Camping Tips while on the 21 day fix

It’s summer which means hopefully we’ll be camping some!  Camping brings about it’s own slew of healthy eating obstacles as it limits you since you don’t have all your usual fixin’s at your fingertips.  So, now, more than ever you HAVE to plan ahead.  I’m not saying stick to the plan 100% but I think you’ll find information here that will allow you to do that if you want.  My other piece of advise is to look at what you normally eat while out camping and decide on some healthy alternatives.  I should also note that most of this advise is geared towards car camping, as in you are camping right near your car.  If you’re backpacking, you’re going to have to do a bunch of dehydrating of your own meals to make sure you’re getting your allotted containers and it will definitely be a challenge but can be done. So, car camping on the plan:

So, we only went camping for 1 night, 2 days but I decided to plan and give ideas for people if we had gone for longer!  First thing I did was sat down and PLANNED my meals/snacks and what I could take!  I started with breakfast:

Breakfast Ideas:

1. Oatmeal with fruit (1 yellow, 1 purple)
2. Yogurt with fruit (1 red, 1 purple)
3. Eggs with vegetables and toast (1 red, 1 green, 1 yellow)
4. Whole Grain Cereal with milk (2 yellows)
5. English muffins with peanut butter (yellow and tsp)

Lunch Ideas:

1. Tuna pouches with celery, fruit and carrots (1 red, 1 green)
2. PB and sliced strawberry sandwich (tsps, 1 purple, 1-2 yellow)
3. Cold pasta salad (premade) (1-2 yellow, 1-2 green, red if add meat)
4. You can pre-make some of your favorite meals and home and heat up over the fire!

Dinner Ideas:

1. Bunless burgers with campfire potatoes, corn, vegetable (1 red, 1 yellow, 1 green)
2. Whole wheat spaghetti with organic no salt/sugar added sauce, vegetable (1-2 yellow, purple)
3. Fish/shrimp grilled with campfire potatoes, corn, vegetables (1 red, yellow, green)
4. You can basically cook anything ahead of time and bring it if you’re only going for a couple of days and reheat on the fire!

Snacks:

1. Make your own trail mix (sunflower seeds, nuts, dried fruit, add chocolate chips if you’re treating yourself during this time
2. Pre-measured seeds, nuts, dried fruit
3. KIND bars (treat or 1 orange, 1 tsp for any kind bar that does NOT have chocolate drizzled on it)
4. Fruit- Apples, oranges, grapes, cherries, pears, bananas
5. Vegetables- pre-chop!- Celery, cucumbers, green beans, baby carrots, grape tomatoes
6. Hummus!
7. Cheese stick, or cubes (pre-measure)
8. Beef jerky for the meat eaters in the group!
9. Greek yogurt

So, after I created a list I picked the couple I actually would want to eat and that fit into my schedule (we were going hiking over lunch so I needed a to-go lunch that didn’t weigh a lot and was filling).Then I hit the store! Oh, and buy the huge things of water like below, don’t dehydrate yourself! Here’s some of my haul:

Exercise: If you have wifi I guess you could do the workouts on demand or bring a portable DVD player but I suggest planning in some exercising that gets your heart rate up!  Go on that hike, a walk, do some swimming, biking anything that gets your moving will help you stay on track!  Plan it in to your day and make it a group event so there are no excuses.

What I ate:

Snacks and lunch were on the go since we were traveling to the campsite.  So snacks were dried cherries/apricots and sunflower seeds. Lunch was on the trail and was a tuna pouch with a kind bar.

Lunch break

Make sure you stay hydrated yourself!  I highly recommend getting a backpack that you can put a bladder of water in, makes it easy to get your water and you don’t have to stop and get your water bottle out every 20 minutes.

Snack back at the campfire after our hike was, of course, shakeology.  Easiest way to ensure I have my nutrients for the day!  I have to admit I’m not a big fan of it not blended but it gets the job done and it’s only 1 day.

