my 75 hard journey month #1

January 3rd-January 31st

Honestly, I started this journey because I wanted a long detox from alcohol and needed to prove something to myself in regards to my relationship with alcohol. Ever since I was in the service industry, it's become the norm for me, not just on the weekends, I have used it as a coping mechanism, and it was affecting my mental and physical health. So after the holidays, I decided to participate in a program called 75 hard.

So what's 75 hard? Traditionally it follows these steps, but I created a little something different for myself..

75 Hard Program:

• Two 45 minute workouts (one myst be completed outside)

• Take a daily progress picture

• 10 pages of reading non-fiction

• Drink a gallon of water

• Follow a diet

• No cheat meals or alcohol

For me the most important part of this was resetting my body, and I loved the concept.

75 hard with a twist (for me):

• I have been doing the two 45 minute workouts (walking outside & a body weight workout - sometimes I use the gym)

• Daily progress pictures (this is actually really cool and motivating to see daily, especially thinking about what you ate and how it affects your body, how you feel and what it looks like - bloating, etc.)

• 10 pages non-fiction (this has been one of the most rewarding parts). I honestly cannot remember how long it has been since I read a book, and I have been DEEP DIVING into personal development, and it has been a blessing for my mental health & personal growth so far.

• Drinking a gallon of water. I have always drank a great amount of water. Next month I have going to try to bump it up to 130 oz because that is what I currently weigh! Drinking water and staying hydrated is amazing for your body, skin, weight loss, literally everything, so just do it.

• Following a diet. Okay, so this one I did VERY differently. I have done the hard core diet, the limiting myself, and it doesn't work for ME. After it's all said and done, I want alllll the junk, the pizza, the fries, etc... so it's not sustainable in my opinion. And for me, I wanted to use this program to build healthy habits for life. So for this program, I was committed to making healthier choices in the environment that I was in. Obviously this is super easy to do at home, but when out to eat, I just ate things that were healthier than something I would have chosen before.

• No cheat meals or alcohol. Again I made healthier choices, but for this 75 days, absolutely no alcohol will be consumed. I can't wait to share my sober experience in Mexico next month, it's going to be good.

So, traditionally if you miss a work out, cheat on a meal, etc. you are supposed to start over, but I think that sets you up for failure because sometimes, life happens. For example, there was one day in January that I set out to go on one of my walks, my realtor called, said we could go view a house (Austin and I are desperately looking for one), and by time we got done, it was too dark. So, instead of starting over, I added on another day. This is the same way with the reading, there are two days I just didn't have time, so I just read double the amount the next day. Alcohol is the only thing that is a non-negotiable start over for me. This is the way this program worked for me, I want to keep these habits and continue to lead a healthy lifestyle. I am retraining my brain, I am committed to doing BETTER, and I think that is truly what counts. And although a true 75 Hard guru would say, you failed, I say I am winning, and I am extremely proud.

As far as food goes, I try not to limit myself on what I am eating, but how much of it I am eating. If I wanted my favorite fries from boathouse, I got them, but I quit eating when I was full. I think that by telling yourself NO to certain foods for 75 days is setting most of us up for failure, so I am just making conscious decisions and really taking notes on how certain foods affect my body and my mind!

For the most part, I am thoroughly enjoying doing this, but this also comes with some REALLY HARD DAYS. I have always dealt with anxiety and depression, and I am guilty of using alcohol to cope with these things, which is unfortunately not uncommon. Anytime your body is detoxing wether it is from processed foods, alcohol, heavy metals, etc. it may cause some side effects like anxiety or depression because your body is having to adapt and adjust.