I have managed to end the week on a high note, having consistently run every morning (interval sprints, 6 rounds). If you know me, you know that I am not a runner - it's just not something I care for, probably because I always end up sounding like I'm about to have a heart attack at any moment.
I've also gone back to planning my meals better now that my round is over. See, with kids at home, I find it challenging to come up with healthy meals that are really conducive to weight loss. I just think that cooking good, homemade meals (as opposed to processed foods) is just better for you than junk foods.
So last week I sat down and came up with a menu for over a week. I created "planned over" meals (for example, planning a beef soup using the broth from a pot roast I made the previous day), and ended up with delicious meals for almost two weeks.
I really think that putting thought and planning - including planning dessert - into mealtimes will get you a lot further than doing things at the spur of the moment. We were having too many evenings where I would just grab a pizza because I could not face planning, shopping, cooking..... and then I'd have "just a slice" and there went my diet for the day.
Plan ahead - you'll eat better, feel better, and save money too! It makes it so much easier to stick to the protocol!
Showing posts with label nutrition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nutrition. Show all posts
Friday, March 30, 2012
Sunday, May 15, 2011
When You Fail To Plan, You Plan to Fail
Right now, I feel like I've got workouts handled. Mat Gover over at EXL Fitness keeps me on the straight and narrow regarding my workouts (and starting next month, I plan to add Cardio Camp to Boot Camp to fire up my metabolism even more).
However, exercise is only part of the weight loss equation. The other part is the part I struggle with.
Nutrition.
I like to eat. And like most people, I like to eat things that end to pack on pounds. Sweet and salty refined carbs.
I tend to *forget* to eat. The problem with that is two fold - one, your body begins to think you're starving and your metabolism slows to conserve fuel, and two, when you do remember to eat, you eat a lot more than you would if you'd eaten regular small meals.
So you have to plan ahead.
I've been using protein shakes and protein bars to boost my protein intake and to make sure I'm consuming small meals at least every 3 hours. I seldom remember to eat a full meal, but I make sure I have what I need to fix a supplemental meal frequently.
I also plan my meals a week in advance. SavingDinner.com has been a huge help there. When I already know what I'm cooking for dinner, and I have all the ingredients on hand, it's a lot easier to cook at home, where I can control what's going into my food.
So take the time. Sit down for an hour a week, plan your evening meals with your family, plan your nutrition for the rest of the day, and you'll find that you feel like you're eating all the time, you're never hungry, and you're losing bodyfat.
However, exercise is only part of the weight loss equation. The other part is the part I struggle with.
Nutrition.
I like to eat. And like most people, I like to eat things that end to pack on pounds. Sweet and salty refined carbs.
I tend to *forget* to eat. The problem with that is two fold - one, your body begins to think you're starving and your metabolism slows to conserve fuel, and two, when you do remember to eat, you eat a lot more than you would if you'd eaten regular small meals.
So you have to plan ahead.
I've been using protein shakes and protein bars to boost my protein intake and to make sure I'm consuming small meals at least every 3 hours. I seldom remember to eat a full meal, but I make sure I have what I need to fix a supplemental meal frequently.
I also plan my meals a week in advance. SavingDinner.com has been a huge help there. When I already know what I'm cooking for dinner, and I have all the ingredients on hand, it's a lot easier to cook at home, where I can control what's going into my food.
So take the time. Sit down for an hour a week, plan your evening meals with your family, plan your nutrition for the rest of the day, and you'll find that you feel like you're eating all the time, you're never hungry, and you're losing bodyfat.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Headaches
I'm finding that if I eat the wrong things, or at the wrong time of day, I can end up with blinding migraine headaches. I used to never get migraines. Cluster headaches, yes, but not migraines.
Last year, things started to change.
Now if I eat chocolate early in the day, or too much sugar before eating protein, I will pay a high price for it - and not just at the waistline!
