21 Day Fix - what is so special about it?

First, ask her!

Second, no its not "Necessary" to use these products to lose weight, but they help Many. A specific program and Accountability. A bit like everyone here on MFP.

Shakeology is about healthy nutrition. I HATE mentioning it on an open board(but I will answer you honstly) because many others are going to slam it/me and say "Protein shakes are cheaper" yup... but they do not have the Nutrition. The shake is Part of the healthy eating, not replacing. My daily calories are low because I'm Small. I just can't eat all the fruits/vegetables etc that it would take to have my full nutriton And stay under my calorie goals. I Love my shake, I love how I feel, and I don't mind paying $4 a day for it in comparison to my other choices.

Was your friend running, etc before the programs? Probably not. It was her catalyst for change. Whatever YOUR Catalyst is, is what will work for you.

The new 21 day fix program has containers for food, so people that don't want to weigh dont' have to (Look around, many of us do a whole lot of guessing) and specific workouts help many (myself) get up every morning, look at my schedule and push play. I'm not avoiding this because I don't feel like it, or just doing that because I like that better.

Do what YOU Want. If you love to do Zumba.... then someone recommending running isn't going to entice you.
Find what YOU like. The person is trying to help and share idea's. If its not for you, say No Thank you, and move on.

I'd MUCH prefer someone tell me "No Thanks" then avoid me.

Beachbody DVDs are the first ones that EVERY held my interest for more than a few weeks. That doesn't mean its for everyone, but it works for me.

No. You do not need to use any of those programs to lose weight. It's just a simple science of calories in v. calories out. If you like protein shakes instead of meals and can thrive off of the structure of a predetermined program like that, then go for it. But, if you can actually hold yourself accountable to log your food honestly (weigh it out and log EVERYTHING you eat/drink), work out, and have a caloric deficit, you will lose weight.

People like the structure of the programs. They like the hype of them. They like the at home workouts that come with the programs. But you can do whatever you want, so long as you are eating a caloric deficit, you will lose weight. If you do not, and are 100% honest about your food/exercise regiment, then you may have other underlying issues happening, like a hormonal imbalance.

The Beachbody team is a very success, franchise/pyramid type of company, just like all of the other commission based companies (think Mary Kay, Avon, etc.) where they make money if you buy the program and keep buying. And if you end up loving it so much that you want to end up selling it, they'll take you under their name, and earn part of what you earn. It's all a business, and businesses thrive off marketing efforts. They're obviously doing well, since everyone keeps talking about it.

At the end of the day, do what you like. Figure out how many calories you should eat in a day (google TDEE calculator and calculate it out), eat at a deficit from that, and move your body. You'll lose weight. And congratulations on the weight you've already lost! Keep it up!

ETA: I have never used any programs like this. I lost 30 pounds in just about five months, and I'm now resetting my goals to lose my last 10-15 that I'd like to lose. I did it all by eating, working out, and making sure I was at a deficit. That's all!

I will add, I'm excited about the 21 day fix, and have been since last fall, because I'm a LAZY food prepper. There, I said it! I waited for Christmas to get my food scale, and shocking, its still in the box. Will I use the containers and prep my meals that way? Its Up To Me. I'm Telling myself I WILL take that next step. I would imagine after time I'll have a better visual and keep at it, or I won't be so adverse to weighing my food.

Lazy people Unite! I'm Excited about the 21 Day Fix and I hope I get a great group of people to join me because THAT accountability helps me.



Have a great day!

All of this works exactly the same for men as for women. There is no such thing as a man workout or a woman workout, that's bull**** marketing.


Diet = Lose/Maintain/Gain Weight (be it Fat or Muscle)
Cardio = Most time efficient way to burn calories, Great for cardiovascular health and conditiong, Not *required* to burn fat
Heavy Lifting = Burns lots of calories, Builds strength, Builds or Maintains Muscle

Recipe for Toned Look = Lower Bodyfat %, Increase Muscle Mass, Mix to taste

Recipe for Ripped Look = Even Lower Bodyfat %, Increase Muscle Mass, Mix to taste

You can't spot reduce fat with exercise or diet, so where/when/how the fat comes off depends on your genetics. Usually first on means last off... is what

it is. Keep lowering BF% until you're happy. You do this by eating a deficit of calories. If you screw up a day or a week or whatever, don't worry, just

get back on it. No shame. You'll start looking better and getting compliments well short of reaching your actual goals anyway. Big plus. How noticable it

is though depends on how much you have to loose.

You have to eat a surplus of calories to put on any appreciable muscle, and some of the weight gain will be fat as well. And the whole process is slow.

