21 Day Fix

I am sure since my Facebook has been bombarded by the "21 Day Fix" comments and Challenge Groups chat, you are likely curious about what the 21 Day Fix is and why all the hype?!   Well lucky for you, if you are a friend of mine on Facebook I can tell you first hand what it is and how I became hooked!  I stumbled upon the 21 Day Fix randomly on Facebook one evening through a closed group of girls who were excited about this workout program they just purchased.  I decided to check out the infomercial and thought, "I can do that!" After all it is just 21 Days!  There is a little more background information in the About Me page.

Challenge Pack
When I made the decision to invest in the 21 Day Fix program, I chose to get what is called a, "Challenge Pack" because it was the best savings!  A Challenge Pack is basically a bundled package that includes a workout program (in this case, it just so happened to be the 21 Day Fix however, there are several more programs to choose from!) AND Shakeology.  You can buy the program and Shakeology separate but you will pay big $$ for that.  Beachbody just launched in Canada so there is an extra special savings on the challenge pack until the end of September!

Shakeology (Misconceptions addressed!)
I read briefly about Shakeology and thought this would be a great way to replace the cafeteria meals I was eating each day while at work for just 21 Days.  My goal at the time was to lose a few pounds and to feel better all around.  I was DESPERATE.  Not only did my research on Shakeology reveal the nutrients and vitamins in this one shake like I have never seen before, but it claimed to provide more energy.  I thought, if anything can give me energy it will be worth its weight in gold after suffering with fatigue the majority of my adult life!  Well, I am here to tell you this gal no longer needs frequent naps, can stay up past 10pm AND be refreshed in the morning!

Now before you quit reading because you think I don't eat anymore, please read just a little further.   Yes, I have kept up with drinking Shakeology on a daily basis since I started (that was not my original intention. lol).  Now, I usually drink it for breakfast during the week.  For me it is a HUGE time saver and otherwise, it would just be cereal.  There is no bowl of cereal on the planet that would provide me with: protein, amino acids, antioxidants, super-fruits, phytonutrients, super greens, adaptogen herbs, prebiotics, probiotics and digestive enzymes ALL in one drink!  I look at it this way --- it is like drinking a "multivitamin but 10x better."  On the weekends, I do enjoy breakfast with my family and in that case, I love to have my Shakeology in addition to mid morning or late afternoon snack.  I still eat all of my lunches and evening dinners.  I am not living off of shakes.... just so you know.

~It is NOT A WEIGHT LOSS drink! (but when you replace a meal for 21 Days of course you are going to lose some weight.  Think about it.  You have just cut out a massive amount of calories from your diet once a day for 21 Days (you aren't eating your massive 1,000 calorie salad that you "thought was healthy).  But what about after 21 Days?   Well, I still drink it --- I am not trying to lose weight anymore.  I love the nutrition, the energy and I don't miss how bloated I felt, not to mention the money I am saving on ice cream because I don't have the cravings I used to anymore is totally worth it!

~It is NOT A MIRACLE DRINK THAT CLAIMS TO BURN FAT like other drinks out there claim to do. And if they do, I would be very leary!  Being healthy means eating clean and exercising! Hard work and dedication to make it your lifestyle.  If it includes Shakeology in your diet, then that is great! If it doesn't then not a big deal.  You have to do what works for you to keep you happy and healthy.  I just know for me personally, I don't eat everything I could possibly eat to get all the vitamins and nutrients my body needs, so this is great!  It is delicious and I know at least once a day, I am getting the nutrition I need. :)

21 Day Fix Workouts
How can anyone go wrong with a workout program that is A. 21 Days,  B. Only 30 mins a day and C. Need minimal amount of equipment and D. Has a variety of workouts so you are not bored out of your mind?!  Seriously, is that all there is to it?!  Yep, I am completely serious.  If that doesn't scream "do-able," then I don't know what does?!

The workouts include:

Upper Fix & Lower Fix, Cardio Fix, Total Cardio Fix, Dirty 30, Pilates Fix, Yoga Fix 

The majority of the workouts consist of several rounds.  The Upper Fix for instance, consists of 4 rounds with 2 exercises in each round that target your upper body.  Each round is 60 seconds with a 20 second break.  For this workout you need either a resistance band or a light & heavy set of weights. I started with low weights but now I use, 5's, 8's and sometimes 10 lbs.  If you are a beginner then 1's, 3's and 5's might be a good starting point.

Yoga Fix - I will be honest.  The Yoga wasn't my absolute favorite of the workouts but that is only because at 5'10" I have the flexibility equivalent to a wooden ruler.... basically nil. Since starting the PiYo  program though, I can tell you things have changed and for the better! :) But that is for another blog.

Meal Planning

This was my absolute FAVOURITE part of the program next to the Dirty 30 Workout!  The 21 Day Fix program makes meal planning a sinch.  As a mom, let's be honest.  I do not have time to count calories and weigh food let alone count the carrot sticks and berries I am going to be eating for my snacks 7 days a week.

The 21 Day Fix comes with the cutest colour coded containers for portion control.  These are AMAZING.  The size of the containers, may "look" small but don't be fooled!  The calorie counter chart on page 4 of the nutrition guide makes it easy to figure out how many containers you are allotted per day.  Put that together with a colour coded weekly meal planner and BAM you are all set! Clean eating couldn't be easier.

The nutrition guide is fantastic.  It comes with a list of foods for YOU to choose from so the meals you are making are meals that you have chosen.  No one is telling you what to eat!  Not only did the 21 Day Fix, really work but it exceeded my personal expectations.  I have officially adopted the habits of eating clean and exercise.  It has created my path to life long health and I truly feel happier. To this day I still follow the clean eating principles that I have learned from this program. It is the foundation for which I base all my meals.

If you have any questions about the 21 Day Fix or joining a challenge group, feel free to email me  anytime. I would be thrilled to answer your questions and get you in touch will work around your busy schedule. I have groups running all the time!  If you are waiting for a sign, this is it!