Convenience is luxury, but ability is a privilege.
Silicone cups are a personal favorite and go-to for me when it comes to caring for my body. They're super simple to use, easy to pack up and travel with, and honestly a life-saver for me. Read below for everything I know about these bad boys and stay tuned for some tutorial videos via the gram. Follow me here.
Benefits:
Usage: Using cups can be rather simple, considering the below (see 'do not' list).
To use these cups, start off by applying an oil of your choice to the treatment area. Lotion also works, however, oil will allow the cups to slide a bit easier and for longer without having to reapply. Considering you're not allergic to coconut oil, it's a great option. I also love Vitamin E oil, but if you're sticking to a budget, coconut oil will do.
Squeeze or press on the cup to secure it to the skin. This will create a negative pressure required to create a seal. The amount of suction will vary based on how hard you press. Play around with it until it feels right. Once the right pressure is obtained, there are a few things you can do:
Whichever option you decide you go with, use increments of 30-60 seconds and three to five minutes. This shouldn't be painful, though a slight initial discomfort is normal.
Do Not: While a few of these should be obvious, we'll go over them just because. Plus — better safe than sorry, ya dig?
Okay, here goes.
In a nutshell:
*** If you are suffering from chronic disease like congestive heart failure, renal failure or peripheral edema, do not use cupping therapy.
Cleaning & Disinfecting: What I love the most about these cups is that cleaning them out is pretty simple. Whichever you choose, I recommend doing immediately after use so that no buildup occurs.
Tear ducts activated, heart fulfilled.
Let me back it up.
I've just spent the last three minutes reading an essay written by one of my dear yoga students. For those unaware, though I took a big step back from teaching yoga at local or corporate studios, I continued to fulfill my purpose in different places such as Spelman College.
But check it...
In 2017 I wrote down some intentions and goals on a piece of paper. Among them read something along the lines of "teach collegiate." With a deep focus on both sports and mental performance, I knew off rip that I wanted to get into schools, colleges, universities; I wanted to get them as young as possible. My strategy? If I can help plant good seeds before it storms, maybe I can create change.
Some time in 2018 I drove a friend to work. This moment is significant because it was on this random day of the week that I looked up at him and said "I'm going to go collegiate. I'm going to get into schools. That's the goal. I'm going to do it. I'm so close, I can feel it."
Moments later, with him still in the car, I opened an e-mail that had just came through (and no worries, the car was at a full stop). My heart dropped. Tear ducts activated again. My friend's face wore a look of confusion.
"Bruhhhhh," were the only words I could utter before shedding a few thug tears of gratitude.
The e-mail came from the Director of Group Fitness at Spelman College. But also, it was later that same week that I locked in a gig with the Women's Basketball team at Georgia Tech – something many people don't know because I never quite promoted, "instagrammed" it or spoke of it. Things I kept to myself because they meant so damn much.
Pictured below are just a few of my girls at the Wanderlust ATL festival (2019). The organization granted me a few free passes that allowed me to expose these beauties to a new world. It truly was a fucking blast. Excuse the fuck-bomb, but I needed y'all to feel the emphasis on the experience.
A few mornings ago I received a message that literally brought me to my knees.
It read: "good morning kymmi, I hope you're doing well. I miss you and our yoga sessions! I just wanted to let you know that I wrote an essay for a scholarship a few months [ago] about yoga and the lessons it's taught me and I won $10,000." Of course I asked for $35, but that's irrelevant right now.
The message came from one of my Spelman girls or little sisters as I often refer to them. Just today I had the privilege of sitting with the actual essay and it's brought me to tears. With full vulnerability, she speak of a dark place she was in during her initial encounter with the practice. She speaks of patience, peace, and intentions and growth...the journey that is life.
"If only I'd known these things at that age," I find myself thinking.
However, in reading her essay and the lessons I was able to pass forward I'm reminded of my purpose; something I often talk to God about.
Like little sis and many of us reading this, I've walked through valley of the shadow of death. It's a scary trail and without faith and intention, there can be no peace and worst of all no sight of purpose.
I'm humbled and truly consider it a privileged to pass bit of light to the next person, which is why I'm penning these emotions down today. They need to live somewhere other than my head. Today's reminders...
Patience : Above all, be patient with you.
