Disclosure: this page may include affiliate links which may earn me a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
The 21 Day Fix at-home workout program is still worth it in 2026 and will be for a very long time. I first did this program way back in 2014 when it was first released and recently finished going through the newer “real- time” workouts.
21 Day Fix Review (Update 2026)
Quick verdict: The 21 Day Fix is still one of the most beginner-friendly workout programs on BODi. Its short 30-minute workouts are well-rounded with simple portion control eating system.
- Best for: Beginners, busy parents, or returning to fitness after a break.
- Time: 30-minute a day workouts | 7 days a week | 3 Weeks Total
- Nutrition: Portion container control system with color coded containers.
- Intensity: Low to moderate intensity workouts with a dedicated modifier for every move.
- Equipment: Light & medium dumbbells | Yoga Mat
Below, I’ll walk you through what you get with 21 Day Fix and who this program works best for.
I first followed the 21 Day Fix program after it first came out for exactly as outlined. I then decided to share my thoughts on this at-home workout. Was the promise of losing up to 15 lbs in just 21 days realistic? It…depends.
The 21-Day Fix workout program was originally marketed as more of a quick fix, but I think it‘s so much more than that. Yes, you can definitely drop the initial weight pretty quickly following the 21 Day Fix plan, but I like the program best for those who are also looking to make a permanent lifestyle change while being prepared for some seriously quick weight loss.
Here is my honest 21 Day Fix review of what I loved about the program and what wasn’t necessarily my favorite.
- 21 Day Fix Review (Update 2026)
- My Own 3 Week 21 Day Fix Results
- Who is Autumn Calabrese?(She Created the 21 Day Fix)
- BODi's 21 Day Fix: How the program works
- Portion Fix: The secret to creating better eating habits
- Sample Foods from the Different Color Categories
- Container Level Examples
- 21 Day Fix Container Fundamentals
- 21 Day Fix Workout List: What to expect each day
- The Fix Moves and Following the Modifier
- What Equipment You'll Need for 21 Day Fix
- The Kind of Results I've Seen
- 21 Day Fix Costs for 2026: pricing and new offers
- How to Order the 21 Day Fix 2026 Update
- Another Update: 21 Day Fix Real Time Workouts
- Final Thoughts About the 21 Day Fix
- FAQs
My Own 3 Week 21 Day Fix Results
Sorry about the before pictures being at a weird angle and the German Shepherd at my feet! He was my buddy. But as you can see from my 21 Day Fix result pictures, I definitely toned up everywhere, especially in my shoulders and my abs – you can even see my oblique muscles! My thighs got more definition in just three weeks, which is good for me since that’s where I have I tend to store most of my fat. No more sag or flab by day 21! In the end, I lost 5.3 lbs, which was more than I expected since I did not have much to lose to begin. The only thing I didn’t like is that my legs didn’t lean out as much as I’d hoped, but they toned up so it was an overall win.

I think these pictures tell the story of what you can achieve in just just 21 days following the program. I know I wasn’t big to begin with, but you can see the definition and fat loss.
Who is Autumn Calabrese?(She Created the 21 Day Fix)

Autumn Calabrese is the celebrity trainer and fitness competitor responsible for the 21 Day Fix and now many more at-home workout programs. Joining Beachbody, now BODi, Autumn is responsible for the portion-controlled eating and well-rounded exercise routine. She also has many more programs released over the years, but the 21 Day Fix is where she started.
The mother-of-one brings her own unique training and motivational style to the table. When compared to other BODi trainers I’ve had experience of working out with like Shaun T, Tony Horton, Chalene Johnson and Leandro Carvalho, Autumn is calmer and always reassuring.
I like to think of her training style kind of like your bff, offering words of encouragement. She always has a way of throwing in a motivational saying right when you need it most. For example, when you really want to give up on the move you’re doing, she will find a way to get you to push through.
BODi’s 21 Day Fix: How the program works

The 21 Day Fix is not only designed to get you looking as good as you could possibly look in 21 days, it’s also about teaching you how to eat healthier in proper portions.
It’s about learning to eliminate processed foods and make exercise a part of your daily routine – not just for the 3 weeks, but for the rest of your life. A complete lifestyle change.
