Focus On: The Tone It Up Plan
As you guys know, I’m a huge fan of the Tone It Up girls. They’re super fun, don’t sell themselves out by pimping out phony diet pills or supplements, make great workout videos, and I secretly wish that they would adopt me 😉
They need a preggers girl on the team, right? Haha.
About a month before I got pregnant, I bought the Tone It Up plan via their website. I had heard quite a few people talking about it on Twitter and I like to know as much as possible about diet and fitness plans, so I decided to buy it up.
What is it?
A comprehensive diet and fitness plan, including recipes, workouts and a 7-day slimdown. I’m pretty sure it was $120 when I bought it (but is now up to $149.99) and you receive a hefty PDF file with the eats and workouts, and from then on, you’ll receive emails from the Tone It Up girls, access to their Tone It Up community (message boards, etc), and meal plan updates (they recently sent out a new summer version of the meal plan).
The pros:
–I loved the option of being able to choose between the original plan, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free or gluten-free vegetarian. [Now they’ve added pescatarian, too, which is awesome] The eating plan is pretty fantastic- all clean eats, no fake stuff, and they make it very clear how to set up each meal and snack. There are a lot of options and ideas offered.
-No calorie counting.
-New ideas! Quite a few recipes are things I’ve seen before [and that you’ve seen before, from reading healthy living blogs], but there was some new stuff in there too.
-It can be followed as a lifestyle and isn’t a “quick fix diet, then go back to the way you were eating before” plan. I’m always an advocate for eating styles that can be maintained over the long term.
-Love that it isn’t carb-phobe or fat-phobe… it really is a balanced, well-made eating plan.
The cons:
-As with many eating plans I’ve researched, it can be very low calorie, so it helps to be aware of your activity level and if you’re needing excess fuel.
-The workout plan wasn’t anything too special [to me]. It was a lot of very basic moves (nothing that made me say “whoa!” or anything that I haven’t seen before), but it just goes to show that what we look like is really more of a product of how we eat. Work out for health and fitness (and sanity!), but clean eats are really going to make a visible difference.
-It’s expensive. For being 97 pages, many of us probably wouldn’t pay $149.99 for a 97-page lifestyle book at the bookstore. Quite a few recipes and workouts can be accessed for free via their website (and here! always free), so you can access many of these things and learn a lot without paying. However, the purchased meal plan is very structured and breaks everything down in a straightforward way, so it’s definitely feasible to weigh the costs and benefits.
Do you own the Tone It Up plan? Do you like to follow a more structured eating style, or just go with the flow?
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At first I thought $150 was a WAY lot for a book and some emails but honestly, for people who try every single weight loss pill or magic exercise machine, in comparison it’s not that much. With that being said, I really don’t like structure with eating plans. I know what I need to be eating and I figure as long as I make sure my plate is balanced and my fridge is stocked well, I can totally go with the flow.
I had never heard of those girls til this post…shows that I don’t follow these things too closely 🙂
The older I get, the more secure I have become in who I am, what I like, what works for me…and I don’t really mix it up that much anymore. Running, walking, yoga, weightlifting, fitness shows, pilates, racing, marathons…yep, have done it all. And now, a little running, a little yoga, and I’m a happy girl!
And with eating, same. I used to feel the need to jump on every single trend, fad, and new product I saw (and with the ‘sphere there are always tons!) but now I know what works for me, I stick with it, and life is good.
That said, I think experimenting to a point and not getting caught in a rut is also a great thing!
Honestly, I’m not a big fan of diet and exercise plans you have to pay big money for that don’t come in the shape of a gym membership or your average ol’ cookbook from the bookstore.. I do, however, really like the girl in blue’s bathing suit. 😉 Does that come with it?
I have the Tone It Up diet plan. The great thing about it is that once you purchase it, you get all the updated versions of the plan that come out subsequent to the purchase. I bought it a year ago and have already gotten free copies of their spring and summer updates. They’re also great at listening to their audience. They asked everyone to submit their favorite coffee drink, then they came out with a bunch of recipes for healthier versions of the most popular drinks.
They definitely promote a healthy lifestyle and camaraderie. You get to be a part of their diet plan membership website, which lets you cheer on all the other members who are on the plan. Definitely check out their FB page and see all the people on there checking in with them as if they really are our personal trainers. Love LOVE these girls (aka my trainers)!
