Today's topic is coconut water, how I became hooked on drinking it daily, and why I believe it's worth the hype. Yesterday I introduced you guys to part one of my new series, Round-Trip Recovery: Reparation & Restoration. Part one was all about the various digestive disorders, ailments, and food allergies I was diagnosed with before embarking on my three month trip to Panama. Part one focused on outlining what life was like dealing with IBS, Celiacs, Gastroparesis, etc. but concludes with how I in a sense managed to heal my digestive system from the inside out and found relief from my wide array of symptoms. Part two of Round-Trip Recovery will go into detail about all the factors that led me to re-discover digestive freedom, but there's one tool in particular that was so valuable in blazing my trail to a happy tummy. Say hello to agua de pipa, or as we call it in the United States, coconut water.
It's Radically Refreshing Post-Workout
Have you ever experienced those unique, post-workout cravings that seem to pounce on you powerfully after power lifting or make your taste buds run crazy after a long run? I was the queen of post-workout cravings. I'd exit the gym feeling strong, sweaty....and in NEED of a giant, sugary smoothie or something equally sweet.
- After drinking coconut water for about two weeks daily, I noticed that I began to crave coconut water after long workouts instead of processed, sweet drinks. Why? Because coconut water has a high concentration of electrolytes; that's why many athletes have begun swapping out their gatorades to sip on something nuttier and more natural.
- Another reason I love to guzzle a glass of coconut water after I exercise is because it helps me avoid getting light headed or frustrated while I clean up and prepare my next meal. My favorite time to exercise is an hour - an hour and a half before lunch or dinner, so I can refuel with a nice, big feast afterwards. Because I'm not big on meal prepping and prefer to eat what sounds good in the moment, I generally have to wait a half hour to an hour after I've exercised to eat and if I've just done a really high intensity workout, chances are I'll be starving by the end.
- Coconut water is a great source of carbohydrates as well as electrolytes so I not only feel refreshed after a workout, but satiated until it's time to chow down
It Lets You Feel Not So Stressed About Being Stressed
- Coconut water does something in the body called alkalizing which basically means breaking down acidic elements that can wreak havoc on your body and cause you to feel lethargic, have heartburn, or even impede your ability to absorb vitamins and minerals.
- When we feel anxious, stressed, or are struggling with a toxic situation, our bodies respond with an elevated acidic pH level, but coconut water keeps that pH level from becoming too acidic
You'll Poop Happy
Take it from someone who knows, you never truly appreciate your digestive system until you're unable to go #2. I spent several months suffering from horrible constipation and it's no walk in the park.
- Coconut water is a diuretic so it facilitates the flow of waste out of your body (and the flow of stress about passing bowel out of your mind!)
- No really, even when you're hungover and having a particularly poor time in the potty...coconut water will clear you right out.
Tell me,
Do you drink coconut water? If so, what brand do you prefer and why?
And thank you to my friend Nicole at Fitfulfocus for hosting such a rad link up :)