How much water?

Drinking any amount of water is difficult for me. I know, I know, it is tasteless and can be hot or cold but it is just blah. As I am tracking steps, food, weight, sleep, and water ~ it is very clear I never drink near the recommended amount of 64 ounces. Actually, I was rarely coming close to half that amount although I must admit that on those days I did meet the goal I felt so differently…like hydrated! It seems I have been in constant state of dehydration for most of my adult life, unlike this 'kid' who eagerly drank every drop!

I gave up soda several years ago but I am a huge fan of Sweet Tea despite knowing it is loaded with sugar so I have made the switch to simply Iced Tea. Not a big fan but if I put in some lemon it can be refreshing, if I kid myself. Then along came the concentrated liquid flavorings one can add water, which was amazing and I loved since last summer. A few little squirts were such an easy way to get myself to not only drink water, but to enjoy it. Life was sweet! But alas, it was not meant to last.

Did you know studies show the colorings used in foods such as Red #40, Yellow #5, and Blue #1 are toxic? Why is there Yellow #5 in Honey Mustard Dressing when mustard is already yellow? Do you know what makes Blue #1? I found this article, which states:

"If it has a color with a number next to it, steer clear away, compounds like yellow #5 (tartrazine), red #40, and blue. The #1 (brilliant blue) is derived from coal tars and they have all been shown to cause allergic reactions. Yellow #5 has been persuasively linked to cancer and ADHD. Many artificial colors were banned in Europe after research showed ill effects and consumers protested. However, we still allow them in the U.S. Froot Loops, Lucky Charms, and those weird blue Slurpees at 7-11 may taste good but they are almost the definition of toxic."

That was the starting point for some research with the end result of a concerted effort to eliminate foods artificially colored.

But, how do I ‘enjoy’ drinking water again? Enter pomegranate juice! My cup is 20 ounces and for every 18 ounces of water I add 2 ounces of juice. It gives the water just enough flavors to help me drink it and there seems to be some health benefits. I never count my morning coffee as water intake but my evening herbal tea most definitely counts and the water I drink during/after a workout always leads to reaching the goal. Woo hoo! At least I figured one thing out.

I continue to over eat each day, mostly at night although I am not hungry. That is going to take more work.

But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.
  - Romans 8:25

Practice 5k

Last night, I did a 5k on the treadmill for a baseline. I varied the incline from 1 to 5 and adjusted the speed accordingly. I cannot yet keep up the same pace on the higher incline as I do on those closer to level. Total time was 57:28.

1^st k – 11:44

2^nd k – 11:20

3^rd k – 11:29

4^th k – 11:44

5^th k – 11:11

Actually, I am fairly happy with that result, as I have not walked that far in a long time, at least not that was tracked. Five kilometers is 3.11 miles therefore I did better than 3 mph (or less than a 20 minute mile). Still have 7+ weeks to train. I got this!

Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men.
   - Colossians 3:23

Three and a half years…

…between posts is a long time but it’s Never Too Late For a new beginning! Many things have happened in the years since my lone post so many years ago ~ a lot of traveling mostly. I will document these trips for work and for fun along the way. Life is good actually with the most significant thing happening was the loss of my best bud, Toby, of 11 years on December 19, 2012.

My pal Toby was definitely slowing down in the previous months but my husband and I were either in denial or not astute enough to take note. He was 12 ½ years old ~ the 90-pound Lab who was simply intended to “just be the family dog” but who so quickly became the center of this household ~ when cancer was diagnosed. For a number of reasons, his death had a profound affect me and I still cry missing him. I am blessed beyond belief because I still have both my parents (they are in their late 70s and healthy), my grandparents either passed on before I was born or too young to understand, and with the exception of my dad’s sister (who I had not seen in 25 years) no one very close to me has died ~ until Toby. Toby and I were together years before my husband and I. He is the first dog who selected me to be his “person.” Ours was a wonderful relationship and my love for him ran deep. He is just so beautiful to me!

I have been working for my former employer as a consultant and all my work requires travel all over the country and parts of Canada. While the work is fun and the locations are mostly awesome, I missed my husband and home life. So, mid-November I came in off the road. Now I am looking for employment, in desperate need of a change in my fitness and eating habits, and promised to finish all the “projects” in the garage so the man can have his space back.

In November, I was finally able to get my husband to commit to some changes and agree to join to the local YMCA, took some classes, and semi-committed to exercise.  Then I heard about Fitbit! 

My son, let’s call him “Ted" gave me a Flex for Christmas and I have not looked back! I cannot begin to tell you how much I love this thing and it’s app. Currently, my goal is 7000 steps per day, which a month ago would have intimidated me but not any longer. Last Thursday night, after coming home from the Y and reviewing my steps for the day, I was 85 steps short for the day! Despite the cold, I bundled back up and walked the driveway until I reached the goal! I inspired myself right into my first 5K scheduled for early March! What’s happening with me? Ha!

There is so much more to say about fitness, cooking, overall health, crafts, living intentionally, relationships and plenty of time.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Proverbs 3:5

For my daughter...

I know how much joy your blog gives you so I thought I would try one myself. I certainly need lots of help!