21 Day Fix Review
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An honest 21 Day Fix Review with my results, before and after photos and more. I loved the workouts and the focus on portion control.
This edition of Fit Friday is dedicated to my 21 Day Fix review. I was a little hesitant to share my review because I’m currently following the FASTer Way (see my FASTer Way to Fat Loss review), but I know many of you are curious about the 21 Day Fix so I want to share my results and thoughts on the program.
I experimented with p90x years ago but it wasn’t until last December when I tried Focus T25 when I started to learn more about the different Beachbody programs. While I found Shaun T motivating and LOVED the short workouts T25 offered, I didn’t really get the results I was looking for. Around the time I was finishing up my 12 weeks of T25, I saw that the 21 Day Fix was coming out.
It appealed to me for several reasons — not only does it include quick, 30 minute workouts but it also comes with a detailed nutrition plan. Most Beachbody plans come with some sort of eating plan but the 21 Day Fix includes an 84 page eating plan/guide and is more heavily focused on following the nutrition plan in order to see results. It also comes with handy dandy little containers to measure your portions.
Knowing that the eating plan was focused on portion control is what sealed the deal for me. As you all know, I eat healthfully on a regular basis — with a few treats here and there. Life (and healthy living) is all about balance for me and it’s what I try to focus on with my health coaching clients as well. That said, I do really love food and struggle with portion control with certain foods. I’m human. 🙂
Knowing that the 21 Day Fix was focused on portion control, clean eating and 30 minute workouts, I thought, “What the heck, I’ll give it a try!”
Oh, and Autumn Calabrese’s abs didn’t hurt either. 😉
21 Day Fix Review
So what comes with The 21 Day Fix:
21 Day Fix Eating Plan
- A simple eating plan where you don’t have to worry about counting ounces, cups, and calories.
- You get seven color-coded containers that are different sizes for measuring green = veggies, purple = fruits, red = protein, yellow = carbs, blue = healthy fats, orange = seeds/dressing, teaspoon = oils.
- You figure out your calorie level, which is based on your weight. There are four different calorie levels and each involves a different number of containers. I was in the 1,200-1,499 calorie range and was supposed to eat 3 servings of veggies, 2 servings of fruit, 4 servings of protein, 2 servings of carbs, 1 serving of healthy fats, 1 serving of seeds/dressing and 2 teaspoons of oil/nut butter per day.
- You’re encouraged to drink plenty of water, but you can still have coffee and tea.
- There’s room for treats like wine, oatmeal cookies, trail mix and chocolate as well. <— woot woot! Fair warning on this one, for wine the portion size is 4 oz a.k.a 2 sips. 🙂
- The book includes a list of food ideas for each container and a few basic recipes.
21 Day Fix Workout DVDS:
- Total Body Cardio Fix — Includes moves that keep your heart rate up and your muscles engaged.
- Upper Fix — Targeted resistance training helps to shape your chest, back, shoulders, arms, and abs.
- Lower Fix — Firms and tone your entire lower body (glutes, quads, hamstrings and calves) while you blast fat and burn calories.
- Pilates Fix — Strengthens your core, elongates your muscles, and firms your hips and thighs.
- Cardio Fix — Gets your heart pumping and your body moving with body weight movements like jumping jacks and burpees.
- Dirty 30 — 4 rounds, 8 exercises.
- Yoga Fix — Active rest workout that helps to improve balance, flexibility, and strength.
These before and after pictures crack me up — they were taken right after waking up in the morning or right after my workout. Don’t judge. 🙂
My results:
I didn’t see the crazy results that I’ve seen in some of the 21 Day Fix before/afters online but I think that’s because the plan is similar to how I already workout/eat and I don’t have much weight to lose. This wasn’t about seeing a lower number on the scale for me. It was more about challenging myself, building strength, and firming up my stomach (which is my problem area).
- I lost 1 pound and 2.5 inches.
- I gained strength — I can see more muscle definition in my arms, legs and abs.
- My stomach seems flatter and my waist is smaller.
My thoughts:
- The eating plan is super easy to follow — especially if you’re already eating healthy and fine with eating simple meals. There are plenty of recipes out there if you want to get creative but I found that keeping things simple made it easier to make sure I was eating the right size portions. We grilled out a lot and I steamed, grilled or roasted lots of veggies. I’d make extra so I had plenty for lunches throughout the week. I also ate a lot of salads and made a few simple recipes like this tempeh and kale.
- I ate all the same foods I normally eat, I was just more mindful of my portion sizes.
- Before following the Fix eating plan I was eating way more fat and carbs than the plan recommended. I was also skimping on my protein intake. The portion size for protein is much larger than the portions I would usually serve myself, where as the healthy fats and carb portions were smaller. Examples: 12 raw almonds = one healthy fat serving. 1/4 cup steel cut oats = one carb serving.
