Senso1970's Blog   Thoughts, ramblings, and accountability from sunny Madison, AL

I’ve been getting in a short cardio workout each morning soon after getting up.  These workouts, using the new aerobic step I bought, run just 10 minutes.  Basically I’m getting the engine primed first thing in the morning to run smooth all day.  Between the 10 minutes of exercise and the minimum 3 minutes of cold shower I’m hitting the ground running when it comes to fat burning and ketone utilization.

This morning, however, I woke up feeling sub par.  I got in and got my cold shower and still didn’t seem to get going fully.  When I’m finding it difficult to get started in the morning and I know I got enough sleep my first thought is electrolyte depletion.  This is a real issue in the ketogenic diet because you don’t retain water as well.  And when you don’t retain water well you also tend to drain your electrolyte balance.  So I’ll take an electrolyte supplement to see if that works.  I’ve used Keto Vitals, and it’s really helpful, but for some reason shows as currently unavailable on Amazon right now.  Another good choice, which you can get from Amazon currently, is Nuun Hydration electrolyte tablets. Here is an Amazon Affiliate link for the variety pack, just click on the picture.

The flavors are pretty good, although some do have a slight bitter aftertaste.  But I’d say the aftertaste is worth it for how I feel after I take them.  It really does get me back on track most times.

Unfortunately this morning wasn’t one of those times.  And that’s when you need to make a decision.  I know you get a lot of advice saying “push through it” or “cowboy up” or any other variation on you just keep going anyway even though you’re sick.  Here’s my take on it.  If your car was overheating you wouldn’t go straight for the nearest incline, accelerating all the way.  That’s crazy because you’re likely to damage your engine.  Yet how often do we overlook that mindset when it comes to our own bodies, which I would hope are more valuable to you then your car.  When you are having trouble getting going, and you’ve taken some electrolytes to try and fix it and still can’t get going, take a hint.  I took some DayQuil for my stuffy nose and slight headache and got an extra half hour sleep before heading to work.  Could I have tried the workout anyway?  Sure I could, but why tax your body further when it’s already hurting.  When your body is telling you it needs more rest, treat it like you would your car, and take it easy on your body.  Trying to push through and get to your goal faster could wind up costing you a lot more then the slight delay would.