21 Days Later

Three weeks ago, I started a new journey. I was so excited to start the 21 Day Fix because I knew I could be successful with it. I enjoy working out and I had already proven to myself that I can say no to my favorite foods if I really put my mind to it (Hello, gestational diabetes and whole30!). So I knew if I just had the right "instructions" to follow, I could do it. 

In those 21 days, I did my "fix" exercise every day, and often added running or the ab workout (from the Fix DVD). I never skipped a workout - not even yoga, which I find incredibly boring. I ate clean (no processed foods), and measured all of my portions. I never missed a workout or cheated on the nutrition plan. 

In those 21 days, I lost 8 pounds and 10 inches. 

I'm pleased with my weight/inches lost, but I'm even more pleased with the toning I'm noticing in my arms and legs. I wasn't even really concerned about those areas. My tummy is my least favorite and most concerning area, so I tend to only focus on that, but I love that I'm seeing improvements elsewhere. And I'm even seeing some abs - like actual definition - in my upper abs. My lower abs still need the most work, and I plan to keep working at it. My pants are fitting better, except for one pair that are now too big (YESSSS!). 

 

The overall process wasn't as unbearable as I thought. I found my rhythm, my schedule, and it went smoothly. 

Most days, I tried to get up early so I could get my workout in before the boys woke up. Some days I did it during nap time. There were a few times that Leland joined me. The weights were his favorite, but he also enjoyed yoga. 

One morning, Alden woke up in the middle of my workout. So this is what my 15 second breaks looked like. 

Over the last three weeks, I have discovered how much I really enjoy working out. Not necessarily during the workout, but I feel awesome after I've done it. And it has definitely become a habit. I don't feel like the day is complete without some kind of workout. 

As for food, I found lots of great recipes on Pinterest - things that I would happily have even when I'm not on the Fix. 

When I started the 21 Day Fix, I didn't expect dramatic results or to be completely "fixed" in 21 days. I'm realistic and understand that I spent years eating junk and my workout regimen was inconsistent at best. So it's not all going to melt away in three weeks. I was hoping to lose close to 10 pounds and to make a better habit of eating well and exercising regularly. I would say, based on those expectations, I have succeeded. 

I have genuinely enjoyed the 21 Day Fix, and I plan to continue it after this first round. I need a break for a few days to enjoy some ice cream, pizza, and greasy fair food, and then I'll be ready to dive back in. I'd like to lose another 5 pounds before school starts.

If you've been considering trying the Fix, I highly suggest you try it. I love that there's a different workout each day of the week, so I don't get bored with it. And I love that the nutrition plan isn't so limiting like whole30. There are many more food options - you just focus on portion sizes. 

If any of you (you know, all five of you who read this) decide to try it, let me know. I'd love to hear what you think of it!

21 Day Fix

Back in February/March, I completed a whole30 - 30 days of whole foods. No sugar, no dairy, no grain, no processed foods. For me, that process was meant to help me break my sugar addiction. I lost ten pounds in 30 days without any exercise, which was an added bonus, but my goal was to kick sugar to the curb. It worked for a short time, but before I knew it, I was back to shoving mass amounts of chocolate in my mouth on a daily basis. It did help me make better choices overall though. I have done really well at eating more balanced meals and fewer carbs. Filling up on the real food instead of the empty carbs.

Since then, I have gained about 4-5 pounds back. Back then, while I was happy to shed some pounds, I didn't really care about my weight. I didn't love how I looked, but I just didn't care enough to work on it. After Leland, it took me a year to actually give a crap. After Alden, it took a solid 20 months, but I'm finally there. Ready to work on lose some weight and get in shape.

I have been running this summer, which is great exercise, but I know I need more than just running. I really need to strengthen my core (and in the process, maybe tone my tummy a bit), and working on lower body strength will help me with running.

That's where the 21 Day Fix comes in. I have several friends who have completed (and continue to do) this program. They have seen awesome results and seem really happy with the program. So I decided to give it a try.

I'm on day 6 and I'm enjoying it so far. Food-wise, it's different than whole30. On 21 Day Fix, you are allowed a variety of healthy foods, but it's about portion control. On whole30, food choices were more limited, but I was allowed as much as I wanted. So I can have two servings of grain a day, and I can have some cheese or greek yogurt or peanuts. It's not quite as limiting with what I eat, but more about how muchI eat. It's about eating more veggies and protein, and smaller portions of the other stuff.

Each day, I can have 4 red, 3 green, 2 purple, 2 yellow, 1 blue, and 1 orange. Most days I haven't used them all. I usually have an orange or half of another container leftover.

With whole30, I liked most of the meals I made, but Dave didn't quite as much. Also, I feel like there aren't any other options that I would like. So I could do another whole30, but I would pretty much eat all the same things as last time. That's not very exciting. So far, I have found tons of recipes that are Fix-friendly that I think I would love. The ones we have tried so far, we all enjoy!

Favorite so far: burrito bowls

My bowl was overflowing. Trust me, I was satisfied.

Dave's plate - easier to see what's in there.
Recipe here

And unlike whole30, this program involves exercise. Daily exercise. The program comes with a workout DVD and a schedule of when to do which workout. The workouts are only 30 minutes, which has been easy to fit into my day, but they are TOUGH. So far, each workout has had me sweating buckets, and definitely sore the next day. But that's a good sore. I'm excited about it. I may not be able to crouch down or even walk down some stairs without wincing, but I'm excited about it. Because it means I'm really working.

Running is not a 21 Day Fix workout, but I am still trying to keep up with it. So I took my boys out for two slow miles a few days ago.

My goal with this round of 21 Day Fix is to lose around 10 pounds, and to see a difference in my abdomen. I think that's an attainable goal. As of today, I am down 4.5 lbs. Which means I'm at 140 lbs...I haven't been below that since long before having kids. Can't wait to see that scale drop a little more. I know that it's just a number, but it feels good. And I'm already noticing a difference in my arms, quads, and tummy. I like it. A lot.

I can totally see myself continuing the 21 Day Fix after this round, but I will probably need a short break in between. I mean, the fair starts right after this round is over and I will need some greasy, fried goodness before I dive back in.