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21 Day Fix Tips and Tricks
I get so many messages and emails for tips about 21 Day Fix and the challenge pack!
First of all, I’ll cover a ton of questions in one nifty little list. Autumn does lots of Q&A and interviews on her Youtube channel that are so helpful! I’ve gone through her videos and found answers to the frequently asked questions I receive. Each of these link directly to the portion of the video where she or the nutritionist explain the answer.
21 Day Fix Questions and Answers
- Can I eat PB2? Answer.
- Can I eat Quest Bars? Answer.
- Breastfeeding? Answer.
- Why are peanuts blue AND orange? Answer.
- Should I prepare separate meals for the rest of my family? Answer.
- How do I count Ezekiel bread? Answer.
- Popcorn addict? You’re going to be very happy with this answer.
- BUTTER? Answer.
- Kind bars! Please say yes, Jean! Well…. Answer.
Maple syrup, raw sugar and honey, oh my! Read page 15 of your Eating Plan 🙂- Why not more almond milk?! Answer. Spring 2015 UPDATE: Autumn personally uses up to 4 oz of unsweetened almond and/or coconut milk and does not count it as a container. 🙂
- Why am I starving? 🙁 Answer.
- What do I do if I can’t finish my meals? Answer.
- Should I change my calorie bracket when I can’t get workouts in? Answer.
- How about coconut milk yogurt?
- Shakeology on 3-Day Quick Fix? Answer.
- How do I change My Fitness Pal to be a 21DF container tracker? From a computer (not mobile), login. Settings > Diary Settings — change “Meal Names:” to container colors.
- How do I divide meals like casseroles?? Answer.
- Quick meal tip:
“I’m at a plateau! HELP!”
Nah. You’re fine. Trust me! Have you checked your inches lately? I bet you’re still losing. The scale doesn’t always reflect progress — just remember that. It might also be time to re-evaluate or kick it into higher gear. Here are some tips I’ve gathered from the Eating Plan, Autumn and beyond:
- Eat from the top 1/3 of the lists. The lists are organized in a hierarchy with the best options being at the top.
- DOUBLES! It’s always a good time to do doubles! Sweat it out!
- Increase your water. Are you barely hitting the minimum? Try increasing your daily intake by a few glasses.
- Try to workout out first thing AM before you’ve eaten anything. Sometimes working out in a fasted state can boost your losses.
- Mix it up! Always eating the same foods? Eat a variety of foods from the Eating Plan.
21 Day Fix Tips and Tricks for Organization
How do you stay organized? How do you track your containers? I work full-time from home, so I actually just track them on an Excel spreadsheet. It’s really simple. I put in how many containers I’m allowed. I enter them as I eat them and it subtracts from my total. There are also lots of free apps out there, if that’s your fancy. I’ll share one more idea below as well!
If you know me, it’s no shock that I love labels, sparkly/shiny objects and, well, food. 🙂 So it’s no surprise that I hacked apart my 21 Day Fix Eating Guide and incorporated all of those things in one cute place. My original Eating Plan book had seen it’s better days after just one round. I carried that thing around like it was the map to dry land in Waterworld. It was looking rough!
So I went to my local Kinkos and had them cut the binding off of one for me. It might cost a couple of bucks. Mine did it for free (thanks Kinkos fella!). Then I simply dug through my office and art supplies and made it into a binder. Easy peasy! I have the workout calendar in the front. It’s separated into sections of the four main containers. I have the tally sheets, extra notes and stickers in the back. Stickers?? I just like stickers. Who doesn’t deserve a star sticker after a great day?? Sometimes I print some of my favorite recipes and add them into the back for quick reference, too.
By having the pages in binder pockets, your tally sheets automatically become dry erase boards, too! This is great, if you are working at a desk most of the day. Just flip open your binder, tally your container and go about your day. Wipe it clean for the next day.
In addition to being organized and adorable, having the Eating Plan in a binder also serves those of us in the kitchen very well. It can finally stand on a cookbook stand without flopping closed. YES!