The Basics Behind This Program
- You work out 7 days a week for 30 minutes with a mixture of strength training, cardiovascular and recovery workouts to get into the habit of exercising daily.
- Portion control diet system: You use the 21 Day Fix-approved 7 color-coded containers to make sure you’re eating the right amount of food in the correct macro-nutrient percentages for optimal health and weight loss.
The Nutrition Plan
The eating plan is for the beginner and/or for someone who struggles with bad eating habits:
- It’s not a starvation diet.
- It’s a well-rounded sustainable way of eating (eating healthy, no eliminating or restricting food groups)
- You can expect pretty fast weight loss in the beginning followed by gradual sustainable weight loss when doing multiple rounds.
The 21 Day Fix workout program was created to help you lose up to 15 lbs in 21 days through simple fitness and simple eating. Its Portion Control eating system and seven, 30-minute workouts each week are designed to burn calories and eat the correct portions of the right foods. The unique aspect of this workout program is not so much the workouts but the simple nutrition plan. If it doesn’t fit into the color-coded container or isn’t listed in the eating plan, you don’t eat it. Simple!
Portion Fix: The secret to creating better eating habits

There’s a promise to help you lose weight or get in shape almost everywhere you look. But for the most part, it’s the same old stuff we’ve all tried and failed at in the past.
The portion control containers are what make the 21 Day Fix program a unique and effective program. It’s also what makes the program easy to follow for anyone.
The containers are simple. Whatever fits into the container from the specific food group is what you’re allowed to eat. It’s better than calorie counting, because if it’s an approved food and it fits, you can eat it. You can even sneak in that glass of wine in exchange for a yellow container, which I just think is amazing for those who love it and just makes it better to know nothing is totally off limits (remember it’s a lifestyle change you can work with).
Here’s the breakdown of containers you’ll receive and what they’re for:
- Green: Vegetables
- Purple: Fruits
- Red: Protein
- Yellow: Complex Carbohydrates
- Blue: Healthy Fats and Cheese
- Orange: Seeds and Oils
Research into portion control shows that eating larger portions of foods and beverages is linked to being overweight. With the use of proper portion control and the consumption of high energy dense foods several trials to improve weight loss.
The 21 Day Fix diet is not just an “eat less” and lose weight approach. There is a real focus on choosing the right foods that supply your body with the nutrients it needs to look and feel your best.
Sample Foods from the Different Color Categories
| Green | Purple | Red | Yellow | Blue | Orange |
| Kale | Raspberries | Chicken | Yams | Avocado | Pumpkin Seeds |
| Spinach | Blueberries | Turkey | Beans | Almonds | Sunflower Seeds |
| Asparagus | Blackberries | Eggs | Wild Rice | Cashews | Sesame Seeds |
| Broccoli | Pomegranate | Yogurt | Brown rice | Peanuts | Flaxseed |
| Beets | Watermelon | Shellfish | Potato | Walnuts | Chia Seeds |
| Tomatoes | Cantaloupe | Fish | Corn | Hummus | Pine Nuts |
| Celery | Orange | Lean Beef | Oatmeal | Cotija | Olives |
| Peppers | Tangerine | Tofu | Pasta | Cheddar | Peanuts |
| Cucumbers | Grapes | Wild Game | Lentils | Parmesan | Coconut |
This is just a sample list of foods. There are lots more foods included in the nutrition guide. There are also oils and nut butters which are measured with a tsp (gray) and a list of free foods you can have without limits.
Depending on your weight and your weight loss goals, you first calculate your daily calorie needs, which sets you up for your plan level. Then you look into how many of each colored containers you get each day depending upon your meal plan level.
Container Level Examples
Below is a quick chart I put together to give you an idea of just how much food you will get to enjoy on this program.
| WEIGHT | <169 LBS | 169-195 LBS | 196-222 LBS | >223 LBS |
| CONTAINERS | 1200-1499 Calories | 1500-1799 Calories | 1800-2099 Calories | 2100-2300 Calories |
| Green | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Purple | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Red | 4 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Yellow | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Blue | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Orange | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Tsp | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
What to Love About the 21 day Fix Portion Control System
- Measuring is made simple, no scale or calculations!