- Although it’s heavily promoted, I didn’t use Shakeology. It’s pretty pricey so I actually signed up to a be a Beachbody coach so that I can get the discount. I might try following the full 21 days again and incorporate Shakeology to see if the results are more significant.
- I feel like the plan might be harder for vegans in terms of the protein options. I think you’d have to eat a lot of soy products and protein powder to get your protein in because beans are considered carbs on the plan.
- I LOVED the workouts! I would buy the plan just for these. Every day you’re doing something different — from weights to cardio to pilates and Autumn is really inspiring and motiving. The workouts are only 30 minutes so the time goes by quickly. I was always sweaty afterwards and found myself sore the next day as well. That’s one big difference between the 21 Day Fix and T25. I was consistently sore with the Fix workouts and never sore with T25. I know being sore isn’t the ultimate goal of a workout but it felt good knowing that I was challenging myself and gaining strength.
- I like the fact that all you need is the DVDs, floor space, a mat and one set of heavy weights and one set of light weights (or a resistance band) to get the workouts in.
- I was part of a 21 Day Fix accountability group on Facebook that I checked in with each day. I know accountability is a big factor for me so this was really helpful and made the process of following the plan more enjoyable.
Overall, this was a fun challenge for me and I liked the program a lot! Although the plan wasn’t too different in terms of what I was eating or the amount that I was working out — it felt good to pay more attention to my portions and switch things up workout wise – I definitely challenged myself by lifting heavier and pushing myself through the tough workouts.
My only complaint about the program is the name, 21 Day Fix. I get it, we all want fast results but it makes it seem like a quick fix or a fad diet, which I’m not a huge fan of. I’m all about changing habits and making lifestyle changes that promote living a healthy, balanced life rather than trying to change drastically for three weeks and then going back to old habits. Overall, the plan guidelines are a bit more strict/regimented than how I eat and exercise on a regular basis but the foundation of the plan is legit — clean eating (real, wholesome foods), watching your portions and working out regularly with varied workouts. At the end of the day that’s the basics of living a healthy lifestyle. I get it though — Healthy Lifestyle Fix doesn’t exactly have the same ring to it. 🙂
If you’re interested in learning more about the 21 Day Fix, definitely check out the 21 Day Fix on the Beachbody website. Like I said, I signed up as a coach to get a discount on their products so if you do want to buy the 21 Day Fix or another Beachbody program, feel free to purchase through my account. I’ll get props for it and I can help you get started if you have any questions. 🙂
Brittany,
I have all kinds of workout tapes/DVD’s and am over weight. I need aerobics to loose it but my problem is that I have major arthritis in my knees. So, when I do most of my tapes my knees hurt for days sometimes up to a week. Do you know if these tapes will be okay to do and be pain free? If not, I really don’t want to spend the money on any portion of that. In fact I recently purchased a workout machine that is pretty good in regards to being user friendly for the arthritis. I used it for a month and lost 0 lbs. but did lose 2.25 inches all over my body. I also have high cholesterol that I would like to get off medications as have been on them for almost 30 years and am 53 yrs old. I got discouraged and quit working out.
Is there any way to purchase a package without the DVDs? As, I am really interested in the portion control part for the different food groups and meal plans; recipes.
Thank you,
Mary C.
Hi Mary — The 21 Day Fix is definitely easier on your knees than other at home workout programs like Insanity and p90x (also from Beachbody) but I feel like the cardio and leg workouts will still probably be hard on your knees because there are a lot of squats and lunges. And unfortunately you can’t just buy the meal plan piece of it.
What a thorough, lovely, and honest review. I loved it! I recently ordered the 21 Day Fix and I am really enjoying it. I agree with you on the workouts. I love feeling sore… 🙂
I only wish that Autumn would do all of the workouts with you and not walk around to see what her exercise partners are doing. (I like when the trainer does everything with you.)
I really like the portion control system – that is one of my biggest areas of trouble. I eat pretty well, I think I just eat a bit too much. 🙁
I am eager to see my results on day 21! Thanks for the awesome review!
