Tag Archives: hydration

10-Day Reboot: Neissa’s Day 1

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Neissa Brown Springmann

by Neissa

 

I love starting my day with hot lemon water in an inspiring coffee cup. img_2649-1About a year ago I began adding a dash of Cayenne pepper for extra cleansing.

Breakfast:  Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Rolled Oats with organic blueberries.  I also made an img_2650an over easy egg for extra protein and fat.


Snack: Yogurt Parfait includes plain coconut yogurt, dry gluten free rolled oats and blueberries. For a very hearty lunch, I will also make myself a yogurt/smoothie bowl and include a half cup of a high protein fruit smoothie with a half img_2653-1cup of coconut yogurt, raspberries and a gluten free rolled oats.

img_2655-1Hydration: Alkaline Water – I recently learned about the benefits of Alkaline Water so I try to drink this giant bottle as often as possible. Personally, I think what’s most important is to stay hydrated, alkaline water or not.

Time outdoors: With my sister, niece and nephew in town, going to the beach is a must. Therefore, we were able to spend several hours at the beach and enjoyed the fresh air, ocean breeze and sunshine!

fullsizerender-229

Aspects of the Reboot I’ve found the most difficult: With every Re-boot that I’ve participated in, the difficulty aspects vary, as they are based upon what’s currently going on in our life. What I haven’t been able to figure out in a while are Epsom salt baths, which I love!!! Sadly, they aren’t on my radar and I inevitably always forget about them. I also struggle with eliminating caffeine. To be honest, my goal is to reduce the amount I drink. The other aspect that I have recently found difficult is technology turnoff. I have gotten in the habit of reading the news on my phone before going to bed. I am so tired at night that it doesn’t seem to keep me awake, however I know that in order to get sound sleep, I need to put-the-phone-down!

Re-boot components I am enjoyed the most:  Surprisingly, I now love body brushing! I do it while I am in my shower (so wet body brushing) and it feels so good to my skin—like an exfoliant! I enjoy focusing on getting good sleep, being intentional with what and how I eat as well as adequate hydration.

Tips & tricks that have helped me: Having large bottles of water or water bottles filled, as well as keeping the cranberry cocktail made at all times.

The most difficult part: My sister and her children are visiting from Cedar Park, TX, so starting the Re-boot has been a bit tricky. I have learned to do my best and when I “mess up,” I don’t beat myself up over it and just continue on. One such example was the stop at In & Out Burger. While everyone else had a hamburger, I had a lettuce wrap burger with no cheese. It was delish!

The parts that I have incorporated into my life: Body brushing, eliminating corn, dairy and gluten, high protein/low carbs, probiotics, lemon water, wheat grass supplements, and adequate hydration.

New findings: I just can’t squeeze an Epsom salt bath in at the last minute. I have to plan ahead and get my kids fed and bathed so as soon as my husband gets home I can hand the kiddos off to him and begin my soaking.

The intention I am focusing on this Re-boot: Hydration

Quality of sleep: Very good

Energy level and mood during the day: So far so good!

Spiritual aspect I’ve enjoyed: I really enjoy slowing down, being more intentional and bullet journaling.

 

Why Water?

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Inspiration from the iGnite Archives

iGniteJuly10Journal_2016_yellow2

Point to Ponder:
Do you drink at least 1/2 your weight in ounces of water each day?

Sha Klatt

by Sha Klatt

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! How many times have we all heard this? We know we should drink at least 1/2 our body weight in ounces of water each day and it’s actually more important than you may think. Recently, I have heard several scary stories related to dehydration. Five people in our community, ranging in ages from 16-60 lost consciousness and some were seriously injured when they fell, leaving them hospitalized and placed on IV’s for several days, ALL because of dehydration.

I have had three less-serious dehydration scares (but non-the-less painful) of my own. In the past several years, I have had more and more headaches. Last year I had three unbelievable migraines that sent me to the emergency room for very expensive headache relief. I tried to figure out what was triggering the migraines. A glass of wine? A margarita? The high altitude of an airplane flight?

Finally, I realized the common thread… all of these activities were dehydrating. After an 8-week experiment, I have become a HYDRATION ADVOCATE! I started paying attention to my water intake, making sure I was actually getting the recommended daily dose, and lo and behold, I haven’t had one headache since! I can have a glass of wine or a margarita and not get a headache, as long as it’s accompanied by a large glass of water. Now, when I feel a headache coming on I start drinking water and POOF, the headache is gone. It’s so simple, yet magical! Plus, I really do feel so much better when I’m properly hydrated.