- You’ll eat a variety of foods in the right portions to fuel your energy levels.
- You will not starve! The containers look little but you get to eat multiples of most. In fact, I most often hear how women are unable to finish all their containers.
- It’s all about balance.
Remember the 21 Day Fix is not a starvation diet. It is about eating the right foods in the right amounts to make lifelong changes.
The containers look small, but you’ll be amazed at the amount of food that hits your plate. In fact, one of the most common concerns I hear are those wondering what to do when they can’t finish all their food for the day. This is what happens when you start eating healthy foods that are more nutrient dense and stop filling your plate with empty calories.

Tips for making the most of your containers:
- Track everything.
- Meal prep your snacks.
- Have a list of easy, convenient meals. The FIXATE cookbook is a great help!
- Keep a copy of you tracking sheet on your fridge or where you’ll see it often.
21 Day Fix Container Fundamentals
It’s definitely not rocket science, but it is an effective way to keep track of how much you’re eating and helps you begin recognizing what actual portion sizes should look like. You’ll start seeing that giant oversized portions are everywhere! It’s frightening.
Could you follow the program without the containers? I’m sure. But for the several years I’ve helped others lose weight and keep it off, what people have the most success with is an easy-to-understand, step-by-step system that you can easily incorporate into everyday life. And using containers is super simple.
21 Day Fix Workout List: What to expect each day
The 21 Day Fix has a different 30-minute workout for every day of week. These workouts are designed to burn calories with cardio workouts, tone muscles with strength training, and help you recover with yoga and stretching.

The Workouts:
- Total Body Cardio Fix: This is a total body cardio workout that will send your heart rate soaring and help burn fat. Be prepared to sweat!
- Upper Fix: Get yourself ready to tone up that upper body (including those annoying arm flaps) with upper body targeted resistance training. You will work your chest, back, arms, abs, and shoulders.
- Lower Fix: As the name implies, you will tighten up and tone your booty, thighs and calves while burning fat.
- Pilates Fix: This is your active recovery workout. Like Pilates, this workout strengthens, lengthens and firms up your muscles.
- Cardio Fix: This is another sweat fest. Get ready to burn some serious fat in this heart pumping workout.
- Yoga Fix: This is another active recovery workout that is pretty relaxing compared to the previous day’s workout. I always felt stronger, more flexible, and balanced after this workout.
- Dirty 30: This is the bonus workout. You’ll do four rounds of calorie-blasting exercises to help give you a leaner, stronger physique.
- 10-Minute Abs: This short routine will help you burn fat and carve a lean core.
- Plyo Fix: This workout has 6 rounds of pretty hard core cardio that will help melt fat. This one isn’t technically in the normal calendar, but you can use it in place of another cardio workout.
You can make these workouts as hard or as easy as you need. If you find the workouts too easy, simply bump up the weight and amp up the intensity of your cardio workouts. After all, if you’re not challenging your body, you’re not going to change your body (I stole that from Autumn haha)
The 21 Day Fix Workout Schedule
Plan to work out 7 days a week on The Fix. While the schedule does start on a Monday for easy tracking, you can begin the workouts any day that works for you. The most important part is to stick with the order that the workouts are listed in (no jumping around!)

If you do end up missing a workout, there are a two simple options to get back on track:
- Double up the next day (do the workout you missed before your scheduled workout for the day, separating them if you can).
- Push the entire schedule back one day. Of the two methods, I prefer option one, because then you still complete the program in just 21 days.
Tips to working out 7 days a week:
If you haven’t been working out or have an extremely busy schedule, it can be difficult to stick with a new routine. Here are a few tips to help you get those workouts in:
- Schedule your workouts into your day. Write down when and where you will work out. Example: I will do my 21 Day Fix workout 30 minutes after I wake up, in the living room, before work.
- Prep your workout space. Have your streaming workout ready to play instead of having to search for it.
- Lay out your workout clothes next to your bed if you’re working out in the morning or have them waiting for you when you get home.
- Just do it even if you don’t feel like working out. Tell yourself you’ll just work out for 5 minutes and if you don’t want to continue after 5 minutes, stop. 90% of the time, you will finish your workout.