It's so much easier to just have good nutrition than to deal with the headaches. Literally!
Last year, things started to change.
Now if I eat chocolate early in the day, or too much sugar before eating protein, I will pay a high price for it - and not just at the waistline!
It's so much easier to just have good nutrition than to deal with the headaches. Literally!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Making Sense of the Grocery Store
Have you ever wandered aimlessly around the grocery store, reading labels and wondering what's really good for you? What will help accellerate your weight loss?
Here's a trick. Stay away from the aisles. The fresh food you want is around the perimeter of the store. Produce, meat, seafood, dairy.
My favorite grocery shopping tip is simply this: If your great grandmother wouldn't recognize it as food, don't eat it. It's probably had all the food processed out of it.
I eat lots of salads - and I grow my own veggies on the back patio when I can (I live in an apartment) or arrange with a friend to grow some in their garden.
Fresh fruit. Apples, grapes, peaches, nectarines, melons. I try to avoid the pre-cut relish trays and fruit bowls as I'm not sure of their freshness, but then again, my kids love them - and anything to help them eat more fruit and vegetables.
Meat, poultry, and seafood. I always kind of cringe when I hear women talk about being vegetarians - ladies, we need the protein! Get the highest quality you can afford. Watch for chicken packs with lots of juices in the tray - they've probably been frozen and thawed. I have had to look hard to find stores that keep their chicken truly fresh - here in Utah, good meats can be had at Sunflower or Harmon's.
Dairy. Soy milk is a processed food - I avoid as much soy as I can (with occasional exceptions for tofu and tempe). Milk should come from a critter - cow or goat, usually. (I prefer raw milk, but often don't have money for it.) Eggs should be as fresh as you can find them. Cheeses and yogurt make wonderful snacks - just so long as it's not that silly yogurt that's had tons of sugar dumped into it along with edible fruit-like chunks.
I don't really fuss much about the "organic" label - it seems like that's just a way to push prices up on foods - and prices are rising too fast anyway. My friends who own CSAs tell me that the organic label these days is meaningless.
Along the aisles? I use stevia as a sweetener when I'm on protocol. Plain oatmeal that I can sweeten to taste over pre-sweetened ones - you can get Quick Oats, which have been cut into smaller sections for faster cooking, and save a ton of money over pre-sweetened oatmeal.
Of course, food itself is loaded with emotion. I have strong, strong feelings about food - and they start with "If I'm going to limit my calories, I'm going to make sure what I spend those calories on is the highest quality and has amazing taste."
So there you go! Start in the produce section and work your way around the outside perimeter of the store. Find foods that either came from the earth or had a mama, and avoid processed foods.
(H/T to EXL Fitness for the idea. Mat Gover conducts a monthly grocery store tour. I haven't gone yet.)
Here's a trick. Stay away from the aisles. The fresh food you want is around the perimeter of the store. Produce, meat, seafood, dairy.
My favorite grocery shopping tip is simply this: If your great grandmother wouldn't recognize it as food, don't eat it. It's probably had all the food processed out of it.
I eat lots of salads - and I grow my own veggies on the back patio when I can (I live in an apartment) or arrange with a friend to grow some in their garden.
Fresh fruit. Apples, grapes, peaches, nectarines, melons. I try to avoid the pre-cut relish trays and fruit bowls as I'm not sure of their freshness, but then again, my kids love them - and anything to help them eat more fruit and vegetables.
Meat, poultry, and seafood. I always kind of cringe when I hear women talk about being vegetarians - ladies, we need the protein! Get the highest quality you can afford. Watch for chicken packs with lots of juices in the tray - they've probably been frozen and thawed. I have had to look hard to find stores that keep their chicken truly fresh - here in Utah, good meats can be had at Sunflower or Harmon's.
