Below is the introductory article.
Greetings Neighbors!
In the September 5 Day Pouch Test Bulletin we discussed Protein First, the first of our four WLS rules. As reported, many of us are not getting enough protein. I was pleased to hear from so many of you who were inspired to increase your protein intake and you noticed the results on the bathroom scale. Congratulations to all of you! Even if we do not need to do the 5 Day Pouch Test, we almost always can do a little something different that improves the results we are a getting with our healthy weight management. If you missed last month's bulletin you can check it out here: September 2012 5DPT Bulletin.
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| Does coffee count? |
This month we move to Rule #2 - Drink Lots of Water.
The advice to drink lots of water is universal across the diet
spectrum. Water flushes toxins, including the body fat we shed, improves
circulation, promotes skin health, brain function, kidney function --
the list is long. With all the great benefits that come from drinking
lots of water you'd think it would be easy to get it done. But drinking
lots of water every day can be very challenging. The more we drink, the
more we eliminate (not always convenient). Water is tasteless and can
seem tedious. There are many other better flavored beverages tempting
us. And then there are the liquid restrictions: no water with meals; no
water for 15 to 30 minutes before and after meals. And what actually counts as water?
It is really confusing!
It seems like almost everyone has their own standard for what counts as water and what doesn't. Even from one bariatric center to the next it is difficult to get a consistent answer about how much water we need and what counts as water. Over the years I've come to my own conclusion about what "counts" as water for me. First, water counts. Next, if there are nutrients in the beverage such as Green Tea or a protein drink, I count it toward my fluid intake. One glass of red wine with its health promoting antioxidants counts -- four glasses of red wine do not count. Coffee with protein powder blended in counts; black coffee doesn't (because of the caffeine). I aim for 60 to 80 ounces of water or countable fluid a day. This puts me in the bathroom about every 2 hours and I am able to maintain my weight without frustrating water weight gain or false weight loss.
I imagine that is the real bottom line regarding water intake is answered with this question: What does it take to help us feel our very best? It will be different for each one of us but it certainly helps to learn what is working for others traveling this not-so-easy WLS terrain. I hope you will find some nuggets of helpful information in this month's 5DPT Bulletin. Thanks for joining me!
We are all in this together!
You are more powerful than you think and
You Can Do This!
Kaye
"Keep learning.
Use the 5 Day Pouch Test and beyond to continue your education about
health, nutrition, weight management, and living after weight loss
surgery. Continued education works to keep us informed, trying new
things, and renewed hope that lasting remission from our medical
disorder is achievable. Seek knowledge from reputable publications and
from peers. This process of support and learning becomes a
self-fulfilling prophecy as we benefit from the give-and-take of a
generous spirit. Learn, teach, and share. We are in this together."
~Kaye Bailey - 5DPT Owner's Manual 2nd Edition, p.29
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