21 Day Fix workout review - "Dirty 30"

I'm not totally sure why this workout is called "dirty 30" but let me tell you, it left me sore the next morning!  Like the other Fix workouts, the moves are super simple and Autumn really emphasizes proper form and technique.  I used 5 pound dumbbells for all sets and that was PLENTY!  For being so simple, I kind of went through the workout thinking, "well, this isn't that great.  Not my favorite workout."  Holy schmoly and holy sore body.  Put your trust into Autumn and know that although the moves are simple, they are extremely effective.  Embrace the rest periods and push through the exercises.  Lots of upper body, lower body and CORE work here.  These moves work!!

Introduction to Shakeology!

Hi!  You've made it here and get ready to watch my very first YouTube?  How excited are you??!!  :)

I may not be an expert YouTuber-er, but I'm glad you're here and I'm glad you have an interest in taking charge of your health and fitness!  Shakeology has been a key factor in helping me to achieve my goals.  As I mention in the video, I was NOT a shake person at all.  Um, no thanks!  I drink water, coffee, tea, wine...that's about it.  So I completely understand any hesitation from someone if they don't think of a shake as a meal.  What I have found is that my body craves it!  I know that sounds crazy, but it's true!  I used to eat a bowl of either oatmeal or Greek yogurt and berries for breakfast every morning.  Healthy?  Yes!  But over time I found that as much as I love oatmeal, it might not love me so much.  Even with eating whole-grain oats with nothing else in them, my cravings would kick in and I found I kept wanting more and more.  I never felt that satisfied full feeling.  Stick to the ribs?  For me, more like stick to my belly!  I just want to keep eating and eating!!  Greek yogurt is another really healthy choice - it's loaded with protein.  I can still eat a smaller serving as a snack but I started to find that a full serving of dairy wasn't doing my belly any favors.  I've always been a little sensitive to dairy so I'm not surprised that the yogurt would cause some unwanted grumbling action.

Shakeology has really been like the missing piece of the puzzle.  By introducing Shakeology into my diet and fitness program, I have increased energy, my belly is happy, my cravings have been reduced and I am on the road to a six pack.  Try it and get ready to experience some great changes in your body!!

Meal Plan - Week 1!

Here it is, my meal plan for the first week.  It may get modified as I go along, but wanted to show how easy it is to make a meal plan based on the 21 Day Fix guidelines.  Keep in mind that my range is the 1200-1500 allowance.  Feel free to use this as your guide and make any additions if you fall into a higher caloric bracket.  One other note: just me, personally, I know my body prefers more veggies than anything else.  So there may be days going forward where I choose to sub out a yellow (carb) container for an extra green (veggie) container.  I'm a firm believer in listening to your body, but also knowing that I'm probably not going to do any damage by eating more broccoli or cauliflower.  :)

21 Day Fix

I am so super excited for this program!  If you're looking for something that combines short, effective workouts along with a meal plan, this is it!  It is easy to follow, no calorie counting and no points to keep track.  The best part is that you're not alone!  Sign me up as your free coach and you get the support, accountability and motivation that you need to stick to it!!

Now, back to the meal plan!  21 Day Fix uses portion-controlled containers to help you build your meal plan and guides you with the amount of food you are allowed each day.  If it doesn't fit into a container, you need to save it for another day.  Simple, right?  The key is to come up with a plan for the week based on how many containers you are allowed.

For me, I am in the 1200 - 1500 calorie range so that gives me:

3 green (veggies)
2 purple (fruits)
4 red (protein)
2 yellow (carbs)
1 blue (fats)
1 orange (nuts and seeds)
2 teaspoons (oils or nut butters)

When I first saw the containers I thought, no way!  I'm going to be starving!  But once you start filling them up and then placing them on your plate it's totally doable.  Light bulb!  Ahhhh.  This is what a portion size looks like!  If you've been wondering why you're not seeing the results you would have expected, take a look at your portion size.  Many of us love the big dinner plates, the big salad bowls (I do too!) but if you FILL those up, wow.  You suddenly have a whole lot of food!

Here is what you get.  You get all your color-coded containers, a Shakeology shaker cup, and 9 great workouts.  They've also included a BONUS workout DVD called Plyo Fix.  It's a toughie!!

Here is a quick little video that shows you exactly what the 21 Day Fix is all about!

What's so exciting about this meal plan is that the food is REAL.  You do the cooking and prepping and base your menu on foods you like.  I tend to keep things really simple.  It makes prep work really easy and makes putting together meal plans super easy.  And hey, if you're going to cook one chicken breast, you might as well cook 6 or 7 for the week!  Keep them in the fridge or carve out enough time when you can to portion them out.  

Here is an example of lunch that I just had.  Does this look like I'm deprived or going to be hungry?  I don't think so!  Real food and REAL results!!  I chose to have 2 green containers (veggies) because I'm going out to dinner tonight and know that I might want to save some wiggle room for something in the carb department. And it's all about PLANNING ahead, right? Right! So, lunch was grilled chicken breast, spaghetti squash, roasted cabbage and 1/2 small avocado. In the red (protein) container, I was able to fit about 1/2 of a large chicken breast. And believe it or not, that 1/2 small avocado fit perfectly in that blue (fats) container. Sriracha squiggle on the side is a freebie.  :)

Interested in getting started with a workout? November is a great month to get going!! Check out this amazing offer from Beachbody! Message me if interested or contact me at www.beachbodycoach.com/MARCIGABOR

TGIF! Week 5 of T25 is DONE!!!!

I can't believe it's already been 5 weeks.  I promised myself that I would post before and after pictures, so here goes.  And with one week down of trying out this blog thing, I will get up the courage to make it public.

Are you ready to take your fitness to that next level?  Then T25 is the plan for you.  25 minutes of intense training and I hope you love every minute as much as I do! 

 Day one, 117 lbs.  After 5 weeks I lost 4 pounds.  Not too shabby!