Once you create the work out habit, it is very hard to break. When you do end up missing a workout, you’ll feel a little lost without it (or disappointed in yourself) and get right back to your workouts.
40+ Tip: Don’t let the “21 days” fool you. I found the real value isn’t just the 3-week program itself; it’s the fact that the 30-minute workouts actually fit into busy schedules and great way to create the workout habit. If you miss a day, simply pick up where you left off, consistency beats perfection every time.”
The Fix Moves and Following the Modifier

I was completely blown away that the 21 Day Fix is full of combination workout moves I wasn’t familiar with. Renegade rows? Who knew they could be so effective?! But one of the most challenging moves for me were the side plank leg raises….yikes!
I definitely had to follow the modifier a lot during my first week. That’s because the moves are designed to hit your muscles from head to toe.
Make sure to listen to how she explains the moves when she first introduces them and watch her demonstration, because there are a lot of background people in the workout videos who will not being doing the same move at the same exact time or the exact same way.
If you didn’t pay attention, you might get a little confused about who best to watch with many of them performing the moves in slightly different ways based on their fitness level and ability. Re-shot 21 Day Fix real time workouts are much better (covered below).
There is always a modifier!
Think you’ll have a hard time keeping up with the 21 Day Fix? Don’t worry!!! There will always be someone (Kat) who is doing a less intense version than Autumn. If you’re having trouble keeping up or have bad knees, make sure to watch how that move is done.
What Equipment You’ll Need for 21 Day Fix
You will need a few different sized weights or an exercise band and a yoga mat to do the 21 Day Fix. If you’ve been away from exercise for a while, you may be able to get away with using your own body weight as resistance for a couple workouts. But you will need the added resistance to help will help tone you up and build strength.
For beginners: 3lb, 5lb, and 8lb dumbbells or a resistance band
For intermediates/advanced: 5lb, 10lb, and 15lb dumbbells or a resistance band
A yoga mat or core comfort mat will also be of use to you when you do the floor moves. It’s not a necessity, but it’s a great investment especially for the comfort of your knees and back.
The Kind of Results I’ve Seen
Will you really drop the amount of weight that is promised in three weeks? It depends on a lot of factors. If you have more than a few pounds to lose and follow the included 3 Day Quick Fix, you could do very well. I was surprised to lose 5.3lbs when I didn’t have a ton of weight to lose.
The most weight loss I’ve seen others get with this program are from a man who lost 14lbs in three weeks, and a woman who lost 11lbs in three weeks. Both of these individuals stuck to the plan exactly, drank Shakeology every day, never missed a workout, followed the doubles schedule during week 3, and they followed the 3 Day Quick Fix the final three days of their first round. It should also be noted they had more than 30lbs to lose.
21 Day Fix Costs for 2026: pricing and new offers

How to Order the 21 Day Fix 2026 Update
It’s been ten years since the launch of the 21 Day Fix, and it’s still just as good of program as it was then. But instead of DVDs, you get a couple of online options to get started with the program.
- 21 Day Fix Digital Purchase about halfway down the linked page with perpetual license. This allows you to access the purchased program and all of its content through the digital platform. Plus it’s yours to keep with nothing else to buy.
- A BODi Membership that allows access to over a 140 workout program that keeps growing. This plan comes with a free 7-day trial to help you get started. I’m not going to go through all the options here because there are so many.
If the current BODi discount doesn’t apply automatically at checkout, use code BETHANYS4BODI to ensure you are getting the best deal.
Getting two for one is not the only change since the original release of the 21 Day Fix, you can now also stream the 21 Day Fix workouts and all other BODi workouts (and get all the included guides) with BODi. And to even make it better, the workouts of the Original & EXTREME were re-shot in real-time for 21 days each (42 workouts).
- The Workouts: The seven workouts are all around 30-minutes long, which really fit well into your schedule no matter how busy you are.
- The Portion Control System: This is the tupperware-looking color-coded containers that make eating healthy foolproof. You’ll get one green, one purple, one red, one yellow, one blue, and two orange containers.
- Shakeology Shaker Cup: To mix up your protein shake.
- 21 Day Fix Eating Plan: An easy-to-follow, portion-control diet plan with plain and simple recipes. Think make-your-own spices to put on top of chicken breast.
