I keep saying it but I will tell you again how much I love the 21 Day Fix Program! However I won’t pretend that it is a quick fix program because it is not. It is a life style change but in a good way. It does take commitment. And a little patience. For me it has been well worth it because at age 56 I am in the best shape that I have been in many years.  Below are some tips for folks at any age who want to lose weight and/or improve their health and fitness using the 21 Day Fix Plan.

PLANNING & PREPPING: Pick a day for planning, shopping and prepping. When you have a plan and food ready you are less likely to veer off your weight loss path! Not having to think about what to eat and wether or not it fits in your plan removes a lot of stress. The planning is a bit overwhelming at first but stick with it, it gets easier. If you would like some sample menus please contact us. Also Pinterest has lots of 21 day Fix ideas. You can also check out our lists of breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks!

KEEP IT SIMPLE: Those colorful food cups are priceless! They take the guess work out of measuring. Follow the food list. I did not start this journey with any thoughts or cares of clean eating. It has been a benefit that I have now embraced. I enjoy eating simple, clean healthy food and feel great! That doesn’t mean I am no longer a foodie, There is plenty of room for creativity! However in the beginning keep it basic until you get comfortable with the meal planning process. My family has benefited too as they eat the same food I do. I only cook one meal and portion mine out. I do not make two different meals at dinner.

TRACK: Find a method of tracking your portions, water and exercise. A calendar, notebook, journal or 21 Day Fix app are all options. Experiment and find what works best for you. I have found that when I track, I am more likely to stick with the plan. Something about writing everything down helps me stay accountable. I think twice about slipping that cookie into my mouth if I have to write it down.

WATER: DRINK your water! Drinking half your body weight in ounces is hard but has many benefits. Some benefits of water include 1. Water helps control calories as it has no calories, 2. It energizes muscles, 3. It is good for your kidneys, flushing out toxins, 4. It keeps your skin looking good, and 5. Ithelps maintain normal bowel function.I am not a big water drinker so this has been a challenge for me. I have found that infusing my water with fruit, herbs and veggies is super helpful. The 21 Day Fix guide has a section called water bar. It is very helpful so make sure and check it out. ! Other water tips include keeping a water bottle with you where ever you go and drinking a glass of water when you wake up and with every meal.

DON’T TAKE THIS JOURNEY ALONE: I began my health and fitness journey with the 21 Day Fix by myself. It was a lonesome time. After awhile I knew I needed something else. I came across a blog that a coach was writing and she talked about private Facebook challenge groups that provided support, health and fitness information, accountability, recipes and fun. I signed up and have never looked back. It was a game changer for me and has helped me to not only lose 46 pounds but keep it off! There are many times I would have thrown in the towel the group provided encouragement and support to keep me going! Now I am a coach and help run these groups! I love my challengers and fellow coaches. I benefit from them as much as I hope that they benefit from me.

DRINK SHAKEOLOGY: This is a non-negotiable for me. I know when I drink it that I am getting the nutrients and vitamins I need for the day. It is full of super foods and also seems to help control my appetite. And the bonus is that it tastes like dessert!

PUSH THROUGH IT: Week one can be tough. Don’t give up because you can’t keep up with Autumn Calabrese. Use the modifications. Keep moving throughout the 30 minutes even if it all you do is march in place. Believe me it will get easier. I couldn’t touch my toes or do jumping jacks in the beginning. I used every modification there was and then some…. Now I use fewer modifications, can touch my toes and am lifting heavier weights (I started without doing any weights).

BE KIND TO YOURSELF: I can’t say this enough. And have patience. I want results instantly but remember that you didn’t gain weight or get out of shape instantly. Remember that this is a JOURNEY! Don’t quit because the exercise is hard or you are sore or the meal planning is time consuming. You will get better! (I’m still working on improving my health and fitness!) It’s not called 21 Day Fix because you will reach your goal 21 days. The premise behind the program is that is takes 21 days to make or break a habit! You will eat something not on the plan, you will skip a day of exercise but don’t beat yourself up or quit! Jump back on immediately making the next meal a good one and maybe doing a little extra exercise the next day. Always strive to be better than you were the day before!

We would love to hear about your tips for success with the 21 Day Fix!