21-Day Fix

About 2 weeks ago I was contacted by a Beachbody coach to see if I was interested in the Beachbody program as either a participant or coach. Since running hasn't been working out for me very well, and I know my eating habits could use an overhaul, I decided to give the 21-day fix a try. My main concern before signing up was that I'm still breastfeeding Kendall, but I was told I could go up one calorie bracket, and other nursing moms have been successful. I figured I might as well give it a shot!

I signed up, and received all of my things on Thursday. My package included food containers, eating guidebook, 3 workout dvd's with about eight 30-minute workouts along with a 10-minute ab workout, and chocolate Shakeology (meal replacement drink) with lots of add-in ideas. I'm also part of a Facebook group which gives tons of support, ideas, recipes, and information to help you along. The Facebook group started a week before the actual program and gave lots of ideas about eating clean and grocery shopping, etc. I got really motivated and started eating clean for a few days before I received my containers. As soon as I got them, I started using them, even though the actual program didn't start until yesterday. Basically each container represents different foods - proteins, veggies, fruits, carbs, cheese, nuts, and a few teaspoons of fat (oil/nut butter.) I get a set number of portions of each container to use throughout the day, and the goal is to fill them with foods on a specified list, and it's really simple after you get the hang of it.

I have to say...so far I am loving this program! I was worried about going on a "diet" and I had already told myself if I was hungry, I would eat more because I didn't want to jeopardize my milk supply. However, I realized in just a few days, that this isn't so much of a diet, but more making sure that what you are eating every day is balanced for optimal nutrition. It's definitely changed my eating habits, and I've eaten more protein than I probably have ever eaten in my life! Using my running as an excuse, I kind of turned into a carboholic, and while I tried to eat vegetables, I definitely wasn't eating enough. I was also worried because there isn't much dairy on this program, but honestly, I haven't missed it too much in the week that I've been eating (relatively) clean. 

As far as my milk supply, it's better than ever, and probably the healthiest it's ever been for Kendall! I feel like a fabulous mom knowing that I'm doing my best to eat a well-rounded diet, and she's getting all the good nutrients from me. It's also having the domino effect of Travis and Avery eating healthier meals, because that's what I'm making! The only "cheats" that I'm allowing are a cup of coffee every morning with milk and sugar, which is down from my normal 3-4 cups per day, including a daily latte from Starbucks. I've been replacing my afternoon Starbucks fix with my Shakeology, and if I need caffeine, I can actually add iced black coffee to it...guilt free! I also had a beer on Friday night, but I'm going to really try to limit that for the next few weeks, or have a glass of wine a few nights...which I can sub for one of my carb containers. 

In just a week of eating clean, and using my containers for 5 days, I can already see a difference in my body (mostly my post-baby belly haha.) I am waiting to weigh myself for now, but I can tell that my clothes are already fitting better and I'm feeling like my old self again!

I did have a minor hiccup - I did my first official workout yesterday, and I figured the workouts would be the easy part for me. It went pretty well...as I expected, but it had a lot of new exercises I had never done. Later in the day, I stood up with Kendall after a nursing session, and felt shooting pain in my back...bad enough to have my husband come home early from work. We're pretty sure I pulled a muscle in my back. I limited my movements yesterday, and it's still sore today, but much better than yesterday. I'm probably not going to do my workout today, because I don't want to injure it anymore, but maybe I 'll do two tomorrow to catch up (we'll see.) I guess that's just something that happens sometimes when we get older...reminding me that I'm turning 33 in just a few short weeks!

I'll keep posting my thoughts and progress along this little journey, but so far I'm really pleased and hopeful that I'll see some great results!