This month I want to help anyone who is looking to make a change start on a biological level. So there is an awesome foundation to grow from. Once you’re body and your mind are feeling strong and healthy there’s no end to what you can do. So it may seem basic but, we’re starting with water. I know we’re calling it Dry January but not having any booze in your system for an entire month is going to make you more hydrated than ever! Yay for irony! Alcoholics or anyone who over imbibes runs the risk of becoming chronically dehydrated. I mean booze at night and then coffee in the morning to help you manage - that’s a recipe for dehydration. No judgment though - been there. I have personally suffered the side effects of dehydration. I may not have recognized it as such at the time but… Headaches, dry skin, crappy complexion, getting dizzy, having cramps, lack of energy, intestinal issues, craving sweets, rapid heart beat, irritability, sunken eyes.. that was me. If you’re here, maybe that’s you. We all know that our bodies can’t function without water and we are all familiar with the 8 glasses a day rule and I stand by that. 8 is great - do that! There are some other ways to stay hydrated though. Foods, duh! Soups and hot tea are choice and seasonally appropriate moves. Soup is a great hydrating meal so long as it isn’t cream or cheese based.. those kind of soups have their place but not here, not today. Tea, well tea is a lot of things. Hydration, ritual, comfort, peace, warmth, complexity, self care.. it gives you a moment when you need a moment. Clearly I love it. There are also foods that have a high water content that you can work into your diet for ultra good results. They change seasonally of course but right now cauliflower, apples, cabbage, citrus fruit and celery are all at their peak and full of water + they come with the added benefit of fiber. Later in the year it shifts to peaches, cucumbers, watermelon, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes and cantaloupe. My point is - there’s always something natural, delicious and hydrating around. Get creative and eat up!
Day 358: Beluga Lentil soup with celery, carrots, tiny red potatoes, many cloves of garlic, sun dried tomatoes, lemon, bay and kale, cooked in my turmeric broth and topped with chives. It’s leftovers. I made it for New Years Day instead of black eyed peas to buck tradition. I chose the beluga lentils because they resemble caviar and that’s a festive thing to eat this time of year that I have sorely missed.