- 3 Day Quick Fix: To jump start your weight loss or end with a bang, this is a 3-day diet plan designed to maximize fat loss and get you well on your way to a leaner, sexier you.
- 24/7 Online Support: This is something useful that comes with any BODi product you purchase. It’s great for whenever you’re looking for support and/or motivation to keep you going when things get tough.
Another Update: 21 Day Fix Real Time Workouts

I touched on this a little bit above. Both the original workouts and extreme workouts were redone. This means you won’t have to repeat the same workout twice in a single round. I also do like the real time workouts a little more than the originals that were put on DVD (there’s a lot more energy).
Final Thoughts About the 21 Day Fix
The 21 Day Fix is beginner-friendly at-home workout program that will definitely get you in the habit of eating healthier and recognizing how much food you really should be eating at a sitting. It’s not the most exciting workout I’ve ever done (other people LOVE the workouts…just see the comments below!). I will admit that the workouts are VERY effective at getting you in much better physical and cardiovascular shape – and will help you lose weight.
Whether you’re getting ready for an upcoming event or getting on the right track to reaching your greater weight loss goal through a lifestyle and habits change, the 21 Day Fix is definitely a program to consider.
Have a question or experience with the program? Please leave me a comment below and I’ll try my best to respond within 24 hours.
FAQs
It is possible to follow the program without the containers but the containers are ensures you not only eating the right amount of calories but also getting the correct amount of macronutrients without weighing food.(you learn quickly what correct portion sizes are)
Yes, all the 21 Day Fix Real-Time, and Extreme workouts are on BODi for streaming, nutrition guides, and workout materials are included with a standard BODi or “The Autumn Subscription” to get access to all of her workout programs.
Results will vary a lot depending upon your starting point. With following the workouts and nutrition plan closely I would say 5-15 lbs.
Most definitely. It teaches both the basics of nutrition and working out. It is great at creating both the habit of working out and the right way to eat not just diet.





I’m deciding if this is right for my family. We eat out a lot, so how could I portion control that. When I do cook, many dishes are asian dishes. Do I measure each ingredient first? And what about the seasonings or sauces that I add to the dish? How do I measure that? I also cook stews, pot roast, and dishes like that?
Hi Lia, this is a tough one, since the 21 Day Fix is assuming you’re going to be doing most of your cooking and shopping yourself. It was designed to get you out of the habit of eating out and get you into the habit of eating healthy foods at home. That being said, you could always bring the containers with you to measure out your servings of foods at a restaurant. Just remember that the diet is aimed at getting you eating healthy, which is going to mean you being very careful about what you’re ordering – grilled or baked lean protein, no dressing, veggies without butter, plain baked potato, no salt etc. It’s not that it’s impossible to do, but it will be tough. You just have to be extra careful to hold the dressing, ask for no bread, hold the butter, and so on. And if you have younger children, think of it more as them getting the vitamins and nutrients they need from their food, because they shouldn’t be eating reduced calorie diets.
And just to warn you, many of the sauces you’re using are most likely not going to be allowed on the 21 Day Fix diet. The workout program comes with a list of foods that you can eat – how you interpret the ingredients is up to you. All I can say is that there are a lot of seasonings the Fix recommends, which should replace the ones you’re currently using. You will be able to eat pot roast, but most likely with some of their recommended seasonings – not the prepackaged sodium and chemical-rich ones you can buy at the grocery store.
I hope this helps some. My advice would be to think of the diet as a way to get you eating healthier, so you and your family can live a longer, happier and healthier life together. It’s not only about adjusting what you’re currently eating into correct portions, it’s about eating whole foods to get you on the path to health. Good luck!
I am 53 this year and have lost and gained the same 42lb about ten times. Having done so many diets i am basically confused over what to eat as there seems to be so many different idea’s out there. I feel like this might just help me get my mind back on what to eat and how much of it to eat. I don’t drink alcohol and need to exercise as i know that this is probably the think that lets me down the most.
Do you think getting this and the coloured boxes will help get me back on track! Confused in the UK.