I bought the Tone It Up plan a few months ago and thought that it was a refreshing take on nutrition. It’s a lifestyle change that the girls make very straight forward. The support from the emails and website are phenomenal and the updates each season with new recipes are fantastic. I’m a big fan!
I can NOT follow a strict eating plan. Especially because I’m not always in the mood for what I should be eating. I like reading books about fitness and nutrition though and always know what’s going on in that world!
I love the tone it up girls, but would never spend 150 bucks on their plan. I’m guessing it is just balanced and healthy eating. I can’t imagine too many new surprises. I love their energy and passion for all things health and fitness and secretely wish they would adopt me as well! Maybe we can be the next tone it up girls, but the pregnant version! Pregnant ladies need inspiration too! : )
I bought the Tone It Up plan after much deliberation over spending $150. I absolutely LOVE the program and do think it was worth it. The recipes are delish. You can decide how loose or structured your meal plans are. I tend to do a little better with some structure and planning. They email updates of the nutrition guide a few times a year. The ongoing support and motivation is awesome.
I do agree that the workouts are a little lackluster. I follow the nutrition guidelines but for workouts I stick to running, yoga, p57, p90x, and turbojam.
Thanks for reviewing the TIU-Plan. I was thinking about buying it a few times, but the price is really just to much – considering that most of the information is available for free if you have the time to research.
Its just so tempting that they offer a vegan mealplan – really hard to find diet plans for vegans… but on the other hand, you are eating pretty healthy when your vegan anyway and I am not such a big fan of following a strict meal plan.
The Happy Herbivore Books are wonderful for the vegan (like me) … she lists out the calories/fat etc … and the recipies are all awesome!
Love their site ! But I agree 149 is a little steep when there are so many great sites out there (like yours!!) with free recipes, workouts, and fun!!
I think that a really structured plan is important for when you are just starting out in a healthy lifestyle. Most of the time newbies really have no idea what they are and are not supposed to be eating. After you start to get the hang of what does and does not work for your body however, then it is time to just start doing what works for you, and leaving the rest! And it is really true, 80% diet, 10% work outs, 10% genetics.
I love them-I follow them on Twitter and get the daily-ish newsletter, but I’m happy with my diet plan so I haven’t paid for anything-although, should an extra 150 drop from the sky, I might think about it! 🙂
Their short circuit video on youtube is my go-to when I’m short on time.
Happy to see them featured! xo!
It’s interesting to me that nearly all commentors (with the exception of one or two) who said they have purchased the plan say they love it. That speaks volumes. The price does seem steep, but I try to look at things like this as an investment with a lifetime or returns rather than a one night fling!
I’ve been seriously thinking about buying the plan for a while now.. this is a great post! I loved the comments also. Now it’s even more tempting..
I heard the plan is VERY similar to the Eat Clean Diet. But I think the priceless part is the community and the communication. So for $150 I think it is a good deal.
I just recently purchased the plan… I have to agree with you I don’t know if it’s worth the $150. The meal plan is basically just “balance” and “portion control”. They have a few extra tips, but really I think if you eat balanced, clean, real food with proper portions you are fine. I bought it for ideas for healthy recipes and stuff. I know it’s pricey for just a cookbook… I just needed some inspiration on how to plan out meals without eating too much or too little. When I try to follow their meal plan exactly I feel a little too hungry at the end of the day, so I usually have to add in a little more. All in all I think it’s good, sound advice… but probably worth more like $50 and not $150. I am excited (from a previous commenter) to see that I will get updates in the future b/c I love recipe ideas.
And I agree with you about the workouts – as my husband said earlier “they didn’t get those bodies from doing just those workouts”. Meaning – obviously they are doing more than just their little workouts to get results like they have. But ideas are always good for incorporating into my workout routine. I just feel like some of the moves are a little easy.
Hey Rebecca,
You mentioned extra tips? I know about the general outline of the diet as it is reflective of eating clean and fitness/athletic diet plan; the meta-d drink or the bombshell spell, but can you specify the food combining/meal timing?
Thank you!
I have recently purchased the plan too and I 100% agree with everything Rebecca mentioned. Good ideas, too pricey, and when I follow it exactly, I’m still hungry. Love the recipes, community and support though.
