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Thursday, September 24, 2020

Tips to get through 75 Hard

 Tips to get through 75 Hard 

Although I haven't completed the program yet, there are few tips and tricks I've learned thus far to help me get through the daily tasks of the #75Hard challenge. 

In case you don't know the rules of #75Hard, I'll share them below. You can also check out my previous blog post for more information.  



Okay so now you know the rules, lets discuss some ways that will make your life a little easier while doing the challenge. 

1. As SOON as you get out of bed, take your progress photo. 
This may sound silly, but if you've done any research on this challenge, you know that this task is the one almost everyone overlooks.  It sounds easy, so you put it off and before you know it the day slips away from you and you forget.  Don't let that be you! 

2. Start drinking your water as early as possible. 
Needless to say, you don't want to be up all night peeing.  The earlier you start, the better off you'll be.

 I would also highly recommend drinking room temperature water.  It's extremely difficult to chug ice cold water! Not only that, but when I was training for Miss USA, my trainer recommended that I start drinking room temperature water because ice cold water shocks your system (think of when you jump into an ice cold pool.. thats how your body feels) and it slows your metabolism down. 

3.  Attend a workout class for one of your 45 minute workouts. 
I know workout classes aren't for everyone, but in today's world there is such a wide array of classes you can choose from.  Whether it's yoga, spin, aerobics, crossfit, etc... pick anything you think you might be interested in and book a class.  The reason I recommend doing a class as one of your 45 min workouts is because once you book a class, you'll be even more obligated to go.  It's scheduled and your paying for it.  No backing out now! 

4.  Download the 75 Hard App and place it on your home screen. 
You can find the 75 Hard app in the app store! It does cost money... I want to say its $4.99 or somewhere around there, but it's SO worth it.  It's a GREAT accountability tool, you're able to track your progress, and if you place the app on your home screen it's a great daily reminder. 

5.  Develop a mantra. 
There are going be days that are tough.  Write down a few mantras that you can always come back to during the difficult moments.  

A few of mine are: 
Take it day by day. 
Wake up. Kick Ass. Be kind.
I'm doing this for me. 

6. Plan ahead. 
Meal prep whenever you can.  You never want to be in a situation where you can't stick to your diet.  This also goes for your workouts.  I travel for a living so planning out when and where I'll be able to workout is vital to my success.  I would recommend scheduling your workouts in your calendar or planner.  You might not always stick to your schedule exactly but at least you'll have an idea of what your day NEEDS to look like.  

7.  When your body feels tired, take the intensity out of your workouts. 
Some days your body is going to be tired.  I mean 75 days of two a days will do somethin' to ya.  When you feel tired, just go for a light walk or do yoga.  

8.  Purchase a gallon sized water bottle. 
I have one and I've been pouring my water from that water bottle into other glasses throughout the day.  It's much easier to keep track when you're pouring from one bottle rather than trying to add up how many glasses and ounces you've had.  

9.  Do your research. 
I read a lot of blogs, listened to the Real AF podcast, and did a lot of research before starting the challenge.  I wanted to be as prepared as possible.  You can learn so much from other peoples experiences!  For me personally, I think doing so set me up for success right away.  I knew the challenges other people faced, so I was able to plan and prepare accordingly.  

10.  Remember your WHY. 
There are going to days that tough.  You are going to be exhausted.  You might even want to give up, but in those moments you have to remember why you started.  Maybe you needed a change, wanted to lose some weight, wanted to become a better leader, or excel in your career.  You must always hold your why close to your heart!


Best of luck to anyone starting this journey! Hope this helped! 

Xoxo
Ashley 







 


Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Why I'm doing the 75 Hard Challenge


The 75 Hard Challenge 


You're probably wondering what #75Hard is, and why the heck am I doing this to myself. Well, I'm about to share ALL of that with you.  

On Sunday, September 20th, 2020 I decided to start the #75Hard Challenge which consists of

1. Follow a diet.  Zero cheat meals & No Alcohol for the full 75 days. 

2. Workout 2x per day for 45 minutes.  One workout must be outdoors. 

3. Drink a gallon of water per day. 

4. Read 10 pages of a non-fiction book. 

5.  Take a progress photo. 

Zero Compromise, Zero Substitutions. 

