How to Get Started on the 21 Day Fix

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When I first started the 21 Day Fix, I felt overwhelmed. I purchased the full program directly through Beachbody, but I’ve since learned that many people do the program on their own. After two years of experience with the 21 Day Fix program, I am going to share with you everything you need to know about how to get started on the 21 Day Fix.

I think the best way to do this is to answer questions I commonly see in our 21 Day Fix Facebook group (come join us!). 

How to Get Started on the 21 Day Fix

What is the 21 Day Fix, anyway?

My friend Stephanie over at The Foodie and the Fix has written a great introductory post about how the program works here. You can also read my experience (and see my results) from following the program here.

But the short story is, the 21 Day Fix is a food and workout program that lasts three weeks. Many people continue after three weeks. The workouts are only 30 minutes long (you work out every day), and the food list is comprised of whole foods. You use containers to measure out your portion sizes, which are decided based on your weight.

Do I have to sign up under a coach?

NO. You absolutely do not! If you buy through Beachbody, I believe you’ll automatically be assigned one. I first started under a coach and participated in her challenge group and I loved it – she was my contact person for all of my questions and a daily source of inspiration. But you do not need one.

If you’d like a coach to help you stay accountable, let me know and I will recommend a few that I know and trust!

Do I need to buy the program? Where can I buy it?

You do not need to buy the program, as most of the information you need is available around the web. HOWEVER. I totally recommend buying it. The kit comes with containers, workout DVDs, a shake container, and all the information you need to be succesful. I used to constantly refer to my 21 Day Fix book!

You can buy on Amazon or on the Beachbody website (order through Beachbody if you want the Shakeology).

What do I eat on the 21 Day Fix? Where can I find recipes I can trust?

You can find a list of the updated 21 Day Fix foods here.

You can search for 21 Day Fix-approved recipes, with container counts, in this custom search engine. I’ve partnered with three 21 Day Fix bloggers and this search engine contains only our blogs – we are super careful to follow the rules of the program and include container counts for every recipe we create! You can also go directly to any of our blogs for recipes. You can find them all here:

• My Crazy Good Life
• Confessions of a Fit Foodie
• The Foodie and the Fix
• Carrie Elle

You can find meal plans (and grocery lists) at Confessions of a Fit Foodie every week.

And, you scroll through this collection of Fix-spproved dinner recipes to get you started!

You can also follow our 21 Day Fix Pinterest board! 

Do I need to buy the containers? Can’t I just measure stuff out myself?

You do not need to buy the containers, although many people (including me!) like to have them. It kind of becomes a way of life! You can buy these off-brand containers on their own here.

If you don’t have the containers, you can see the container sizes here (and just measure using your regular old measuring cups).

How many container do I get each day?

You can use this 21 Day Fix calculator to determine how many of each container you get every day.

What supplies do I need?

You’ll need weights, your containers, and the workouts. You can see a list of other helpful products I used myself here (including the weights, water bottle, and yoga mat I use).

Can I do the workouts without the DVDs?

Many people do their own workouts for health reasons. However, if you’re willing and able, the provided workouts are fantastic (and only 30 minutes each). You will get the DVDs in the program, OR you can buy Beachbody on Demand – for an annual fee, you get access to all the workouts on demand.

Those are the main “newbie” questions we get in our Facebook groups. I’m going to list out some other resources below to help you really get going!

• 21 Day Fix wellness journals to track your food, exercise, water and results
• My results from my first round ever on the Fix
• 21 Tips for Surviving the 21 Day Fix (read this if you’re struggling, or want to really set yourself up for success)
• 21 Day Fix Recipes, Tips and Support Facebook Group (this group is amin-ed by myself and my three blogger friends I referenced earlier…it’s SUPER supportive and NO SALES PITCHES, y’all!)
• Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners
• 21 Day Fix Extreme Results
• 21 Day Fix bloggers search engine (just type in what you’re looking for to find results from a trusted souce)
• 21 Day Fix FAQs
• How to Break Through a Plateau
• Weight Loss Vision Board (use this to clarify your goals and make a plan)
• Goal Setting Printable

Did I miss anything obvious? Let me know in the comments below and I will get back to you with an answer! And I’d love to have you join me on Facebook – I’m always sharing 21 Day Fix recipes over there!