serving
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey with all the vegetables.
- Season with the garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Transfer the stew to a large casserole or Dutch oven.
- Add the tomato juice.
- Cover and bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Taste for salt, as some tomato juices can be very salty.
- Serve with brown rice or pasta.
Snack and Drink Options
1. Jicama Snack
Jicama is a refreshing and hydrating snack option for Phase 1. Simply peel and slice a small to medium jicama and enjoy it raw.
2. Energizing Mocktail
This thirst quenching and energizing mocktail is a perfect Phase 1 drink to enjoy this summer.
Ingredients:
- Water
- Phase 1 fruits
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a glass.
- Serve
Additional Tips for Phase 1
- Plan Your Meals: Plan your meals in advance to ensure you have the necessary ingredients on hand.
- Read Labels: Be mindful of added sugars and fats in processed foods.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Exercise: Engage in aerobic activities during Phase 1 to maximize fat burning.
Read also: Benefits of Juice Fasting