The most important type of patience is that which you have with yourself. The patience of and for Self. It's only after practicing patience with you that you can extend it to others. Do not be fooled by the world's gift of instant gratification. Not all things must come fast. Great things come to those who wait — but rest assured, there's work to be done while you sit tight in the waiting room; inner work.
Peace : To know duality is to know peace.
There is utmost peace in understanding, which can arguably come forth only through experience. Understanding is wisdom and wisdom takes time. It takes failure and falls and wins just alike. There is a sense of clarity that comes with the acceptance of life's happening. Whether its 1st or last place today, the will to be better tomorrow can and will carry us through. Knowing that is peace.
Purpose : Unbeknownst to some, we all share the same purpose and that's to better the world.
Purpose is what wakes us up in the morning and carries us throughout the day. It can be empty for some while the opposing force is at work, but do not be fooled. You got this even when you feel like you don't. Heart up, head down. Faith strong. There is purpose in us all and it will be revealed. Pro Tip: Be diligent in asking it to show itself.
As my time in ATL (for now) comes to a close, with the semester at my beloved Spelman being interrupted by new COVID regulations I think back to the memories I made with these blossoming women and I'm in awe, I truly am. And not only am I grateful to have been a light to them, but so damn blessed to have been fueled and empowered by these blossoming beauties.
For that I thank my Spelman Sisters — always & forever, my little lights.
Patience leads to peace which inevitably leads to purpose so take your time and take it slow. Use each second of the day to pull you through knowing every hour and day and month is allowed to be different.
Slow and steady wins the race...
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Let's talk washing your produce and why it's important.
If you're anything like me, you grew up believing a simple rinse under the sink was enough to cleanse the bacterial heathens up off your fruits and veggies. Wrong.
I'm not sure at what point along my wellness journey I started taking the bathing of my produce more seriously, but I did and now we're here so...consider this your call to action to follow suit.
So first thing's first — WHY.
First thing's first, non-organic produce more than likely has chemicals and pesticides that none of us need to be consuming. And while organic produce may not have these things, they still may contain unwanted bacteria. So, either way, it's important to wash your produce in a vinegar wash to get rid of all these toxins.
Nonetheless, according to the Food and Drug Administration, 48 million people get sick from contaminated food each year. Ain't nobody got time for that. And then of course, there's COVID-19 aka the biggest mass genocide in forever, but I digress. Let's keep talking produce.
Vinegar helps to kill any spores on your produce and can help prevent mold from forming earlier. It'll also help preserve the produce.
Apple cider vinegar, in particular, has various healthful properties, including antimicrobial and antioxidant effects.
So boom.
Note: In the past I've also added baking soda which is effective in cleaning off pesticides, but I've stopped in efforts to keep everything as natural and fresh as possible. However, it's your world.
Generally, you can use 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. And if you're throwing in baking soda, use about 14 grams per liter of water. Lots of math I know, but remember — it ain't that deep.
It's time.
Read closely.
Seems pretty obvious, but let's just make sure we cover all bases here. I use an anti-bacterial soap and sponge to thornily scrub and rinse my sink before anything goes down. Just sayin'.
The sink that is. Fill the sink up with water as so.
And by goods, I mean the vinegar. I prefer apple cider vinegar, but I'm not mad at white vinegar. Your world folks. If you have children, this is a great place to start getting them involved.
The produce, pour up the produce into the sink and get it ready for a swim. Option to gently place or dunk your fruits and veggies in one at a time or collectively. Whatever works. If there's any bruising or damaging on the produce, chop it off and keep it pushing.
I'll admit I feel we should probably all shower after a bath, but on most bath days I just bathe and keep it pushing. But our fruits are not us.
Post-bath, begin removing your produce in whatever order you see fit. With a clean brush or sponge, firmly (enough depending on the produce) scrub your fruits and veggies under cool running water.
Use a clean cloth or paper towel to dry off your produce and further reduce any bacteria that may still be present. Store your stuff as you may and call it a great fucking day. Excuse my French, but I got excited and soon enough you will too...
]]>In my adolescent years though, I did this thing I referred to as "moon hunting," where I'd get in my car and just drive, following the moon to wherever she led me. I took this practice on during full moons; harvest moons more than anything because of their overwhelming brightness.
