Water... I'm swimming in it!

How in the world do you get "enough" water? Is there ever "enough" water consumption?

I feel like all I do lately is either drink water, fill my water glass or get rid of water I've consumed. 

Open Wide!

There are so many varying recommendations as for water intake. Some say 8 x 8 ounce glasses, others say half your body weight in ounces, and then factor in exercise and you need a degree in math to figure it out! 

Let's face it, sometimes it's not always convenient to drink a ton of water. I'll be flying from the West Coast to the Midwest (two flights each way) and I am not thrilled about the idea of spending half the trip in the restroom. But I know flying dehydrates you, and if you're not well hydrated, you can't flush out the bugs from your fellow travelers.

Then, there's the TYPE of water to consider. Spring? Purified? Filtered? What type of filter? Tap? Alkaline? Bottled? Glass or plastic? What about temperature?

I have a glass water jug with a silicone cover and flip top - it holds around 24 ounces. I set a goal to drink one by 9 am, one by noon and one by 3pm. I like the "taste" or rather non-taste, of purified water over spring or tap. I rely heavily on my Brita filter, and prefer my water cold. I've been moderately successful. I get so caught up with work during the day that I just plain don't think about it even though my glass is right in front of my nose.

How much water do you drink? What are your preferences, and how do you remember to get as much as you need?

21 Day Fix: Day 15

Today's the day I officially start my third week on the 21 Day Fix. Two whole weeks are done, and they just flew by. I can't believe I'm becoming one of those people! One that has so much energy and excitement!

Last night's dinner was out of Fixate - the companion cookbook to this program. I've made several things so far, and like all the others, this was a huge hit! I can see myself using this for the rest of my life. I am lucky that my sweet hubby will eat pretty much whatever I make as long as it isn't watermelon or cucumber. Plus, he can fix anything with hot sauce.

It's supposed to be super hot the rest of the week (and muggy too) so I got my workout in before 7 again. We don't have A/C, so fans are definitely my friends. Today was Total Body Cardio Fix and it was a tough one! I do feel like I'm getting stronger, and possibly more coordinated. My arms tire out so fast from holding them up in the air so much, weights or no. I am holding them up/out for longer than the two prior weeks, so that's totally a victory for me. My triceps are really sore today, and I'm not sure why! Yesterday wasn't particularly rough.

I'm getting pretty excited to do an official weigh in and measurement check. I've planned a break for a couple days at the end of this program so I can get my hair straightened and cut again. My hair is outrageously curly, and I just don't have patience to deal with it. I use an amazing Japanese treatment called Yuko Thermal Reconditioning. It leaves my hair super straight, soft and shiny. It's so healthy and easy to deal with! The only problem is that they haven't figured out how to make it grow back in straight. :) After the straightening, I have to leave it alone for a few days. No washing, and no putting it in a hair tie or even behind my ears (that would leave a permanent dent). So I purposefully scheduled my appointment at the end of my three weeks and then I'll start right back up once I can sweat and get my hair wet!

Why Beachbody? Why 21 Day Fix?

 

First of all, I was inspired to change by my Coach, Megan. So far, she has lost 50 pounds with Beachbody! Her success and transformation has been incredible, and inspirational. After a lot of research, I felt 21 Day Fix was right for me.


Basically, I was sick of calculating points, logging foods or cataloging calories, I saw short term success using these methods, but by day 3 or 4, or 7 if I was really on a roll, I'd start cheating and slacking off. Not a good solution for me. Let's be real: I need simple. I just do!


As noted in my Introduction, I've never been able to get nutrition AND exercise going at the same time.With 21 Day Fix, Beachbody ships you a set of containers that honestly, look really small. (They aren't!) Based on your weight, you calculate the number of containers you get for each food category (veggies, fruit, protein, etc.), and you use them during the day. The focus is on clean, whole foods. Wine is even allowed! And chocolate! I have yet to feel hungry at the end of the day after eating all my food. Some days, I can't quite get it all in.

Also, the program comes with workout DVD's (sometimes a bonus DVD too, depending on any current promotions). There are seven different workouts that are only 30 minutes each (THIRTY MINUTES - THAT'S ALL!) - one for each day of the week. All you need is a towel, water, mat & weights (or a resistance band). There are even modifications included for people like me who are just starting. I don't think I've ever worked out seven days in a row in my life, much less 14 days in a row!

I chose to try Beachbody's  Shakeology (in Vegan Chocolate) - it is a "daily dose of dense nutrition" in a superfood protein powder, and it's super yummy! It's not cheap, but it's so worth it. I'll talk about that some more another day.

Because clean eating, controlled portions, and exercise (all together) is such a change for most people fighting their weight, some have some really dramatic results. The paperwork says "Lose up to 15 pounds in 21 days" - I'm not expecting that, but will be thrilled with whatever I do lose! Two weeks in and I'm tightening my belt a notch (and my bra band) and I feel really, really good.

Please, comment below, or message me if you have any questions. I'd love to help you feel as good as I do!