Dairy. Soy milk is a processed food - I avoid as much soy as I can (with occasional exceptions for tofu and tempe). Milk should come from a critter - cow or goat, usually. (I prefer raw milk, but often don't have money for it.) Eggs should be as fresh as you can find them. Cheeses and yogurt make wonderful snacks - just so long as it's not that silly yogurt that's had tons of sugar dumped into it along with edible fruit-like chunks.
I don't really fuss much about the "organic" label - it seems like that's just a way to push prices up on foods - and prices are rising too fast anyway. My friends who own CSAs tell me that the organic label these days is meaningless.
Along the aisles? I use stevia as a sweetener when I'm on protocol. Plain oatmeal that I can sweeten to taste over pre-sweetened ones - you can get Quick Oats, which have been cut into smaller sections for faster cooking, and save a ton of money over pre-sweetened oatmeal.
Of course, food itself is loaded with emotion. I have strong, strong feelings about food - and they start with "If I'm going to limit my calories, I'm going to make sure what I spend those calories on is the highest quality and has amazing taste."
So there you go! Start in the produce section and work your way around the outside perimeter of the store. Find foods that either came from the earth or had a mama, and avoid processed foods.
(H/T to EXL Fitness for the idea. Mat Gover conducts a monthly grocery store tour. I haven't gone yet.)
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Good Nutrition + Exercise is Vital to Weight Loss
One of my personal frustrations is the idea that one can lose weight, permanently and healthily, by dieting alone. It ain't gonna happen. Good nutrition (not a strict calorie-restricted diet) and exercise go hand in hand for a great, healthy body.
I do work with the HCG protocol, yes. And it's calorie-restricted. Except....I don't really restrict calories on it. I eat my protein servings (three a day, not two, since I work out hard), of chicken breast or steak, and then scarf down veggies like no tomorrow. And I'm full all the time. I avoid carbs when HCGing.
And it works for me!
But again - I work out and so I require extra calories. A protein bar or shake after exercise, and a larger portion of protein at meal time, an extra apple - that's not going to stall progress. Better yet, since I do work out, I get better results - sometimes up to 2 pounds a day.
Don't shortchange your body. Give it good exercise and high quality nutrition, and you'll lose weight in the long run.
I do work with the HCG protocol, yes. And it's calorie-restricted. Except....I don't really restrict calories on it. I eat my protein servings (three a day, not two, since I work out hard), of chicken breast or steak, and then scarf down veggies like no tomorrow. And I'm full all the time. I avoid carbs when HCGing.
And it works for me!
But again - I work out and so I require extra calories. A protein bar or shake after exercise, and a larger portion of protein at meal time, an extra apple - that's not going to stall progress. Better yet, since I do work out, I get better results - sometimes up to 2 pounds a day.
Don't shortchange your body. Give it good exercise and high quality nutrition, and you'll lose weight in the long run.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Starting the new year off right
It's important to create solid, measurable goals. Something vague like "I want to lose weight" just won't really work. "I want to lose 30 pounds, weigh 135, and have a 24 inch waistline" is solid and measurable.
It's so easy to become addicted to weight loss. My goal is to achieve a healthy weight (for my height and frame, that's between 120 and 140). I've set my goal at 135 so that I have "space" for backsliding and weight gain. I understand that I'll work at maintaining a healthy weight for quite some time to come.
I intend to do this through both good nutrition and fitness.
What are your goals for the new year?
It's so easy to become addicted to weight loss. My goal is to achieve a healthy weight (for my height and frame, that's between 120 and 140). I've set my goal at 135 so that I have "space" for backsliding and weight gain. I understand that I'll work at maintaining a healthy weight for quite some time to come.
I intend to do this through both good nutrition and fitness.
What are your goals for the new year?
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Discovered a new favorite salad dressing!
Mmm. Asian dressing. I have eaten plates and plates of fresh homemade salad (NEVER buy bagged salad, it's nasty, and it always goes bad in my fridge) dressed with a little Asian dressing.
