Thursday fitness fun fact
Weight-Loss Coach answer:
The best strategy to conquer a craving is to wait it out, because most cravings pass within 20 minutes. They're often psychological, not physiological. So to endure a craving, occupy your mouth with a piece of sugarless gum. A recent study found chewing gum helped reduce participants' hunger and diminished their cravings for sweets.
Caveat: Don't chew gum unless you doc says it's ok....don't want to plug the old hole (stoma)
Why am I always hungry after I swim?
Weight-Loss Coach answers
Blame your body temperature. University of Florida researchers found that people exercising in cold pool water were 44 percent hungrier afterward than those working out in warm water. The authors think this is due to your body's attempt to reheat itself, triggering you to chow down for extra energy. Try taking a brisk 15-minute walk after swimming to increase your body temperature and combat your postswim cravings.
Should I eat more salt if I'm sweating all day in the heat?
Weight-Loss Coach answers
Your sweat rate is as individual as your fingerprints, but try this: Check the collar of a dark shirt after wearing it on a hot day. A white residue means that you're losing excess salt in your sweat. You also lose other important nutrients, such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Sweating all day can dehydrate you, sap your energy, and severely slow your mental motors. Munch on a variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the day to keep up your sodium levels.
If you find yourself craving salty snacks, it's another sign that you're losing sodium. Instead of grabbing chips, satisfy the urge with healthier salt-heavy fare, such as pickles or a glass of tomato juice.
Cycling tip of the day: How much and which tools to carry while biking is a great subject of debate. If you're going to be farther than easy walking distance from your car, at the very least carry what you need to fix a flat tire. Great distances are covered quickly on a bike. This is never more apparent than when a tire goes flat 30 minutes into a ride and it takes two hours to walk back. So why walk? Carry a spare tube, a patch kit, tire levers, and a bike pump attached to your bike frame. Make sure you know how to use them. Many riders also carry a small multiwrench which is an all-in-one bike tool. These are good for tightening loose screws and for adjusting derailleurs and your bike seat, and making minor repairs.
CRAVING:
My craving strategy is two fold. 1. get a glass of water 2. Tell someone about it. I find that if I just mention to somone "in the know" that I'm really craving X, but I'm sure it would make me sick, or feel bad, or w/e it helps. Dialogue really helps me. Now, if it lasts for a few days I usually figure there's something I'm missing nutritionally, like a pregnant woman. I look back and see what I might be missing. If it lasts for many days I tell myself, if you still want it on Saturday (or w/e day a few days off), you can have it. VERY rarely do I end up going that far. I can think of a few times over the past two years, though. Usually for chocolate. I keep some very dark (85% Cocao) on hand and take a small square.
Hunger vs Body Temp:
This made SO much sense to me. Out here in N. California we reach over 100 degrees often, sometimes upwards of 115. Those are my hardest days, and the days following, because I don't eat at ALL. I really have to force food down my gullett, and it's usually just light stuff like yogurt and protein shakes.
One day I had 3 flat tires, used the spare tube on the first flat then patched the other two. Spare tubes are cheap and it's a lot faster to get back on the road by replacing the tube than patching it. I carry two spare tubes on my mountain bike since I have a rack and a trunk bag. Keep on bikin", RockyTop!!
Boner