Shakeology by the fire

Dinner is super easy if you’re able to grill over the fire or have a camping grill.

21 day fix approved dinner over and in the fire

Dessert:  Yes, you can have a sweet treat while camping… so when everyone else is enjoying s’more go ahead and try a chocolate banana boat.  This was surprisingly amazing and is husband and kid approved!  I didn’t make these this camping trip but they can be 21 day fix approved, count the chocolate as a treat swap and the banana is either 1-2 purple.  If you’re feeling like going crazy… throw a couple mini marshmallows in there! All you need is a banana cut length wise (leave on the peel), stuff your chocolate chips in there and wrap in foil.  Throw that foil packet right in the fire for 10 minutes, remove with tongs and let cool for a little while before eating.

Breakfast was eggs both mornings of the trip, it’s simple but effective.

21 day fix approved camping breakfast

So, what do you think?  Can you survive camping without completing unraveling all of your hard work?!  What are some ideas that I missed?

Greek Couscous Salad

This is another easy, vegetarian option that is super flavorful.  I’m sure you could add some chicken to make it a complete meal but make sure you add 1 red to the final container cost.  I would also suggest not making/mixing this together at the beginning of the week but rather prep everything, keep in separate containers until the morning you’re planning on eating it.  I eat this cold.

Greek Couscous Salad

Ingredients- Makes 5 servings

• 1 cup uncooked couscous + water to make it (may vary depending on package, mine said 1 cup water)
• 1 can rinsed/drained great northern beans
• 1 cup chopped red onion
• 2 cups chopped cucumbers (1-2 cucumbers)
• 2 cups grape tomatoes cut in half
• 3/4 cup Crumbled Feta cheese
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• Olive oil (5 tsp- 1 tsp per serving)
• Salt, pepper, oregano to taste

If eating right away or within 2 days:

1.  Add the vinegar, lemon and spices to the chopped vegetables and let soak overnight.
2. Fill yellow container with 1/2 serving couscous and 1/2 serving great northern beans, put in container
3. Drizzle 1 tsp Olive Oil over couscous and beans
4. Top with 1 cup seasoned vegetables and 2 Tbsp (1/2 blue container) crumbed feta cheese

NOTES:  I suggest putting it all together right before you eat it or the morning of or night before, store the couscous/beans in your fridge in a separate container from the vegetables.  This would also be really good stirred all together and taken to a pot luck!   I pair this with plain greek yogurt, drizzled with honey and 1 cup frozen fruit on the side to make a meal of it.

21 day fix:  1 green, 1 yellow, 1/2 blue, 1 tsp

Cajun Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

It’s grilling season!  We eat off the grill as much as possible during the summer and these Cajun grilled shrimp kabobs are AMAZING and so so easy.  Better yet, you prepare the dry rub from your own spice cabinet so they are 21 day fix approved, clean AND can be salt free (which is virtually impossible with dry rubs).  Grill with your favorite veggies on a kabob and pair with a side salad or grill up some corn or sweet potatoes. Let me know what you think.

Cajun Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

Makes 6 skewers/4 servings

Ingredients :

• 1.5 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 red bell peppers, cut into chunks (or vegetable of your choice)
• Skewers (if using wooden soak for 20 minutes)

Dry Rub Ingredients:

• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (here’s your HEAT!)
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• .5 tsp salt (optional)

1. Preheat grill to medium
2. Combine the spices for the dry rub in a small bowl (garlic, onion, smoked paprika, pepper, salt, cayenne, oregano)
3. Rinse and pat dry the shrimp
4. Add the dry rub to the shrimp and mix until shrimp are well coated
5. Alternating peppers and shrimp on the skewers
6. Place skewers on grill (3-5 minutes per side) until pink and fully cooked
7. Remove shrimp and peppers from the grill and serve immediately

NOTE:  Shrimp shouldn’t go in the fridge more then 2 days so plan accordingly.