Just curious as to which plan you bought (vegan, vegetarian, etc.) and what you thought… I’m actually seriously considering buying in, but I would opt for the vegan option and I’m kind of skeptical. As awesome as having that option is, usually when someone who isn’t vegan constructs a vegan diet plan you obviously wouldn’t get the same results, and obviously I’m after “their” results not just any… any thoughts?
Chantal I got the gluten free plan. I was vegan for a while, but found I am WAY too hungry w/out some egg whites, fish, occasional chicken in the mix. I still eat a lot of veg based meals… but have found that including some animal protein helps satisfy me better. I hate to say it, but I feel like I would be ravenous on this plan if it wasn’t for a little chicken (even though I don’t LOVE chicken, it fills you up a lot better in my opinion).
I don’t think I would pay that much for what you described. I am not good about following any structured eating plan, so if that is one of the big benefits of their program, I wouldn’t even get much from it. I like to “go with the flow.” They look fun, though. I’ll check out their site.
I am curious, but a bit scared by the price. Question for someone who’s used the “regular” (meat-including) plan: How much meat is really included? Is it every meal, or just occasional? (I am 90ish percent vegan/pescetarian, but I throw in the occasional meat and eggs because I need the quick and easy protein.)
Thanks so much for this post Gina! Tried out one of their video workouts last night and loved it!
Just catching up on your blog posts. I’m so glad you reviewed this plan as I’ve been wildly curious about it myself but haven’t purchased it due to both the price and the reasons you stated above. Thank you for the review!
Just Bought it!!!!!!!!! I am already in love and all I did was read through the daunting 129 pages…. Very excited to report back!
awesome- enjoy! the meal ideas are my fave part 🙂 which plan did you get?
Thank you so much for this review. I just “discovered” the Tone it Up girls (actually I remembered Katrina from some diet/exercise videos on YT from several years ago) and I absolutely adore both of them! I know they’re just trying to make a living, but some of the paid/promotional product endorsements bother me, but they also mix it up with their own giveaways of things purchased with their own money, which is nice.
I probably won’t purchase the plan right now, although it is a lifetime thing for the $149, so maybe in the future if I need some extra motivation or smth. 🙂
I had been thinking about buying the plan. I find the price a little high but what makes it worth it, it’s the fact that i will get updates, and a community where I can find some support. And like some of you had said it’s a lifestyle not a fad diet. So the bucks make it at least to me worth it! =)
I love the TIU girls!! I bought the plan over the summer (after many months of debating whether it would actually be worth the $149) and I love it! I got the “regular plan” and it has lots of great recipes and meal ideas. You do get updated plans for life (I joined in the summer and have already gotten a back-to-school/work edition that had lots of helpful tips, ideas and meals for those on the go. I agree with another commentator that I don’t think they got their (amazing) bodies just by doing their workouts. But they are a great addition to my regular workout routine of spin, body pump, turbofire and such. All in all I’m glad I purchased it 🙂
which version of the plan do you have?
gluten-free vegetarian
I bought this meal plan thinking it was meal plans, not a glamorized recipe booklet. I have all of Tosca Renos books and have paid about $20 a book.
I used to be a huge fan of the girls, but after my disappointment with the product, I asked for a refund within 5 minutes as the product was lacking any serious content other than basic information. They have refused, and have refused to let me “re-sell” the product and lifetime membership to someone who would like it better.
I made a silly assumption that all the different types of meal plans were included in the e-book. As the only option to select the “types” is at the top of the page and the sales call to action is at the bottom. I realized after by hoovering over the icons that I can switch into the other plans. I switch my meals every couple of months between vegan/vegetarian and consuming lean meats. I am allergic to gluten and dairy and am stuck with the regular meal plan…or should I say recipe booklet.
Of course, since my request for cancellation they have ignored correspondences with me. I am completely turned off by these girls and their integrity to their business.
If you are looking for BASIC information, this program is for you are looking for something more in depth and nutritionally sound. All their information can be found via Tosca Reno’s booklet and FREE online community.
Don’t waste your money!