– Just realized this post is from May! 🙂
Hi Mariah. Thank you for your comment. Can’t wait to hear about your results with the 21 Day Fix. When will be you finished?
thank you for your review I saw this infomercial on the TV this morning and was curious about it I know that you are not a doctor but maybe someone out there can answer my questions. I am a 52 year old woman with metastatic breast cancer and I need to lose at least 30 to 40 pounds maybe more. I am 5 foot 2 weigh 160 pounds and I have a sedentary job. since my treatments are over I have more time but not as much energy as I used to. Is this something that is healthy for a person in my condition? I know that the oncologist told me that he did not want me to do strenuous exercising as it will increase my heart rate too much so with that being said is this doable I’m really curious how you feel as I need to lose weight. I am not totally an unhealthy eater but know I need to eat healthier. I love to eat green chile and drink fruit smoothies, how is this measured with this plan? I have other issues besides my bc. I have hypothyroidism, hypertension, and high cholesterol. All is controlled by medication. I have been reading a lot about cancer and stuff and obesity plays a huge roll in cancer. So I know I need to lose weight. With my chemo I lost 35 lbs but gained back almost 20 of it. Please help. Thank you
Just a quick comment about the name “21 Day Fix”… it’s not meant to “fix” you in 21 days. It’s meant to “fix” your eating habits/portion control in 21 days. They say it takes 21 days to create a habit. So, the idea behind the 21 days “fix” is that’s how long it takes to adjust and “fix” for healthy eating habits. 🙂
Hello my name is Aliccia I have a 11 year old little girl she has a rare blood disorder and theres no cure for tjis she has to get chimo injections at Phoenix Childrens every 6-8 weeks, she is very overweight and i need help I don’t have alot of money but I will do anything please help if u have any advice . thanks Aliccia
Brittany, I’m new to the details you are mentioning in your replies. I have a few questions about some points that I will get to in a moment; first, I want to thank you for clarity.
None of these programs tell consumers the truth , If you have significant weight to lose,
say over five pounds, you will need to do them over and over again. What you explained as rounds.I try to read constantly on the subjects of weight loss and exercise and this is the first time anyone ever explained this.THIS LACK OF FULL DISCLOSURE IS WHAT IS SO
FRUSTRATING TO CONSUMERS. I’m a 57 year old ,5’4″,160# woman who is trying to get to
125#. The closest I’ve gotten to that goal was134#. I kept it off for years but ultimately gained back 25#. What is active rest? Also, what’s a polar belt? I do Bikram yoga, and
I walk everywhere I can . As a New Yorker I cover miles. I feel as if I am missing crucial information .The diet and nutrition industry isn’t telling the public the truth. The FDA
doesn’t protect the public health either; labels are allowed to be mere approximations.
We need honest, proven, complete solutions; it’s the 21st Century already; we need to turn the page for the public good.This is my first time ever posting on a site like this. I did it because you’re honest with your readers and you give thorough answers.
Thank you again..
Wendy
Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment Wendy. I appreciate it. An active rest day is a day where you do exercise that’s not super strenuous like yoga, pilates or walking. A Polar belt is a chest strap that you wear to track your heart rate. It syncs with a specific watch to show you your heart rate and how many calories you’re burning. Hope this info helps! 🙂
What if i don’t eat veggies? what will happen?
Thanks Britanny for the awesome article!
I haven’t tried this yet, but I am almost positive it would work and I’m about to buy it now. I have lost 50 lbs so far in my weight loss journey and I want to lose more and a meal plan is the way to do it! I want to become a coach. Is it a good idea? I would love to become one but I don’t want to pay the start up fee and it be a waste of money.
Congrats on your weight loss journey, Kellie! 50 lbs is amazing!! I agree that nutrition is the largest part of weight loss and the 21 Day Fix meal plan might be exactly what you’re looking for. I just became a coach and I would definitely recommend it if you’re planning to buy multiple products from Beachbody because you get a discount. You can also earn money if you’re sharing the products with others. Feel free to shoot me an email if you have any questions! eatingbirdfood at gmail dot com.
Yes that helps! Thank you for your quick reply!
You were recommending the 21day fix…but you have not addressed my questions on May 31. I am the same person you answered on May 28. I don’t know how many different/extra workouts there are…you just mentioned that the kit you purchased included the Plyo fix workout. Any info you can tell me on either (T-25 or 21 day fix) would be helpful. Looking to do the best I can for my health on very limited funds. Thank you for taking time to help me.
I apologize Jackie, I think the threaded reply option on here isn’t working so I missed your reply/question. Yes — if you order through my link the Plyo Fix workout will be included in the package. The Plyo workout isn’t prescribed within the 21 day program but you can use it on your own as supplemental workout or sub it out for one of the cardio workouts if you want a change of pace.
Like I said before, I think both programs are great for weight loss but the 21 Day Fix does a better job with the nutrition plan, in my opinion. It gives you more detail and it focuses on portion control. I have seen plenty of people (online reviews) with more weight to lose doing the 21 Day Fix and seeing good results.
In general, I see short programs like the 21 Day Fix or T25 as jump start programs. They will certainly get you started towards reaching your goal weight but in order to keep losing (or to even maintain) you’ll have to keep up the healthy habits (working out and eating clean). I think that’s why you see people doing several rounds of the programs. I’m sure you know all of this already, just a friendly reminder. 🙂