Water

photo courtesy of Fir0002/Flagstaffotos

The stuff the of the Gods. The harbinger of life. Some animals can go for long periods of time without water. Some insects can lie dormant for years. However, no being on this planet can survive and reproduce without liquid of some kind.

When I drink water, I get an "ahhhhhh" sort of feeling. Nothing quenches my thirst quite the same. Why then is it so difficult to make myself choose water over other beverages? Why do I choose food over water (and usually not healthy food either)?

I cannot drink tap water. I do not like the taste, and the chlorine that keeps the bugs out also upsets my stomach. I have issues with the environmental and possible health effects of bottled water, as well, though I will drink bottled water over tap any day. Somewhat more cost and environmentally friendly, I purchased a Brita water pitcher last year. Still, I choose diet soda or tea over water most days. Diet soda is horrible for you, and studies have shown you're actually better off drinking regular soda, if you're going to drink soda. Not that regular soda is good for you. The tea I drink isn't good for me, either. It would be, if I didn't add so much creamer.

The pitcher has been sitting half full for over a month...

I know "they" have decided drinking caffeinated and carbonated beverages still gives you the liquid your body needs. Still, I walk around barely hydrated most days. I know I should drink more water, less (or no) soda, half a gallon to a gallon a day, yada yada yada. 

I've made a lot of healthy changes over the years. My diet is close to vegetarian, with a far more good food choices over bad. I still struggle with the hunger vs. thirst equation though. I know I overeat salty foods because I'm actually thirsty, not hungry. For that matter, I also eat when I'm bored, when I need a break, several times during the day when I'm not really hungry. Eating is a habit, and it's hard to stop and think "do I really need this" before I put something in my mouth. It's hard to overrule the angry, defiant, and self destructive voices that say yes, even when I don't. Being good to myself is hard!

I am working on my first quart of water for the day. I am working on being good to myself.

3 miles walked today, and the knee felt better a mile in than it did at the start. That hamstring tendon does not like to sit!