So... don't worry about getting bulky, whether you're a man or a woman. Getting bulky is slow for men and even more difficult for women, so you'll know

well in advance when you're approaching whatever aesthetic goal you're aiming for.

My book recommendation, and *I swear on my life* it will help you and is worth your time to read, is "New Rules of Lifting" (they have one geared a bit more towards women as well, although there's 0% difference in the way this works for either sex). The program at the very end of the book is kinda

"fluffy" lol, but it's perfectly fine to use if you like it. If not...

An excellent starting program is Stronglifts 5x5, doesn't matter if you're a man or a woman. Uses the five main, fundamental compound movements to build

strength, and it's a simple workout that hits nearly every muscle in your body. Do that for a while to start, and then use "ICF 5x5" to up the volume a bit and keep the "5x5" compound lifts for strength (just review the programs and you'll see what I mean).

You're going to freaking love this.

So my friends are in love with Shakeology and have invited me to join a 21 Day Fix Test Group for Beachbody. While I applaud what they are doing (both have lost weight), I don't understand why I need to spend a significant amount of money on these programs/meal replacements. I use protein shakes a few times a week, I'm trying to eat healthier, and I workout when I can. I am slowly but surely seeing results. This month alone I have lost 6 pounds and I'm very proud of that. I know that if I worked out more I would see even more results, but I'm getting there.

My friends that use Shakeology, have started eating much healthier and are doing the T25 workouts, in addition to biking 30+ miles a week. I feel like they would get these great results whether or not they are using Shakeology. Why do they place the reward of what they are accomplishing on a program? They are making the right changes to get healthier and it seems like they aren't taking the credit for what they are doing and place the importance on the product.

Am I wrong here? Can someone tell me what makes the Beachbody and/or Shakeology programs so special? And is it necessary to use programs like this to lose weight?

Not trying to hate on people that use them - I just really want honest opinions. Thanks so much!

It can sometimes be like a "cult" mentality. Nothing wrong with Beach Body workouts IMO. But get a few people to lose some weight and attributing it to Shakeology with a "money plan" and next thing you know anyone NOT doing it, is doing it wrong.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

I've been drinking Shakeology for over 4 years. Its the dense nutrion in the mix. 70 ingrediens and 10 super foods from around the world. Since I've been drinking it, I feel better, have more energy and haven't had a cold or been sick in over 3 years (knock on wood) What seperates it form say, gnc shakes etc is the quality of the ingredients. I have many friends that drink it to and they are suprised how much energy they have (once the initial bathroom vists are out of the way)

21 day fix is out early february - its a program of full body exercise and eating healthy without counting calories etc.. the nutrion book will show you what you fit into the containers for your daily food. The test group did very well.

good luck. try it. rember too, all BB products are guarenteed. You have 30 days on Shakeology, even if you drink the whole bag.

tom

I haven't been sick in 4 years and just eat right and exercise along with ensuring I meet my macro/micro nutrients on a daily basis. I saved $5760 by doing it this way.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Shakeology has one of the most misleading ads. If you don't believe me, take the time yourself to run the foods they list in their commercial that you supposedly must eat to reach the level of nutrition in their product through a diet analysis program. You'll quickly discover that shakeology's nutrient content doesn't even come close to that. If you were to eat all of those fruits and vegetables listed in a day, you would be in toxic levels for several of the vitamins and minerals. Save your money and consume real whole fruits and vegetables (you don't have to eat everything they list in that commercial to be healthy... Aim for 5 servings a day). There are so many added health benefits that come with consuming whole foods that you simply can't get through supplements. There are nutrient interactions that occur while eating these foods that we don't completely understand yet but know that they occur. Just making yourself a big salad with a variety of different color produce can easily get you at the 5 serving mark while delivering a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. It's not as hard as they want you to think it is.

This site is about support. Supporting each other no matter what is working for them, don't discount others successes. The truth is, there is only one way to get fat- take in more calories than you burn. Guess what, there is only one way to lose the fat too... Whatever healthy way you can find to burn more than you bring in, is what you should do....

I'm a coach for Beachbody. The reason I decided to coach for Beachbody is because I found their products worked for me. Do I think other programs could have worked? Maybe. But, I tried so many different ways to lose weight, and this was the only one that helped food and fitness "click." I didn't have to buy multiple programs, but I did. I could have bought one and done it multiple times to defer cost. But, I liked the variety. But, when money was tight, I was able to hybrid and not pay anything.

What I like about the 21 day fix is that it gives tools other Beachbody programs don't have. The containers, for one, keep you honest because you don't guess how much you're eating. Will it work for everyone? Maybe, maybe not. Everyone is different. I didn't get results like Insanity people did, but I got results for P90X and those programs because I tend to work better with weights.