Not sure if 21 Day Fix is for you? Message or email me and we’ll chat. It’s a very simple program with amazing, healthy results. These were my results after just one round (21 days). I just love it! I lost 11.2 pounds and 8.25 inches in 21 days. I’ve now lost over 25 pounds by just repeating the plan!
I made a binder like this today! TY for the idea!
Ahhh, very cool, Erin!! I’d love to see yours! Post it on my Facebook wall? https://www.facebook.com/FromForksToFitness
Hi, I am trying to make a binder similar to the one that you have. Can you tell me how big your booklet is? My Eating Plan book is only 5.7.
Where did you find your binder? Also what size binder did you use???
They sell these binders in the target dollar section. But most places sell them. They’re mini binders.
I love your book.You need to make them and sell them I think it would help a lot of people ou.I 67 yrs old and I’m not crafty like that.Im trying to lose about 70lbs and it’s hard I just finished my 21 day fix and I’m not to happy with my results.Its hard when you have to keep looking every up.please think about making the books and sell them I would be the first in line.Thank You
Aww, thank you, Lynne! I’d love to make them for people, but I’m not sure I could work out the logistics without having everyone’s books in my possession. Maybe I could make the blank kit and everyone cook take their own book to an office store to have it trimmed?
I’m sorry to hear you’re not loving your results so far! Do you have a coach? Lean on them for support!! They can put you in a private challenge group with others on the same program as you. The support is so so helpful! If you don’t have a coach, reach out to me. I’ll love to support you. Coaches are free to you with the purchase of your program.
Hi I am starting my 21 day fix today, do you have to use the shakeolgy? Is there anything you can substitute it with?
Hi, Ashley! No, Shakeology isn’t necessary for success with the program. It offers a lot of benefits, but it’s not an option for some people and that’s okay! Shakeology counts as one “red” (protein) on the program, so just choose a different red option from your list.
You should have gotten a free coach when you purchased your program. Make sure you reach out to them, so they can support you! They’ll probably have challenge groups and all sorts of fun (free) resources available for you!! 🙂 If you don’t have a coach, yell for me and I’ll be there for ya!
Do you sell your book I’d buy if you’d make one for ke
Aw, I don’t currently, Janine! I’m going to give one away (without the Eating Plan included) when my Facebook page reaches 2k fans, though! So excited!
I’m wondering if you have any advice on getting started? I had purchased the 21 day fix a couple weeks ago to do before my wedding and have made a couple attempts but just can’t seem to get started or get it to stick. Any advice?
Hey, Kelli! Just DO IT! Go shopping today and start tomorrow — no excuses! Do you have a coach? If so, get in a challenge group immediately. They hold you accountable and give you a place for support and motivation. If you don’t have a coach, hop in one of mine. I’ll encourage you every step of the way!
LOVE the notebook idea. When I did my 1st round, I too carried my book everywhere I went. I also printed out my tally sheet on regular size paper and carried those everywhere too. Became too much to carry a full size folder with me all the time. Your notebook looks smaller??
Yeah, it’s a bit on the smaller side. I think it’s just over 5 x 8, Michelle.
I found a link to this page on pinterest and i have referenced it a few times! I am just getting started on my first round of the 21 day fix and this page has been so helpful
Aw, your comment made my day, Shannon!
Where did you get your small binder and page protectors ? I want to do this with my book since I destroyed my first one with a glass of water 🙁
Target, Heather! All of the supplies were from Target. I did trim down the colored tabs from full-size sheets, but everything else was good to go.
–Jean
I’m doing the 21 day fix, & i was wondering if you can use chicken broth (instead of water) to cook brown rice? Thanks in advance for your help 🙂
Sorry another question…my coach has not contacted, or reached out to me. Are they suppose to? Wondering if I can switch to a different coach.