I never knew why, but I always felt connect to the moon. At some during my younger years I toyed with the idea that one of my ancestors often partnered with the moon to watch over me.
As I bloomed into my adult life, I decided chasing the moon was no longer enough. I wanted to connect with her on a deeper level. I wanted to use her resources. I wanted to shine as bright as she did. And so I did.
Below, I'll share with you a gist of the symbology behind a Full and New Moon. I'll add some questions I like to reflect on, which make for great journaling tools.
Full disclosure; I picked up the practice about two-three years ago during one of my transitions. It was a beautiful moment in time, one of the best and probably the catalyst to where I am now. I’m saddened to say though, that much later, at some point—I don’t know when, I stopped committing to it.
I got so comfortable in receiving everything I had asked for that I stopped doing the very thing that helped me will them—to some extent.
I’ve picked up the practice again over the course of this year and truly believe in its power. Because above it all, moon or not, it’s about the power of awareness and intentionality. The moons are just our accountability partners. <3
I'll start with the Full Moon since it seems to be the most notable and everyone's favorite. Astronomically, this time the moon is on the opposite side of the earth from the sun. And just as the sun's light illuminates the moon, making its beauty fully visible to us, symbolically it illuminates our truths as well.
The Full Moon represents a time of reflection, insight, and celebration. It's a beautiful moment for inner growth as we face anything we've allowed to hide in the shadows.
This is the time to relax, review, acknowledge, and move forward. But most importantly, this is a time to celebrate your own fullness. Understand that mistakes are necessary and more of a lesson than a failure.
Instead of focusing on the negative, focus on the positive and commit to nourishing those moments and things. Allow anything you've been holding onto to come to light. Review and revise it. Gain perspective and accept and there is both light and darkness within us, and that is the beauty of the duality within Self.
And so it's with a heart full of love that I say: "sit your ass down" the next time there's a full moon in the air.
In order to reflect, we must relax. And in order to gain insight, we might acknowledge. If you're truly looking to harness the power that comes with a Full Moon, you must take a moment for yourself—which given this fast pace world, can be difficult. But it's not impossible.
Put your electronics away and set yourself up for success. You can do it!
Truly take some time for yourself. Put your phone and any other electronics away and clear your head. Reflect on this questions without any attachment or judgement or guilt; only gratitude.
Unlike the Full Moon, the New Moon is located directly between the earth and sun, so the side that’s lit by the sun is invisible to us. Symbolically, consider this your clean slate; each and every month.
The New Moon marks a moment of newness. This is one of the best times to set new intentions and goals for the month ahead—or readjust your yearlong goals in order to make sure you meet them.
Take this moment right here to stop putting so much emphasis on a January 1st goal. Repeat: "I will no longer create empty promises and goals for myself. Instead, I will readjust and reinvent myself each and every month with smaller goals that will lead me to my ultimate goal. I will succeed because I know I can succeed and I am committed to utilizing the tools I have on hand to succeed."
Be full of intrigue during this time as you consider the next phase of your journey. Consider no limitations. This is a time to “start over," if you will, and explore the endless possibilities of life.
Each month you are given a blank canvas. So pick up your favorite tools and create greatness. I believe in you!
Start by choosing one realistic goal or change you can create in your life. Write it on paper, or put it on your vision board for both accountability and commitment. You got this.
See below for a calendar of New and Full Moons throughout the rest of 2020. Please note that days may differ (by only a day) depending on location. I keep these noted in my calendar with a reminder to go off at least a day in advance so that I can go cross reference if need be. Be reminded that Full and New Moon energy remains strong for about 3 days. The below dates should note the days of the Moon's strongest energy and fullness in the appropriate cases. Enjoy!
June
July
August
September
October : Has two full moons in a month.
November
December
Some more ammo...
“Who’s with me?” read the tailed of a caption I scrolled through on my Instagram feed.
“I’m in!” I recognized that comment.
“I guess I’m in too.” It was a passive thought, yet somehow I uttered the words to no one.
Here’s the post for context.
I looked at the time. It was 9:59 exact and the 36 hour cleanse was set to begin at midnight and last all through Tuesday noon o’clock.
“I’ve got time,” I thought while, I’ll admit, crushing a bag of Doritos. (Balance guys).