All that said, when I talk to people about the programs I first try to figure out what they like. You may not like doing 21 day, so you won't be successful. You'll stop using it. These days, I get bored with P90X, which is why I was so glad X3 came out. I was tired of working out at home, so I joined a boot camp. Yes, it's a lot of money, but it's an investment in my health that find valuable to me. Some people don't feel they need to spend that money, and I"m ok with that too. My friend walks three miles, I cheer her on. It's not about needing to spend the money, it's about finding the tools you want to invest in to get you where you want to go. If you can do it cheaper, that's awesome.

As far as Shakeology, I know there are a lot of opinions out there. I won't argue points, all I know is it works for me. I have a very busy schedule and there are times I can't get the nutrients other ways. Either because of time or because of location. I like having the Shakeology with me, at my ready, knowing I'm getting some consistency in what I put in my body.

So my friends are in love with Shakeology and have invited me to join a 21 Day Fix Test Group for Beachbody. While I applaud what they are doing (both have lost weight), I don't understand why I need to spend a significant amount of money on these programs/meal replacements. I use protein shakes a few times a week, I'm trying to eat healthier, and I workout when I can. I am slowly but surely seeing results. This month alone I have lost 6 pounds and I'm very proud of that. I know that if I worked out more I would see even more results, but I'm getting there.

My friends that use Shakeology, have started eating much healthier and are doing the T25 workouts, in addition to biking 30+ miles a week. I feel like they would get these great results whether or not they are using Shakeology. Why do they place the reward of what they are accomplishing on a program? They are making the right changes to get healthier and it seems like they aren't taking the credit for what they are doing and place the importance on the product.

Am I wrong here? Can someone tell me what makes the Beachbody and/or Shakeology programs so special? And is it necessary to use programs like this to lose weight?

Not trying to hate on people that use them - I just really want honest opinions. Thanks so much!

It can sometimes be like a "cult" mentality. Nothing wrong with Beach Body workouts IMO. But get a few people to lose some weight and attributing it to Shakeology with a "money plan" and next thing you know anyone NOT doing it, is doing it wrong.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

^ This. I like the workouts but I don't use any of the products. I don't even bother to look at the meal plans they come up with for the workouts. I think people put way too much stock in things as though the reason for their weight loss is a shake or a certain workout and not the fact that they created a calorie deficit, and that feeds the cult mentality. It's also worth noting that the requirements to be a BB coach are being able to legally sell their products. There's no requirement for coaches to have any background in fitness or nutrition. I have friends who are coaches and pretty much all they do is sell products and run challenge groups where they check in with people and cheer them on. They have lost weight and look awesome, but I wouldn't trust them to give me sound advice about exercise or eating. Nothing wrong with having someone to help keep you accountable, but there's plenty of other ways to do that without having to buy in to the hype.

Obviously I'm just speaking from my own experience here. I have always struggled with weight. I have been able to lose it on my own but it always comes back. I started using shakeology and started a beachbody program and, not just the programs, but the support I got from others using the products as well have really kept me on track. I can honestly say that Shakeology helped curb my cravings for foods I really didn't need to be eating. My coach always checked in on me and I was able to hold myself accountable. I started with the T25 program and what I liked was that it was only 25mins a day and I could do the workouts at home. I used to do workouts at home but I didn't realize how much I limited myself. The programs helped open my eyes to new exercises I could do and also how to do them properly. Yes, it is pricey. But it has been worth it for me which is why I've kept up with it. The results are unlike those I've ever been able to accomplish before. I'm sure anyone could do this on their own but I needed the help and it has proven itself to me.

I'll say it, I am a Beachbody Coach. I'm not in it to sell, sell, sell. If I don't believe in the product, I'm not going to share it with others. I became a coach to get the discount on Shakeology at first because of what it has done for my health. I was eating right, logging everything, and exercising 4-5 days a week, but I still felt like crap. I had NO energy. I watched my portions. How many carbs I was taking in and protein. I avoided soda, and sugars and still felt like I had nothing left and I was still really depressed.

I had a coach I had been talking to for 6 months who said, "Look, I've been where you are, tried it all and Shakeology brought me some energy and clarity. Try it for 30 days, if you hate it, don't think it's working, just don't care; send the bag in and get your money back. What would it hurt?"

So I did - that was two years ago. I am now a coach who is in it to HELP others whether they decide to use Shakeology or not and whether or not they use a structured, drawn out program offered by Beachbody.

