21 Day Fix

So I'm starting something new today and I'm excited about it.  It is the 21 Day Fix with Team Beachbody, and my sister, Jessi Pennington, is my coach. My goal is not really weight loss as it is to tone up areas (arms, abs, back) that aren't really targeted with running. I've dabbled in weights and pilates since getting pregnant with Matthew, but I can't seem to stick with it, and I really have no idea what I'm doing.  I've been doing workouts sporadically that I've found on Pinterest and while I've felt stronger, I haven't seen any results. My hope is that I will SEE some toned arms and abs, and I want to feel it as well. I'm hoping that strengthening these other areas will also benefit my running, making me stronger and eventually faster.

I've struggled a little with my desire to have a toned upper body, wondering if it really matters and if I'm just being vain. I'm healthy, I'm not overweight, I'm able to run and feel good chasing after my two little ones all day. It seems somewhat silly to want more, but I think if I keep it in its proper place priority-wise, it should be okay. And while I do want to look good, it is not my only motivation for doing the 21 Day Fix. I want to feel GREAT. I want to be healthy and STRONG. I want to cut out some of the sugar in my diet and replace it with better, more nutrient rich foods.

Since having Matthew in January, I've sort of given myself permission to eat whatever I want because I was nursing. I don't do too bad, but there is lots of room for improvement and that starts with the amount of sugar I allow myself each day. From what I pour into my coffee, to what is in my snacks, to what I indulge in at night, it is simply too much. I'm not a dieter, I prefer to simply eat in moderation, but with all I've read about sugar, it is a big, fat baddie when it comes to health.  I've even heard it referred to as "the white death."  A little dramatic, maybe, but I'd still like much less of it in my diet.

So I'm following the 21 Day Fix program to the letter. I purchased the chocolate vegan Shakeology (because of Matthew's dairy allergy), and I had my first shake this morning with half a banana in it.  Not bad!  I enjoyed my shake after my first 30 minute workout, the total body cardio fix. It was challenging for sure, but also fun and fast paced. I love the duration of the workouts because I know I can find 30 minutes each day to workout, and I know I'm a better, nicer, more patient person when I do.

I'm still planning to run 3-4 times a week. I can't give up my first love, that's for sure. But after seeing the results of my friends and family, I believe this program will get me the results I want if I stick to it. I am slightly concerned about the calories and if I start to drop weight or milk production, I may increase my portion allotment (how many of each colored container I can have) to make sure I can still nurse Matthew as much as I want.

And, in following the program to the letter, I have a "before" picture... even though I look like a dork. This is as much as I could show, so when I have rock solid abs, you'll just have to take my word for it.

If you'd like to join me, I can hook you up with my sister's info. She's amazing, and she already has a set of rock solid abs and totally toned arms. Since we are related, I figure I'm going to look exactly like her in 21 days. Just like this...

Photo credit to Adria Peaden (a fellow 21 Day Fixer!)