The Four Phases of Metabolic Balance®: A Comprehensive Guide
Although there are 4 phases to Metabolic Balance® the timeframe for each plan will vary depending on the person and what they need to achieve in order to restore their balance. Phase 1 and Phase 2 strict have set timeframes. Phase 1 will always last for two days. Phase 2 strict will last for two weeks. From there, how long each phase will go for really depends. If someone has a long way to go before they reach their health goals they might need to spend longer in Phase 2 relaxed. Depending on the person, I might use a combination of Phase 3 and then Phase 2 relaxed for a period of time. But again, it really depends on the individual and how they are feeling.
Here is a short guide on what each stage looks like.
Phase 1 - Cleansing/Detox - prepare your body
The first phase lasts two days. Your body becomes attuned to the new way of eating. In this cleansing phase, only light meals are eaten and the additional gentle colon cleansing, supports the adjustment process. When the stomach and digestive tract are emptied, the body feeds itself from within, from the fat reserves (keto metabolism). Hunger is minimised. During this phase it’s very important to drink lots of water and rest.
Phase 2 Strict Phase - for change
The body needs time to detoxify and to adjust your metabolism in order to get back into a healthy balance. Therefore, the second phase lasts for at least 14 days. We also call this the "detox phase". Your nutrition plan contains a delicious selection of fresh fruits and vegetables that are right for your body . A healthy diet, with the foods that are beneficial to you, supports detoxification almost entirely by itself.
Phase 2 Relaxed Phase - for continued change
After the first two weeks of the strict phase you will move into Phase 2 relaxed. This is where you introduce your oils back into your life (yay) and start to work with your naturopath on how to move closer to your health goals. For some clients, I like to blend components of Phase 2 and 3, but again, it really depends on the person I’m working with.
Phase 3 - Relaxed - experiment and learn
From here, it will get easier. No one can achieve a goal through constant restriction. Therefore, in Phase 3, you experiment with foods that are not on your list. In this way you can learn which foods you can eat again, without the old symptoms, such as bloating, heartburn, tiredness or headache. Of course, the "off plan meals" are considered a highlight in phase 3. On these days, you can relax with the Metabolic Balance rules and simply eat what you feel like.
Phase 4 - Live your life - cruise control for a good life
Once you have spent time understanding how the different foods make you feel, your metabolism has reset, and your weight regulation is visible in so and many more ways than a number on the bathroom scales. You feel good, sleep well and your rejuvenated appearance gives you new self-confidence. Stay focused! Over the last few weeks and months, you have learned which foods are best for you. You can now integrate these insights into your future lifestyle. Continue to consciously choose foods that make you feel great and work for your body.
If you would like to learn more about Metabolic Balance® I recommend checking out this article on why as an anti diet clinical naturopath I love Metabolic Balance.
And if you would like to book a discovery call to find out if Metabolic Balance is right for you, you can do so HERE.