67/365 Water: Think Thirst First

Friends and Fitness Enthusiasts,

Often when we think we are hungry, we are actually thirsty. Next time you're hungry, think about the last time that you drank something. This is a way of keeping you well hydrated and keeping you from eating when you don't need to.

 Our family didn't have water or beverages at the table before or during dinner. This was to make sure that we got enough to eat. I think it was also to prevent us from claiming hunger before bed after we've brushed our teeth and were in bed. Now that we're older, the mentality has changed a little. My sister Kathleen does this thing called, The Milk Test. If she's finished eating and is deciding whether she's still hungry or not, she stands up and gets a glass of milk. If after she finishes it and is still hungry, she will eat. This is also a way of prolonging your mealtime, allowing your stomach and brain to communicate and tell you that you are satisfied

Listening to your body is very important for living a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, your thirst drive can only do so much to tell you, "Hey! Water me please!" So, think of your thirst first to rehydrate yourself and prevent yourself from eating when you don't really need to.

In health,

Lauren

47/365 Labor Day Pains

Friends and Fitness Enthusiasts,

Labor Day is the last holiday of the year where eating (read gorging) ourselves with hot dogs, hamburgers, coleslaw, potato salad, cookies, etc is somewhat acceptable. This is not okay. I know the temptation to have a bit of everything is very strong but you can fight against it.

Remember your plate ratio. If you stick to that, I imagine that you'll get full from all those juicy fruits and veggies and won't have room for another hot dog.

Only get one helping of dessert. Usually there are several options to choose from. Select only one. Think about what that dessert is and what it tastes like. If you know that cookie is not the best cookie you'll ever have, leave it be. If that piece of cherry pie looks like it was made from canned pie filling, leave it be. You're better off rewarding yourself for being good with an amazing piece of chocolate or fruit later than munching through a mediocre sweet. 

Listen to your body. On holidays and yummy food fests, we tend to ignore our full or satisfied stomach. If you are not actually hungry, please don't eat more. Walk away from the food. Chew gum. Brush your teeth. Ask yourself, am I willing to give up what I want now for what I want most?

If you do find that you ate too many calories, please just kill it at the gym tomorrow. Burn those calories and be kinder to your body tomorrow. Happy Labor Day!

In health,

Lauren