No worries! I love questions! 😀 Yes, your coach should reach out to you. Check your bulk/spam email folder to make sure their message didn’t go there. You can also login to your Beachbody account and you’ll see their contact info in the upper left. Alternatively, yep, if you are not a coach yourself, you can change coaches at anytime! 🙂
What size binder pockets do you get because the book is small….Where did you get that small binder…interested in doing this….
I’m not sure what size it is. I got everything at Target, though! The pockets and the binder were as-is. I trimmed the colored tab dividers down from full-size pages.
Not sure where everyone lives but I got a smaller binder like that for a personal organizer months ago at staples. They had all supplies with it also dividers, sheet protectors. I am going back for another!!! This is so me thank you for sharing!
Sorry for all the questions are the binder pockets opened on top or on the side
No worries, Heather! These open at the top.
I was wondering where you got the dividers from? they fit perfectly in there!! thanks!
Hey there! I got them from Target, but I trimmed them down to fit! 🙂
Hi! I love all the information that you have on the page. I have a BIG problem. My wonderful husband thought that this would be a great gift for me and it is EXCEPT he bought just the containers and not the program. What do I do now?
Aw, that was of of him, Michelle!! You have a couple options. You could return those containers and get the full program, or you could keep those as extras (that’s what they are intended for) and buy the full program. I’d probably do the latter just because they are inexpensive and you’d lose out on the shipping to return them anyway. Are you working with another coach? I have a challenge group coming up very soon, if you’d like some extra support and motivation. We have a blast in them with check ins, meal and recipe sharing!
I am to receive my 21 day fix tomorrow n am so excited! Getting great info from this page. Any way I can join your group? I have a local beach body coach but she n the group r younger n doing more intense workout program. Any hints welcome, I really hope this helps me eat right n fight middle age spread (just turned 50). Ty
Aw, congrats on getting your program!! I don’t currently have any public openings in the group, but I’m happy to chat privately any time you’d like! Ask your coach if she can “ask her upline” if there are any other groups running. Coaches almost always have teams full of other coaches they can use to pull resources for all sorts of challenge groups. Are you on Facebook? If not, email me and we can chat — jean@fromforkstofitness.com
–Jean
I was wondering what size binder you used? Is it a mini one? It looks small in length…
It’s 7x9ish. Just a little over 9″ tall.
I think I am very confused! Just got my material in the mail and planning to start tomorrow but can’t seem to figure out how to log onto the website. I never got a log in, etc. Ordered online and also have not heard from a coach. And what are the challenge groups? ? Help! Ha
Hi, Monica! Did your coach ever reach out to you? I’d love to help you along the way, if you still need support. Let’s chat on Facebook, so I can get a feel for where you are in the program. Can you message me? https://www.facebook.com/FromForksToFitness
This may seem like a silly question but what do you keep in each section of the binder (tabs labeled veggie, fruit, protein, carbs) … recipes? meal plans? eating plan page from the book?
Hey there! Not silly at all. I removed the spine from the book, so I have all of the pages separated into tabs. Then in the back, I have the tally sheets, notes, etc. There’s room for recipes back there, too.
Hey,
I’m about to start the 21 day fix (as soon as I’m back to campus and in my apartment). I’m a little nervous and I’m not really sure what I’m doing, but I really like the binder idea. Can you help me? Have any tips? Thanks!
Hey, Nancy! Don’t be nervous. Did you get your kit yet? First tip — read the Eating Plan cover to cover. It details everything for you. Let’s connect on Facebook, so we can chat. Message me over here https://www.facebook.com/FromForksToFitness
I just bought a little binder at Target to make one of these! I’m a week into the fix and I’m already feeling better! I’m going to add some meal planning “calendars” for dinners and some daily meal planning sheets for each meal/snack! Thanks for the great idea!
Ohhh, I love your ideas!! Congrats on starting your journey. 21 Day Fix has changed my life in so many amazing ways.
Hi!!
I noticed that a lot of people would like to make binders out of their books. I haven’t read that you’re selling the idea, but I wanted to make sure I’m not stepping on toes here. If you like, I can post a tutorial on how to unbind a soft cover book. My email is included, let me know if that’s something you’re ok with.
