When I started the Move to Heal project, I wanted to create a space on the site that not only addressed movement, but also addressed how to properly fuel the body. (Therefore- the Fuel to Heal portion of the site was born).
A few years ago I was completely unaware of the connection between my mood, the food I was eating, and its effects on my body. I used to eat in a way that was very unattached.
For example: some days I would eat something sugary in the morning and then drink two coffees on an empty stomach and wonder why I was crashing in the afternoon. This contributed to me being interchangeably tired and irritable.
During this time I was also struggling with extreme anxiety; I sought help from so many specialists and doctors. Every single one of them told me to cut out coffee if I wanted to see a change in my anxiety levels. I finally gave in and did it- and the results were crazy. The anxiety I was feeling on a day to day basis was cut in half (if not more) just by switching from coffee to herbal tea. (I'm not gonna lie, it was the hardest thing EVER but completely worth it).
A lightbulb went on in my head after that- it was the first time I realized the connection between what I ate and how it made me feel. It was my AHA moment.
Stories and experiences like these are the types of things we will continue to explore in the Fuel to Heal portion of the site.
For todays post, I have teamed up with Tamara, Owner of The Fix + Co, to chat about something that is so simple but could have a huge effect on how you feel on a day to day basis: HYDRATION!
Staying hydrated is just as important as the food choices you make because it supports your overall sense of well-being. When you are dehydrated it can affect both your mood and how you feel in your body. For example:
Low energy
Stiff joints
Constipation
Dry skin
While Caffeinated drinks like black tea and coffee are delish (and I'll add alcoholic beverages to this list too), they can be super dehydrating and disrupt your blood-sugar balance (cue- dizziness, lethargy, etc).
While I would never stand on my soapbox and tell anyone to avoid these options (I had a coffee and wine yesterday), I would encourage you to be a little more mindful of what you are drinking on a day to day basis.
I will confess- and this is where Tamara comes in- I am not a fan of drinking water. I'm just not. I have to force myself to drink it most days.
Tamara encourages you to switch up your water game by adding Fruit + Herbs! (I live under a rock, I have never thought of this, other than lemon haha)
At the Fix + Co, they offer something called the "Seasonal Refresher", which is a combo of Watermelon, Lime and Mint.
I have never put a ton of thought into adding fruit to my water, BUT the cool thing about all this is that Watermelon actually has so many added benefits. WHO KNEW.
Here are a few fun facts about Watermelon:
+ Watermelon contains cucurbitacin E, a triterpene anti-inflammatory phytonutrient which is helpful towards cardiovascular health
+Watermelon is an amazing source of Lycopene (a powerful antioxidant). The more your watermelon ripens, the richer the lycopene content as it provides the rich red colour.
+Watermelon is high in antioxidants and high in Vitamin C, making it cell protective and beautifying for the skin. It is also a good source of pantothenic acid, copper, biotin, potassium, vitamin A vitamin B1, vitamin B6, and magnesium.
On my own journey with Mental health I have learned that there are little puzzle pieces that, when pieced together, all contribute to the bigger picture.
In NO WAY am I suggesting that drinking more water will cure anxiety or depression. Moving through both of these things can feel like an uphill battle and healing takes time, effort, patience, and work.
What I am saying is that being mindful of what we eat and drink daily does matter. The little things ARE the big things (at least in my experience). Every little change helps.
For more ideas on staying hydrated in unique and delish ways, check out The Fix online: www.thefixandco.com