Staying hydrated is such a tremendously important topic that I am challenging you to pay extra attention to your water (not tea, soda or coffee) consumption, especially in this scorching summer heat. I promise you will be doing your body a huge favor! As a reminder, here are the proven benefits of water and adequate hydration:

  1. Weight loss
  2. Healthy skin
  3. Fights infection
  4. Rids body of toxins
  5. Heart healthy
  6. Reduces joint pain and arthritis
  7. Boosts Energy
  8. Prevent Constipation
  9. Improves Productivity
  10. Helps fight cancer (science is now telling us that cancer cells look for dehydrated cells to live in and spread)

So, let’s start each day with a giant glass of water and don’t forget to drink a LOT of water before, during and after you iGnite. Make sure you get at least the daily recommendation of 1/2 your body weight in ounces, and avoid using the grocery store purchased water bottles, as our landfills are filled with plastic, (which takes 450 to 1000 years to decompose!) and is actually very difficult and costly to recycle. Instead, refill a reusable water bottle with filtered water, and in the event you need a new and fun water bottle to help you drink all of the water, our 32 oz., pba free and wide-mouth water bottles (which means you can actually clean the inside of them!) have arrived! They come in three bright colors: turquoise, purple and clear. If interested, you can check them out and purchase in our online shop, HERE. Cheers to your glass of ice cold water and bottoms up!

We would love to hear how your water drinking is going and how great you feel! Join in the conversation…comment below!

Action Item:
Start each day with a giant glass of water and drink a LOT of water throughout the day as well as before, during and after exercising. Make sure to drink a minimum of half your body weight in ounces of water each day.

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‘Enough is Enough!’

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iGnite - remove the unnecessary

Photo from this summer’s iGnite Escape in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Point to Ponder:
What have you had “enough” of? What are you wasting your time and life on?
What keeps you running on the treadmill to nowhere and is keeping you from living your life, being fully present and feeling great?

by Neissa Brown Springmann

by Neissa Brown Springmann

Recently I ran across a motivating radio show series called “Enough is Enough,” and as I listened, I became more inspired to also declare what I had had enough of in my life.

In last week’s journal I shared my realization that my current purpose/mission changed from what I originally thought it would be at this time. Prior to this, I was running myself ragged and trying to live up to the ridiculous expectations I placed on myself, which led me to declaring that ‘enough was enough!’ of letting my ego be my north star. ‘Enough was enough!’ of giving into the lie that my controlling ways were better than turning everything over to God in prayer. ‘Enough was enough!” of screaming at my kids and not being a present mom because I was stressed out of my mind due to believing that I needed to do more and was not enough unless I was multi-tasking and focused on accomplishing a million things.

So, what have you had “enough” of? What types of things are consuming your time and energy? What keeps you running on a treadmill to nowhere and is keeping you from living your best life, being fully present and feeling great? Because women share similar heartbeats and the human experience is not unique, here are some ‘enoughs’ that instantly came to my mind and might resonate with you too:

Do you struggle with living up to the expectations of others and are too hard on yourself? Are the people you are spending the majority of your time with life-suckers rather than life-givers? Do you live on an emotional roller-coaster because you are too involved in your children’s lives, care too much about the opinions of others, make too many assumptions and take everything personally? Have you neglected your needs and are not getting enough sleep, healthy food, adequate hydration and exercise? Have you busied yourself, are completely stressed-out and therefore your words, interactions and body language are negative, cold and argumentative? Do you no longer attend church or have a day off for faith, family and rest because your children’s extra-curricular activities have taken over or you’ve replaced it with more work? Do you wrestle with control and worry too much? Is your financial situation and spending out of balance? Have you placed a higher value on work and outside commitments and as a result neglected the needs of your spouse or the people you love? Have you bought into the lie that God didn’t create you “enough,” and therefore you have low confidence? Do the destructive emotions of shame, fear and doubt control your life? Do you reject the love of others or can’t trust others because someone didn’t love you back or violated your trust? Do you procrastinate or keep putting off what is necessary and important in your life?

With only a little over two months left in 2015 (EEK!), I want us to be intentional with the way we spend the remainder of our year by declaring and writing down the “enoughs” in our lives on this printable worksheet. By doing this, your spirit will give you valuable knowledge and information about what you are willing to accept in your life. This level of awareness and information will minimize the chances of transferring negative actions and emotional garbage into 2016 and will promote healthy progress by adding what’s necessary, rich and wonderful into your new year and life!

Action Item:
Be intentional with the way you spend the remainder of your year by declaring and writing down the ‘enoughs’ in your life on this printable worksheet.