At the moment, I was nowhere near hungry and the thought of giving up food sounded easy. But it wasn’t until I told someone else that it began to feel real.
“I’m on a 36 hour water fast.”
There was no turning back now.
Fuck.
Fine.
And so here’s how it went:
My breakfast usually consists of hot tea or coffee after guzzling water immediately after opening my eyes; occasionally fruit or a chickpea omelette thing that I’m obsessed with. I say this all to say, I felt no pain in just drinking water that morning.
E-mails and calls galore. Someone give me my assistant back.
Hour long waits and bullshit policies. I could feel frustration building—frustration that normally would be subsided with a chickpea omelette thing.
Breath in. Breath out.
“There are people who have it worse right now,” I thought to myself before reciting some of my daily affirmations:
I am blessed.
I am strong.
I am focused.
I got this, I got this, I got this.
I’ll be fine!
And I was. I got through my e-mails and calls without being rude to anyone or having an emotional breakdown.
It’s been tradition to virtually work out with my sisters through this quarantine so that’s what we did. At around 5:15 we gathered around our phones or computers and broke a sweat. I felt good, thought I’ll admit moments prior I was starting to lose my shit all over again. How did I get over it? I guzzled a bottle of water.
The idea of not being able to eat dinner post workout frightened me, but I got through it. So what now?
Remembering my good friend, Bobby’s advice—”just drink water and stretch”—I set up shop on my balcony to move some more, stretch and try to get into a yoga pose I’d seen on the gram earlier that day. Here are some of the final results.
“See it through, don’t stop now,” these were more words from my friend Bobby (also known as @doctorholistic). They echoed in my head as shit got realer. I was hungry guys.. miserable even. Tired and weak. And again too hungry to sleep. So much for my foolproof I’ll just get to bed early plan.
“Just drink water,” I thought to myself as I grabbed another bottle.
The problem here was that now I had to pee like a race horse and so sleep, for now, was out of the question.
Netflix? Nah. Though, I’ll admit, I tried. I just couldn’t focus. Rather, it’s not what I wanted to focus on.
Even in the midst of my privileged turmoil, I felt inspired in a different way; motivated even. Yes I felt physically weak, but mentally tough af. I became hopeful, full of faith, happy.
It wasn’t too long before I passed out after penning some thoughts down, while listening to Jorja Smith and burning Palo Santo.
I woke up to a text that read “3 more hours!” It was from Bobby, and man if you’re reading this THANK YOU. This man has been nothing but a gem in my life. Which brings me to the point of keeping, not only like minds, but kind minds near you. This man has subtly pushed me in ways he probably has no idea he has. Please do check him out if you have the gift of time.
Back to my morning though..
The time is not 11:35 am which means I’ve got less than 30 minutes ‘til I break fast and after much consideration I think I’m gonna enjoy some (a lot of) cuties (mandarins). I thought the morning would be a bit difficult being that I was already on an empty stomach, but in true nature I was good. I can feel the emptiness in my stomach and can probably spot an ab or two if I look hard enough, but that’s not what this is about.
I’m competitive by nature and so being able to say I completed this 36 water fast after saying I was going to was important to me. I’m a woman of my word and while it’s easy to let ourselves down more often than none, I refused. I’m guilty of skippy occasional workouts, eating a carb after vowing to give it up for a week—whatever. Not today Satan. And so while I pen this stuff down as a means to keep myself occupied and inspired, I also write this to let you know that YOU GOT THIS. Whatever it is. Whatever it is you say you want to do, are going to do; whatever you put your mind to—you fucking got this! Pardon my French. But, you get the point.
If you’ve made it this far, I’d like to re-introduce you to your resilience.. And I’ll let you in on a secret. Sometimes, it’s during our weakest moments that our true strength is born. So keep on fighting, but most importantly keep on failing and trying again. Remember that today we are stronger than we were yesterday, not because we lifted a weight or ran six miles, but because we chose to be. So I urge you to make the choice today, tomorrow and the day after that.
I’ve included a few benefits and risks below that come from water fasting. Please consult your healthcare provider or a holistic expert prior to fasting if you have a history of medical conditions or questions.
Autophagy is a process in which old parts of your cells are broken down and recycled.
