After hearing about the 75 Hard Challenge and listening to Andy Frisella's podcast episode about this challenge we were determined to try this and record our results.
Although we decided to do this primarily for the added motivation for weight loss, we were shocked to realize how this would effect us mentally.
What is the 75 Hard Challenge?
The 75 Hard Challenge is a mental toughness challenge that has 5 simple rules:
- Follow a diet (zero cheat meals for the entire 75 days)
- Workout twice a day for at least 45 minutes each (one of them has to be outside.)
- Drink a gallon of water per day.
- Read 10 pages of a non-fiction personal development book per day.
- Take a progress picture every single day!
There is also an app if you choose to use this. The app does cost about $5, and is handy to remind you of the tasks that need to be completed, but is not required.
The Challenge
We both followed a plant based diet utilizing our personalized nutrition plan that we use for our clients. If you're interested in working with us to create a personalized nutrition plan for you, you can do so here!
We also opted to do 45 minutes of yoga in the morning, and a 45 minute outdoor family walk in the evening with the kids. As you can tell, our daily workout regiment was not intense. You can choose the intensity of the workouts and this can be adapted to your fitness level. The important thing is to stay active.
Drinking a gallon of water per day was a little tough to keep up with at first, but we found an amazing water bottle that holds a gallon of water which made it super easy to keep track of.
While we love doing research for the business, taking the time to read 10 pages of a non-fiction book was in no where a part of our daily routine prior to the challenge, so this was a great addition to our every day.
Taking a progress picture seems like the easiest of the tasks, but honestly some days we forgot to do this until we were about to get in the bed.
Yuri's Experience
There were a few days where it was really tough to complete the challenge, especially since Yuri's work schedule is 12 hour work days. During the challenge he was working massive overtime and in order to accommodate 2 45 minute workouts that meant the first workout was at 3:45 am and the last workout was at 7:30 pm with a 12 hour work day in between.
There were also definite cravings for his favorite Ben and Jerry's Netflix & Chill'd Vegan ice cream. But it just wasn't worth having to quit or start the challenge over.
The reading was surprisingly one of the easiest parts of the challenge. This was completely new, but really allowed him to dig into African history more and learn so much about the amazing contributions to our society!
Overall, his energy increased dramatically, but most importantly it completely shifted his mind set and he was able to accomplish what felt like the impossible to start with!
Yuri's Results
Prior to this challenge, Yuri had already lost 50 pounds, but with this challenge he lost even more inches and most importantly fat loss.
He lost a total of 19 inches which is mind blowing! This was an inclusive measurement of inches lost in his arms, chest, waist, hips, and legs. This was all without a gym, intense workouts, or a depriving diet. This was pure consistency and a healthy lifestyle.
Overall, the challenge allows for a broad interpretation of each guideline and what is most important is the mind set change you gain from this, knowing even on the tough days, you can still be consistent.
Things Yuri Is Continuing After The Challenge
To celebrate the completion of the challenge, Yuri completed his first 5k! This was huge because he had never run more than a mile, and that was back in grade school.
We are about 3 weeks out from the completion of this challenge and Yuri has continued with his 2 workouts per day. His first being an outdoor run, and then a HIIT workout later in the day. He is also continuing the plant based lifestyle. However, once in a while he will have something that may be processed such as a beyond burger, vegan cheese, and definitely a vegan cake for his birthday coming up! But these are the exception, not the rule.
The biggest part of this that will continue is drinking 1 gallon of water per day! This has been a big reason for the increased energy, weight loss, and overall health.
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