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Staying Fit in the Summer Heat: Training Tips & Building Your Heat Tolerance

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Tips for Staying Fit in the Summer Heat

by Alli Phillips

by Alli Phillips

With the hot summer months quickly approaching, let’s talk about how we can best beat the heat and continue to enjoy outdoor exercise during those sometimes brutal summer months with a smile on our faces!

Your body acclimates to heat in a number of ways, and by cautiously training in the heat to improve the efficiency of your body’s “cooling system,” you will not only be able to better tolerate high temps and humidity (like we have here in Austin), but you’ll also be able to continue to participate in and enjoy your favorite outdoor activities and exercise classes — and may even be motivated to try some new ones!

Here are some important facts about training in the heat and a few tips for building heat tolerance:

Acclimating to Heat

  • The Body Mechanics: The body acclimates to heat with changes in circulation, increased blood flow to the skin for cooling, increased sweat production, and decreased sweat electrolyte concentration.  As you adapt and acclimate to heat, the body begins sweating earlier in exercise, produces a greater volume of sweat, and produces more dilute sweat (losing fewer electrolytes).
  • How to Safely Acclimate: Gradually increasing the duration of exercise in hot conditions allows the body to safely acclimate. With repeated, but cautious and gradual increases in daily exposure, acclimation occurs within 10-14 days, depending on your initial level of heat tolerance.

Tips for Better Cooling Your Body

  • It is the evaporation of sweat (not sweating itself) that cools the body, so wear wicking fabrics that allow sweat to evaporate and light colors that reflect the sun (dark colors absorb sunlight, and thus, heat).
  • Avoid exercising in the direct sun, but rather seek out green shadey spots and trails (versus heat-absorbing pavement), preferably near water where air movement and breezes aid in the evaporative cooling of sweat.

Hydration 101

Because as you adapt and acclimate to heat the body begins sweating earlier in exercise, produces a greater volume of sweat, and produces more dilute sweat (losing fewer electrolytes), PRE-hydration, hydration DURING, and RE-hydration are crucial!

Therefore, increase your overall water/fluid intake during the 24 hours prior to a bout of exercise in the heat. More specifically:

  • 1-2 hours beforehand, drink 15-20 oz of water
  • 15 minutes beforehand, drink another 8-10 oz
  • During, drink 6-8 oz every 15 minutes
  • Afterward, continue to rehydrate, drinking 15-20 oz within an hour or two

Keep In Mind!

Be aware that although your body can and will acclimate to hot temps, you will not be able to exercise at the same intensity as you do in a “thermo-neutral” environment.

  • With the changes in circulation to aid in cooling, more blood is sent to the skin for evaporation, less blood is available to the working muscles, and therefore the intensity of exercise must be reduced.
  • When you’re running or cycling in the heat, use a “rating of perceived effort” or “feel” to gauge the intensity of exercise, instead of your watch, as your pace/speed will be slower than at the same effort level in moderate/mild conditions. (Runners and cyclists should let go of any pace/time-based goals for the summer months.)

Even after acclimating, exercise in extreme temps always requires extreme caution. The following are symptoms of heat related illness and heat stroke. If you experience any of these, take immediate steps to cool down and seek medical attention.
Symptoms of Heat Stress/Illness:

  • Headache
  • Cold, moist skin
  • Chills
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle cramps
  • Weak or rapid pulse
  • Fast shallow breathing
  • Nausea
  • High body temp (103+)

Adjust Your Route

Finally, when running and/or cycling this summer, plan new routes that start, finish, and/or include stops at pools, splash pads, and natural “watering holes,” to cool off, rehydrate, refuel, and ENJOY AUSTIN!

Here, I’ve put together a few cool spots to cool off here in central Austin:

  • Barton Springs Pool/Spillway
  • Deep Eddy Pool
  • West Enfield Pool
  • Big Stacy Pool
  • Ramsey Pool
  • NorthWest Park Pool
  • Clarksville West Austin Wading Pool
  • Little Stacy Wading Pool
  • Butler Park Splash Pad
  • Pease Park Splash Pad
  • Bailey Park Splash Pad
  • Clarksville Splash Pad

Visit austintexas.gov/pools for pool/splash-pad locations, hours, and more info.

Last, but not Least…

One more suggestion for staying cool this summer while enjoying fitness and fun…don’t just exercise near water — take the plunge and try these activities IN the water:

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The Powerful Healing Effects of Water

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Give it a Try in July IV

Water

Point to Ponder:
When was the last time you spent time in and/or around water?