21 day fix:  1 red, 1 green per 2 skewers (may vary depending on vegetables and size of shrimp)

Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

So, I love mexican inspired cuisine!  I think the only reason I can successfully be a vegetarian (who eats fish and dairy) is because I LOVE beans.  This stuffed pepper has EVERYTHING and it is delicious and filling.  This is 21 day fix approved but you should know that I count my beans as a red container since I’m a vegetarian, if you’re a meat-atrian you would count this as 2 yellows and 2 green.  I make the inside brown rice mixture at the beginning of the week and throw it in the pepper right before cooking so it’s already prepped and ready!

Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers with black beans

Makes 4 stuffed peppers

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers ( I love red!)
• 1 cup brown rice or quinoa
• 1 3/4 cup water
• 1 can diced tomatoes (drained) or 2 fresh diced tomatoes
• 1 can rinsed black beans
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• Taco Seasoning 
• Fresh lime juice of 1/2 lime
• OPTIONAL:  Shredded cheese, plain greek yogurt

1. In a large saucepan add water and brown rice/quinoa.  Add taco seasoning , canned tomatoes (or diced), black beans and spinach- bring to a boil.
2. Let cook for 20 minutes on medium-low, stirring occasionally.
3. While you’re waiting, wash and cut the tops off of the bell peppers.  Remove the seeds (throw away) and set the bell peppers aside.  I cut the rest of the bell pepper off of the top and save for a salad later.
4. Once the water has been absorbed remove from heat.
5. If you’re making ahead of time, cool completely and store in the fridge until you’re ready to stuff the peppers.
6. Stuff the brown rice/quinoa mixture into the pepper right before cooking.  Top with cheese (OPTIONAL) and put in baking dish with a little water on the bottom.  Cook for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
7. Squirt half a lime before serving on top, add a dollop of plain greek yogurt and sprinkle with the smoky southwest seasoning!

Notes:  When picking your bell peppers look for flat bottom peppers or you can slice a little off the bottom so that they sit right in the pan and do not topple over.

21 day fix regular: 2 greens (spinach,pepper tomatoes), 2 yellows (rice, beans)

21 day fix vegetarian:  2 greens (spinach, pepper, tomatoes), 1 red (beans), 1 yellow (rice)

21 Day Fix Extreme Mid Way Point!!

Alright, yesterday marked my official half way point through the 21 day fix extreme! I’m loving this program so much more than I thought I would. Below I’ll write what I’m thinking about the program as far as the workouts and nutrition but I’ll also list some tips for being successful on this program.

The workouts
They are hard! Autumn Calabrese is one tough cookie. You’re using weights or a resistance band every day so its built a lot around strength training which is amazing! The variety is refreshing. One day you’re focusing on arms, the next legs and there is a cardio day,  Pilates and yoga. She keeps things moving and my heart rate monitor assures me I’m getting a decent workout in! Some of the workouts I’m burning as much as I am with Insanity!!!!
It’s great they are only 30 minutes and I can do them in the comfort of my own home without people watching me attempt some of these crazy moves. Seriously, that dolphin move in pilates is TOUGH!!!

Nutrition
I’ve always struggled here and honestly I have not been perfect. I’ve learned over the past year to let that go. Sure, I miss all my unhealthy foods, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t.  I’m just tired of not having energy and not feeling healthy so it’s worth it to give up my favorite cheats.  I get cravings (chocolate!!!) And still struggle to not unravel. Sure, shakeology helps but I still get cravings now and then and I still surcomb to them. I’m still seeing and feeling the results despite some hiccups. I’m sure my numbers won’t be as amazing as I would want but I’m gearing up for round 2 already. A few bad days doesn’t define you and its certainly helped me realize this is a lifestyle change, not a “21 day fix” I can actually take this plan and incorporate it in to my life and still see/feel results!!