Several animal studies suggest that autophagy may help protect against diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease. For example, autophagy may prevent damaged parts of your cells from accumulating, which is a risk factor for many cancers. This may help prevent cancer cells from growing .
Research shows that longer, medically supervised water fasts may help people with high blood pressure lower their blood pressure.
In one study, 68 people who had borderline high blood pressure water fasted for nearly 14 days under medical supervision.
At the end of the fast, 82% of people saw their blood pressure fall to healthy levels (120/80 mmHg or less). Additionally, the average drop in blood pressure was 20 mmHg for systolic (the upper value) and 7 mmHg for diastolic (the lower value), which is significant.
Insulin and leptin are important hormones that affect the body's metabolism. Insulin helps the body store nutrients from the bloodstream, while leptin helps the body feel full.
There is some evidence that water fasting may lower the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
In one study, 30 healthy adults followed a water fast for 24 hours. After the fast, they had significantly lower blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides — two risk factors for heart disease
Although a water fast is relatively short, there are a few conditions that may be aggravated by water fasting.
People with the following medical conditions should not water fast without first seeking advice from their healthcare provider:
Gout. Water fasting may increase uric acid production, a risk factor for gout attacks.
Diabetes. Fasting may increase the risk of adverse side effects in type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Eating disorders. There is some evidence that fasting may encourage eating disorders like bulimia, especially in teenagers
I didn't do it to lose weight or for some other narcissistic reason (not that there's anything wrong with occasional narcissism—do I look thin in this photo?). I did it for my sanity. Inside somewhere I felt broken, as hell.. like I wasn't me. So I sought out for some clarity by way of detox.
I feel compelled to mention that I ate, with no regret, three too many Krispy Kreme donuts on the night before my cleanse started. I was trying to go out with a bang. Also, so that if I felt tempted to cave on Day 1, I'd be taunted by all the damn sweets I consumed the night before and feel too guilty to mess up. In hindsight, I realize my logic was terrible but I'm comfortable in knowing everything played out exactly as it should have.
Anyway, here's what happened:
I recorded this as the first day in a long time that I felt like my "normal" self.
I felt anxious, but productive (also something I hadn’t felt in a while).
My thoughts, all of a sudden, seemed clear.
To my surprise, I felt a deep and strong sense of optimism.
Maybe this juice cleanse wasn’t such a bad idea after all…
My thoughts are clear.
Even in the midst of a fresh cycle, no cramps.
My mood is at an all time high, I'm upbeat and energetic.
I FEEL INSPIRED.
I am excited about life again.
Now this is different.
Cramps are minimal, in fact super manageable.
I’m productive and nothing can stop me.
My discipline is at 100% with temptation at a minimum.
Clarity is in the air.
I’m, ironically, fueled all the way up!
I feel light.
This calls for an extra day.
December 31st marked Day 3.5. While bringing in the new year on a light stomach is cool and all, it wasn’t my prerogative and my detox’s purpose, at this point, had been fulfilled. I met up with some friends and indulged in my girl’s Chef Lauren Von Der Pool’s vegan cuisine (@queenofgreen on Instagram btw). We laughed, we played and when the time came, counted down the seconds ‘till the new year. I picked a lighter version of the cleanse back up for the next two days as I eased my way into solid foods again. I felt great and, best of all, renewed, This was everything my spirit had been looking for.
I’ve held that moment to myself for nearly two years. It was one of many deep transformative times for me and maybe that’s why I kept it to myself despite having the overall intent to share it with you all. In hindsight, this was the very moment I realized what a temple my body truly was; and its connection to my mind and spirit. For months prior to the cleanse I felt lost and this was the ultimate pick me up.
Now I’m not saying a cleanse will solve your problems, because doing this sort of thing for the wrong reasons will ultimately produce “wrong results” so to speak. And so I’ll leave y’all with this and close it out until next time—because this was the biggest gem behind my cleanse…
Prior to detoxing I sat down with myself and set an intention; a why. I recited a prayer—probably wrote it down—and just meditated on it for some time. I reflected on the purpose behind this mini journey I was about to partake in. I reflected on the change I wanted to bring forth into my life and focused on all the good that was about to come. I manifested my discipline. I refused to fail, and I succeeded. I came back home (ATL at the time) after almost a month in LA ready to take on the world with my renewed self. I had cultivated a discipline during that month away and especially during those 3-4 detox days. And that was the most significant thing behind it all..