Thanks
Hi Kerry – the healthiest diet is one that is well-balanced and rich in lean proteins, healthy fats, fresh veggies & fruits, and whole grains. This means nothing out of a box that is processed or full of refined sugars, which is exactly what the 21 Day Fix helps you with – that and recognizing proper food portions to get you recognizing how much you should be eating, not by how much gets put on your plate. It is designed to help you figure out healthy eating, including proper portions of healthy foods to give you the energy to do the workouts and the know-how in good foods to live a long, healthy life. I really do think it could help you not only with your eating, but also is a great starting point for anyone new to working out and finally gaining control of your yo-yo weight loss and weight gain. I hope this helps, but if you do have any questions, please feel free to ask. Good luck!
I am planning on purchasing the program. I doesn’t mention anything about beverages. Are you restricted to what you can drink? I know when trying to lose weight you should cut back on juice, pop and alcohol but I don’t drink alcohol and can stay away from juice but I my only vice is having a coke a day. I don’t drink diet. Can I have one or two a week or will it ruin the program. I’m trying to cut this addiction out but it hard.
Thanks
Rose
Hi Rose, good point I’ll add that to my review. The Fix eating plan includes The Water Bar and The Tea and Coffee Bar. While a can of coke once a week won’t ruin the program you will have to count it as a container or two for the day. -Bethany
Thanks for your reply, I’ll let you know how things are going.
Take care,
Rose
Hi, I loved your honest review. I have turbo fire and really didn’t like it. It was super fast and hard to keep up. The moves were crazy lol. Now that being said. I’m going on a cruise in September 6th. I would like to tone up my legs and thighs. Would T25 be better or the fix? I don’t have much time to decide. I’m already into healthy eating. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Hi Sarah. either program would tone up your thighs. Really, just getting started with either would be the biggest benefit, the sooner you start the more results you’ll see. -Bethany
I am considering buying the 21 day fix. I have used a gym and trainers off and on for the last 4 years and I just go back to the same weight. I feel like I am wasting my money at the gym. How will the 21 day fix spark my interest to stay with it? My husband and I are going on a vacation in about 5 weeks and would like to shed some pounds before going. I am a stress eater, so portion control for me is key.
Thanks.
Hi Marcia, how will the 21 day fix spark your interest? It will definitely help you lose some weight in time for you vacation. For me, the 21 df is a lot more than just losing a some weight in a few weeks. It teaches you eating skills that you can use for a lifetime. -Bethany
I am a very picky eater with very poor eating habits so I am hoping the portion control will help me but I take medicine of which weight gain is a side effect therefore I am overweight. Do you think this is a realistic plan for me?
Hi Carolyn, the 21 df would be a way great to correct poor eating habits. It teaches you how much of different foods you should be eating for a well balnced diet. As long as you commit to the program you will learn a lot. -Bethany
My job requires me to travel Tuesday through Friday. Do you think this is a realistic plan for me ?
Hi Heather – it really depends on you. You can always bring a laptop with you and work out in your room when you have the time. And, you could also food prep on those days you are not on the road to ensure you have healthy food to eat during the days you’re traveling. If you want it bad enough, I do think it’s realistic. Just get yourself a set of resistance bands required by some of the workouts, and you should be good to go! I hope this helps. :)
I love your reviews! Quick question: how long are the workout DVDs? Can you do a walk/jog program with the 21 day fix? Is there a way to do the diet without the workout DVDs? I did insanity back when I was in much better shape and I love Shaun T.
Hi Marissa, the 21 day fix workouts are all 30 minutes long. Yes, you could do a walk/jog program while using the 21 df portion control diet approach. -Bethany
I just started today. I’m very excited. My only real gripe is that I wish they had marked the containers, what each represent. I marked them with nail polish, I’m a chick, I need visuals. LOL
Thank you for you review. I made my purchase based off your review. I’ve been on and off the weight loss boat. I’m hoping the effort I put in this time around. Pays off.
Good luck Jennifer and thanks for the tip. -Bethany
I’ve been debating on getting this program, your review and comments may have just made up my mind. I think (a couple of weeks ago maybe) there was a link to buy the program and shakeology together. I believe it was a 30 day supply with the program. Do you still have that link or info?
