This week I’m officially starting a new fitness and clean eating program, the 21 Day Fix Extreme! I’m really excited to join my Bootcamp ladies for a month of delicious healthy foods and killer workouts.
Fix Extreme is the “next level” version of the 21 Day Fix, which I’ve been obsessed with ever since it launched last year. They’re both fun and effective 21 day programs of simple portion control and 30-minute circuit workouts--think Jillian Michaels’ nice little sister and that’s Autumn Calabrese, the Fix trainer.
I love the 21 Day Fix because it helped me break a huge personal fitness plateau, it taught me how to fuel my body with the right balance of macronutrients (proteins/fats/carbs) for energy and results, and as a result I’ve been able to transition to an almost 100% whole foods diet (with the occasional guilt-free treat). I’ve redefined my relationship with food, and I’m able to eat what makes me happy instead of stressing out about calories, what’s “approved,” or falling off the wagon.
Instead of counting calories or points, you portion your food using these adorable tiny Tupperware containers. They’re color coded to match the basic food groups (veggies, protein, fruits, carbs, etc), and you’re assigned a certain number of each container to eat every day. It sounds kind of complicated, but once you get the hang of it, it’s really easy to adapt into your lifestyle!
If you want to learn more about the original 21 Day Fix, you can find links to all my reviews here! It's great for anyone who wants to learn how to meal prep, eat clean, or if you're just getting started on your healthy living journey.
Why I’m doing the 21 Day Fix Extreme:
1. To re-set my nutrition. I’m viewing it like a “spring cleaning” for my body. I felt AMAZING after I finished Insanity Max 30 in February, and since then I’ve been trying to be more mindful and intentional with my eating...but I also tend to spiral down into bad habits like mindless snacking, ice cream every night, and then there might have been a St. Patty’s Day weekend adventure including a few too many mimosas and Guinnesses. I’ve been feeling sluggish and bloated, dealing with sugar cravings, and I want to feel energized again!
2. To get bikini-ready for Spring Break! Ben and I haven’t been on a vacation since our honeymoon two and a half years ago, but we’re heading to Cancun next month for a 5 day vacation I earned through Beachbody. I want to be at my best so I can feel proud of myself, because I know what I’m capable of.
3. Because I absolutely loved the 21 Day Fix and am really excited about this “next level” version! The nutrition plan is similar, but the workouts are more challenging. I’m at a more advanced fitness level now and need harder workouts to feel like I’m constantly taking myself out of my comfort zone and pushing my body to the next level. I can't wait to put on a little more muscle.
4. Because my friends Sharayah and Hannah got KILLER RESULTS and I’m dealing with some major FOMO….
My weekly goals
Instead of tracking my progress using my weight and measurements, I’m going to gauge my results on before/after photos and hold myself accountable based on how I want to FEEL. I want to feel lean, strong, confident, vibrant, energized, and on top of the world! I want to be proud of myself and know 100% that I’m treating my body with the love and respect it deserves. I’m learning how to view food and exercise as ways to respect and reward my body instead of feeling like I need to change or improve, but at the same time I know that I FEEL my best when I have a more structured meal plan.
This shift in goal setting comes as I’m finishing up Jess Lively’s Life With Intention Online course. I’m learning how to lead a more fulfilling life by focusing on intentional values-based actions that I can control (eat clean, workout, respect my body), instead of tangible benchmarks I can’t control, that have the ability to make me feel frustrated or discouraged (weight, inches).
My Game Plan
I'm going to be eating in the 1,800-2,099 calorie bracket, and alterating between the regular meal plan and the “Countdown to Competition” plan which is based off Autumn’s eating plan when she’s training for a bikini competition. This system is kind of like carb-cycling, alternating “high carb” days with high protein/low carb days. No matter which day it is, I’m going to be eating a TON of high density, nutrient rich foods.
M/Th/F Extreme plan
Tu/W Countdown to Comp plan
Weekends TBD ;)
Workout Schedule
(I’m going to follow the Extreme workouts for at least a full week, but also mix in some running, yoga, and gym classes into the routine to keep me from getting bored.)
Monday Plyo + Abs
Tuesday Upper Body
Wednesday Lower Body
Thursday Pilates or Bodypump
Friday Cardio Fix Extreme (my favorite!)
Saturday Total Body Weights
Sunday yoga
21 Day Fix Extreme Meal Plan
Here's what's on my meal rotation this week!
My eating philosophy: Make it fun and delicious.
Breakfasts
+ http://paleomg.com/easy-breakfast-casserole/
+ http://www.popsugar.com/…/Quinoa-Egg-Scramble-Recipe-296281…
(plus fruit on regular days)
AM Snack
+ Shakeology
(w/ frozen banana on regular days)
Lunches
+ Quinoa bowls
+ Epic salads
(apple and PB for dessert on regular days)
PM Snacks
+ Veggies and hummus
+ Tuna and broccoli slaw
Dinners
+ Chicken fajita salad
+ Steak and roast broccoli
+ Beef chili
+ Ground turkey/marinara bowl
Dessert
+ Mugcake with PB (YES this fits into the plan woohoo!!!!!)
I’ll be sharing my recipes throughout the week! I also share my meal planning spreadsheets, meal plans, 21 Day Fix Recipe E-book, and more fun bonuses with my Inspire Joy Bootcamp members. If you’re interested in learning more about the Fix, let me know! Accountability is key when it comes to programs like this. You need a community to talk shop, discuss the different ways to eat Greek yogurt, and celebrate the little wins ;)
Hit the "Contact Me" button if you want to join me for a little clean eating bikini re-set this spring! I'd love to coach you through the Fix and help you stay motivated to reach your goals and finally learn what healthy balance feels like to you.
“You don’t have to eat less, you just have to eat better”