I just purchased this a day ago and I agree with Aimee. I was disappointed that it wasn’t an actually meal plan. For $150, there should be MUCH more than what we get. It is a glamorized recipe book. (At least throw in their new DVD for free with purchase.) It is very basic nutritional information. If you’ve ever dieted before, you probably know all this info. What upsets me is that I still have to figure out what to eat. Right now, I just really want someone to tell ME what I should eat.
That being said, since I did pay all the $$, I am going to give the plan a shot. I’m sure it’s a wonderful plan and I have no doubt that if I follow it properly, I will lose weight.
I thought it was a meal plan :-S That’s how they described it what a bummer if i want recipes i will google right?
@Aimee Hi I really want to buy their plan but it’s too expensive for me and after reading some of your reviews i’m not sure if i wanna buy $150 for their plan. So I was wondering can I buy the plan from one of you not for $150 offcoure 🙂 I mean you earn something and I don’t have to pay $150 (wich i don’t have)
You can email me at sandra110@gmail.com please let me know 🙂
hey that’s a great idea! in fact i was asking a friend if she wanted to split the $$ with me. it’s a pdf so easy to share i suppose. i just can’t fathom spending $150 on 97 pages (yes, there are free updates). i already eat clean, workout every day, so really what else do i need to know? i also don’t like the lack of variety that i *think* i see in the plan. what i’m more interested in learning about is the science behind how they created it. like what’s the reason for eating apples early in the day vs in the afternoon?
anyway, love their workouts and i’m also on their community page. i met katrina this summer, she’s sooo sweet!
I Love that idea!!!! Does anyone have the regular plan and would sell it to me for a bit less than 150$ ??? Please let me know
Kiss
aurelia.niebler@gmx.de
Forget it, I saved money and bought it on my own and I am very happy about it. Of course 150 $ is a lot of money but for the things your getting its very cheap in my opinion. You pay 150 $ for one hour with a personal trainer and here its so much more!!! K&k really support you and write you back, you get emails nearly every day and all the updates are amazing. I love love love the plan and that I bought it even if I am a student and don’t have much money it was worth it.
Hi there, any chance you’d be willing to share the pdf for a little $$ I’m really only interested in the science they put behind everything.
Thanks!
Hi, I don’t know if you are still interested in the plan, but I just bought the vegetarian version and have 4 more downloads left if you want to pay less than $150. The information in the plan is good, but I feel awful that I payed so much for it so if you would like it for cheaper I can help you out! The vegetarian version is the same as the regular plan except for switching protein sources. You could easily swap the tofu or tempeh for chicken in any recipe!
I’d be interested if you still have it available!
Id be interested if it’s still available !
I bought their plan – very expensive for what’s actually in it. I followed their plan to the letter for 2 weeks – I have no energy. I’m not new to either clean eating or exercise, but thought I was buying a good training program for vegetarians (can be tricky to get enough protein for building and maintaining muscle). It just seems like too little food. Something to think about if people stumble across this review.
i agree- it’s not a lot of food, especially for the 2 a day workouts they often suggest
I purchased their plan a looooong time ago. I was saving up to get it and had followed the girls for a long time before purchasing. Although there are a few “tricks” that you get in the plan-it is nothing special. I did follow the plan and had low energy. However, I did lose weight. The drawback is it is not sustainable. I did not maintain my loss and gained it all back and then some. The girls look perfect because perfection is their job! They essentially get paid to work out. Of course they are “toned.” I think that the price is very steep. It is, as the other posters have pointed out, a glorified recipe book. Every recipe can be found online pretty much. If you follow people that follow the plan on twitter you will be able to discover the tricks very soon. It is not worth $150. BUYER BEWARE!!!!!
DO NOT BUY THIS PLAN!!
Save your money for something that includes a maintenance plan and not constant starvation!
I too would be willing to pay less than $150 for the plan someone drop me an email
at chantelheard@hotmail.com
Hmmm. I want to buy this plan, but I am torn! I need a “meal plan” that tells me what to eat…is this not what it is?
If anyone is unhappy I would be willing to purchase for less than the $150. Thanks!
hey crystal, what’s your email address ? I have the plan…
HI
I would like to purchase the plan from someone who already has it as well, cherij0411@yahoo.com
Thanks!
I’d like a copy if anyone would be so kind to share 😉
Bncandi@gmail.com
I’m also interested in purchasing a copy if somebody has an extra download!
