I know, I know you’re looking at my before and midpoint picture thinking, wait what is this #75HARD she speaks of? I’m also sure you’re thinking, how can I get in on it? This post is going to answer all of your questions, as well as give my account to how the 75 Hard challenge has been for me.
What is #75HARD
It is a mind strengthening program. I’m sure you’re shocked, I was too when I first stumbled upon some #75HARD before and afters. I was all in on the body transformation until I dove deeper into the full explanation from Andy Frisella, that it is indeed a mind challenge. I can attest to this it is all mental. My advice before jumping all in is to listen to Andy’s podcast breaking down #75HARD and speaking to your physician so you can make the best choice for you.
Why did I choose #75HARD
I was perusing YouTube late last year and I came across this young YouTuber who’s video was titled, How I Loss 18lbs of Fat in 2 Months. So I clicked on the video, I made it through about halfway and I went on with my life. Fast forward to June 30, 2020, I had put on some quarantined weight, thanks COVID, and was getting to the point where a change had to take place and fast. I immediately remember that video and I scoured my viewing history and found it. This time I rewatched until the end after learning the name of the challenge and its creator, Andy Frisella. In a matter of a couple of hours, I had googled him, listened to his podcast, and read all the information on 75Hard.com. Y’all by the time I got done taking in this information I started immediately on June 30, 2020.
Now, I didn’t have a plan I just started. I figured let’s try it today. I did everything on that checklist, the two workouts, drank the gallon of water, read my 10 pages of a non-fictional book, but I didn’t take my pictures. So that day didn’t count. Not a huge issue as I was treating that day as a soft launch. But by July 1st I was hitting the ground running.
My focus was on burning fat cause ya girl was what I like to call fluffy. I planned my water intake schedule, which I didn’t follow as planned but I made one. Let’s say many nights I was chugging my last 32 oz of water right before bed. Please don’t do this it makes for a long night of ups and downs to the bathroom. That lesson was learned and learned quickly. I had my trainer develop a meal plan for me. We cook the majority of our food in bulk making it super easy to just grab and go. I had a list of books ready to read and I was off.
Progress Pictures and Stats:
So let take a walk down memory lane shall we:
July 1, 2020 – I weighed in at 145.7 lbs, with the body fat of 41.7 lbs. Y’all that is 29.9% body fat! This is a safe place and I am going to say right now I needed this challenge!
August 5, 2020 – My weight at the midpoint is 138.3, 37 lbs and my body fat dropped to 26.8%
Below is my daily to do’s from the challenge but remember its way more intrigue than just working out and eating clean.
Workouts:
I really want to stress 75 days is a long time especially when you are working out twice a day. To start my workouts remained light. Here is a list of workouts I’ve done over the last 35 days.
I haven’t picked up one dumbbell, kettlebell nor resistant strap yet. I literally just walked. Additionally, I also eat clean (we will get to diet in a sec) and drink water – and my body looks like this! Y’all I lost 4 lbs in fat! Now for the second half of the challenge, I will be adding actual weights to my strength training. I plan to (and I recommend this to you as well) start light and gradually make it hard. I know for me I have a hard time recovering after a heavy workout. So I first wanted to get my body conditioned before going crazy because there are NO DAYS OFF. Let me reiterate, 75 days. That’s a long time.
What I Eat:
I had a diet made custom made for me and my body’s needs, so I won’t go into measurements and the total break down. I do want to share the exact foods I am eating and how full I am consuming an average of 1350-1550 calories a day. FYI I don’t count calories I am on a macro diet.
Grilled Chicken Breast
Grilled Steak (leaner cuts of meat)
Salmon
Ground Beef and Ground Turkey
Eggs
Grapefruit
Watermelon
Small Snacking peppers
Brown Rice and Quinoa
Sautéed Spinach
Sautéed Kale
Corn off the cob
French Green Beans
Sugar Snap Peas
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Sweet Potatoes
White Potatoes
English muffin
Sourdough Beard – sparingly
I stay away from added sugars, super sweet fruits, pasta, and bread minus the two types mentioned above. No alcohol, no baked goods, and no fried foods.
What I drink:
I drink water, of course, but that’s not all. I’m also drinking…
Genius Electrolytes orange fizz mixed with Xtend 7g BCAA in mango madness. No sugar and helps so much with recovery and preventing dehydration. Trust me when you drinking a lot of water you can flush your system which can cause imbalances in potassium and electrolytes. I drink one 26oz of this every other day.
Reading:
The Code of the Extraordinary Mind: 10 Unconventional Laws to Redefine Your Life and Succeed on Your Own Terms by Vishen Lakhiani (finished)
Building Wealth: Achieving Personal and Financial Success in Real Estate and Business Without Money, Credit, or Luck by Russ Whitney (currently reading)
Look for some book recommendations check out my list of 70 books written by Black women that everyone should read.
What I have learned so far about myself in this process:
I love the structure that this challenge provides. I am able to carve out the time to get my checklist done and it makes me use the rest of my time very wisely. My mind is clear meaning no brain fog, I am super energized and super motivated to get my day started. I use to start my days slowly now I’m up and going with excitement.
Also, I love that my husband and I are doing this together (he has his own regimen) and we walk each night. I consider these walks are happy hour. It’s a dedicated time to connect and that’s super important in a marriage. I am grateful for this.
Have you heard of #75HARD challenge before? Does it sound like something you would be interested in trying? Have you or are you currently doing the challenge? What are your thoughts? Share with me in the comments below.
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