Living the Lifestyle Thursday Dec 12

podkey

We meet here to explore, share, celebrate and (sometimes) agonize over how we do (or don't) incorporate weight loss guidelines into our daily lives. "It's a lifestyle, not a diet" is easily and often said, but sometimes not so simply put into practice.



This is a thread for everyone. If you're new to GoaD, or to weight loss, your questions and comments are always welcome. If you're maintaining, or a long-term loser, your thoughts on the topic may be just what someone else needs to hear. If you're reading this, join in the discussion!



Each weekday, a new topic is offered up for discussion. Thread starters for December are below:



Monday-88Olds(George)

Tuesday-Imastar2(Derrick)

Wednesday-GavinFlynn1(Gavin)

Thursday-Podkey(Bob)

Friday-myallforjc(Bill)

Todays Topic: Wintertime Fluid Intake (follow-up to seasonal LTL issues)
Is it an issue for you?

Bonus question: what is your favorite way to relieve leg muscle cramps?

podkey

OK I did the wonderful dinner cruise on the Willamette River Portland OR to see the Christmas Ships doing their holiday cruising up and down the river last night. I had severe hamstring cramps while sitting at the dinner table watching the decorated watercraft flotilla. OMG Yikes!
At least my DW has learned that I am not having a heart attack when severe muscle cramps happen. OUCH. Likely due at least in part to lack of fluids.

Al_Howard

I drink a lot of fluids (non-alcoholic) everyday, and even more when I'm enjoying by beers. I have found that the cramps are inversely proportional to my fluids. I used to take quinine pills, but the manufacturer got the FDA to limit their dispense for malaria ONLY.

podkey

Yeah I have heard that quinine might help and that there isn't enough quinine in tonic water to do anything. Mixed reviews like a lot of things. For immediate relief sometimes taking a slug of yellow mustard, vinegar, or hot sauce can break some cramp cycles.
When I got home I drank some more water and also took a few teaspoons of blackstrap molasses which is high in potassium. Anecdotally hot sauce followed by some blackstrap may have helped?? I likely don't drink enough fluids daily I suspect.

Jimb376mfp

I need to drink more because cold drinks don’t appeal when I’m cold in the house, good reminder to LTL

I know I’m not drinking enough and need to remember to drink more.

GavinFlynn1

I don’t track my fluids, but since I don’t have any cramps, I assume I’m drinking enough. I do generally think a lot of coffee throughout the day.

gadgetgirlIL

Over the past weekend, I wasn't drinking enough due to all the craziness with moving and purging. I had a lot of leg cramps at night as a result. I do find that the electrolyte capsules that I use on long bike rides are helpful. They are a mixture of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

misterhub

I get plenty of fluids.

I can usually walk off leg cramps.

myallforjcbill

Generally when I get cramps it is from overworking a muscle. Once in awhile a hammy will try to cramp when I move wrong or my foot. I think it is more a conditioning and flexibility issue than a hydration issue.

Al_Howard

To check your hydration, look down when you finish peeing. Dark = not enough fluids.