[Day 10] Switch On diet: Restoring Balance

Rediscovering Self-Care Through the Switch On Diet

Reaching Day 10 of the Switch On Diet feels like a quiet milestone. I didn’t expect this journey to feel so personal, but it’s been more than just adjusting meals—it’s been about reconnecting with my body and resetting my daily rhythms. This Korean-originated wellness approach focuses on balancing metabolism, reducing insulin resistance, and helping the body burn fat more efficiently. As someone in midlife, it feels less like a diet and more like a long-overdue act of self-care.

Yesterday, I had planned to start incorporating more movement. I especially wanted to return to Pilates, which I truly enjoy, but I forgot that classes require advance booking. I missed the window, and honestly, I felt a bit guilty. It wasn’t just poor planning—some of it was procrastination. But instead of beating myself up, I made a gentle promise to myself: I’ll try again tomorrow. And I did.

Today, I took a 40-minute walk in the park near my home. The breeze was cool, the sunlight soft, and as I walked, I could feel my body relaxing. Later, I did some light stretching and breathing exercises. These small movements may not seem like much, but during fat-adaptation periods like in the Switch On Diet, even low-intensity activities can be powerful. They help mobilize stored fat and support mental clarity. Plus, they keep energy flowing gently throughout the day without adding stress.

One of the features of this second week on the Switch On Diet is the shift to real dinners—still without carbs. This phase assumes that by now, your body is starting to efficiently use fat as fuel. Cutting carbs at night helps deepen that process. For dinner, I had grilled tofu with stir-fried zucchini, mushrooms, and a soft-boiled egg. No rice. I was surprised at how satisfied I felt. It wasn’t deprivation—it was nourishment with intention.

I’ve also been preparing for a more advanced part of the program: the 24-hour intermittent fast, which is recommended once a week. Until now, I’ve been maintaining a 14-hour fasting window daily, and I feel ready to try a longer fast. It’s said that during extended fasting, insulin levels drop significantly, allowing stored fat to be accessed as energy more freely. For those of us struggling with midlife weight or metabolic slowdowns, this kind of reset can be a game-changer. But it’s also important not to push too hard. I’m listening to my body and will stop if I feel unwell. This isn’t a competition—it’s a commitment to health.

Hunger Isn’t the Enemy in Switch on diet : It’s Part of the Process

Another shift I’ve noticed is how I relate to hunger. I used to fear it. Now, I see it as a message, not an emergency. I no longer eat just because the clock says it’s time. I eat when I’m truly hungry, and I stop when I feel content—not stuffed. This change in mindset feels liberating. I’m not obsessing over calories or scale numbers. I’m focused on energy, sleep, and how my clothes fit. Slowly, my body feels less bloated, my skin clearer, and my mood more balanced.

The Switch On Diet has also helped me reconnect with a deeper sense of discipline—not harsh or punishing, but gentle and consistent. The kind that says, “You’re doing fine. Keep going.” There are still many days ahead, and I know there will be ups and downs. But on Day 10, I feel encouraged. I’m learning that sustainable health is not about extremes. It’s about showing up every day, making mindful choices, and staying connected to what really matters: feeling good in your own body.

As I wrap up Day 10, I’m aware that tomorrow brings a new challenge. The second week of the Switch On Diet introduces a 24-hour fast, and to be honest, I’m a bit nervous. I’ve never intentionally gone that long without food. I wonder how my body will respond, and whether I’ll have the energy to get through the day. But I also feel more prepared than I ever have before. I’ve been gently building up to this with daily fasting windows and nourishing meals. Now, it’s time to take another step forward—carefully, mindfully, and with self-compassion. Let’s see what tomorrow brings.

[Day 11] Switch on Diet : My First Full Fasting Day in Week 2