21 Day Fix - Part 2

As my first round of the 21 Day Fix comes to a close I wanted to share my full take on the products.  

*I am not a coach, and have only ever participated but not profited from this company 

1.) The Challenge Packs, and the BeachBody company, can be a little complicated to get the hang of only because are a million options to pick from.... 21 Day Fix, 21 Day Fix Extreme 21 Day Fix with Shakeology, PiYo, Chisel.....so many options I had a hard time understanding all of the components I was buying. 

2.) Having a Challenge Group is very fun.  As someone who has never been a part of a wellness group, it was so engaging to work with the members of my Challenge Group and see what was going well and not going well for them.

3.) Better Every Day- This is a great motto and really helps to eliminate any guilt of having a "bad day" or missing a workout.  It's very encouraging

4.) Recipes/Meals- This is where the plan really hit it out of the park for me! The meal plan is easy to follow and is all about what combos that will aid in your weight loss goals.  Also, the plan (the 21 Day Fix, not 21 Day Fix Extreme) allows for a couple of treats in place of a carb during the week. 

5.) Workouts- I did the PiYo workouts which I felt got me moving, but weren't a hard core workout.  These DVDs didn't work in my computer, but when I called BeachBody they replaced them at no charge.  I've never worked out at home before and while I didn't really get a lot out of it, I can see how these DVDs would work for the busy mom who doesn't have time to leave to the house to workout.

6.) Customer Service- I think this company has good customer service, mostly that feels like it's driven through your Coach though.  When you sign up for a challenge group you are automatically enrolled in several rider agreements that you would automatically changed for.... I hate those.  They were easy enough to cancel and my coach gave me a heads up which was awesome.

7.) Shakeology- I like this product.  I think it really helps get my day off to a good start.  However, this product is too expensive- Plain and Simple.  I drink a protein shake every weekday morning and unfortunately I find this price point unsustainable.  But! I have found a great alternative product, IdealShake.  This product has a lower price point, great taste, good nutritional value (lower calories than Shakeology), and the company seems to be very invested in your overall well being and is excited about people making their goals. 

Overall:
Coaches make a big difference
Great Meal Plan that you can maintain after your 21 Day Fix is over
Unsustainable Price

Recommendation:
If you are interested in the products and plan, find a great coach and join a challenge group.  Skip the Shakeology if you are worried about cost

21 Day Fix

I have been convinced to join a 21 Day Fix Challenge Group.  This process(while I'm still not convinced this isn't a pyramid scheme) has been great for me! I have lost 8 pounds in 2 weeks! I guess it's like anything else- If you want the plan to work you have to work the plan.  However, this plan seems to work for me. 

It's really taught me to fill up my plate with veggies and to watch my carbs.  I used to just be only concerened with total caloric intake and going easy on the processed foods; but as I really start to see results I'm realizing that total caloric intake coupled with food combos that compliment each other are really a powerhouse weight loss tool. 

2016 and Beyond!

Years ago I was sitting at Uprise Bakery enjoying a roasted veggie sandwich with my friend, Mary, what I had learned from (let's call it) 2008.  Mary and I have gone on find and marry our husbands, get a dog (or two), buy houses and have babies.  While I cannot completely remember what was on my "What I Learned List" I can guarantee it was nothing compared to what I learned in 2015.  

What I Learned in 2015 (in no particular order):

1.) You never know what is going on inside someone else's relationship 

2.) Given 5 hours of sleep and enough Starbucks iced coffee, I can rule the world 

3.) Babies are the biggest blessing in life 

4.) My husband, Will, is the best partner and father in the world 

5.) I cannot control other people, I can only control my reactions to them 
6.) Nars- Damage is my definitive lip color

6.) Patience is not one of my virtues and I should work on that 

7.) Working out is good for the body and mind 

My husband's cousin and dear friend Tony came to visit us when Ava was about 6 weeks old and as we were standing in my kitchen together he told me that he had said to Will, "I hope you look around and enjoy what is happening in your life, you have great little tribe here."  Not only is that the sweetest thing ever! (and he's single ladies) but it was also a reminder to stop always looking forward to the next thing and just enjoy the present.  I have mentioned this in a previous blog, but it will continue to be a focus for me in 2016- Stop the Glorification of Busy!