The Tale of Two Rolls... Day 4 - 21DFX

Man oh man. I am convinced someone has it in for me. Perhaps that is a bit dramatic. Let me explain.

So tonight I skipped the cocktail party and ordered a healthy fix approved meal from room service instead. Salmon was the fish of the day so I asked them to prepare it grilled with seasoning only and  steamed broccoli, with no oil or butter.
---> A little tip: when you go out to eat, if you request something to be prepared in a certain way, most of the time they are able to accommodate. So don't be afraid to ask!

Healthy Meal #2 with Almonds

I was super proud of myself because today was rough. I had the opportunity to cheat so many times. Breakfast was pastries and fortunately fruit. So I brought my baggie of steel-cut oats with me, added hot water and was ready to go, with that and my side of fruit. Squeezed in my healthy almonds and hardboiled eggs I found in the deli downstairs for a snack, even though small bags of chips were provided. Lunch was a buffet style meal and I chose salad instead of all the other rice, beans, and beef that was being served. I passed up the desert table and if you know me well, dessert is my thing! I had my afternoon Shakeo which saved me from my intense cravings that had been building all day long. Which leads me back to my room service dinner.

Shakeo afternoon break

Like I said, I ordered it perfectly and when it arrived it looked amazing as you can see. HOWEVER, do you see that little plate to the top left of my tray. Yep, they did the unthinkable. They brought a former, self proclaimed 'bread addict' fresh mouthwatering artisan dinner rolls. So I threw them in the trash! Now that my friends is willpower! I even have my sister as a witness since we were on FaceTime and she was the one who gave me the idea. LOL So thanks Jenn! :)

Evil bread plate! 

Well Day 4 of 21 Day Fix Extreme is in the books! I am strangely looking forward to my workout tomorrow night when I get back home. Stay tuned to see how I survive the weekend...aka the attempted destroyer of all the good habits you have been sticking to during the week.

Hello from Atlanta! ...& Day 3 - 21 Day Fix Extreme Recap!

First of all I just have to say that I am SO happy with the results I am already seeing so far on only day 3 of this program! I have been following the nutrition plan perfectly and I know it is paying off! Remember, 80% of your results come from your diet.

So I pressed play bright and early again this morning; Pilates Fix Extreme. Honestly I was surprised at how challenging it was. I have done pilates programs before but this was way more intense. I felt like I worked muscles I haven't before which is a good thing. It means I am going to feel stronger than I have before when I am done with this program!

#21DFX PB & Strawberry Oatmeal

Breakfast was the delicious PB & Strawberry Oatmeal I mentioned in my earlier post. It is quickly becoming one of my new favs!

Last night I was lying in bed thinking about my Day 4 workout that I was scheduled to do tomorrow, and realized how selfish it would be of me to take the dvd on my trip and have my husband miss leg day! ---> If you don't already know, leg day is most everyone's least favorite workout. ;) 

Normally when I am traveling for just a few days I can makeup the workout on my usual 'rest day'. However, with the 21 Day Fix programs, because they are only 21 days and designed to give you maximum results in a short period of time, you don't have any rest days. My only choice is to double up if I am going to miss a day and stick to it... So that is exactly what I did! 

After I dropped off my daughter, Addi, at daycare this morning I went home and completed Lower Fix Extreme. My legs were already feeling like jello from my earlier workout but I pushed through and although it was tough, I felt amazing when I was done. I realize you can't tell by this photo but I did, I promise.

My forced smile face after my second workout of the day!

Healthy airport lunch and then some!

As I mentioned I am on a business trip in Atlanta the rest of this week and the bigger struggle when it comes to being away from home, is following the nutrition plan. But I came armed with my Shakeo, my color coded containers and all of my non-perishable food in plastic baggies. At the airport today I was surrounded by greasy food and Starbucks pastries, but I stayed STRONG. I searched for a while before I found something suitable to eat but it ended up being just what I needed to stay on track! 

I passed on the networking event tonight because it was a cocktail party and a girl can only handle so much temptation for one day. 

#21DFX Day 2 --- My poor legs!

Getting up this morning was less of a leap and more of a crawl. I could definitely feel that my legs got a fantastic workout yesterday which is encouraging since I did modify a little bit yesterday.

Today I tackled Upper Fix Extreme made me want to cry a little. Okay, so it wasn't that bad but my arms were on fire and I modified almost the entire workout. I know I will get stronger but right now it is a challenge for sure.

Some of you may or may not know that I have a corporate office job as a Global Sourcing (fancy word for Purchasing) Manager. Most days, much like today, I am busy in and out of meetings all day long. Today I struggled to eat on time like I was supposed to. I snuck out of a meeting at one point to go drink my Shakeo. I call that commitment....or perhaps my eyes were glazing over from electrical engineering lingo. In any case I was able to get in all 6 meals, almost on time.

As I am typing this recap my husband tells me he is dreading our morning pilates workout in less than 7 hours. Me on the other hand, I cannot wait!

I totally slacked on pics today. I know, I know, you are very disappointed that you didn't see my usual selfie. ;)

Tomorrow is the start of a big challenge, as I will be traveling for work the remainder of the week. Hotel workouts, and lots of temptations are in my future but I GOT THIS!

Day 1 of 21 Day Fix Extreme Wrap-up!

I practically leaped out of bed this morning when my alarm went off at 5AM! If you know me I am so NOT a morning person so this was unusual. I think I was just super excited to get started!! 

