(Venice from the Rialto Bridge, there is a tie in to this post though it isn't obvious at first) ;-)
I have been in the series writing mood lately and decided to
start yet another one. In case you were
wondering having multiple series going gives me flexibility and allows me to
switch things up so I don’t get bored. This new series will be about easing
into a healthy vegan lifestyle. While I
dove into this lifestyle with both feet I know that most people do better
easing into a big change like this. This
series, which I will write once per week on Thursday, will give you suggestions for
the changes to make, and the order in which I suggest making them, with the ultimate
goal of living a healthy whole-food plant-based lifestyle.
This is a topic that I have given a lot of thought to for
obvious reasons. The first step that I
suggest is going to surprise many of you but it is one that I think makes a big
difference fairly quickly. I recommend
that the first change everyone makes is to drink more water. You are shocked right? I bet you were
expecting something much more extreme.
Fooled you! ;-)
The amount of water that we need is dependent on a lot of
factors including body weight, activity level, and diet to name a few. The easiest way to tell if you are drinking
enough water is the color of your urine. Gross I know but that is only way to
know for sure. The next time you urinate
check the toilet. If there is only a touch of a pale yellow color, or an
imperceptible color then you are drinking enough water. However if you see an
obvious yellow color then you are not drinking enough water. There is one other common thing that can
influence the color of your urine and that is B vitamins. If you are taking a B complex you will see an
almost electric yellow color early in the day. However this won’t last all day
so check the color of your urine later in the day to know if you are properly
hydrated.
Why does water make such a big difference?
(A Lionfish at the National Aquarium in Baltimore)
Did you realize that your body needs water to perform most
of its bodily functions? Without
adequate water you body simply cannot function at peak efficiency. Many years
ago I learned from my pharmacist buddy that many headaches are caused by
dehydration. Now when I get a headache
the first thing I do is drink more water and 9 times out of 10 my headache will
go away with no meds required.
Think of it this way. Your body is 60% water and your brain
is 70%. The amount of water in our
bodies is 10 gallons or more depending on size.
Throughout the day we will lose 48 ounces of water through urination,
perspiration and respiration and that is before we exercise. It is easy to see why consuming water
regularly is important right?
(Acgua Fresca Lemon Green Tea with Chia Seeds)
Something else to bear in mind is that you need water to
dissolve those wonderful water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C. Water is also how waste is carried to your
kidneys for elimination. Water also helps to move the solid waste out of your
GI track more easily and quickly. Water
is a component of the blood in your body as well all your cells. Basically we all need water for a multitude
of reasons.
The problem is that most people are chronically dehydrated
and they don’t even know it. However now
you will know because you are going to look the next time you are in the
bathroom. Right?
Did you know that dehydration may also trick you into
thinking you are hungry when really all you need is water? That’s right,
dehydration leads to overeating. If you
want to lose weight drink more water. I
specifically recommend a cup every hour or two.
Another idea is to carry a water bottle with you all the time and sip all
day long. Once you are drinking an
adequate amount of water for you not only will your body function more
effectively but you won’t be misinterpreting dehydration for hunger.
My day:
It has been another one of those days where a few too many
unanticipated things popped up. Isn’t
that always what happens? Luckily I
started this post yesterday or I have no idea how I would have gotten this
written today.
Today was one of those days where I was lucky to get
breakfast and lunch. I was so rushed my
breakfast was salad (romaine, artichokes and hulled hemp seeds) and lunch was
veggie chili that I made yesterday for Dan’s lunch. I also had a grapefruit, seaweed and Brazil
nuts but nothing else other than green and white tea.
This was definitely one of those days where food was fuel
and nothing more. I need to add that to
my file of potential blog posts. For
those of you who also blog I found that keeping an ongoing list of ideas as I
think of them helped me a lot when the time comes to write and I am drawing a blank.
For all the cat owners don’t make the mistake I did and
allow your felines to try roasted seaweed. Remember how I told you that Nicco
(Binky) loves roasted cashews? Well we can now add roasted seaweed to the list
of things he loves. Our little baby woke
up from a nap today when I cut open the seaweed package and demanded to share
my seaweed. If this continues Dan and I
will be going outside to eat our seaweed.
Think carefully before you do what I did and allow your cat to try
seaweed.
Happy thoughts:
- I walked to the grocery store today and stocked up on more kale, collards, grapefruit, cucumber, tomatoes, carrots and bell peppers. As usual I bought too much given that I walked to the store. While what I bought might not sound like a lot it was a volume issue as well as weight because it included: 5 pounds of grapefruit, 5 pounds of carrots, 3 pounds of kale, 2 pounds of collards, 3 cucumbers, 2 pints of tomatoes, and 6 bell peppers. I always forget that things add up fast when I am walking and all the stuff is in one big canvas bag. I do this all the time you would think I would learn but apparently not. Maybe I should take the cats to the store with me since they are brains of this operation. LOL ;-)
- Our weather today was very nice. Today I ran a few errands on foot for my parents and was comfortable in a light jacket and jeans which is amazing this time of year. I enjoy walking to take care of things and like to monitor my activity level and track it. I guess the financial part of me never completely went away since I still like numbers. The current activity monitor that I am using is the Fitbit One. This was one of my Christmas presents and so far I like it. I will write a post about this sometime too.
- Dan has been running a fever the last two days and while he went to work this morning. However at least he had the good sense to come home before 5 so I could take care of him. Why are husband’s blasted stubborn? *rolls eyes* At least Dan didn’t work late like usual so I guess we are making progress. He is resistant to go to the doctor because he doesn’t want a repeat of January 2012 where a mystery fever had him in the hospital for a week. I can’t say that I blame him but I am more cautious and would like to get it checked out. *sigh* Being married is always a compromise isn’t it?
- I did some good work today which always makes me happy. I really enjoy helping people. It is so rewarding when the light bulb goes off for people and they understand what good nutrition can do.
- Early in the day I had a chance to check on my parents and run two errands for them. I am grateful for the time I have to look in on them and that they are still with me since so many of my friends have lost one or both of their parents by now.
- I almost forgot to say that I am grateful that the 2.2 pounds I gained in DC were all gone by Wednesday and they took another 0.4 with them when they left. This is what I mean by not letting these little indiscretions stick around too long. Where most people get in trouble is gaining a pound here and there and not getting it back off right away. This is one of those reasons that I get on the scale every morning.
Today has been another long and stressful day and I am
really tired. Please don’t be surprised
if tomorrow’s post is relatively brief.
I hope your day was terrific and that we get a chance to
chat tomorrow. Ciao for now.
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