And apples! I've rediscovered apples. Fresh, sweet, cold, juice apples. Sometimes I forget how good real food is!
And apples! I've rediscovered apples. Fresh, sweet, cold, juice apples. Sometimes I forget how good real food is!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Working at Home - A Mixed Blessing
Yup, I'm back to my home office. Hurray! (I like change.) And as I continue my journey to 125 pounds, I can see that this is a mixed blessing.
Up in Alpine, there were no close restaurants. So at work, either I brought food from home, or I was stuck in the office with my Diet Coke and bottled water. At home....well, the fridge is right there.
On the other hand, it's stocked with healthy food choices. I've got my leftovers from last night waiting for me. I'm close to the grocery store - and it makes more sense for me to purchase there and choose better foods.
All in all, I'm having better success (so far) at home, since all my cooking stuff is here, and with a little forethought, I can choose better lunches that I might have when I was in the office.
Up in Alpine, there were no close restaurants. So at work, either I brought food from home, or I was stuck in the office with my Diet Coke and bottled water. At home....well, the fridge is right there.
On the other hand, it's stocked with healthy food choices. I've got my leftovers from last night waiting for me. I'm close to the grocery store - and it makes more sense for me to purchase there and choose better foods.
All in all, I'm having better success (so far) at home, since all my cooking stuff is here, and with a little forethought, I can choose better lunches that I might have when I was in the office.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Finishing my break, back to the protocol
I'm going back on protocol again, and (since I use homeopathic) I'll stay on it until I've reached my goal weight. I'm adding protein powder and vitamins this round, as I think I've depleted my nutrient stores pretty badly. I'm also emphasizing drinking more water.
So -- off we go! 35 pounds to go!
So -- off we go! 35 pounds to go!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Surprise!
Yesterday was just generally stressful. My day started at 6am, with a client appointment at 8am. (I am NOT a morning person.) I had an apple at the office, a Diet Coke, lots of water, and then spent the evening with Krista since the man I'm breaking up with was coming to my house to get the scooter he "gave" me - and I didn't want to see him.
I ended up having Wendy's for dinner instead of the dinner I had planned (grilled steak Parmesan with broccoli and a salad). Ick. Fast food is quickly losing its appeal. Then I had a couple of glasses of water before bedtime, while I was reading to the kids.
I was down nearly 2 pounds over yesterday, though - and I'd braced myself for a gain.
Losing weight is always a multi pronged approach. I had a great workout this morning at EXL Fitness. And I followed that up with a delicious breakfast burrito - 2 eggs, cheddar cheese, and salsa wrapped in a flour tortilla. Yum! I'm drinking a ton of water at the office again today, and saving my Diet Coke for a treat or for the caffeine - too much sweet isn't good for you, even without calories.
And I'm looking forward to dinner with my kids tonight! Family dinner will do wonders for me and for the kids.
I ended up having Wendy's for dinner instead of the dinner I had planned (grilled steak Parmesan with broccoli and a salad). Ick. Fast food is quickly losing its appeal. Then I had a couple of glasses of water before bedtime, while I was reading to the kids.
I was down nearly 2 pounds over yesterday, though - and I'd braced myself for a gain.
Losing weight is always a multi pronged approach. I had a great workout this morning at EXL Fitness. And I followed that up with a delicious breakfast burrito - 2 eggs, cheddar cheese, and salsa wrapped in a flour tortilla. Yum! I'm drinking a ton of water at the office again today, and saving my Diet Coke for a treat or for the caffeine - too much sweet isn't good for you, even without calories.
And I'm looking forward to dinner with my kids tonight! Family dinner will do wonders for me and for the kids.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Protein, Muscle, and Women
From talking to a lot of women, I've noticed that women are almost scared of protein. It's like they're afraid of gaining muscle. Guys love protein. Ever notice that a man's favorite restaurant is invariably a steak house? And then women go to a steak house and order -- a salad.
