The 88 – Day Challenge
Welcome everyone to the 88-Day Challenge, the newest and by far the most exciting challenge you can try.
After thorough discussion, we’re thrilled to embark on a new journey towards a healthier lifestyle, and we are now ready to share with you all, the healthier lifestyle challenge. Chris and I have committed to adopting a plant-based diet as we step into 2025. This marks the start of our exciting healthier lifestyle where Chris named it, “88-Day Challenge”. On this challenge, we’ll track ( oh, no, my love will keep track) our progress and share every step of the way on his YouTube channel, FatIItheFuture. 
While Chris is going fully vegan, I’m here to cheer him on every step of the way. Together, we’re embracing this fun, crazy, and health-focused adventure—and we’d love for you to join us!
Stay tuned for updates, insights, and maybe a few laughs along the way.
The Importance of our Decision
The primary reason? Shedding those extra pounds.
Let’s be honest—many of us saw our weight skyrocket during the COVID era, and getting back on track hasn’t been easy. If that resonates with you, you’re not alone. Many of us are navigating the same challenge.
But this journey isn’t just about weight loss; the health benefits of a plant-based diet are undeniable. Packed with essential nutrients, this lifestyle can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, auto-immune diseases, and even certain cancers. By shifting to plant-based eating, we’re not just managing our weight—we’re investing in our long-term well-being.
Interestingly, before committing to the challenge, Chris did a deep dive into nutrition research. He looked at studies highlighting how plant-based diets impact longevity, energy levels, and even mental clarity. One particularly compelling study showed that people who embraced a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains often experienced improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and a strengthened immune system.
Were we ready to make this shift? Absolutely. Change is always daunting, but we knew the benefits outweighed the doubts.
Is it time for you to start thinking about it too?
The Beginning of the Journey
As I write this, we are on the 63rd day (second writing, the challenge has officially ended) and I find myself looking back on those days of transformation.
The beginning? Chaotic. Meal preparation quickly turned into a strategic sorting mission—Chris committed to full veganism, the teens had no dietary restrictions, and I hovered somewhere in between. You can imagine the logistical puzzle, or maybe you’ve faced something similar yourself. The kitchen was like a maze puzzle, and birthday celebration was just as unique as it gets.
It wasn’t just about ensuring everyone had something nutritious to eat—it was learning new ways to cook, shop, and structure our meals. I found myself watching vegan cooking videos, searching for plant-based substitutes, and testing recipes that sometimes turned into spectacular failures (like the time I tried to make beetroot patties, which resulted in something closer to mush).
The first three weeks were exhilarating. Chris took on 40–60 km daily bike rides, relishing every moment of the process. His energy soared, his endurance increased, and his enthusiasm for this lifestyle deepened. It seemed like we had found the perfect balance, with us welcoming the badminton era into our lives.
Everything was progressing beautifully—until January 21st, 2025.
Life has a way of testing us when we least expect it, and that day brought an unforeseen challenge—Chris was involved in a road accident. His message arrived around four in the afternoon, an instant I’ll never forget.
His intense routine came to a sudden halt. The doctor prescribed three weeks of rest, and for a moment, everything felt like it was crumbling.
The Power of Perseverance
Chris’ accident was a pivotal moment—not just for him, but for both of us. Watching him navigate the frustration of limited mobility was heartbreaking, but it forced us to pause and truly appreciate the small, everyday joys we often overlook—like simply moving freely and embracing our daily routines.
During those weeks of recovery, we learned the importance of prioritizing health, the strength of patience, and the undeniable power of overcoming challenges together.
It wasn’t just about Chris healing physically—it was about mental resilience, too. The frustration of wanting to continue his weight loss journey but being restricted was difficult. But every setback teaches something valuable, and this one was no exception.
What We Eat Everyday
As our days got busier, meal ordering has become a daily ritual as we explore the best plant-based options. Our go-to meals now include:
- Brown rice paired with bok choy, hearty beans, and vegetable dumplings
- Roasted potatoes, which have become an undeniable staple
- Delicious finds from Chinese, Indonesian, and Indian cuisine (we order online instead of dining out)
- Vegetable stir-fry, fried tofu, and chickpea curry
It took time to find the right balance, and we experimented with cooking at home. Some nights, we’d try making vegan versions of familiar comfort foods, like plant-based burritos, vegetable fried rice, or fresh fermented radish salad.
Did we miss certain foods? Without a doubt. There were moments when both of us craved meat and dairy—enough to give in. We allowed ourselves cheat days, though always in moderation. Rather than letting those moments feel like setbacks, Chris found a way to keep himself accountable. For every non-vegan day, he added three extra days to the challenge, transforming indulgence into motivation. It became a powerful reminder that progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about embracing the process, challenges included.
The Journey Continues
Up to this day, “The Journey Continues” is still playing via YouTube.
A lot has happened and I guess what I am trying to say here is, I encourage you to take on the 88-Day Challenge with us! Whether you want to improve your health, or simply wants to try what vegan diet is, couple it with active lifestyle, this is an opportunity to make positive changes.
Come and Join Us
Follow our journey on FatIItheFuture for a glimpse into our daily lives and real talk about our experiences. Let’s inspire each other to lead healthier, happier lives! 🌱💚
Chris Now, May 2025
Wow! This blog post has been long overdue, and it feels amazing to finally revisit this journey and put it into words. Looking back, the 88-Day Challenge was more than just a health transformation—it was a testament to perseverance, growth, and embracing every twist along the way.
Thank you for taking the time to read our story, one blog at a time. Whether you’re here for inspiration, curiosity, or just a good read, we appreciate you being part of this journey with us. Stay tuned for more stories, reflections, and lessons learned as we continue forward. See you in the next post! 🌱💚
Signing off for an early badminton tomorrow,
Journey4Us Team
A mom, a full-time teacher, and Love's love who enjoys blogging, and spreading kindness and harmony. Come and join me as we make our 🌍 a better place to be.💖
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