I'm officially heading into my third and final week of the 21 Day Fix Extreme program, and it's been a great learning experience for me so far!
I went into this program with an open mind, and decided to use it as a way to experiment with what "healthy balance" feels like to me. My philosophy is that you don't have to restrict or deprive yourself to reach your health and fitness goals, and I believe that live is meant to be lived and enjoyed. I refuse to ever believe in a diet or nutrition program that keeps me from going out and living my life, including date nights and wine with friends. Having to decide on a restaurant based on what I can or can't eat or what foods are "approved" is bullshit. I love food, and exploring new restaurants and bars in Chicago is one of our favorite things to do.
Basically: do more of what makes you happy. Eat for energy and joy.
So how does that factor in with a program called "Fix Extreme?" First of all, I'm not a fan of the name of this program, because I don't think the mentality of having to "fix" your eating habits is necessarily healthy. Food is food! Yes, there are better choices, but you shouldn't ever feel like a cookie or pizza is bad or off limits. Plus, I'm a proponent of BALANCE, and I don't think that extremes are sustainable and healthy.
So why am I such a huge fan of the 21 Day Fix? Because despite the misleading name, it truly is about balance. To be completely honest, I think they named it the Fix because that's what people are looking for--a quick fix that will give them the weight loss and results they want in the shortest amount of time possible--and that's what they're going to buy. But once you start actually committing to the program, you begin to realize that it's not about a quick fix. It's about developing sustainable habits that you can take with you for the LONG HAUL, so you don't end up dropping 10 pounds through starvation and then gaining it all (plus more) right back once you're done.
I'm planning to write more on my personal quest for healthy balance and my thoughts on the Fix, but in the meantime here's my plan for the week!
(You can read more about my weekly meal planning strategies HERE!)
21 Day Fix Extreme Week Three Meal Plan
BREAKFASTS
+ steelcut oatmeal, fruit, hard boiled eggs
+ Shakeology
+ eggs and sweet potato hash
LUNCHES
+ epic salads
+ dinner leftovers
DINNERS
+ slow cooker chicken mole
+ roast veggies and honey mustard chicken
+ coconut curry bowls with tofu
+ leftovers
SNACKS
+ Shakeology
+ cinnamon apple slices
+ veggies and hummus
I share my daily meals, workouts, and recipes throughout the week on Instagram and Facebook.
The Breakdown
DAILY PORTIONS
Veggies: 4-5 servings
Fruit: 2-3 servings
Protein: 4-5 servings
Carbs: 2-3 servings
Healthy fats: 2 servings
Oil or nut butter: 2-4 teaspoons
HUSBAND MODIFICATIONS
Ben is on his own for breakfast and lunch. I blend him up a Shakeology in the morning to take to work to keep him energized and help boost his immune system (he's a high school teacher, crazy schedule and tons of germs!), and he eats whatever I make for dinner. I just make him extra portions and add a carb like pasta, rice, bread or tortillas. (I've learned that I feel best when I follow the Tone It Up nutrition plan guidelines of keeping my carbs to the morning and lunch! Although I do eat healthy carbs like brown rice or sweet potatoes with dinner a couple times a week and relax a bit on weekends.)
So that's the plan! If you have questions or want to learn more about the 21 Day Fix, please shoot me an email! I host monthly accountability bootcamps and we have a ton of fun.
xo Anna