I'm not knocking salad. The ones at Texas Road House are delicious. But don't knock red meat! It's not evil, bad, or fattening.
Ladies, because of our monthly periods, we need extra iron in our diets. The tendency to subsist on chicken and salad makes it more difficult for us to replace that iron. And I don't know about you, but iron pills tend to make me sick to my stomach, my body doesn't absorb it, and they can be hazardous to kids and pets.
Organ meats such as liver (especially liver) are a great source of iron, but it seems like no one eats them any more. I love chicken liver, but by the time I bread and fry it (I'm a Southern gal, everything needs to be fried!) it's pretty fattening. (I also like it tucked into a roasted bird - but it's summer here and I'm not turning on my oven.) Besides, liver is hard to find in the supermarkets these days.
So I go on to one of my favorite diet meals - STEAK and a vegetable. Ribeye by far is my favorite. My iron levels remain good when I eat red meat once or twice a week.
And today's accountability - weight 156.4 goal 125.0.
I'm not knocking salad. The ones at Texas Road House are delicious. But don't knock red meat! It's not evil, bad, or fattening.
Ladies, because of our monthly periods, we need extra iron in our diets. The tendency to subsist on chicken and salad makes it more difficult for us to replace that iron. And I don't know about you, but iron pills tend to make me sick to my stomach, my body doesn't absorb it, and they can be hazardous to kids and pets.
Organ meats such as liver (especially liver) are a great source of iron, but it seems like no one eats them any more. I love chicken liver, but by the time I bread and fry it (I'm a Southern gal, everything needs to be fried!) it's pretty fattening. (I also like it tucked into a roasted bird - but it's summer here and I'm not turning on my oven.) Besides, liver is hard to find in the supermarkets these days.
So I go on to one of my favorite diet meals - STEAK and a vegetable. Ribeye by far is my favorite. My iron levels remain good when I eat red meat once or twice a week.
And today's accountability - weight 156.4 goal 125.0.
Friday, July 16, 2010
You'll Gain it Back!
Shortly after losing my 1st 20 pounds, I talked to a friend and told her what I was doing with HCG. Her response? "You'll gain it back!"
Well, yeah, if I start eating fast food three times a day and gorge on ice cream and Swiss Cake Rolls, I'm sure I will gain it back. Resetting your metabolism doesn't overcome the bad habits we all got into to get into this mess!
However, being on the strict protocol for three weeks helps break the sugar addiction, break the carbs addiction (bread goes right to my hips), and creates new habits. I was just reminded of how much I like oranges. And cucumbers, sliced up with some salt on top. Yum!
It's true, lettuce is never going to be a comfort food for me, but by sticking to the protocol for three weeks (and then following instructions for stabilizing - where I suspect a lot of people have trouble) I am able to find other means of comforting myself besides eating.
I start looking at food as FUEL for my body. Not only that, but on only 500 calories a day, if I'm going to put something in my mouth, it had darn well better be so delicious it's worth every calorie. And I want to savor every bite. So not only do I start looking at food as fuel, I also start appreciating the sensuality of it even more.
(I mention that because I remember times when I would wolf down food and not even taste it. Taking the time to taste your food helps slow down eating.)
Daily accountability - I went to the pool yesterday with my kids, so I didn't post. I'm still worn out. And boot camp this morning did me in! Current weight 158.2 goal weight 125.0. Total loss to date - 6.8 pounds.
Well, yeah, if I start eating fast food three times a day and gorge on ice cream and Swiss Cake Rolls, I'm sure I will gain it back. Resetting your metabolism doesn't overcome the bad habits we all got into to get into this mess!
However, being on the strict protocol for three weeks helps break the sugar addiction, break the carbs addiction (bread goes right to my hips), and creates new habits. I was just reminded of how much I like oranges. And cucumbers, sliced up with some salt on top. Yum!