Steph
Hah. My daughters first name popped up in the box. Sorry!
Steph
I am interested in the tutorial for the binder if you have it together yet.
Steph, that would be great! I’m definitely not selling the idea. Would love alternatives to helping people with it!
DO YOU HAVE A TUTORIAL YET? REALLY WANT TO SEE IT.
Hello
I would love to make a binder, what size is the book? Mine is being delivered today and wanted to grab the stuff before I got home.
Thanks
Karen
I’ve been humming and hawing about whether I want to purchase the 21 day fix or if I want to give it a try on my own since there is so much FREE info out there. Did you find having the actual program is really worth it?
I can honestly say it’s been a life changer for me, Danica. I hummed and hawed over it for over a month, too, ha! One day, I just thought, “If I had just gotten it a month ago, I’d already have a full round done.” *ah ha moment*
Hello! I just started the 21 day fix yesterday and am needing all the prep and planning tips I can get! I love the idea of a binder!!! I’m about an hour from Target, so I may use a regular sized binder. Was there any more talk of someone sharing how to unbind a book??
Thanks again for all the awesome tips!
Lots of great info!! Would love to get involved with one of your challenge groups if there is room!
Hey, Lena! I’ll email ya! 🙂
Thanks for your great post. I just came across this page and made my 21 Day Fix binder today. I bought all my supplies from Staples & just bent the pages until they came loose from the binding. I will be taking this with me everywhere!
Im having trouble even getting motivated I did it for about a week and i really didn’t see any progress besides major soreness so I stopped. then I have trouble figuring out what to have for breakfast and lunch because I can’t have eggs they make me sick and I can’t have any type of beef cuz it makes me sick so I’m okay with dinner and snacks just not breakfast or lunch I think I thinking too much into it and its confusing me
Hey, Carley!! How are you doing?
I’m on Day 6 of the 2 Day Fix Extreme, I’m.not seeing the scale move at ALL. I started T25 N Doha don’t 2 weeks left when my 21dfx arrived in the mail so I just substituted my workouts from T25 to 21DFX, .and I have lost some.inches ,,but I don’t.know if it’s from.the 21dfx or.t25, I started /recorded my stats fans took new pics on Day 1 of.the 21dfx, the workouts on the 21 dayfix are very extreme and my muscles are sore every morning so I know it’s working, but I feel like I need to lose weight before I start sculpting muscle. I am 159 lbs and my goal.weight is 140 lb. I don’t understand how some of the workouts are going to help me lose weight fast . I defiantly see how they would sculpt muscle tho…iim also drinking my shakeologys each day which I love but I’m having problems with the Meal plan because I don’t like seafood or fish, I don’t like peppers ,onions or stuff like that, there is very few things in the book that came with it that i will eat.. I like Grilled chicken breast ,rice and some stuff like that, but just eating that everyday obviously isnt working .. I like Raw vegetables like carrots, cauliflower and broccoli but I can’t stomach them without dipping them in ranch or something and then when I tried to steam the broccoli , I added one blue container of the cheddar cheese and it just tasted horrible…. but if I get the frozen broccoli ,in the freezer aisle that has cheese sauce on it , I don’t know if that’s approved for the meal ,plan or not so I have not been eating any green containers at all !!! and I’m supposed to have three-day.. I’m just at a loss because I want to give this my all and I.want to succeed in this , but obviously without eating right I’m not gonna lose the weight i want or get the results that i want either.. so I need some advice on foods I can eat that I will like.. PLEASE.HELP 🙁
I don’t have a coach, and I am about to start my 21 day fix. I was wondering where I could get one or I need one? Or if you could help?
Hi, Shelby! You don’t need a coach, but coaches are totally free to you and a great support system, so why not, right? I can definitely help. I’m going to email you at the address you listed with your post! 🙂
What about working midnights (12 hours 3-4 days a week at the hospital) and doing the 21 day fix??!! This is my biggest confusion… I have had the program for several months and it hasn’t been easy trying to figure out when to eat or when to workout so I psych myself out and give up. Should I eat my heaviest meal first and the lightest meal last?