Tips for Success with the 21 day fix

1. READ through all the materials they send you.  Then PLAN! I plan my menu the week before, at least for the first part of the week but  I try really hard to get the whole week planned.
2. I plan leftovers by doubling recipes, freezing extras I wont use in a couple of days to make it easier for a grab and go meal.  Grilling 3 pieces of tilapia & 3 sweet potatoes is just as easy as grilling 1 piece of each.
3. I plan simple meals when I either don’t have time to plan or cook.  This may be viewed as boring but it’s not something I do every day and it helps when I’m feeling overwhelmed or limited on time.  My favorite simple meal:  Grilled fish, veggies and sweet potato with cinnamon.   Simple meal are effective so find several simple meals to use as staples.  I also love my bean & cheese burrito for a quick lunch.
4. I try new recipes when I’m feeling bored with my meals.  I have learned to easily adapt my already loved meals (see my Mexican Quinoa dish that I adapted pretty easily).  Pinterest has a TON of already “fix approved” meals.  When you have 5 extra minutes explore new recipes and save them.  This way you’re not trying to find new recipes, create your meal plan and create shopping list all at once.
5. Keep staples in your cupboard and fridge for easy to throw together meals.  I always have beans, whole wheat pasta, tuna, eggs and yogurt on hand.  I also have tons of frozen fruit and vegetables in my freezer.  Frozen fruit can be used in oatmeal, yogurt or with my shakeology.  Frozen vegetables can be used in an omelet, a side dish for lunch or dinner.  Frozen vegetables are not my favorite but if I can’t get to the store it keeps me on track.
6. Create a weekly MUST have grocery list of things you ALWAYS eat.  I definitely have several items I eat every week and having this already created shopping list makes it easy to not forget things.  On my list:  Spinach, Yogurt, Apples, Bananas, Eggs, Baby Carrots, frozen fruit.  I use the app Evernote to keep this list so it is always with me.
7. Make your grocery list while making your weekly meal plan.
8. Take your measurements  and before pictures.  These are  so valuable when your weight isn’t budging to gage your success with the program.  Focus on how you are feeling not on what the scale says.
9. Use a meal planner and your workout schedule.  One benefit of having me as your coach is that you’ll get some bonus materials not included in your challenge pack.  You’ll get a meal planner like the one below and an extra printable workout schedule like I showed you above.  This way you can do several rounds of the fix with new FREE materials every time. Use these worksheets every day!
10. Ask for help!  You can sign up for a free beachbody coach who will motivate and support you through your journey! They will help problem solve, share recipes and put you in private groups on facebook around the program you’re completing!  Did I mention a coach is FREE!   If you don’t have a coach you can sign up with me to be your coach.   Also, enlist help in your spouse, friends, co-workers and family.  Your loved ones want you to be healthy and want to support you so ask for help when you need someone to watch your kids so you can get the workout in, help you chop the vegetables or swap healthy recipes with one another.  Enlist a friend to go on this journey with you, the more people you surround yourself on the same mission the more support and motivation you’ll have which ultimately means you will more than likely succeed.

21 day fix free printable meal planner

The containers

I LOVE the little colored containers. I thought I would hate them and they would just add clutter to my already full Tupperware drawer. They make it so much easier to measure and toss in my bag on my way to the park or work. They don’t even make it to my Tupperware drawer because they’re always drying in the rack or packed for the next day.

It takes some time to get used to figuring out how much of what color container and when. Honestly, by the 2nd week you’ve figured it out and can enjoy and learn from the process. 21 df teaches you the value in preparing food and how to set yourself up for success by balancing your meals! If you’re not prepared you’re going to be rooting through cupboards looking for any unhealthy snacks possible, trust me I know from experience!!

Bottom line…. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished these past 11 days and looking forward to the last 10. I feel full and satisfied with my meals and am loving the commitment and accountability of my Facebook group. I have some challengers in my group who are going to get some seriously awesome results with all the hard work and dedication they’re putting in! I’m going to use their energy to help drive me in to my own motivation and dig in these finally days. Its only 21 days after all!!

Anyone interested in joining me for a 21 day fix group?  Join my team by  contacting me, findingmotivationeveryday@gmail.com !  Who wants to commit 21 days to a healthier version of themselves?!