It's true, lettuce is never going to be a comfort food for me, but by sticking to the protocol for three weeks (and then following instructions for stabilizing - where I suspect a lot of people have trouble) I am able to find other means of comforting myself besides eating.
I start looking at food as FUEL for my body. Not only that, but on only 500 calories a day, if I'm going to put something in my mouth, it had darn well better be so delicious it's worth every calorie. And I want to savor every bite. So not only do I start looking at food as fuel, I also start appreciating the sensuality of it even more.
(I mention that because I remember times when I would wolf down food and not even taste it. Taking the time to taste your food helps slow down eating.)
Daily accountability - I went to the pool yesterday with my kids, so I didn't post. I'm still worn out. And boot camp this morning did me in! Current weight 158.2 goal weight 125.0. Total loss to date - 6.8 pounds.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Exercise on HCG
Pounds and Inches states that little exercise is needed, mostly "strolling" around the block. However, I have worked out (off and on) for years. I don't feel right unless I work out. And, now that I'm over 40, every little bit of calorie expenditure helps.
But 500 calories a day isn't enough for a hard, strenuous workout. Really.
I listen to my body, and scale back if I feel like I need to. It's frustrating in a lot of ways, since I've lifted heavy weight before and the weakness kinda catches me off guard. At the same time, I don't want to get hurt. I do want to maintain muscle and lose fat. HCG helps with that a great deal. Exercise does a lot to help that as well.
So what I personally tell people (for what it's worth), don't BEGIN a workout routine, other than easy walking, while on the protocol.
If you're already working out, CONTINUE your workouts by all means. Be prepared to scale back. Listen to your body. Mine says "Get your butt up and get a wiggle on!"
Oh, and work out with a trainer if you don't have one. You want someone who will push you to, but not beyond, your limits, and will understand that your strength will change while you're on protocol. I recommend Mat the Trainer at EXL Fitness in Orem, UT. He's been putting up with me for months, so he knows what he's in for if your on HCG.
Daily accountability - Weight this morning 160.2 Goal weight 125.0.
But 500 calories a day isn't enough for a hard, strenuous workout. Really.
I listen to my body, and scale back if I feel like I need to. It's frustrating in a lot of ways, since I've lifted heavy weight before and the weakness kinda catches me off guard. At the same time, I don't want to get hurt. I do want to maintain muscle and lose fat. HCG helps with that a great deal. Exercise does a lot to help that as well.
So what I personally tell people (for what it's worth), don't BEGIN a workout routine, other than easy walking, while on the protocol.
If you're already working out, CONTINUE your workouts by all means. Be prepared to scale back. Listen to your body. Mine says "Get your butt up and get a wiggle on!"
Oh, and work out with a trainer if you don't have one. You want someone who will push you to, but not beyond, your limits, and will understand that your strength will change while you're on protocol. I recommend Mat the Trainer at EXL Fitness in Orem, UT. He's been putting up with me for months, so he knows what he's in for if your on HCG.
Daily accountability - Weight this morning 160.2 Goal weight 125.0.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Saving Dinner
I'm preparing to take better care of myself and my family by signing up for Saving Dinner. After all, I still have to take care of younger children (who are NOT on a diet!) and some of her dishes turn out to be HCG friendly. I want to eat good foods when I'm between rounds.
I used Saving Dinner for a couple of years back in '07 and '08, and then I kind of fell off the wagon. They actually email you your shopping list and menus for the week. Then all you have to do is follow instructions. No thinking required. It brought my grocery bill way down, kept me from filling my cart with "convenience" foods, and fooled my dad into thinking I was a great cook and homemaker. (Seriously - she taught me to cook.
So I'm up for another round of her menus. I highly recommend them.
And my accountability for today - weight 162.0, down 3 pounds from yesterday. Goal 125.0.