Can you take creatine after the workout what you suggest
Hi, i am a new mom and I am breastfeeding my little one. I have been overweight for my entire life and I want to get in shape so when my little one gets older. Do you thi nk it would be healthy for me to do the 21 day fix since I am breastfeeding?
Hi, Raven! I would first advise you to speak to your doctor. In general, though, yes, this is a perfectly healthy program for breastfeeding mommas (I am one myself!) as there are no artificial supplements or yucky chemical replacements. It’s whole foods in great portions + exercise. If we get you setup, I’ll have you adjust your calories higher to help you maintain a great, healthy supply. I’m going to shoot you an email to chat more in depth. I’d love to learn more about you and your goals.
What is this meal plan/diet. I am 65
I would love a peek inside your planner where you have the categories. Any chance? I’m heading to Target to look for some supplies :).
i would love to see the tutorial on how to create the binder please
Thanks so much for all the info. I’m currently on day 6 of my 1st round of 21 day fix. I’m trying to do without a coach since mine has not contacted me. I adore this idea about the binder and I’m going out today to make it. I love that I can add recipes into it as well!
You’re welcome, Kelley!
You don’t have to do it alone, though! Coaches are a free resource. Unfortunately, some are in the system, but they don’t actually work the business. They just signed up for the discount and the system still assigned them customers (they recently changed this, so it should be happening less now). You can switch any time with no purchase necessary. If you want help, let’s hook up! I have a few challenge and support groups going right now, too. Would love to have you.
I don’t always want to chop my chicken up or sometimes I want a piece of fish on brown rice. Can you tell me what the weight should be, to be the equivalent of 1 red container? I’m guessing 4oz but want a second opinion
Yepper, you’re correct — 4 oz. If you look in the back of the book, in the recipes, they use 4 oz for a filet of fish or steak.
Thank you for that fast reply.
Kelley and Jean, I am looking for an accountability group. I have talked to 2 different coaches that both turned me down because I already own the program and I am not interested in becoming a coach.
Jean how can I find you and your groups?
Hi, Tammy! I’d love to chat with you and I do have groups available. I’m bummed you were told that from previous coaches. 🙁 Coaches are a free resource and each person can have one. The only requirement to have one is that you signup with a free account. You absolutely do not have to purchase anything from me. In fact, once you setup your account, I immediately add you to my private group and I give you my ecookbooks for free. I don’t even want you buying those! 🙂
Can you email me at jean@fromforkstofitness.com or private message me on Facebook? https://www.facebook.com/sweets4ever Let’s chat more about your health & fitness goals and how I can help ya!
Do you have a challenge group for grandmas / seniors. Im 60 and starting week one June 29, 2015. I need daily motivation and support!
I am waiting for my kit to come in the mail and I am readyv to start it asap what is the,best thing to do to be successful in this diet and love the book idea what all are you putting it
Hello,
I just purchased 21 day fix, but it seems you only get a coach if you’re in the USA or Canada. Do you know if there is a way to get access if you’re in the UK?
Thanks
Hey, Leona! Oh, really? I’m going to email you. Even if their system won’t allow it, I’d be happy to be your coach anyway.
I love this binder idea! Where can I find it? Or something cute to put mine in?
Thanks!!
Thanks, Jenny! Mine is just from Target. Nothing fancy!
Quick question, I am a vegan. Is it possible to do this program? I looked at my cousin’s book but I couldn’t tell for vegans. I was getting confused between my carbs and proteins with the quinoa, rice, etc.
Hi, Kelly! Yes, totally doable for vegans. I actually have a plan specific to vegans & vegetarians. It alters to food lists a bit for you to ensure you’re getting all of your nutrients + have a variety of foods available. Could you email me, so we can chat more about it? My email is jean@fromforkstofitness.com