Now that Ragnar is over and I am back on my normal schedule . . . . Let's talk about Caffeine and how it affects your Hydration. During my Bikini Challenge there are 2 things that I tell everyone you MUST refrain from. #1: Alcohol and #2: Caffeine.
I don't know about you but I am always on the brink of being dehydrated. I spend a lot of time outside in the elements which dehydrates the skin, hair, nails etc. Not to mention, I drink coffee and the caffeine dehydrates from the inside by pulling the water from the muscles. Keep in mind, our body is 80% water. So you can see the dilemma . . . . . therefore I try to increase my water consumption in hopes of counteracting the negative.
On the Bikini Diet you are eating way more fibrous veggies than maybe you normally would which means you are frequenting the bathroom. We lose water through urination and . . . . well, you get the idea. So now you add caffeine, which can act as a diuretic, you end up losing more fluid than you are taking in. Now you've got constipation, muscle fatigue, maybe even dizziness aka: dehydration!
Look . . . I LOVE my morning coffee. It warms me up after teaching early morning classes BUT knowing the effects when I am training for a big race (like Ragnar), I take it out of my daily routine. I deleted caffeine for 3 weeks before Ragnar and I totally felt the difference on my long training runs AND during the race. I didn't need any pre-workouts to help me get through it. I literally drank coconut water after every leg and water the rest of the time.
Now I did have a wonderful coffee drink after my first leg, but that was my REWARD after a long, grueling run and 3 weeks without it. Otherwise I am still boycotting it.
If you are experiencing fatigue, dizziness, constipation, muscle cramps, or yellow urine you too could be on the brink of dehydration. Call me and I'll help you get it under control.
In Health!
Cathy