21 Day Fix Week 3

Week 3 and it's Doubles Week!!

So week 3 has the option to get two workouts in each day for an extra fat burner or more dramatic results. The majority of everyone in our wellness group was on board for it and I was too! Ideally your suppose to them at different times of the day since you continue to burn calories for several more hours after your workout. But life happens as sometimes in order to get them both in you just have to do them back to back. I failed day days to get my workouts in but was able to complete doubles on the other 5 days I did get my workouts in.  

This week I actually tried getting up earlier and earlier each day in anticipation of returning to work next week. It was definitely a bit tougher getting two workouts in a day. Friday (Day 19) I had the best of intentions to get my workouts in, I was up at 5:30am but just as I was getting dressed I hear a little voice yelling "Mommy mommy, come cuddle me!" How many more times is he gonna want me to cuddle him or will I have time in the morning, so I cuddle him...and we fall back to sleep. Then Dave's uncle make an unexpected trip to town and took us out to eat. Then daycare had play date at Monkey Joe's for all the kiddos and we picked up ice cream on the way home. Friday was a bust. But I didn't let it get me down and started over on Saturday. 

One of the new recipes I tried out this week was Turkey Chili found here. The last time I used ground turkey Dave said whatever it is I had made tasted funny and he didn't like it (which is his feeling about almost anything remotely healthy!) so I made sure to not tell him and actually hid the package from his eyes. When I asked him how it was, he said it was okay but then proceeded to go back for another bowl so I call that a win! I thought it was really good and even added a yellow container of sweet potatoes to my bowl just because I needed another carb for the day and that was even more delicious. It was also toddler approved :) 

Turkey Chili, Lean ground beef, whole wheat spaghetti with cottage cheese and parm: tuna wrap on flat out with spinach and avocado dressing and side grapes; and an omelette with sweet potato and turkey bacon. 

My Results:

I took all my great "before" pictures on my actual camera which I barely use currently so now i get stuck using sweaty unshowered before and after pics.  

I decided to wear the same clothes to be able to compare better. At first glance I really didn't think I could notice much of a different but upon closer look I CAN tell in my tummy, butt and chest. 

After just 21 days I lost a total of 5.8 pounds and lost a combined 4.45 inches!!

I am pretty darn happy with my results in just 3 short weeks.

My coach started another wellness group challenge for the month of February which started on the 1st and I decided to join in for Round 2. I figured it would be great motivation to keep going through what could be a tough week returning to work. I see myself making too many excuses to not get up early workout, say I'll go to the gym over my lunch break but not go,  order lunch with my coworkers, or not prep any lunches because I'm "too busy" or "too tired". Being in another group challenge will help keep me accountable for my workouts and healthy eating, plus I really want to start fitting into some of my non-maternity pants!!!

21 Day Fix Week 2

Week 2 is in the books!

I’m trying to get my workouts in before the kiddos get up in the morning but it doesn’t always happen. Luckily Miss Harper typically likes to sleep in till 8/9:00am and I can let MJ sleep in on Tuesday/Thursdays as they are non-daycare days right now. Nap time is hit or miss with little miss thang. There have been a few days I didn’t get up early enough to workout and I get interrupted multiple times but thankfully the workouts are mom friendly and I can pick up right where I left off.  

This week, starting the workouts over, I definitely am feeling stronger than last!  It’s crazy how much of a difference I feel in just one week. 

This week I cooked a few chicken breast in the crockpot to keep on hand for meals. My favorite was my "Chipolte salad" which included mixed greens, brown rice, shredded chicken, 21DF approved creamy avocado dressing, and a little salsa. Totally hit the spot and filled that Chipolte craving. This plan has also gotten me to try out almond butter and I gotta say I am a huge fan! So yummy on a banana, with apple slices or in with my Shakeology.

Clockwise from Top Left: Steak with mushrooms, peppers, and blue cheese serves with sweet potato with cinnamon and raw veggies; 2 eggs on whole wheat toast with avocado; whole wheat waffle with peanut butter, turkey bacon and cuties; banana with almond butter and coffee; taco salad.

