I have had the worst time staying hydrated this winter. It’s all my fault, of course. I just don’t drink enough water. I often wake up thirsty and move straight to coffee. I just forget to drink water, and the java quenches my thirst. Coffee and tea DO count toward your daily hydration needs because they still net positive hydration despite the diuretic properties of caffeine. But a glass of water first just feels right.
But lately I’ve started a new habit that is helping me start my day on the best foot: when I get my coffee mug out of the cabinet, I fill it with water (well, 2/3 full) and chug that before brewing my coffee or tea. Putting a glass of water in me first thing makes me feel better, and as a bonus there’s no extra glass to dirty!
Breakfast today was unusual – slices of Irish Soda Bread toast – cooked to a crisp – topped with banana, blackberries and almond butter. I added a Siggi’s on the side for a dose of protein. And I made a mug of Teami tea to keep the hydration going.
I’m pretty sore from soccer today, so I kept my workout to walking only. I was actually supposed to run 9 miles this afternoon. That would definitely lead me down a path of injury right now (my surgery foot is also really stiff) so I’m postponing. Given the weather there’s a slim chance I might not get in 9 before the race in 2 weekends, but I’d be ok with that. I definitely could have squeezed in 2 more miles during my 8 mile run. But I’m gonna try!
Lunch was a salad dressed in this new find from Whole Foods. I couldn’t resist trying it despite the fact that I could probably make it myself. New goal will be to replicate! The lemon + basil flavors are pronounced and delicious!
My salad also had leftover fish, smoked cheese, avocado, lemony hummus from the bakery and a slice of leftover cornbread. And I’m just now realizing I forgot to add the praline pumpkin seeds I had planned on!
We’re having our friends Faith and Tate over for dinner and are making quiche! And tonight: Bachelor finale. Who’s excited!? I’m on team Whitney…
Hillary | Nutrition Nut on the Run says
ahh, tulips! #springlove
KathEats says
: )
Anonymous says
Where can I get your recipes?
KathEats says
I’m not sure what you mean – the recipes tab has them!
Monica Chacha says
I do the same thing to get water in the morning, because I have found that if I don’t start with water, I will drink less all day. Just like you said, I get my coffee mug out, fill it with water, and then after I drink that I move on to coffee. Great tip!
Jeri says
A friend of mine and my pilates instructor told me to drink a cup or 2 of water right when you get out of bed every morning to replenish your body since overnight the liver works to get rid of the toxins while we sleep. Or something about dehydration overnight. Anyway, I am up to about 16-20 ounces every morning when I get out of bed. It helps especially when I go straight to pilates after I brush my teeth and wash my face.
Laura @SheEatsWell says
My salad dressings never taste as good as the Whole Foods ones like that! I am however loving Oh She Glows Caesar dressing…to die for. I like both Whitney and Becca…but the last promo I saw totally threw me off in terms of what happens tonight. I can’t wait, love the mindlessness that is The Bachelor!
Linda @ thefitty says
Are you usually hungrier and eat more on the days you are active compared to no active days? Sometimes, it’s the opposite for me, weird, eh?
KathEats says
I’m definitely hungrier on days when I do a bigger workout, and sometimes the next day.
Randy says
Agree, think Whitney is the best choice for Chris.
heidi kokborg says
Your breakfast looks really good 🙂 What is Irish soda Bread toast? I’m from Denmark and I’ve never heard about it before. It looks really good though 🙂
KathEats says
The Irish Soda bread is from our bakery (it has raisins and is a quick bread made with baking soda) and I just toasted it up!
heidi kokborg says
This is so sad! Then I can’t taste it, and it looks so good! Well, I just have to try and make my own, and when I get to the US again, I’ll have to come buy it from you 🙂
Kaila @healthyhelperblog! says
Two things in this post I NEED to try: Irish soda bread and that pumpkin spice siggis!! Is the irish soda bread similar to cinnamon raisin?
