Today’s weight: 261.8, down 1.4 pounds since last Monday
Yes, in fact, this blog is exactly what you think it’s about. Elimination, or, as my children might say, going potty.
A crucial element of weight loss is found in going to the bathroom. We carry around a lot of waste in our bowels, and if we can’t properly move it through, it becomes part of the baggage. When this is the case, our bowels become distended and uncomfortable, and they cause our stomachs to pooch out (most unattractively) in front.
In addition, as you start your weight loss program and your body begins to release toxins and extra fats, they need a way to come out. If your intestines aren’t clear enough to allow that release, you could continue to hold on to some of those things you’ve been trying so hard to get rid of.
It’s pretty weird to discuss one’s bathroom habits online, but I will admit that I know all this from personal experience. I was born with weak intestines and have struggled with them in some form or another throughout my life, and have learned some tricks and tools for keeping them as healthy as possible, which I’ll share with you now. I want to preface this, however, with the statement that I’m not encouraging you to start a regime of laxatives for weight loss or purging. That’s an unhealthy practice that will cause you a lot of medical problems in the long run.
1. Increase your water intake. Even if you feel you’re already drinking enough, if you’re having trouble eliminating, drink some more. Your stomach will tell you if you’ve had too much, but you’ve got a lot of leeway there.
2. Eat more fruit. Some people say that fruit constipates them, but that tends to happen most when certain fruits are combined. For instance, an apple and a banana together have a constipating effect. Eat your fruits singly, being careful not to eat them with a meat, and you’ll find benefits.
3. Increase your fiber intake. You don’t have to drink glasses of that yucky orange stuff to get your fiber – think about a nice bean burrito, with some salsa on the side. Chock full of fiber and you won’t have a hard time swallowing it. Nearly all fruits and vegetables contain fiber – take your pick.
Your stools should be nice and soft, coming out with very little effort on your part. You should have a nice bowel movement at least once a day, or smaller ones throughout the day. They shouldn’t be accompanied by cramping or straining. You’ll be able to adjust your own nutritional intake to create the kind of bathroom experience that works best for you. Keep in mind – clean intestines are healthy intestines. You will be able to lose weight more efficiently when those toxins have a way to leave your body, and in addition, medical experts say that the cleaner the intestines, the lower your odds of getting colon cancer.
I, for one, have noticed that my stomach doesn’t pooch out so much in front, which is always a good thing.
Tristi Pinkston is a full-time blogger in Media Reviews and LDS. Click here to read more of her blogs.
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