Action Item:
Set a time and day on your calendar to be in and/or around water in the next week.

by Neissa Brown Springmann

by Neissa Brown Springmann

Unfortunately, I did not grow up in or around water. We didn’t have a public pool, only two people in our rural community of 850 had a pool, and the closest thing we had to a lake was TPNL Lake in Hallsburg, TX (where the infamous Branch Davidian’s lived). I say “the closest thing” because while TPNL did and still does serve as a lake, and many people ski, fish and tube there, we were always forced to wear flip flops in and around it because of the glass content from beer bottles, etc, settled at the bottom. Obviously it wasn’t the nicest of lakes, but as a child we couldn’t have cared less. We were just giddy to be in water!

Aside from a few summers of week-long indoor swim lessons, we didn’t have access to a pool. On rare occasion we’d go to the Waco public pool, which was a BIG DEAL, or we’d venture to Dallas and spend a day at Wet & Wild. One summer we even went to Galveston (my first ocean experience), but overall my exposure to water was extremely limited. So, as a child I always loved being in the water (even if it was running through a sprinkler) but there was a large span of time when I spent zero time in and around it, so naturally fear set in. If you don’t use it you lose it, right?!

Thankfully, as an adult I’ve been able to spend much more time in the water, and I’ve had new, wonderful and even uncomfortable experiences. Not only have I had to re-learn how to swim (thanks to my dear friend Shannon and our awesome swim instructor Sha Klatt, I’m actually a very good swimmer) but I’ve also learned to ski and surf (thanks to our water sports expert Kathleen Parker) and will do just about anything in the water now! Of course during all of these activities I swallowed a ton of water, had plenty of it go up my nose, and felt extremely goofy and uncoordinated, but it was important that being in the water felt natural to me again because when I can relax in it, it becomes a baptism-like and cleansing experience for my whole body and spirit.

I am not suggesting that you make it a goal to learn how to swim, ski and surf, but what I am suggesting is that you make being in and around water a weekly priority, which can easily be accomplished in iGnite! Like anything in nature, water has a magical effect on the body, mind and spirit, and when life feels heavy and daunting, water inevitably does the trick. Just the sight of water seems to wash away all worries, puts life back into perspective and adds the “joy spring” to our step, which is likely why the trail at Lady Bird Lake is used by thousands of people each day.

And, of course there’s the indisputable physiological benefits of water, a.k.a., hydration. To optimally function, our bodies MUST be adequately hydrated, which means drinking a minimum of 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water each day. Do you have achy joints and sore muscles? Drink water. Have dry skin, rashes or acne? Drink water. Struggle with constipation or abdominal bloating? Drink water. Need to boost your metabolism or drop a few pounds? Drink water. Struggle with fatigue or mental fogginess? Drink water.

Don’t like the taste of just plain water? Try our easy water replacement recipes for a tasty alternative. 

I wish I could say the above picture was me diving into the water, but I’m a belly-flopping diver. The picture was taken a few years ago during one of our class adventures at Barton Springs Pool, which consisted of squealing like school girls and then feeling so refreshed and invigorated that we didn’t want to leave. The fifteen minute dip kept us cool for hours, high-spirited and feeling our best!

I’m always amazed at how we (including myself) complicate things. We can search high and low for miracle cures, fountains of youth and sources of health and happiness, when really they’re right outside our doors and fortunately for us, they are plentiful in Austin.

 

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5 Rules to Safely Exercise in Summer Heat

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by Catherine Hearn

by Catherine Hearn

Summer is HOT in Texas, this we know. With average high temperatures for June and July in the mid-90s, we often find ourselves avoiding the outdoors and consequently missing out on the energizing, rejuvenating and relaxing benefits of spending time in nature. This summer, instead of letting the heat dictate your plans for you, enjoy the heat smartly so that you can still enjoy being active and outside. How so? Plan your time outdoors strategically by scheduling outdoor activities as close to sunrise and sunset as possible. For us Austinites, that means around 6:30am and 8:25pm. On the other hand, if you do find yourself exercising outdoors during the heat of the day, here are a few pointers to help keep you safe and as comfortable as possible:

  1. Hydrate! Drink fluids before you feel thirsty, as thirst is not a good indicator of either dehydration or fluid needs.
  2. Allow yourself to acclimatize to exercising in the heat (which can take 10-14 days). Until your body is completely adjusted to the intense heat, reduce the intensity of your exercise.
  3. Dress as lightly as possible and in fabrics that breathe or wick away moisture. The more loose-fitting the better!
  4. Wear sunscreen with a rating of at least 20-30
  5. Always wear a hat if you will be exposed to direct sun rays. The head is a prominent place to gain heat, not just to lose it!

