Check out my progress on Habits of Hydration
So a few days ago, in the midst of my morning run, I stopped as I waited for traffic to slow so that I could cross the road. It was a toasty 85 degrees, humid, and about 6 miles into my route. I guess I was looking particularly haggard because soon enough I heard a voice behind me say, “You need some water?” I was a mere mile away from my house, so I declined the kind offer, but when I returned to the home base, you better believe I guzzled about two Siggs’ worth of water. (Ever notice how sweet water tastes when you’re truly thirsty?)
Anyway, this little incident got me thinking about my hydration habits. I typically drink about 4 oz. before heading out on my run, and I re-hydrate with about 24 oz. upon my return. While it would probably be best to have some agua available amidst my exercise, I loathe carrying things while I run—plus, I’m not particularly fond of that sloshing that often results from re-hydrating mid-run. Nonetheless, as an outdoor runner, I know I should be careful about both under-hydration and over-hydration in these dog days of summer.
How do you stay hydrated before, during, and after exercise? How do you change your habits in the summertime?
For helpful tips on staying hydrated check out this clip from NPR.
Much of my water intake is accounted for by my high fruit and vegetable intake. Observe:
When I stopped in at the Pig the other day for bananas, I was delighted to discover a big display of cherries—on sale! I used a handful in my oat bran this morning. Banana-cherry is a delicious combo…I might just have to try it in a smoothie one of these days…
For lunch, I made a simple bean salad with two of my favorite things—shroomies and Goddess dressing.
Then my BFF the UPS man arrived with a particularly fabulous package:
HUMMUS! Thanks to Ray from Wild Garden for all these fabulous samples. I can’t wait to try all seven flavors.
After recovering from my hummus-high, my dad and I headed down to the lake house to meet my mom and sister Katie. The fam was having cheesy chicken enchiladas (a Stouffer’s special), so I followed the Mexican theme and made some fajitas. They tasted surprisingly authentic, despite the fact that I used a cut up veggie burger for the “beef.”
Just as a quick reminder, be sure to enter my cookbook giveaway—contest ends Monday at 8PM!
Filed under: Meals
Caroline Yoder, dietitian-to-be and all-around foodie.
I am terrible at hydration
I get up, don’t drink anything, run 10 miles or so without any water, then I drink a lot when I get back. Haha. I drink a lot before I sleep though. I need to stop that though so I can sleep without having to get up and pee!
I also don’t enjoy drinking too much water before and during my runs. It’s definitely a heavy stomach that kills my workout the most.
Your fajitas look delicious!
I thought I was the only one who noticed how sweet water tastes when your thirsty! And lately I’ve been bringing a waterbottle with me on my run. I hold it in my left hand so my rationale is that I’m “strength-training” that arm (cuz its weaker) haha
I have had trouble with kidney stones, and I now feel the need to sip water all day long. No matter what I am doing.
I don’t run, but when I am out walking/hiking/outlet shopping my Camelbak is with me. It’s a great way to get water in me all the time, yet I forget it’s there. Also good for carrying items, depending on the model you get. That’s my suggestion, and I’m sticking to it.
Whether or not I’m exercising, I’m a hydration fiend. My parents hate going on road trips with me because I’m always having to take pit stops!!
i had cream of wheat for the first time yesterday and thought of you. :]
have agreat weekend!
It’s funny you wrote about this because this morning I was talking to my grandmother about how I need to start drinking more water now that it’s over 115 degrees outside. I’ve been getting headaches and I know it’s because I’m not drinking enough water! Time to put down the diet coke and reach for H2O!
I really think you should try the cherry smoothie! Sounds delicious!! xx
I always drink at least 1 cup of green tea before heading to the gym for hydration and a little extra energy, then I have a big water bottle that I usually go through pretty easily, and once I’m home I have a huge smoothier and more liquids. You can never get enough! Well, you can..but it’s take a looooot.
A camelback might be a good solution for your hydration on the run, I would love to have one of those if I was a real runner!
Bananas and cherries are a good combo, my son requested a smoothie just like that yesterday afternoon for a snack after playing with his friends outside.
However, I just found a combo that I love more than that: peaches and cherries!! Omg, it is soooo good!! I have been blending fresh peaches and cherries in smoothie form (with greek yogurt is pure bliss, but protein powder is good too!) and it is amazingly delicious, the combo is perfect!
I love summer peaches, they are just perfect during the season, juicy and delicious!
I bought some perfect peaches at the farmer’s market the other day and a huge bag of fresh cherries, then I pitted most of them and put them in the freezer. In the morning I blended fresh peaches with frozen cherries and yogurt (plus flax seeds and topped with wheat germ!) and it was one of the best breakfast smoothies I had this summer, I had it three times this week already!
Ana
I hear you! The other day I went out in 98 degree heat PLUS humidity, and I had to take walking breaks because I was so thirsty. I NEVER stop (except for traffic). When I first started running I ran with a bottle, and on my first “long runs” I took a CamelBak. Now I run with nothing, but I think taking a small bottle to sip from would be a wise idea.
I would enter the giveaway, but of course that cookbook is already a member of my collection!
Your dinner tacos are, as usual, innovative and tasty looking