The 75 Hard Challenge
Happy Monday, everyone! Today has been an interesting and challenging Monday, for sure! Today was Day 1 of the 75 day challenge that I am participating in. I'm sure that you all have heard about the 75 hard challenge before, but in case you haven't, here is a rundown. The 75 hard challenge is a mental toughness program. The tasks that you must complete on a daily basis are difficult and inconvenient, and that's the point. It stretches you beyond the typical 21 days that most people think is needed to create a habit. It challenges you to get out of your comfort zone, be mentally fit and ultimately become the best version of yourself.
Here are the 75 Hard Challenge rules:
Drink a gallon of water every day. NO ALCOHOL.
Pick a diet and stick to it for 75 days. No cheat meals/days.
Read 10 pages of non-fiction every day.
Do TWO 45 minute workouts - 1 of the workouts must be done outside.
Take a progress photo every day.
My Day 1 was actually amazing. I have never really enjoyed drinking water. In fact, I have consumed coffee and wine like one should consume water. I would drink coffee all day and finish my evening off with a glass, or two, of wine - I was so dehydrated and sleep deprived! I'm amazed I don't look like a raisin. 6 months ago, I quit caffeine, and it has been one of the best choices I have ever made for my health. Currently, I am finishing off the last few ounces of water required for today - 1 gallon! Starting early is key to making sure you get that entire gallon in, so that's what I did - it did however result in me having to stop at a gas station to pee on my way in to work this morning. Haha!
For my diet, I chose a real, whole foods diet. This means no processed, junk food. I'm eating meat, some seafood, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and grains. No packaged foods with some long list of unknown ingredients. It is amazing how one feels when you eliminate all the crap. Sundays are meal prep days. It feels good to be prepped for the week. No excuses.
Atomic Habits by James Clear. This is the non-fiction book I chose to read for this challenge. I read the first chapter today which, ironically, was 10 pages long. It is definitely one of those books that you don't want to put down. Obviously, I haven't got far into the book, but James begins by discussing a very difficult time in his life , a real life-changing event, an event that caused him to have to create new habits in order to rebuild his life. What really stands out to me is the positive mindset that he had as a teenager, and how he overcame depression and adversity, to eventually get to where he is today. He is truly an inspiration and an encouragement to others.
TWO 45 minute workouts. Check and Check! So last night, in addition to my laptop, I packed my gym clothes and shoes and took them to work with me. I did my first workout of the day on my lunch break. I did my 2nd workout at F45 after work. I feel amazing and actually have a ton of energy after working out.
Last thing I need to do today is take that progress photo, which I will do just as soon as I am done with this post. You do not want to forget that step, as it will result in you having to restart the program.
Today, I felt such a sense of accomplishment, as I stuck to my meal prep, tackled that first workout and then the second, downed that gallon of water, and read something worth reading. I'm going to end this night with a proud progress photo. I look forward to whatever the next 74 days will bring.