Thu, May-20-04, 09:45
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Registered Member
Posts: 31
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Plan: under development
Stats: 278/???/160
BF:
Progress: 11%
Location: Colorado Springs
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Man can I relate!
When I moved from MD to CO, I had the same problem--plus about 6k feet higher altitude!
I drink about a gallon of water a day--I've got to use britta or some such for the taste, though... I keep it mostly, if not completely, non-carbonated and non-caffeinated, as well. I found a little fresh lemon or lime juice also helps and for a change, you can get lemon, lime and orange oils from a whole foods market--a drop or two in a tall glas of water (preferably chilled for me!) is nice, too.
Oh yeah, that gallon is assuming I'm inside most of the day--if I'm out in the hot sun--exercising or not--I need more.
One thing that's *really* nice about living in a dry climate during hot weather--rather than using an air conditioner (which generally dehumidifies!), you can get an evaporative cooler (aka "swamp cooler") that works by pulling the air through a wet filter-like material (you've got to leave windows open to give the air somewhere to go, btw). This helps filter and humidify the air along with cooling it quite nicely--and it's a heckuvalot cheaper to operate as well (think big fan with a pond fountain pump!). If you're gonna be staying in Texas, check out getting a swamp cooler to keep you comfy during the summer-and use a steam style humidifier in cold weather.
Once you get used to the higher amounts of water, you'll adjust somewhat, but don't stop drinking or you'll feel it! Some symptoms of dehydration include headache, listlessness, trouble sleeping, foggy brain, dry lips/hair/skin, that sunkin look around your eyes, even shortness of breath. If you feel thirsty, you're already dehydrated; keep a water bottle on you (and sip often) at all times.
And if you can get one, a swamp cooler'll be the best thing you've bought in a long time!
Dianne
who's cooler just kicked on and who's headed for another liter of water--this time with a little low-calorie cranberry juice in it...
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