But I drink it every single day because it has been the one change that allowed me to reach my goals of being MED FREE! I am off all of my medications for depression/anxiety/bipolar as well as my medications for gastroparesis. Forget using it to lose weight. It's not some fast acting weight loss shake, no matter what people tell you. It really is a nutrition based shake. I didn't drink Shakeology for two months during those two years and my entire immediate family and coworkers knew something was off. Not to mention, my numbers in my blood work started to rise again. My doctor said there is something in it that MY body is seriously lacking and to continue drinking it.

$108/mo for Shakeology sure beats the heck out of spending $300/$400 a month on anti-depressants, bipolar medications, and all the things we kept trying for my digestive tract.

What you get from ANY workout or nutrition plan - whether it's structured for you or you do it on your own - you get out of it what you put into it. You work hard, you'll see results. You slack off and cheat, you won't - or you'll yo yo.

I don't credit Shakeology or all of the Beachbody programs I have used. I KNOW I busted my butt to get my results. I KNOW I made the decision to start. I'm just grateful I found workouts I enjoy, with such a motivating team there to encourage me along the way.

I made progress because I CHOSE to start the journey, not because some program/supplement.

Bump to read later.

I applaud everyone's successes with their weight loss! Having been overweight as a child and through high school and still struggling with losing, I know how hard it is. I've always been very athletic, playing sports all of my life. I was a 2 sport athlete in college and now, 13 yrs later, still play competitively. I say that because I STILL struggle with weight loss after ALL these years of education, training and having family members who are personal trainers and physical therapists.

I've done it all. Weight watchers worked the best but working out never went hand in hand with it. I've been a 'repeat offender' many times...always having success but the weight slightly inching back on over time. I've done South Beach, Adkins, Jillian Michaels, The Biggest Loser, worked with personal trainers, team athletic trainers and drank every whey/nutrition drink under the sun. I had great results but it all inched back on because I got bored or it was too difficult to keep up the regime. Yes, I was that gym rat, 2 hrs a day, 6 days a week...I LOVED lifting but HATED cardio. I always had great muscle and was very strong but looked it... Never strong and lean. What was that?!

Fast forward to April 2012. I was pregnant with my daughter when I was diagnosed with lymphoma. It was devastating. I gave birth and she was healthy and thriving. 2 weeks later, I started chemo. Due to my weak body from being pregnant, I was about to endure more complications than the typical cancer patient. 6 mos of chemo, 4 hospitalizations, 17 daily medications, painful back injections to mass produce white blood cells, joint pain I would never wish on anyone, side effects (sore tongue, nausea, etc) and a 25 weight gain due to prednisone (from lung damage due to chemo). All while taking care of a newborn. I had my first clean scan in Nov 2012. I worked on getting my strength back and started PT for joint pain, strength and stamina. I was 35 and couldn't walk up stairs. With 8 mos of PT I was making progress but still had pain and my energy level was discouraging. I had many friends suggest Shakeology but could not get past the $$. How could I justify that with a new baby.

In Oct 2013, I hit my one year remission. At that appt, I asked my drs about Shakeology. They gave me 2 thumbs up. I also consulted with a PA and nutritionist who reported that it is impossible to get all these vitamins and benefits in a normal diet. I decided to take the plunge and try it. I was paying $40/mo. for Weight Watchers, $30/mo. for the gym, $20/mo. on health shakes...Dunkin coffee 3x week $40/mo. All that was $130. Shakeology was $115...ummm. Save $? I decided to try it. Within 2 weeks, my pain was cut by 75% and my energy level was through the roof. Another 2 weeks and pain was 85% gone. At that point, I was feeling well enough to workout...after 2 years of no working out. I was SO out of shape. My PT was amazed at what I could do with the month I was on Shakeology. He physically saw the transformation in strength, dexterity and flexibility. After being skeptical, he was sure it was highly effective.

With 4 mos of Shakeology and 10 weeks of T25, I've lost 18 lbs and 18", an 85-90% pain free, take ZERO Pills, have TONS of energy and have leaned out. No program has ever 'leaned' me out.

This is not a sales pitch by any means. ONLY my experience and how Beachbody has changed my quality of life. I will forever be grateful for this company. I feel better than I have my whole life. And I'm keeping the weight off. Most people say 'you'll gain it back when you stop'. It's not 'low cal'... My shake, the way I make it is 300 cal. I can easily replace it with a good breakfast for 300 cal. But will I get all the vitamins and feel amazing? No. I'll spend the $4 a day to feel this great. Plus, the workouts are 30 min and I can stay home with my peanut.

Do what works for you. This works for me and I'm eternally grateful for Shakeology. It gave me my life back.