Then pizza happened again.

We had an impromptu lunch date with the in-laws at Happy Joe's Jungle Bungle so MJ could run off some energy. Thankfully you are allowed pizza to swap out a meal with once a week.

Saturday night Dave and I had a much needed/delayed date night out with dinner and a movie. We went to dinner at Tantra which is Asian Fusion, it is really delicious fresh food. I had a Ginger Beef Stir Fry with brown rice AND a glass of wine (which is also allowed on the eating plan!). It was the perfect amount of food and I didn't feel overly full or heavy from the food. So good! We saw the movie Sisters with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler (highly recommend, seriously funny!) and we skipped the popcorn :)

21 Day Fix Week 1

I was just recently introduced to the 21 Day Fix by Beachbody from a friend of mine whose been using the program for the past year and became a Coach. She decided to start a 21 Day Wellness Challenge group in January on Facebook for anyone who might be interested in joining who wanted a healthier and more balanced life.

 Getting closer to the countdown of going back to work I emailed her for more information about the program. I have been wanting to get back into an exercise routine and shed a couple more pregnancy pounds prior to going back to work in hopes to have a few more regular clothing options and start packing up those maternity clothes. We would be doing the workouts and following the eating plan together while holding each other accountable. The program sounded pretty doable and a great way to ease back into things. What I really loved was the idea of doing it with a group for that accountability and having to check in everyday so I went ahead and decided to try it out. 

I just completed week 1 and let me tell you I am out of shape! The program comes with a DVD of 7 different 30 minute workouts, one of each day of the week. I can do them in the convenience of my living room, or my case basement, and all I need is two sets of weights (I don't have a yoga mat that is suggested). The first 4 days I was so completely sore all over. Working muscles I haven't worked for awhile!! But I have to admit at day 5 it was starting to feel good again. 

The workout schedule includes

Monday: Total Cardio Fix

Tuesday: Upper Body Fix

Wednesday: Lower Body Fix

Thursday: Pilates

Friday: Cardio

Saturday: Dirty Thirty (Sweat session!)

Sunday: Yoga

There is also a Bonus 10 minute Abs that can be added on to any of the days as well as a Bonus DVD with an additional 30 minute workout. 

The eating plan was a bit more of an adjust for my the first couple days. I think I was trying over complicate things. The containers are completely deceiving!! They look so tiny when you're looking at them, I was thinking I was going to be starving the entire 21 days. But fear not, the portions are on point and it helps that you're suppose to eat every 2-3 hours. 

 A few of my meals from the week: Lots of eggs! Clockwise starting at the top Left: Hard boiled egg, turkey bacon, whole wheat toast, blackberries; mixed berries; spaghetti zoodles; eggs with sauted sweet potato, mushroom, onions and cilantro; egg white omelette with spinach; apple with almond butter. 

The eating plan is all about portion control and clean healthy foods. I think my entire maternity leave the only vegetable I've eaten are french fries....those count as a vegetable right?! I've made some freezer meals I stocked up on prior to having Harper and things people have dropped off or made for us. But we have been eating out a lot, picking up fast food or having pizza. Nothing good for this waistline, so it definitely have been a challenge this week to get change mindsets. 

One thing I am really proud of is that I finally made Zoodles (zucchini noodles) with marinara sauce, chicken sausage and a little bit of cheese....OMG they were so delicious!! I will definitely be trying out different recipes with them. I've had a few slip ups and cheats. Of course on day 2 Dave's parents came over and brought pizza, I held strong and didn't have any even though on the plan I could have. Then two days later his mother send over M&M chocolate chip cookies, 'because they're Madden's favorite"! Those I cheated with :( but I only ate 2 two different days and not more than that or have it ruin my eating habits the rest of the day. Then on Saturday Dave ordered Happy Joe's pizza....yes pizza again....and I had my allotted amount for the program, although it actually made me feel gross. 

Overall, after one week I am actually feeling great!! I feel like the bloat is gone, I've feeling leaner, stronger, and a but more energy. Looking forward to see what week 2 brings.