 If you fail at any one task, you must go back to day one.

Now, you may look at that list and think to yourself that sounds crazy- which it is! It's definitely not for everyone.  In fact, Andy Frisella the entrepreneur who started the #75Hard movement says that only 1% of people who start #75Hard will actually finish.  (ummm challenge accepted?!)

So, why on earth would I put myself through something like this?  Well, because I'm eager for change and growth in my life. I want to do something for myself, I want to prove to myself that I'm resilient, and most importantly I want to step into my power and develop mental toughness.  Competing for Miss New Mexico year after year, I always had a goal in front of me.  For almost a decade, I was focused on competition and becoming the best version of myself.  While it was nice taking a step back and focusing on some areas in life I had been neglecting, lately I've felt like I've been treading water.  I never want to remain complacent in any area of life.  My heart and soul light up when I have a goal and a vision in front of me.  Nothing feels better than keeping your word to yourself, working hard, and watching your dreams become reality. 

I know these next few months are going to be difficult.  There are going to be days when I don't want to workout outside or stick to the diet I've chosen. However, I know the lessons learned and the growth that will take place will absolutely be worth it. 

How I found out about #75Hard - it was fate! 

A few weeks ago I was reading Atomic Habits by James Clear.  I became obsessed with it.  The message behind the book was speaking straight to my soul.  The book divulges into behavior patterns and how they can work for us or against us.  I highly recommend it! Anyway, I was about halfway through the book when I got a text from my Aunt saying we should try this challenge and she sent over a podcast.  The podcast was called 75HARD: A Tactical Guide to Winning the War with Yourself.  I gave it a listen and it was like the stars aligned.  Here I was reading this book about building better habits and behavior change, and then BOOM! I'm sent a challenge about building better habits and becoming the best version of yourself.  I instantly knew it was something I wanted to do.  I picked a weekend and set my mind on starting September 20th, 2020.  

Who is Andy Frisella?

Any Frisella is the founder/CEO of 1st Phorm, hosts a podcast called REAL AF, and is a public speaker.  He also started the #75Hard movement... for FREE! 


Here are some of the many things he says you will get out of this program





I plan to blog throughout my journey over the next 75 days.  I'll share tips I find helpful to get through the 5 daily tasks & I'll share my progress.  I'm looking to forward sharing this journey with you! 

xoxo, 

Ashley 








Monday, April 13, 2020

Low Carb Taco Bowls


Low carb taco bowl 

This recipe is Keto friendly, gluten-free, and dairy-free!



This dish was SO tasty! I had plenty of leftovers for the week, however I’m only cooking for one. 

I used an 8x8 casserole dish. I also used DAIRY-FREE cheese because I am 90% dairy-free. I absolutely love the almond mozzarella shredded cheese from Trader Joe’s. In my opinion, it’s the best dairy-free cheese out there. 

I used ground chicken, but you could also use ground turkey or ground beef. I would opt for extra lean regardless of your preference! 

You could also add things like black beans, or whatever your favorite nacho toppings typically are, but the recipe below is specifically for a lower carb diet! 


Grocery List: 
(Screenshot for reference)

Frozen cauliflower rice 
Avocado or olive oil 
Ground Chicken, Beef, or Turkey (I used ground chicken) 
Onion 
Trader Joe’s taco seasoning 
Shredded cheese (I used the almond shredded mozzarella from Trader Joe’s) 
Tomato 
Avocado
Black olives 
JalapeƱos 
Butter lettuce 
Cilantro 
Hot sauce 

How to Make:


Preheat oven to 350
Pan fry cauliflower rice with oil until browned.
Add cooked cauliflower to greased casserole dish. Spread in even layer. 
Cook onion until translucent. Add ground chicken. Cook until browned. Add to casserole dish. Spread in even layer.
Top with shredded cheese. 
Cook for 10-15 min. 
Add toppings and serve! 

Leave off lettuce and avocado if you’re planning to have leftovers! 

Step by step pictures below! 








Hope you enjoy as much as I did! 
Xoxo 
Ash