I used Saving Dinner for a couple of years back in '07 and '08, and then I kind of fell off the wagon. They actually email you your shopping list and menus for the week. Then all you have to do is follow instructions. No thinking required. It brought my grocery bill way down, kept me from filling my cart with "convenience" foods, and fooled my dad into thinking I was a great cook and homemaker. (Seriously - she taught me to cook.
So I'm up for another round of her menus. I highly recommend them.
And my accountability for today - weight 162.0, down 3 pounds from yesterday. Goal 125.0.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Day 1 Very Low Calories (VLCD)
That would be today. It's a relief not to eat so much any more. I'm drinking lots of water and (yes) Diet Coke, although I'm trying to lean more towards the water. Dinner tonight will be salad with grilled chicken breast for me and hamburgers for the kids.
I also went to EXL Fitness for the next phase of boot camp. It felt sooo good to get my body moving after three weeks (!) of inactivity. Our bodies are meant to be moved and used. They're not for holding still. I even made it almost all the way around the building without stopping to walk, and I got my 20 straight-legged situps in (with Mat cheering me on). Thankfully he didn't make us do bear crawls! I hate those (walking on hands and feet with your butt up in the air).
I'm planning on a long walk tonight and tomorrow, and then boot camp again on Wednesday. I'm pretty tied up emotionally - I feel like I'm holding myself together with baling wire and twine, all my emotions in a tight little knot in the pit of my stomach - so maybe the long walk will help.
Today's weight = 165.0, goal = 125.0
I also went to EXL Fitness for the next phase of boot camp. It felt sooo good to get my body moving after three weeks (!) of inactivity. Our bodies are meant to be moved and used. They're not for holding still. I even made it almost all the way around the building without stopping to walk, and I got my 20 straight-legged situps in (with Mat cheering me on). Thankfully he didn't make us do bear crawls! I hate those (walking on hands and feet with your butt up in the air).
I'm planning on a long walk tonight and tomorrow, and then boot camp again on Wednesday. I'm pretty tied up emotionally - I feel like I'm holding myself together with baling wire and twine, all my emotions in a tight little knot in the pit of my stomach - so maybe the long walk will help.
Today's weight = 165.0, goal = 125.0
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Water! Do you drink enough?
Most people don't. In fact, water is one of the most important nutrients we can consume! It's so easy for me to drink copious amounts of Diet Coke and forget all about water.
Our bodies are about 70% water. We can survive for quite some time without food, but only a day or so without water. Water lubricates our joints, keeps our skin soft and youthful, and carries waste products out of our bodies. Like, you know, extra fat.
Some people dislike drinking water because they don't want the "water weight." If you haven't been drinking enough water, some annoying side effects will develop, like the need to pee every few minutes and some water retention or bloat. The great thing, though, is that as your body realizes it's finally getting - and staying - hydrated, those side effects go away.
If you like coffee, tea, or sodas, water becomes more important. Caffeine is a diuretic, so the water you lose to drinking caffeinated drinks must be replaced. If you enjoy alcoholic beverages, you can avoid a hangover by drinking plenty of water with them (as well as after your binge).
So sip on water throughout the day. If you really hate your water plain, float some lemon slices in it.
Your body will thank you.
Our bodies are about 70% water. We can survive for quite some time without food, but only a day or so without water. Water lubricates our joints, keeps our skin soft and youthful, and carries waste products out of our bodies. Like, you know, extra fat.
Some people dislike drinking water because they don't want the "water weight." If you haven't been drinking enough water, some annoying side effects will develop, like the need to pee every few minutes and some water retention or bloat. The great thing, though, is that as your body realizes it's finally getting - and staying - hydrated, those side effects go away.
If you like coffee, tea, or sodas, water becomes more important. Caffeine is a diuretic, so the water you lose to drinking caffeinated drinks must be replaced. If you enjoy alcoholic beverages, you can avoid a hangover by drinking plenty of water with them (as well as after your binge).
So sip on water throughout the day. If you really hate your water plain, float some lemon slices in it.
Your body will thank you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)