KathEats says
Yes, it has two kinds of raisins!
sam @ grapefruit & granola says
I have the same issue when it comes to hydration in the morning. I drink a thermos full of coffee on my way to work and then don’t feel thirsty until lunch time. I have started filling up a water bottle to keep with me and that sometimes helps with my water intake.
Taca @ A Side Of Dessert says
I never have a problem getting enough water. I’ve even had a roommate in the past comment on how I drink a ridiculous amount of water. But I am trying to help my family member, especially my mom stay on top of her water intake. I’m going to suggest she does what you do..I really like that idea!
alice says
Hi Kath!
Don’t worry about fitting the full 9 miles in before. For my first half marathon, I had a pulled quad muscle and was only able to run 7 before the big day and still managed to run the whole race. Honestly, it’s those little short runs and just taking good care of your body that gets your body ready for the big race. You’ll be fine 🙂
Alice
KathEats says
Thanks for the reassurance! Maybe I can compromise with 6ish?
Livi @ Eat, Pray, Work It Out says
Yessssss, Team Whitney!
Cassie says
The soda bread looks like French toast! 😀
Sarah says
I do the same thing but I squeeze some lemon in my water because “they” say lemon water first thing is good for you.
KathEats says
I wouldn’t doubt it!
Ashley @ Saving Money in your Twenties says
yum that salad dressing looks good! I’ve been on the hunt for a new one 🙂
Rheagan @ Hardly Awesome says
I force myself to drink a full litre of water with my breakfast. Before I know it, the day gets away from me and I am dehydrated by mid morning. It’s a yucky feeling.
KathEats says
A liter!! That’s a ton. Good for you!
Alanna says
That Whole Foods vinaigrette sounds amazing! Also, Irish soda bread is my favorite bread by far and I hope to try Great Harvest’s some day soon 🙂 Good luck with the rest of training!
Nathan @ Designing Through Life says
I always struggle with drinking enough water. One day it is a priority, the next barely a passing thought. Making it part of your morning routine by filling your coffee mug with water before you have coffee is a good trick as I would just ignore the glass of water after my coffee brewed if it was just another glass on the table.
This was my first time visiting your page. I love the dedicated Charlottesville page! I married a UVA alum so now I’ll be using some of your suggestions to break the routine of restaurants we visit every year. Although I won’t miss an opportunity to go to Blenheim!
KathEats says
Hi Nathan! Welcome!
Alex @ True Femme says
I just got my first loaf of ISB today and I am so looking forward to tomorrow’s breakfast!
Cara's Healthy Cravings says
Bachelor!!! Can’t wait…though I have to 🙁 I don’t have cable, so I have to wait until tomorrow to watch.
Kate says
I feel like I would need the extra pressure of a race to run any more than 6 miles. I think the adrenaline will carry you through the rest.
Anna Burrill, Your Health Coach says
First time to your blog! Thank you so much for how real you keep it. Breakfast looks delicious! I am an eggs over toast kinda girl, I too often git the coffee to my lips before the glass of water, and I too suffer from winter dehydration (it would probably be difficult to find people not on that bandwagon). I put your blog on my list of things to check in on- Thanks, again! Happy Sipping!
KathEats says
Thanks for stopping by Anna! Happy sipping to you as well!
Laura says
I have a water bottle at work and I make sure I fill it up and empty it twice before leaving for the day. Sometimes than means chugging half a bottle of water before leaving but it gets it done!
Emily @ Life on Food says
The water before coffee is key. If I don’t I end up forgetting. The mug trick is the way to go.
Tracy says
It’s good to hear of Faith and Tate! Is Faith still blogging?
Amber Campbell says
Have you tried the La Croix Apricot? It’s hard to find (I get it from Target). It says “essenced” as opposed to flavored. It is delicious… it has so much apricot flavor!
KathEats says
I haven’t seen it yet!
Amanda says
Great water tip. I just followed it and filled my coffee mug with water first!