Stay Hydrated....

Ok, this was a post that I had not planned on writing, but really feel that it needs to be addressed. We have all been told that we need to drink 8 glasses of water a day to help with our weightloss efforts.  That it will help to remove toxins from our systems, keep us hydrated, etc.  Currently, we have even seen some of the new research that says that we may not really need 8 glasses.  In fact, as I write this, there is a doctor on the radio calling it a myth. Well...let me tell you.....drink your water!!!!  Especially now that the weather is getting warmer and more humid. I'm usually pretty good about drinking my fluids.  My daily goal is 100 ounces and most days I hit that mark.  Some days I exceed and some days I'm real close.  My pink water bottles are my best friends.  They come with me everywhere. Well...yesterday was an exception.  Do not ask me what happened.  I cannot answer that.  The day just got away from me. I only had about 1/2 of my goal, and I paid for it..... Yesterday when I got home from work, I was really tired.  I figured it was from the heat and riding home on the motorcycle wearing a heavy jacket.  I laid down for 30 minutes in preparation of my workout.  I needed a nap SO badly. I got up to get in my workout.  5 miles...here I come - Ya, right!  I felt a little thirsty when I got up, grabbed a Crystal Lite Hydration and off I went.  I started my run.  It was a struggle.  My breathing became labored, my legs felt like bricks, I could not focus, I began sweating alot right away (which means that I was hot) and just...struggled. Just as I was getting to the 1 mile mark, I began to see spots.  OMG!  I'm going to pass out...what the heck is going on here???  I immediately stopped.  I was SO fatigued - I could not believe it.  Could not understand what was happening.  Must be the instant heat. Then, it occurred to me.....I was dehydrated.  I had not had enough fluids and my body was telling me. So, needless to say, I spent the evening drinking fluids.  Still did not hit my mark, but was definately a lot closer. This morning, I woke up feeling thirsty and have a heacdache - signs that I am still dehydrated.  I'm sitting here sucking down my water and plan to have a day of pure water all day to rebalance my system. So...my point to this is the remind everyone....DRINK YOUR WATER!!!!  No excuses! Especially now that we are heading into the warmer weather. Get a waterbottle that you like and make it your best friend.  You have 2 kidneys....use them..... Sparkpeople has some great articles with tips as to how you can get in your water....check them out! http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?i d=1014 http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?i d=605

I have been struggling with my water for a few months now and am just having a difficult time getting it where it needs to be.  I do think the depression issue is contributing because I just don't have the desire to eat or drink really.  And I have been feeing it.  Tired, headaches, feeling hot (which is not normal for me).  Last week I woke up to a nasty leg cramp which I think was caused by the dehydration (all my vits. etc. are good) and am still sufferring from some soreness.  But I believe I will take your suggestion, a new water bottle may be just the thing to lift my spirts some and set some determination.  I know I need to get it back on track, with the hot weather & more time outside I will need it more than ever.  Thanks for the info Jill. 

Good am Jill, Oh yeah! I know about this one. Is why I push SO hard to get my fluids in. We're outside ALL the dang time and I sometimes don't realize why I start to get a little blah feeling until I hit the water bottle and get in some good amount of fluids and I realize I feel better. Its truly important. For example, this coming weekend its going to be EXTREMELY hot. Time to up the fluids intake. We'll be outside A LOT, in the sun, in the pool and we need to stay hydrated and protected. Thanks again for sharing great things!