I drink water – a lot. Used to be a soda junkie, but then about 6 years ago I came to the conclusion that the vast amounts I was swilling daily couldn’t possibly be good for me! So, I decided to quit cold turkey and switch to H2O.
That was a mistake and I suffered so, but once I made it past the cold sweats and delirium (I’m kidding), the cravings only lasted a year or two (I’m not kidding). As I’ve aged, I’ve worked on becoming more enlightened and health conscious, although my current body weight would belie that.
I drink other things, too: milk, soy milk, occasionally fruit juice, coffee (probably too much coffee), tea (iced and hot), an occasional margarita; but mostly, water. It’s grown on me. Funny how that works.
I really don’t miss soda. Occasionally, in a social situation, I may break down and have one. But, then they always taste funny to me; too sweet, even the diet ones. So, then I kick myself and say “you Bozo! Why didn’t you just order water and save money, too?”
And, now I can tell when I haven’t had enough water to drink. One time, probably about 8 years ago, we (my husband and I) had driven north to visit family on a holiday weekend. I don’t like drinking in the car because I don’t want to stop for potty breaks and the struggle of finding a clean and decent bathroom. So, I don’t drink much on trips.
When we arrived, the festivities were in full swing and I stepped in to help get the show on the road (sorta speak). Probably about an hour later we sat down to eat.
While the food was being passed around and I was waiting my turn, I suddenly got incredibly sick – a massive headache, extremely nauseous and dizzy. I thought to myself, “What the blazes is wrong with me? I can’t be sick now in front of everyone! It’s a long drive home!” (we weren’t planning on spending the night).
Anyway, I reached for a glass of water, took several sips and immediately felt better. Catching on that I was dehydrated (duh!), I drank the rest of the glass immediately.
Two glasses later, I was my usual self. Lesson learned.
Now I drink water on long road trips and stop at messy, suspect bathrooms along the way (I know, I know – TMI!!!).
Here’s an article on the benefits of drinking water for weight loss: Livestrong – What are the Benefits of Drinking Water for Weight Loss?
Love my beautiful swallow napkins, so had to share a close-up!
Today’s weight: 230. I’ve lost two pounds this month. I now weight less than my husband {grin}! Total pounds lost: 33.
Slow going, but I only have myself to blame. I blame creating and writing recipe posts for our blog for my slow weight loss. But, here’s the good news: I’m eating “normal” food, not “diet” food. My “normal” food is full of variety and whenever possible, I substitute lower fat options.
After all, I’m not really following a “diet”: no counting calories, counting points, tracking of any kind (tracking stuff isn’t for me). No Weight Watchers, Nutrisystem, South Beach, Atkins, etc. for me either …it’s a “lifestyle change”. Learning to make better choices, consciously paying attention to what I put in my mouth, eating smaller portions and not going back for seconds, choosing better “quality” food from available sources.
And, that’s working.
Tip of the Month: drink at least 64 ounces of water a day (8 – eight ounce glasses). I have a large yellow plastic drinking glass that I use every day. When full, it’s 26 ounces. So, I strive to drink at least 2 1/2 glasses of water from this water glass. Using a pre-measured vessel keeps me honest and on-track.
P.S. How many of you know who Bozo is? {grin}
Tootles,
Related Posts:
(other posts in The Incredible Shrinking Woman series)
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