Tone it Up Nutrition Plan Review (Vegan)

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The Tone It Up Nutrition Plan was developed by certified personal trainers and lifestyle coaches, Karena Dawn and Katrina Hodgson, who run the popular health and fitness brand, Tone It Up!  The brand seems to be growing faster than ever, with the help of their Bravo TV show, “Toned Up”.  Yet, there are only a few in-depth reviews of their actual nutrition plan.

How and why I became a TIU Member:  At the start of June 2013, I decided that I needed to make a change.  Although I was at what is considered to be a “healthy weight” for my height, I had gained about 10 pounds from my own “happy weight”.  No real reason, apart from laziness and lack of motivation.  While I didn’t consider myself fat, I was starting to get uncomfortable in my skin and my clothes either stopped fitting altogether, looked bad or were uncomfortable.  I resolved to watch what I ate and get myself to the gym, and I did.  Soon after starting my journey, I began watching Tone it Up girls, Karena and Katrina on YouTube.  It wasn’t long before I started lusting after the nutrition plan. 

I LOVED that K&K offered versions of the plan for vegetarians, vegans, pescatarians, and those who are gluten-free.  It is so inclusive!  While I eat mostly vegan (I have eggs on occasion), apart from eschewing animal products, my diet had no framework.  The TIU Nutrition Plan created that very workable framework for me.

The Plan Itself:  The plan explains the basics of what to eat and when.   K&K lay out how many meals you should be having and what you should eat at each of these meals.  They explain the significance of eating “Lean, Clean and Green” and highlight their favorite whole foods.  K&K have a nice mix of background information on nutrition and physical fitness, mixed with some personal tips and tricks that have helped each of them (and several clients) reach their goals.  The majority of the plan’s pages contain recipes.  Each recipe or meal idea is accompanied by an easy-to-follow diagram that K&K call the “meal wheel”.  The meal wheel essentially tells you what time during the day you should eat that particular meal.  So easy to follow!  There is also a section of print outs (grocery list, progress chart, etc.) and printable workout routines. 

For me this loose framework, with just a few hard-fast rules, has been just the right balance.  I have shed that extra weight, improved my digestion and my overall mood.

My TIU Experience:  It's been amazing!  The plan is straight forward and easy to follow.  There are no "get rich quick schemes" so if you're looking to shed 30 pounds in a month, you will be disappointed with this plan.  But what makes the plan so successful is that it presents a healthy LIFESTYLE.  It is a lifestyle that is fairly easy (and fun!) to adopt, especially if you are ready to make a change.  I started following the TIU plan at the end of June 2013.  Like I said, my goal was to shed about 10 pounds and I accomplished that goal at the end of November 2013.  I did is slowly, steadily and healthfully.  I feel great!  I have yet to do a 5 or 7 day slim down and have no immediate plans to do one.  I follow the guidelines very closely, but do have a few “cheat meals” each week, which are reserved for when I am with my boyfriend or friends (i.e. special occasions).  I workout at least five times a week, doing a mixture of gym cardio, Bar Method class, tennis, and Tone it Up workouts.  I've grown to love working out, especially first thing in the morning.  This is what K&K have coined a "Booty Call". 

Price - $150

What you Get:  A 160+ page download which has your specified plan, 5 day slim down and 7 day slim down, special editions (typically, one special edition released a couple times per year ), a section of printable workouts, a lifetime of updates and membership in the TIU community with access to a member’s only online group.

Is it Worth It?:  No buyer's remorse here!  I love how the plan is designed.  The information is clearly explained and the recipes are simple, yet delicious.  K&K’s writing is motivating and personal.  Each special edition K&K release has amazing new content and keeps the dedicated community engaged.  They just released the Love Your Body edition, which is focused on super foods.  It rocks!

Read and see more on the Tone it Up Nutrition Plan here.