Keto for PCOS | Day 25: Making It Work – Adapting the Plan to My Life

By now, I’ve learned that one size does not fit all when it comes to health plans. The core principles of The FatBurn Fix are my foundation, but I’ve definitely adapted them to fit my own life. And I think that’s why I’m still going strong at Day 25 – because this plan feels like my plan now.

One thing I’ve adjusted is meal timing. Initially, I tried strict intermittent fasting (skipping breakfast), because I heard it can be good for insulin. But I realized that on some days, I genuinely wake up hungry and skipping breakfast made me obsess over food. So guess what? I eat breakfast on those days. Other days when I’m not hungry early, I wait until mid-morning or lunch. I’m listening to my body’s cues rather than forcing a schedule. This flexibility keeps me from feeling deprived or cranky.

I’ve also made the plan social-life-friendly. This isn’t a 30-day hermit challenge – I still go out with friends and attend family events. My strategy is planning ahead. If I’m going to a restaurant, I’ll peek at the menu online and pick a dish that fits (steak and veggies, or salad with protein, for example). If I’m at a party with lots of treats, I allow myself one consciously chosen treat so I feel included but not derailed. And I often volunteer to bring a dish to gatherings – that way I know there will be something on the table I can happily eat (and others enjoy it too – my veggie platter with guacamole dip tends to get devoured).

Another adaptation: I keep “emergency” healthy snacks in my bag or car. The plan encourages having nuts or jerky on hand, and let me tell you, this has saved me from drive-thru temptations more than once when I was stuck in traffic or running errands longer than expected. It’s a small tweak, but it fits my slightly unpredictable freelance schedule.

I’ve also adjusted the pace according to my progress. Dr. Cate’s quiz (which I took in the book) initially put me at a certain starting level. As I’ve improved, I actually retook it to see if I can advance. My scores got better! That means I might start incorporating a bit more healthy carb on active days without negative effects, as the program suggests when your metabolism strengthens. It’s like leveling up in a game – very encouraging.

Importantly, I allow myself grace and occasional modifications rather than thinking I must do this “perfectly.” For example, last weekend I was traveling and couldn’t find the perfect food options at a road stop – so I chose the best I could (a grilled chicken sandwich, ditched half the bun). Not ideal, but I didn’t beat myself up. I just got back on track the next meal. In the past, one “off” meal would make me throw in the towel; now, I see it as a minor detour.

All these adjustments mean this way of eating and living fits me. I’m not molding my life around a diet; I’m molding the diet around my life. And that’s so important for long-term success. It’s empowering to know I can tweak things as needed and keep the spirit of the plan intact.

As I approach the end of the 30 days, I’m not thinking “whew, I can’t wait to be done.” Instead, I’m thinking about how I’ll carry this forward in a way that continues to work for me. Because ultimately, the best plan is the one you can stick with – and that often means making it your own.