Remember when I was asking how to get past the Potassium/Electrolyte barrier without drinking the heavily-advertised Gatorades that are strictly prohibited by this diet? I remember it like it was yesterday…
Well, I will have you know that Game Day (Night) was a huge success. We prepped for the game with a healthy true-to-the-diet dinner, which consisted of spinach (yay, potassium!), sun-dried tomatoes (yay, flavor!), and brown rice (yay, substance!). A banana before the game and a natural-sugar, electrolyte-enhanced drink next to plain ol’ water made the perfect recipe for a good workout. The end result? Still hydrated and cramp-free!
There WAS one strange thing that did happen. I had only heard about it, but never noticed it though I was told it happened very early on in my quest called “This Diet”. When I was first told the end of the world had come, and my diet was to be restricted to…who knew what, I didn’t eat much because I didn’t know what to eat. Apparently, at that time, I entered a state of Ketosis. Ke-to-what? That’s right, I said Ketosis. Some of you may know what it is, but I like to think that most of you don't. (Only because it makes me feel better to think that I’m not the only one who didn’t know.) ;-)
So what is this Ketosis thing-a-ma-bob? In very layman’s language, and this is purely only how I understand it, there are ways the body stores and uses energy. First, there is energy derived from carbohydrates. This is easy energy for the body to metabolize, so if there are any carbs (glucose stores) for the body to burn, it will go to those first. Then, there is energy derived from fats. If the body has no carbs to burn, it will turn to the fat stores and use them for energy. I’m not clear on the chemistry behind it (ask the chemist!), but the fact that fat is being metabolized becomes apparent because of the acetone that is lost in the breath and in the urine. Oh yes, your breath will smell vaguely like nail polish. Last night, I couldn’t understand why I was breathing in this air that reminded me a little bit of paint thinner. Well, OF COURSE, replies the knowledgeable chemist. She continued to explain to me that though I most likely had consumed more than 50g of carbs (the imaginary line drawn by those who actually seek this state of Ketosis), I probably burned through what I HAD eaten, and once there was nothing left, my body turned to whatever else I had. Apparently I had fat.
For those of you getting ideas, just know that this is not something you should strive for on a consistent basis. It could be poisonous to your body after prolonged periods of time. There are different schools of thought (as there always is), and some people think it’s healthy to pursue Ketosis. It is heavily debated though, because the danger is that it can cause irreversible cell damage. Don't worry, occasional (and short) bouts with this is not unhealthy...just don’t try to maintain it.
Well! On a lighter note, and as it is almost the weekend, today’s Ideal Island has to be someplace fantastic. It must be fun and completely stress-free. During the early years of my life, my family and I would go to amusement parks. At least once a year, we’d get to go to someplace that was full of laughing and happy screams, roller-coasters, and even some water rides. I became an amusement-parker for life. These last few years I have not been able to find the time to make a trip. I think my all-time favorite is still Six Flags America in Maryland. My favorite ride is still the Superman (go figure!). Do you like amusement parks? If not, think back to that place in your childhood where you had so much fun. Maybe it was in the pool with all of your friends, or maybe it was playing a sport of some kind at the neighborhood park. If you do like amusement parks, think back to your favorite ride. Wherever it is that we all go today, go with me, enjoy the sun shining brightly on your upturned face (or are you hanging upside down at the moment?) and revel in that completely relaxed and oh-so-happy moment.
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