Long story short, don’t dread the Texas summer heat — outsmart it!

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The Tastier Way to Drink Adequate Water

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hydrate

During this time of the year, the cooler weather causes us to not crave as much water as we do in the warmer months. We do, however, usually crave tasty warm drinks such as coffee and coffee mixtures. While they may be temporarily satisfying and give us a quick pick-me-up, they are also dehydrating. So, especially this time of year, we must be sure to hydrate with water! Staying adequately hydrated is one of the best solutions to eliminating mental fog, energy dips and helping with digestion and weight loss. Who doesn’t want that?

So exactly how much water should you drink? Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces of water each day, and more if you exercise. Get bored with plain old water? Here are a couple great alternatives to make it more enjoyable and add additional benefits:

Add Lemon to your Water for a number of healthy benefits

Add a squirt of lemon for not only taste, but also for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, immune-boosting vitamins and minerals, digestive assistance and liver cleansing benefits.

Or, mix up our favorite water substitute “The iGnite Cranberry Cocktail,” found in New York Times Best Seller The Fat Flush Plan. It not only tastes great, but also helps eliminate water retention, cleanses accumulated wastes from the lymphatic system and helps to clean up cellulite.

Mix up the iGnite Cranberry Cocktail
CRANBERRY WATER RECIPE Makes 32 oz.

  • 4 oz Unsweetened 100% Cranberry Juice from Concentrate (found in the juice aisle in most grocery stores)
  • 28 oz Water
  • 1/3 Tsp of liquid Stevia
  • Squirt of lemon for added flavor

Those of us at iGnite swear by this cranberry water — always keep a jug of it in your ‘fridge and you will be amazed at how much more liquid you drink throughout the day.

Try it out & let us know what you think!

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So Simple, Yet Magical!

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I believe that water is the only drink for a wise man. — Henry David Thoreau

Action: Start each day with a giant glass of water and drink a LOT of water throughout the day as well as before, during and after exercising.  Make sure to drink at least the daily recommended 64 oz.

by Sha Klatt

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! How many times have we all heard this? We all know we should drink 6-8, 8 oz. glasses of water each day, and it’s actually more important than you may think. Recently, I have heard several scary stories related to dehydration. Five people in our community, ranging in ages from 16-60 lost consciousness and some were seriously injured when they fell, leaving them hospitalized and placed on IV’s for several days, ALL because of dehydration.

I have had three less-serious dehydration scares of my own. In the past several years, I have had more and more headaches. Last year I had three unbelievable migraines that sent me to the emergency room for very expensive headache relief. I tried to figure out what was triggering the migraines, a glass of wine? A margarita? The high altitude of an airplane flight?

Finally, I realized the common thread… all of these activities were dehydrating.  After an 8-week experiment, I have become a HYDRATION ADVOCATE! I started paying attention to my water intake, making sure I was actually getting the recommended daily dose, and lo and behold, I haven’t had one headache since! I can have a glass of wine or a margarita and not get a headache, as long as it’s accompanied by a large glass of water. Now, when I feel a headache coming on I start drinking water and POOF, the headache is gone. It’s so simple, yet magical! Plus, I really do feel so much better when I’m properly hydrated.

Staying hydrated is such a tremendously important topic that I am challenging you to pay extra attention to your water (not tea, soda or coffee) consumption, especially in this scorching summer heat. I promise you will be doing your body a huge favor! You’ll perform better both physically and mentally, feel awesome and have tremendous energy.

Let’s start each day with a giant glass of water and don’t forget to drink a LOT of water before, during and after you iGnite (or exercise elsewhere). Make sure you get the daily recommended 64 oz. and avoid using the grocery store purchased water bottles, as our landfills are filled with plastic, (which takes 450 to 1000 years to decompose!) and is actually very difficult and costly to recycle. Use and refill a reusable water bottle instead!

Finally, try not to buy into the “celebrity hype” as they promote their favorite water. As clever and funny as some of the advertisements are, such as this weeks video, keep your money in your pocket (think of the money you will save!!) and enjoy the good ‘ole water from your faucet or filter.  AND now is the perfect time to replace lost potassium and electrolytes with watermelon. Deeelish!!

In the spirit of properly hydrating, we also encourage you to join in on the iGnite water fun such as the  Lake Escape, Swimming, and Yoga on the dock (overlooking the water).

Yoga Lake2 

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