Moral of the story: set your intentions before you do EVERYTHING. It helps.
Drop your favorite cleanses in the comment section below and tell me what are your reasons for cleansing or detoxing. I’ll be doing another one of Doctor Holistic’s month long detoxes pretty soon and tell you guys all about it. I completely my first one back in January 2019 and was very please with the results. Check it out here.
- xo
]]>It was a warm August day and all the things bubbled up inside of me. I'm an anxious person. FYI.
After a much-needed dinner with some close friends — it'd been "forever" since we last seen each other — we decided to reunite again, this time without letting weeks and months pass us by. We set a tentative September date, which was secured about a week or so later.
Anyway..
The plan: drive up to a friend's lake house for the weekend.
The agenda: none.
However, might I mention that with three yoga teachers in a room, the yoga is inevitable and so it goes without saying that mad yoga happened.. like, all the yoga, occasional twerks, and an indoors kumbaya session that almost made me barf, but later gave me all types of epiphanies and shit.
I'm gonna come clean before I continue, because I think it's worth mentioning. I almost didn't go. I almost bailed. Other commitments, life, my anxiety's anxiety and all the things had me caught up. But what matters is that I did go. Praise Jesus. Which reminds me to remind y'all to stick with it — whatever "it" is for you. Like Nike, just doit. Follow through and do what you said you were gonna do.
Moving along.
On September 15th, three of us headed north, real fucking north. So north, I still can't recall the name of the town we were in, nonetheless hardly sure we were even in Georgia anymore. Point is, it was drivable and we got there.. in one piece.
But anyway..
The lake house, located too far from anything to walk, was fucking gorgeous. A dream house, but that's neither here nor there. I was super grateful to be there — not just cause of its beauty, but because of the energy I held so close over the course of my stay there.
If you've never read 'The Celestine Prophecy' by James Redfield, get it now and read it ASAP. Its take on the elements of energy are pretty tight and will make me sound less looney when I talk about aura's and things of that nature.
I say that to say, I was surrounded by pretty amazing energy over the weekend.
Despite the eight rooms in the house (I may or may not be exaggerating), we all slept in one room together, which added to the element of love and closeness over the course of our stay.
During moments of rare silence, my mind wandered. It happened a lot and especially on the car ride back. And unbeknownst to them, I assume, they forced me to break out of my comfort zone.
The question plagued me. It was like I knew, but I didn't. I couldn't process "it" just yet. I just knew it was something amazing. I felt good. I felt refreshed. I felt renewed. Still, I opted out of answering the question.
"I'm still processing," I finally responded.
Three months later, thoughts settled and nostalgia filled... here's what I took away from that weekend.
If it bothers you, mentally or physically, you probably need more of it. I say something along this line a lot in my classes. "Pay attention to the weaker side and make it a point to give it a little more love," and all that good stuff. Well, let me tell you this shit was a rude awakening. Opening up hasn't always been easy for me, even with someone I love or trust. This was hard. I was forced to seek within and pull the answers out. But uncomfortable as it may be, it's 10 times more relieving.
Authenticity is one hell of a drug. Take a moment to reflect upon your surroundings and determine what's real. Ask yourself "Is this genuine?" / "Is this forced?" / "Is this necessary?". You'll know what to do from there.
Your time is your everything. It's the one thing you can't ever get back after it's passed so use it accordingly.
Laughter really is medicine. In conjunction with authenticity's jazz, it's quite the pick me up and after watching a Tiffany Haddish stand-up a few nights ago, I'm reminded of the changes it can encourage.
Those you love and trust are the key to a better you. Feedback goes a longer way when coming from someone you respect and trust. These are the people that can offer a fresh perspective while tremendously aiding in your growth. While positive feedback builds healthy confidence, constructive criticism opens the door for growth and wisdom. Best of all, it opens a space for dialogue and a later check in because it comes from somewhere so "close to home." Pro Growth Tip: Send an e-mail to a group of your closest friends, family and colleague asking them to offer feedback on things like your current business venture, work ethic, etc.