Hi Chalea, the link should be at the bottom of the post, above the sharing options. I can also send you an email if that would help, just let me know. -Bethany
I was wondering if it keeps the weight off if I go back to my “normal” lifestyle after these 21 days.
Hi Amie, it depends if your “normal” lifestyle put the weight on or not. If it did, then you likely put the weight back on over time. The fix is really meant for a lifetime of change, I do not mean you have to follow for your life, but after a couple weeks of following the fix you’ll start to look at food differently. -Bethany
I am wondering about the workouts. How rigorous are they? I have been working out for a little bit and want to find some videos that will challenge me, but are also realistic. Are these ideal for someone who is overweight but has been working out or would something else work better?
Hi Kim, the workouts can be modified for any fitness level. There is one person doing heavily modified versions of each exercise for the beginner and then there is someone doing advanced moves. There are six people in videos and everyone seems to be going at their own pace, so you get lots of different variations of the exercises. -Bethany
During the past year I have worked out with a trainer and with the help of weight watchers, was able to lose 15lbs. However, once my kids were out of school, getting in the gym hasn’t been easy and I have gained back about 5-6lbs. I am much more comfortable with myself at about 5-6lbs lighter, but my ultimate goal would be to lose about 10-12lbs. I do still feel that I am in better shape, and I enjoy exercising, but for me, the food is the issue. I did have success with ww, but I just don’t want to do it again and I’m intrigued by the 21 Day Fix program. Do you think this is a good program for someone who doesn’t have a lot of weight to lose and also wants to be super fit, not just smaller? I’m also considering doing the 3 day refresh before possibly starting 21 df. Thanks!
Hi Candace, I do not have any experience with the refresh, so I can’t really help with that one. And yes, it is good for people with lots of weight to lose or a little. The workouts are challenging enough for the ost experienced and the modifiers allow beginner’s to also get a great workout. -Bethany
I have tried numerous workouts for years. i lost the most weight on slim n six 30 pounds 5 years ago. im on day 28 of 21df and i have only lost inches thus far. i love the program and will continue but beieve a beginner benefits the most with quicker results. the containers have helped me a lot and i do not eat pass 6:00
Way to go Mary, losing inches and staying the same weight likely means you are gaining muscle while losing fat! That extra muscle wil burn more caloires and you lose more wight in the long run. -Bethany
I have been wanting to try this but had a question as to if the plan would be possible to do with planning meals ahead of time to take with you or is it just more to use the containers just at home?
Hi Kym, what you can do is, prep your meals at home with the containters and then bring them with you. I usually do my food prep on Sundays. -Bethany
What kind of beverages are permitted on the 21 day fix. Can you have coffee with half and half? Any Sugar?
Hi Judy, water is best, the eating guide contains “The Water Bar” to help dress your water up. No sugar for sure, try a natural sweetener. Instead of half and half, a teaspoon of coconut oil would be a much healther option in your coffee. -Bethany
I was wondering can I use organic coconut sugar (pure and unrefined) in my coffee? Also, can we have salted nuts like sunflower seeds? Or should we avoid salt completely? And can we buy frozen vegetables? Thanks for your help.
Hi Kim, In my opinion coconut sugar is not a good alternative to table sugar, it is very similar. It contains about the same amount of fructose gram for gram. Nuts and seeds should be unsalted, avoid salt whenever possible. Frozen vegetables are fine. Bethany
No sugar in your coffee….or in pretty much anything else on the 21 Day Fix.. I loved half-and-half but switched to a small splash of 1% milk. Currently on rotation 4, down 33 lbs so it .
My wife uses a “Stevia” sweetener in her coffee which is actually ~half glucose. Box says zero calories per serving, although I figure there are couple calories per packet. 1 packet a cup works for her. I sometimes use a packet in a morning shake.
Hi, I’m really overweight, 5’5 1/2 268lbs with no major health problems, my knees and back hurt from time to time (i recon that because of the extra weight im carrying) I can exercise but sometimes get winded after about 10-15 minutes, i have lost up to 35lbs in the past on other diets, but seemed to have gained it allllll Back. Is this Ideal for someone like me? my problem is that i like Wine and Margaritas and an occasional shot of tequila when I’m out with the girls. on this program, must i eliminate all forms of adult beverages? Im really thinking about buying this…I want to work hard at this weight loss lifestyle change and get lasting results.
