Day 75 of 75 hard

Finishing the 75 Hard Challenge was a true test of mental and physical grit, and seeing those results – 7 pounds down and 2.5 inches off my waist – made every single struggle worth it. I know many of you are curious about how exactly I pushed through and what really worked, especially when the goal is to achieve your own '75 hard challenge results'. One of the biggest game-changers was truly committing to the 'two 45-minute workouts a day, with one outdoors' rule. It sounds simple, but fitting in those sessions, rain or shine (or even on days I just wanted to chill!), required serious planning. For my indoor workouts, I often did functional strength training, focusing on compound movements to get the most bang for my buck. The outdoor workout became my non-negotiable walk, often hitting 6-7 miles and over 14,000 steps, like that one Friday I clocked 6.47 miles. It wasn't always a high-intensity run; sometimes it was just a brisk walk to clear my head, but it counted, and consistency was key. Then there was the 'gallon of water a day.' Oh, the constant trips to the bathroom! Honestly, that was one of the most annoying parts, but it forced me to stay hydrated, which definitely helped with energy levels and curbing unnecessary cravings. My trick was to always have a water bottle by my side and refill it constantly. If I fell behind, I’d chug water before bed, which wasn't ideal, but it got done. The discipline around diet was also crucial. I followed a clean eating plan, focusing on whole foods, lean proteins, and plenty of vegetables. 'No alcohol or cheat meals' was tough, especially on weekends, but it taught me so much about my relationship with food and made me realize how much emotional eating I used to do. Seeing my body change in the 'progress pics' I took daily was a huge motivator, even on days when I didn't feel like I was making headway. The mental aspect of 75 Hard truly is 'insane,' as I initially thought. There were countless moments I wanted to quit, but reminding myself of the commitment and the potential transformation kept me going. It wasn't just about weight loss; it was about building unwavering discipline and proving to myself I could stick to something incredibly challenging. The 'idle hours' on my fitness tracker showed me how much more active I became. For anyone looking to tackle 75 Hard or curious about the 'results,' my biggest advice is to plan meticulously, find workouts you genuinely enjoy (even if it's just a walk!), and be prepared for the mental battles. The rewards, both physical and mental, are truly worth the effort. Now I'm looking forward to Phase 1 and continuing this journey, but with a slightly more 'normal' routine!