Hit reset. Life's a cycle, like most thing. And there's a strength that comes from starting over or simply being still for a moment. Take some time for you today. Listen to your thoughts, to God, the Universe and your body. What's it saying?
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At age 17 (I’m 29 now), I decided to cut meats and poultry out my diet. What started as a bet soon turned into a lifestyle. It wasn’t long before I started becoming aware of what I was and wasn’t putting into my body. My water intake also increased and before I knew it, water was just about the only thing I drank. Today, I find juices too sweet and soda too fizzy to drink in one shot. I’m the type to water down my orange juice. And I’ve grown picky over the types of water that I drink. Sue me.
I now (try to) average about a gallon of water a day (two in the summer) and may or may not be known as a water nazi among my students. Why? Because water is life. And if you’re wondering, Defiance Fuel is the only water I consume.
But hear me out. The average adult human body is 50-65% water, averaging around 57-60%. Now imagine what could happen if we stood at a steady 30-40% because we just didn’t like water or were too careless to be aware of our water intake.
Long-term dehydration can reduce the joints' shock-absorbing ability, leading to joint pain and nobody’s got time for that. Even the saliva in our mouths has benefits; it helps us digest our food and keeps the mouth, nose, and eyes moist. This prevents friction and damage, but I’ll save more of my fun facts for later.
Working in athletics has really given me a first hand look at the important and impact behind drinking water daily. If it’s not something you already do, especially as an active person, you should probably read the below and get with the program.
FOUR REASONS YOU SHOULD DRINK MORE WATER
Muscle Repair : When we workout, we literally make our muscles strong by first breaking them down in order to rebuild them. In order to do so, the body uses muscle protein synthesis. But this protein synthesis requires that the muscles are hydrated. Otherwise the protein synthesis that rebuilds your muscles will be slow and delayed... and you'll probably be sore from the workout.
Digestion : Proper recovery involves refueling the body post-workout it's important to refuel the body in order to replenish glycogen stores. But food digestion requires the presence of adequate water. So, once again, without water the process is simply delayed. Hydrating properly pre and post-workout aids in the efficiency of the digestive process.
Reduced Fatigue : Dehydration is one of the most common factors of fatigue. When you're dehydrated (which easily happens after 6-8 hours of sleep), your blood volume decreases which means that the heart has to work overtime to pump blood to all parts of your body. Try keeping a bottle or glass or water bedside and guzzle it as soon as you wake up. You'll begin to notice a lack of fatigue. Just like that.
Heart Rate Recovery : Because your heart is a big muscle thats constantly working in order to ensure you get enough oxygen to your cells, it needs all the help it can get. A 2012 study found that the role of hydration in athletic performance had a huge overall impact on recovery. The experiment found that the individuals who hydrated showed significantly faster heart rate recovery following the workout which indicates that their bodies more quickly recovered from the stress of exercise.
Needless to say drinking water also keeps the mouth clean and helps the skin do its job of regulating the body's temperature through sweating. Water is also essential for the proper circulation of nutrients in the body and it serves at the body's transportation system and when we are dehydrated things just can't get around as well.
We need water to eliminate toxic substances, produce digestive enzymes, maintain healthy skin, hair and organs, and to help your body absorb essential vitamins, minerals and natural sugars.
However, if staying hydrated is difficult for you—here are some tips that can help:
Keep a bottle of water with you during the day. To reduce your costs, carry a reusable water bottle and fill it with tap water.
If you don’t like the taste of plain water, try adding a slice of lemon or lime to your drink.
Drink water before, during, and after a workout.
When you’re feeling hungry, drink water. Thirst is often confused with hunger. True hunger will not be satisfied by drinking water. Drinking water may also contribute to a healthy weight-loss plan. Some research suggests that drinking water can help you feel full.
If you have trouble remembering to drink water, drink on a schedule. For example, drink water when you wake up, at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and when you go to bed. Or, drink a small glass of water at the beginning of each hour.
Drink water when you go to a restaurant. It will keep you hydrated, and it’s free.
Recognizing signs of dehydration is important. They include:
Little or no urine.
Urine that is darker than usual.
Dry mouth.
Sleepiness or fatigue.
Extreme thirst.
Headache.
Confusion.
Dizziness or lightheadedness.
No tears when crying.