Lee would agree that the weeks of training kept us in check, but he would also be the first to admit that 5am race days and 8-10 mile runs on the weekend wasn't his idea of fun together. He often ran in the morning or afternoon when I went to barre, and has also joined a tennis league. We cycled last summer but that too has dropped off some. He spent years prior to "us" just running and playing rec league basketball - I was with him for his goal to run a half for his 40th, but I was also there when he needed 2 knee braces just to play pick up ball on the weekend. He has done a little swimming and admitted the bike is easier on the joints, but would much rather hit the treadmill/road/court than do a weight circuit. After encouraging him that this program had real food, structure, and the chance for us to enter the challenge, he agreed. I also let him know that after reading an article from my integrative doctor supporting intermittent fasting I figured Amanda was pretty "legit" and not just another get quick program - I usually avoid all online weight programs, even taking all the info in my Health and Self mags with a grain of salt. If there isn't a real person behind it then it likely won't produce real results.

Where do I begin... this is the first time I have completed a program thinking I WANT to do this again. Because it actually worked. Through life, and emergencies, and vacations... it still worked. Unlike so many programs that make you use silly containers and a complicated meal plan with expensive shakes and promises of change in 21 days (that actually left me feeling depleted and hangry) I felt a difference in this program the first week with just an adjustment and understand of IF. Coupled with carb cycling and specific workout routines, I found that I was not looking forward to the END of this program like so many that I've tried. I have no intention of stopping IF. My digestive system is finally working! TMI? Sorry ;) I have celiac and hypothyroidism (so low I've been tested for hoshimotos) but my energy levels are relatively high, leading to more even temperament and better sleep. I'm tempted to get my thyroid levels tested again just to see how drastically things have improved! I love so much about what this program has done for my body internally, I forget to notice what it's done externally. Which is over 7" and 8 lbs lost, down a pant size, and strength and stamina I didn't have before! What has made me a probable lifer of the faster way and forever fan of Amanda's, is that this works with life. We have had birthdays, holidays, vacations and unforeseen medical issues arise and I didnt worry about not being on track. Normally things like this, especially emergencies and medical problems would rock me off my workout program, but I never felt like that with the Faster Way. My toddler had a huge accident on a bike which did occupy a lot of my time for a couple weeks while he healed, and I wasn't able to get a few workouts in for a couple weeks, but it didn't make me quit the program. I kept up with the diet recommendations and when my life allowed, I jumped back into the physical activity. Considering I wasn't able to commit 110% with what life threw at me the last few weeks, I'm still SO happy with my results and I know it's because of our new eating lifestyle. This is the first time I've ever been able to get my husband on board to do a workout program with me. While he seemed to be a little dramatic about food tracking, since he could see what his normal grabs would contain, he rocks at making great meal plans for us now. He is the first one now to rant and rave about our fasting lifestyle because he feels GREAT and while we are healthy eaters (organic and whole foods 99% of the time), he doesn't feel limited or restricted if an occasion arises where he wants to indulge. And he was the first one to say "We need to do this again". If we were to do this program during a slower season of life, I know our physical results would be amazing. But considering our life has been chaos (cross country move, starting a new business, homeschooling, traveling, dental emergencies, sickness, sleep deprivation etc,) and we still had great success, I'm happy to do this during any season of life. Thank you so much for the education and support around intermittent fasting and the benefits of getting our bodies on a schedule. While the program itself has ended, we are still going. Much love xo

