21 Day Fix Final Week and Results

Hi again! In case you missed it, I've been documenting my journey through the popular Beachbody program the 21 Day Fix. Check out my introductory post on making healthy resolutions, my week 1 recap, and my week 2 recap for thoughts and feelings about the eating plan and workouts during the fix.

I'll have it be known that the eating plan was personally the most difficult part of the 21 Day Fix. I'm a former athlete and currently run when the weather is favorable (i.e. not cold enough to freeze my limbs off).

Therefore, I found the workouts slightly challenging during week 1, but only because I hadn't been lifting weights for a few weeks prior to starting the 21 Day Fix. During the next two weeks I found the workouts pleasant because they were only 30 minutes long and I became accustomed to the moves.

Don't get me wrong, some exercises were still painful, but I hardly got the sore muscles that I did from week 1. I'm sure that could have been remedied by buying a new set of heavier dumbbells, but let's be honest, I'm trying to not spend all my money on workout accessories. (But please don't look in my closet to find all those pairs of neon Nikes 🙈!)

Week 1 of eating healthier was so difficult for me, especially right after the holiday food binge everyone goes on from about Thanksgiving-New Year's Eve. I felt bloated and gross and even the skin on my face showed I hadn't had a proper serving of vegetables in weeks.

True life: my parents never made me eat vegetables, so now I have to make myself eat vegetables. It was a rough time starting out. I stuck with what I liked--lettuce for salads and English cucumbers for snacking, peppers and onions sautéed in a little bit of olive oil to add in omelettes or put over chicken. Over the next 3 weeks I tried a bunch of vegetables in a stir fry, more roasted broccoli than I'm comfortable with admitting, and Brussels sprouts cooked with bacon and balsamic vinegar.

One day I even craved a fruit salad and drove to the grocery store only to find they didn't have the kind of fruit cup I wanted. Had this been the summer, I think it would've been much easier to have access to fresh produce and in-season fruits. I'm looking forward to growing a garden and having a plethora of zucchini and tomatoes to make zoodles and homemade tomato salsa...mmm.

My final thoughts on the 21 Day Fix? It's definitely worth a try if you want to determine where your weaknesses are, whether it be in finding time/energy to exercise, or if eating a more balanced diet is your issue.

Coming out on the other end of the 21 Day Fix, I've been having a hard time eating regular foods--I'm not sure if it's because I tried so hard to make sure I undershot portions (usually yellows) so that I could use them up on a different day that I might need or what. The other morning I had a fruit smoothie for breakfast, coffee with 1% milk and stevia, and a Kind bar granola square and wasn't terribly hungry until I got home from work.

I made myself a grilled chicken quesadilla and was stuffed to the brim after that meal which was very uncommon of me pre-21 Day Fix. I enjoy feeling full sooner--that way I'm not tempted to overeat.

My Verdict on the 21 Day Fix?

The eating plan is worth it if you have trouble remembering that vegetables/enough protein/fruits are something you should be eating to keep your body happy and healthy.

If you're an experienced exerciser, you might want to switch out your own weight lifting and cardio routine to suit your personal needs to use alongside the meal plan. Doing one round of the 21 Day Fix using the videos would be a good idea to get a feel for what each day is trying to accomplish.

Would I do this again? I think I'll be doing it to remind myself of vegetables and a scheduled exercise regimen before my birthday coming March 5. Right after I celebrate Valentine's Day weekend...<3