100 Days of Healthy Living: What I Learned and Why It Was Worth It
If you’ve ever tried to change your habits, you know how hard it is to do it alone. Over the past few years, I’ve participated in — and even organized — a handful of healthy living challenges. Each time, I walk away feeling refreshed, more focused, and more connected to others who are working toward similar goals.
For me, these challenges have always been about accountability. Knowing that someone else is checking in, or that a group is cheering you on, makes it easier to stay consistent. It gives you something to talk about, to laugh about, and even to commiserate over when motivation dips (and it always dips).
So earlier this year, A group of us from the office decided to take it a step further and create our own version: The 100-Day Healthy Living Challenge — a reset I didn’t even realize I needed.
What the Challenge Included
Here’s what the 100-day challenge looked like:
Move your body for at least 30 minutes, five days a week.
Drink half your body weight in ounces of water every day.
Sleep seven or more hours a night, five nights a week.
Eat well 70% of the time — whole, real foods — and leave 30% for the things that make life enjoyable (the treats, the pizza, the glass of wine).
Check in with the group for accountability and encouragement.
We called it the 70/30 Rule because it’s about balance, not restriction. It’s about feeling good without guilt — making the better choice most of the time, while still enjoying the things you love.
To take it even further, I decided to document the entire experience publicly on a new Instagram account called The Bethina Project. Hitting “publish” on that first post might have been one of the scariest things I’ve done in a long time. It made me feel vulnerable — but it also gave me an incredible sense of accountability.
And honestly? It was worth it. The messages, the encouragement, and even the “me too” comments from strangers reminded me that we’re all just doing our best. We’re all trying to find that balance between health, happiness, and real life.
What I Learned in 100 Days
A hundred days might sound like a long time — and it is — but it probably took all 100 days to really feel the change.
Changing habits is hard, especially when you try to change several things at once. There were weeks where I focused more on water, others where I dialed in on nutrition or movement. Some nights I didn’t sleep enough, and there were definitely days where cookies won.
But even with all the imperfections, the progress added up.
Now, standing here at Day 101, things feel different.
When I ask myself, Should I go for a walk today? Should I lift weights? Should I drink water instead of soda? — those answers come easier.
I know I feel better when I eat better.
I sleep better when I skip alcohol.
I’m happier and more confident when I move my body.
My stomach thanks me when I don’t eat junk.
These things didn’t happen overnight — they happened over 100 days of showing up, making small choices, and doing my best even when it wasn’t perfect.
Progress, Not Perfection
What I didn’t show enough on Instagram were the bloopers — the skipped workouts, the late-night snacks, the Halloween candy, and the water bottles that stayed half-full. But this challenge was never about perfection. It was about progress, consistency, and the mindset shift that happens when you commit to something for yourself.
Going public with my journey felt scary at first, but it ended up being one of the most encouraging experiences I’ve had. There are so many people out there — even total strangers — who are working on the same things, cheering each other on from different parts of the world.
And that’s way more powerful than the fear of judgment.
What I Used and Loved Along the Way
If you’re thinking about starting your own 100-day challenge, I’ve put together a list of things I wish I had from day one. These are the little tools and comforts that made staying consistent easier — from my favorite leggings to protein powder to Duke’s new walking leash.
➡️ Shop my 100-Day Amazon Favorites here.
What’s Next
This challenge brought a lot of confidence, clarity, and energy — and it’s something I want to keep going. I’m also working on a 100-Day Habit Tracker that includes all of these daily goals in one printable sheet. That’ll be coming soon to the blog!
So, cheers to Day 101 — and to everyone out there trying to feel just a little better each day.
It doesn’t take perfection. It just takes showing up.
If you want to keep following along, you can find me on Instagram at @thebethinaproject — I’d love to cheer you on, too.