Today couldn't have gone any better! I got my workout done first thing, checked in with my challengers and enjoyed my yummy breakfast of PB and Strawberry Oatmeal. It is a Fix Extreme recipe and oh my goodness it is a keeper well after I complete this program!

Day 1 #21DFX DONE!

My workout today was Plyo Fix EXTREME and it was no joke! It was harder than I even expected. I have never been good with plyometrics and the jumping around involved so I did almost a fully modified workout. No shame here! I know I will get stronger.

My Mid-morning Chocolate Break :)

A huge part of this program is obviously nutrition, specifically portion control. I get asked all the time, "Won't I be hungry? I am afraid that I will not be eating enough." I can tell you that if you are following the plan and eating the right foods you couldn't possibly be hungry with this program. The best part is it lets me eat as often as I am used to and I stay full!

Delicious Dinner!

Well that's a wrap! Bring on Day 2!

Here Goes Nothing!

So tomorrow is the BIG day... I start 21 Day Fix Extreme! AHHH!! I am so excited but also a bit nervous because I know this will test me, not only physically, but mentally.

I spent extra time planning meals today and making sure I am totally prepared for the week even more so than I usually do. My hubby, Joe, has also decided to join in with me which I think will make it somewhat easier, and certainly more fun! Knowing I have him there supporting and encouraging  me will push me that much more. 

Since he has a higher calorie intake, I separated our meal plans a bit to accommodate the extra containers he will be eating. We will both be following The Fat Burner EXTREME eating plan which includes 6 meals per day and is ideal to optimize your fat burn. 

Here are our meal plans for the first week. When I meal plan it is all about simple, delicious meals. You'll notice that we don't have to have a lot of variety throughout the week because for us it is easier to stick to the plan this way. Then for the next week we mix up the plan and choose different meals.

Please excuse my chicken scratch and I promise I will make this "prettier" for next week's meal plan so you can get a good idea of what we are eating each day.

Mine and the hubs Week 1 Meal Plan

Meal prep for the week DONE!

My alarm is set and my workout clothes are laid out. I am ready to do this! Off to get a good nights rest because my 5AM workout is going to come fast. Check back here daily to follow my journey as I conquer #21DFX!

Choose Your FIX!

I'm sure many of you have seen my obsession with 21 Day Fix over the last 6 months. It was the program that helped me lose my last 10 pounds post baby and the simplicity of the program is ingenious! With healthy eating, quick 30 minute workouts, and portion control, you don't have to look any further for a program that will get you the results you are looking for in the shortest amount of time... and you never had to diet again.

The eating plan uses a color coded system of containers and a Shakeology Shaker Cup to give you perfect portion control every time with zero guesswork. NO MORE COUNTING and MEASURING! If it fits in the container, you can eat it, and you’ll lose weight.

1. Green Container (8oz): vegetables
2. Purple Container (8oz): fruits
3. Red Container (6oz): proteins
4. Yellow Container (5.3oz): carbohydrates
5. Blue Container (2.7oz): healthy fats and cheeses
6. 2 Orange Containers (2oz): seeds and dressings
7. Shakeology Cup: mixing Shakeology

Mandy's results after just 21 days!

You can imagine my excitement when I found out that Autumn Calabrese has created 21 Day Fix EXTREME, to get you seriously shredded in the shortest time possible. This breakthrough 21-day fitness and nutrition program combines simple portion control, clean eating, and extreme 30-minute workouts to help you finally get the lean, defined hardbody you’ve always wanted. I will begin #21DFX this Monday and will be documenting it all right HERE. Check back daily if you are interested in following my journey!

So what is the difference between the original 21 Day Fix and EXTREME? The original program was created for beginners to intermediate level. It’s great for someone who has never worked out a day in their life, who is at an intermediate level but needs to get their nutrition on track while incorporating a new workout routine, or who has significant amount of weight to lose. There are also "treats" built into the original program!

With 21 Day Fix Extreme…there is no chocolate, no wine, no “treats”. It’s designed to get you in the absolute best shape in a short amount of time! This program is for 21 Day Fix graduates, people with a baseline fitness level, people who have an event coming up and a short amount of time to get ready for it, or anyone looking for a challenge.

Both programs come with 30 minute workouts, color coded portion controlled containers, Shakeology shaker cups, recipes and more! ---> and ME as your personal Coach! :)

I run challenge groups for both 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Extreme online Challenge Groups each month --- Next one begins prep week on February 16th! These groups are designed for the support, accountability, and motivation to reach your goals in a FUN way! 

If you are interested in more information about joining a group, please complete the details below.

Fill out my online form.

Clean Margherita Pizza Quesadilla

I have been sick and unable to eat much since last night. You know the feeling when you finally get your appetite back and could eat everything you see. No-well maybe it's just me. ;)

Since I still wasn't feeling fabulous my husband indulged me in my request for ingredients to make Margherita Pizza Quesadillas for the family tonight.

Ingredients (serves 1):

1 Ezekiel tortilla
1 tomato, sliced
3 oz mozzarella, sliced
2 large basil leaves, chopped

Directions:

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the tortilla in the pan. Then layer the tomato, mozzarella, and basil leaves on one half of the tortilla. Cook for a 90 seconds before folding the empty half of the tortilla over the other side. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is beginning to melt and the underside of the tortilla is brown. Flip, and cook until this side is also brown.
Slice and enjoy!