The 21-Day Challenge: How to Start Strong

In the past, you’ve made the excuses. You’ve wanted to do better. You’ve known the frustration of ill-fitting clothes and low energy levels. But that’s the past. Now it’s time to make a change.

You’ve stepped up and committed to doing the 21-Day Challenge. Are you ready? Or are you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain of what to do with all those plastic containers? Well, here are some simple steps to get you on track to start the 21-Day Challenge strong, so there won’t be any more excuses…only success.

This challenge is a time for you to be real and honest. When it comes to eating, most of us are creatures of habit. We eat the same foods day in and day out. Some habits are good, some are bad and some are just plain ugly. Whatever your habit is, the 21-Day Challenge meal plan is going to open your eyes to the way you should eat to fuel your body. Eating this way will get you results. The key is to be open-minded and trust the process.

So, what do you need to do before the 21-Day Challenge officially kicks off? Here are a few things:

1) Watch this short welcome video.

2) Write down your goals.

It’s time for some honesty because true change can’t come without it. So, list your goals. What is your overall goal? What are your goals for each week? Set goals that you want to achieve each week and overall, and consider how you will feel when you reach those goals.

3) Take your measurements.

Really. Seriously. Don’t skip this! Measurements are key in helping you realize how much you will change in 21 days. The scale can be a liar, so don’t just depend on that one number. View this video for details on how to get accurate measurements:

4) Snap before pics.

Don’t be shy. These will be great sources of encouragement when you can look back and see your progress. Look at mine. See the gut…and the chest hair…? It’s all good because you can see the progress that has been made over time.

5) Figure out the containers.

Use the 21-Day Fix guide to figure out your daily caloric intake and what containers you should use each day. Try this video for info:

6) Meal plan.

You may not think you have time to plan ahead, but when you don’t plan, you plan to fail. Especially plan your dinners. Dinnertime is the easiest time to get off track. It has been a long day at work. You’re tired. The kids are hungry. You just want FOOD! And NOW! By planning ahead, you can better stay on track and you might just be surprised by how much more smoothly the evenings are when they begin with a plan in mind.

If you need some help, check out my 21-Day Fix Food Plan Pinterest board. For even more ideas, order a copy of the Fixate Cookbook with 101 delicious, portion-controlled recipes.

7) Schedule your workouts.

Just like the meal planning, success comes when you set priorities for your goals. So, put your workouts on your calendar. NOW.

I know you may be afraid of failing. You may be looking ahead, wondering how it will go…will you meet your goal? Will any of this REALLY work? Don’t be afraid of failure. Embrace the challenge. Make a change. Keep taking that next step, doing that next workout, planning that next meal. And remember, “Only those who dare to fail greatly achieve greatly. If you have never failed you have never lived.”

So, let’s start living.