Day 2 - 75 Soft

Starting a challenge like 75 Soft is all about building sustainable habits, and I've found that each day brings its own set of learnings. On my Day 2, just like the image showing my 'DAY 2' and '75 SOFT' overlay, I'm really trying to get into the groove. One of the biggest lessons I'm already taking away is the power of preparation. Seeing my 'breakfast plate' with the 'croissant sandwich' (a quick but satisfying choice!), 'fresh strawberries', and 'peeled orange slices' reminds me how much easier it is to stay on track when healthy options are ready. The same goes for my 'packed lunch in a black bento box' filled with 'ham, cheese, baby carrots, grapes, cucumber slices' and even a '100-calorie snack pack'. Having these prepped means no last-minute unhealthy grabs, especially when work gets busy. I even tracked my progress on my fitness app, noting my 'weight of 216.4 lbs', 'BMI of 38.4', and 'body fat of 48%' on 'January 9, 2024'. It's a tough number to see, but it's my starting point, and it motivates me to keep going. Speaking of staying on track, the original post mentioned needing a 'pick me up' and getting a 'Starbucks chai latte'. We all have those moments! For me, finding alternatives that still feel like a treat but fit my goals better is key. Maybe next time, instead of a full chai, I'll opt for an unsweetened iced coffee with a splash of almond milk, or even try to recreate a healthier version at home. It’s all about small tweaks that add up. The OCR also showed a 'glass of iced coffee with a pink straw' next to a 'bottle of Starbucks unsweetened iced coffee', which is exactly the kind of smart choice we can integrate more often. The 75 Soft Challenge isn't as rigid as 75 Hard, which is why I chose it. It allows for a bit more flexibility, but that doesn't mean it's easy to stick to. My daily goals include consistent workouts—even if it's just that 'hot girl treadmill walk' in the morning, which my 'activity summary' shows helped me hit '9,600 steps' and '3.99 miles distance'. It's great to see those numbers! Tracking those 'calories moved' and 'minutes exercised' on my phone screen really helps me visualize my effort. Hydration is another massive component, and I totally relate to the 'drink more water!!!' note. I've started carrying a large water bottle everywhere. It's a simple change, but it makes a huge difference in my energy levels and helps curb unnecessary snacking. And then there are the evenings. The original post mentioned a 'frozen pizza and a side salad' for dinner, followed by 'wine, a cupcake, and some ice cream'. We've all been there! The beauty of 75 Soft is that it focuses on progress, not perfection. It’s about acknowledging those moments, enjoying them mindfully, and then getting right back on track the next day. My plan for improving, as mentioned, is a 'night time workout' and being more mindful about 'splurging on calories so much for treats'. It's not about restriction, but about finding balance. Maybe I can still enjoy a small treat, but pair it with a healthier dessert option, or choose a lighter wine. This journey is about self-discovery and finding what truly works for *me*. Every day, including Day 2, is a step forward, learning from both the 'accomplishments' and the 'room for improvement'. I'm excited to see how tomorrow goes, especially since I have off work to focus more on my routine and perhaps hit that night-time workout goal!