If you’re new here, check out part one of my healthy habits journey. Week One involved incorporating one salad per day into my diet. Overall, it went well, and I’ve been able to continue this daily habit. I’m pretty late on my update- life has been hectic lately. Here we go!
How it started
Overall, I’m probably dehydrated more than not. To prepare for this week I decided to use my 1/2 gallon water jug. Yes, I’m sure I look like this, but oh well. 😂 This is the jug I use. I like that it’s insulated, has an easy carry handle, and is vacuum-sealed- no leaks!
What I Did
I feel like a cheated a bit this week. We had an extreme heatwave for the first 3 days, so it was easy to get my 1/2 gallon of water, and then some. After a few days, I started getting tired of just plain water. A family member had given me some DripDrop electrolyte packets, so I gave them a try. I really liked the flavors, but wanted something sugar-free. Next I tried Venture Pal sugar-free electrolyte packets. I didn’t like the flavors as much and found it overly sweet. On top of everything else, this made me bloated and gassy. I recently learned that DripDrop has a sugar-free version that I hope to try soon.
What I Noticed
With proper hydration, I was urinating more. This is good for eliminating toxins filtered form your kidneys, and is a vital role for bodily functions. I found using the electrolytes helped me want to drink more frequently, all though I did consume plain water as well. Opinions on using electrolytes outside of sports recreation is mixed. Electrolytes include essential minerals like sodium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, and potassium, among others. These vital substances play a crucial role in regulating nerve and muscle function, maintaining a proper balance of acids and bases, and ensuring the fluid balance within our bodies. However, it’s important to note that imbalances in electrolyte levels can lead to issues. According to Lauren Cadillac, RD, “Excessive consumption of potassium can lead to hyperkalemia, which can lead to nausea, irregular pulse, heart arrhythmia, and can impact liver function.”1
Conclusion
Drinking 1/2 gallon of water is totally doable if you put in the effort. There were times I didn’t want to carry around that huge jug. On these days, I would fill my jug and pour into a glass so I still had a means for tracking. Using electrolytes was helpful and tasty, but use them sparingly. As with week one, being prepared is essential for succeeding in changing any of your daily routines and habits. You can do it!
I’m almost finished with week three. Come back next week to see how it’s going!
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