Hi Stephanie,
What’s your email address, I can help!
Email me if you still have the plan please. Roxannemartinez0628@yahoo.com
this plan is RIDICULOUS, WASTE OF $$, AND MISLEADING!!!!
DO NOT BUY THIS PLAN.
1) incorrect information/ lack of : they only discuss macros without even talking about micronutrient needs, which are obviously, also very important. especially for the vegan diet plan (which I have). no word of b12, vitamin d etc. they talk about protein, like if you don’t take 100g a day of it, you will die. they stress combining proteins, and that is already an outdated theory, you DO NOT need to combine proteins, all vegetables, grains , legumes etc already contain the essential 9 amino acids. if you eat, you won’t get a protein deficiency, it’s obviously done so to market their PFP protein. they have no peer reviewed information or external sources. they have a couple of raw recipes and then the ingredients are like toasted sesame oil? that’s not raw?
2) recipes : you can find similar recipes online. pretty much all of them. if you just google clean breakfast/lunch/dinner/dessert recipes that’s all you need.
3) grammatical errors: makes you think how seriously they took this plan. there are way too much spelling errors
4) promoting starvation : serving sizes are ridiculous. half a bowl is your meal.
5) then they talk about ‘toning’. another myth. you can’t lift 3 lbs pink dumbbells and drink a pfp smoothie thinking that it will help you looked toned. if you are reading this, please look into the toning myth 🙂
6) expensive
7) basically what all the other people have said!
if you want to find good exercise programs/videos , I highly recommend fitnessblender , they are real, honest and everything is free. if you want to eat healthy, look into clean eating.
that is all 🙂
I’m interested in buying the plan for less from someone, please 🙂
mariana.cashion@gmail.com
anybody still selling the plan let me know! breathedeeplyandsmileblog@gmail.com
anyone selling their plan? girlmeetsfit@gmail.com
Anyone selling their plan? Please email me at chris_vi@shaw.ca
Please! Would love to start this in the new year! After having a baby I’m having a hard time finding time to take care of myself. I do need structure and someone to tell me what to eat.
Thanks in advance!
So glad I found this thread. Was on a Bravo binge the day after Xmas and saw promo’s for their new show which of course led me to their website. Was strongly considering purchasing the fitness plan but I felt the website was vague as to what was included or what the “meal plan” was all about. I like the idea of clean eating however I can’t spend $150 a week on “clean” groceries just for myself so I really wanted to see what their recipes entailed. Additionally, for $150 they should at least include a digital download of the workout video.
Anyone still have the plan for sell but for less?
I am thinking about buying it and would love to split the cost if you wanted to! My email is caroline.evelyn@aol.com
Yes, this is a review of the Plan itself but not a review of the ToneItUp Company. Based on their customer service alone, I would never give this company any money from my pocket. When you place an order with them, the only form of communication that they allow is email. Did anyone else notice they do not have an exact phone number to call them regarding discrepancies with your order or concerns that you have? They recently refused to issue me a refund of my money even though they never sent me the DVD set I’d placed an order for. After numerous e-mails back and forth explain my side of the story, I decided to call them to explain since they were completely ignoring my viewpoint and complaint through email. I quickly realized that email was the only form of communication between them and you, as a customer. Personally, I will never work with this company again and will continue to spread the word of my horrible experience with ToneItUp to everyone that I know. I would highly recommend that you do not supply your personal information or credit card information to this company!
I am interested in purchasing plan from your extra download. I just can’t shell out $150. Is anyone willing?? Thanks!!! allysonspellman@gmail.com
Would like to purchase the regular plan from someone for way cheaper…. E-mail me please!
Kforce10@aol.com
Hey guys
Anyone happy to send me the vegan TIU plan for a cheaper cost?
Would really appreciate it
My email is nat2k3@msn.com
X
Anyone willing to share their plan? For a small cost or not?
I really wanna try this out but don’t have the money to spare for it :/
Email me please ! Sara.abdallah33@gmail.com
Hi! I would looooove to share the plan with someone? I eat mostly vegan but eat some meat too 🙂 Thanks so much chicas…I can’t wait to get started! xoxo alexis
Can you write “tone it up nutrition plan share” in the subject so I know it’s not spam?
email….alexd@voyager.net