Learning Portion Control with 21 Day Fix

Last year around this time, I decided that I needed a bit of an overhaul. I was eating healthy, drinking my water, downing my shakes but found myself at this plateau and wanted to tone up. I mean seriously, I was eating all these real, whole foods, no dairy, no fatty meats, lots of yummy green veggies, and fruit galore. Why wasn't the weight just FALLING OFF. <Insert whining "why me?"> Lucky for me, this new program through Beachbody was releasing and I thankfully got on board. Apparently even too much of a good thing was not a good thing. <Bummer roosky>

What was the program? Well, it was 21 Day Fix. SCORE! Finally, I began to learn portion control via these colored containers. Say what? Portion control via colored containers...sounds confusing.

Let me show you!

Starting with the ever so simple (stupid simple) containers. This will be your foundation. Each color coordinates with a food group. Let's review:

• Green = Veggies (pretty intuitive)
• Purple = Fruits (think grapes)
• Red = Protein (Think POWER. Red Power. ROAR)
• Yellow = Carbs (Think rice, pasta)
• Blue = Healthy Fats (Left over color. HA.)
• Orange = Nuts/Oil

So, from here you will calculate how many calories you will need in a day to #1 Fuel your body for success and #2 lose weight. The number of calories we calculate will then give us the number of containers we get to build meals from. I need 1,400 calories so I get 4 greens, 2 purples, 4 reds, 3 yellows, 1 blue and 1 yellow.

Fridge accountability: Daily white board tracker; Meal plan for the week.

CAUTIONARY LOOKOUT: People, we are NOT DEPRIVING OURSELVES. Say no to deprivation. We are fueling our body for maximum success, output and energy. Believe me, these containers look small...but oh no...there is SO MUCH FOOD. Trick here...we are eating whole foods. Nutrient DENSE foods. REAL FOOD. No processed food here, no empty calories. Our calories will be put to use to make our bodies run clean.

Containers in Action! Don't let that bowl fool you...its HUGE!

Last, but certainly NOT least is daily Shakeology. This has been my game changer. It has curbed my cravings, keeps me regular (did I really say that?), gives me those micro-nutrients my body needs and a healthy dose of protein in one chocolaty punch. I attribute my halt to my yo-yo 15 pounds to Shakeology. I drink it EVERYDAY, even on vacations! 16 months consistent weight loss. Sounds corny...but it is seriously, my daily dose of dense nutrition that I start my day with to stay on track consistently week over week.

Bottoms Up! Cheers.

What were my results? Well, I went from a very tight 12 to a comfortable 10 in 21 days and KEPT IT ALL OFF now 6 months later. I use this everyday (with cheat meals) and have found my FORMULA to keep the weight off, but most importantly to be healthy. I can feel it now when I eat too much, even of the good foods.

What did I learn? Easy:

1. I actually don't eat enough greens (SHOCKING for this wannabe vegan)
2. I cheat more than I let myself believe (let's be real)
3. I am FULL, now that's a fun feeling.
4. It really ISN'T THAT HARD. --> This program makes it easy.

So, what do you think? Seems simple right. Anything that fits in the container and is REAL food goes!

If you're interested in learning more email me at jennifergunnell@gmail.com and I'll be SO glad to help you on your healthy living journey.

Fill out my online form.