Day 9 and doin' fine :)

I met Day 9 with a massive headache... and although I am on the mend I cannot tell if my head aches because I am sick OR from the lack of caffeine, sugar, fat and just plain food going into my body. My body is like WHAT THE HECK is going on... but we like it and it's worth it. I have definitely noticed a decrease in hunger as the day goes by, but I am maintaining my snacks and eating every couple of hours. My portions are waaay smaller than I have ever had before, and it's working out because I'm full a lot sooner. It's actually quite amazing. I'm seriously impressed with myself. It's nice to know I don't have to starve myself to lose weight. And I can even eat most of the things I want, I just have to watch how much of it I eat. I haven't stepped on the scale... although it's really hard because I REALLY really want to. I guess that may be the worst part of losing weight... wanting it to happen a lot faster than it does. I mean everyone wants to see results, right?! My hardest time of day is NOW... when Clint is resting before work and Renn is down for the night and it's just me... my blog... my shows... whatever I want - it's my "me" time. It's super awesome to have, but for some reason this time makes me just want to snack. There is no real reason for it, I'm not even hungry.... maybe my body is just on a 2-3 hour snacking schedule and this is about 2 hours after I ate my dinner. A friend of mine shared that she just goes to the Victoria Secret website and looks around when she wants to snack at night and that works for her. I'll have to find something that works for me.

So my "health-related" tip for today is about drinking your 8 glasses of water... sometimes it can be pretty difficult and sometimes you might feel like you are drowning, personally, I feel bad for all the potty breaks I have to take. Regardless of all that, it's totally worth it. Do you even know why you are suppose to drink that much water?? Or do you think it's just healthy? Well, I'm here to tell you that it's more than JUST healthy. Here's the "why":
- Your endocrine glad function improves.
- Fluid retention is alleviated as stored water is lost.
- More fat is used a fuel because the liver is is free to metabolize stored fat.
- There is a loss of hunger almost overnight.

Here is a special little tidbit for all my overweight friends (and of course myself) ... did you know that you need an EXTRA glass of water for every 25 pounds you are overweight?!?!?! WHAT!?!? Oh yes...

So you need to re-think your water intake strategy? Well here are a few nifty ways to get that water in your belly:
- Use a straw, you take bigger gulps and you'll drink much more.
- Freeze little bits of peeled limes, lemons and oranges, it's refreshing and you can get in your fruits!
- Make yourself drink so many glasses before you allow yourself a diet soda.
- Drink water while you get ready in the morning and set a goal - try to drink 2-3 glasses before you leave for work.
- Always have your refillable water bottle handy and drink at down times, like in the car, while waiting in line, while watching TV, etc.
- When you have a junk food craving down a glass of water, it will fill you up and help the craving fade away.
- Sip water throughout meals and with snacks, it will help you eat less.

I hope that helps you guys as much as it's helping me! Like I said, it can be really hard but it's definitely worth it. I know I'll do whatever it takes not to add any excess flab to my belly, stored water no thank you!

PS- Thank you guys so much for your helpful tips and tricks on Day 8. As for the WINNER of the giveaway " Supermarket Survival Guide: Eat This, Not That" I put all the commenter's names in a hat and drew one... the AMAZING and BEAUTIFUL winner is: Renee Swanson! I hope you can get some great info out of this book - I know I definitely have. FB me your mailing address and I will get the book to you :)