Thanks in Advance!
Hi Yvonne – I’m glad you commented. On the 21 Day Fix, you should eliminate all alcoholic beverages, since there are about 450-700 calories in a single margarita…totally not worth it when you’re cutting your calories down. That being said, one drink per week won’t kill you – in fact, the Fix actually allows you a glass of wine, but you have to give up other foods for the day. You can do it, but don’t make it a habit.
Doing a program to get results is a big commitment – I’m not going to lie. You do have to want to make that move in the healthy direction, so that you keep your cupboards and fridge packed with healthy stuff and eliminate the bad stuff completely. Always remember that 80% of your results will come from your diet. If you’re eating less than healthy, you won’t get the results you want.
As for this particular program, I think it would be a GREAT place for you to begin your weight loss journey. It will get you eating healthier and exercising daily. Plus, there is always a modifier showing less intense versions of the exercises they’re doing, which will be helpful for you while you build your endurance. Never be afraid to pause the DVDs or walk it out when you’re feeling out of breath.
The good news is that you will get stronger week to week, and you will begin to not crave junk food the longer you eat healthier. Your back and knees will begin to feel better as you lose weight and strengthen your body. It takes a little bit of time, but it will happen.
You can definitely do this – there is no doubt in my mind. Good luck, and please let me know if you have any questions along the way :)
Hi there…
I am thinking about trying the 21dayfix. I need help with portion control in a simple way and like the variety of the workouts. I am wondering what you do when you go out to eat at restaurants or friends bbqs,dinners,etc. Say there are enchiladas for dinner-how do you account for that.sort of thing as you can really only use those containers at home.
Also, what happens after 21 days? Do you stop for a week and start again the next month, or just keep starting over? I tried a diet plan years ago that went 5 work days then weekends off, and it actually worked pretty well, so wondered if this was the same thing with 21 days on ,then take a break, then start again?
‘thanks so much, I appreciate your comments and help!
Barbara
Hi Barbara, the 21 df eating plan comes with a list of different restaurant foods and the portions that they would account for. After a couple of weeks of following the fix you will become very good at knowing how much of different foods you should be eating by sight.
After 21 days of following the program what you do next is up to you. I have seen people go both ways. Some people just pick right back up on day 1 while I have seen others take a complete break for 7 days and then start again. I know someone who has lost close to forty pounds doing the latter, he likes the break and says it rally helps him focus during the 21 days. -Bethany
Hi! I really enjoyed reading your review. I ordered the 21 day fix earlier today and I’m super excited for it to arrive. I have a question I’m not sure if you’ll be able to help me with in regards to a good meal schedule. I work night shift (7pm-7am) on the nights I work my meal schedule tends to change. Although I would like to believe I could eat dinner before I came to work and not eat again until breakfast I’m not sure if thats very realistic- at least right now. Any tips/suggestions on a good schedule for the nights I work?
Hi Amanda, prepping your meals in advance should go a long with helping you stick on schedule. What I like to do is take one or two days a week and cook up a bunch of chicken breast and vegetables, then I portion them out in individual servings. This way I do not have to worry about cooking when things become hectic. -Bethany
Hi amanda! When i saw your review, it totally resembles my current situation. I work night’s 7-7 as well. Just started this week with the program. Just wondering how its going for you. I know how hard it can be to get in a meal on time or eat celery sticks at 3am when hunger pain sets in. Any advice would help! Thanks!
Hi Bethany – I decided to start juicing fresh veggies (mainly) and fruits 5 mos ago for breakfast and lunch while eating clean for dinner. I lost 30lbs within 3 months without exercise. I want to lose another 20 lbs but I seem to have plateaued as I haven’t lost or gained any weight since then. Do you think that the 21day fix will help me lose those last 20 lbs? Would I be able to incorporate fresh juice in this diet?
Hi Mia, first congratulations on the weight loss. And, yes the 21 day fix will help with the last 20 pounds(you may need to do more than 1 round). The introduction of the workouts will really help you break through the plateau. And again yes, you can do the fresh fruit juice, you will just need to track it. -Bethany