Water.  I wish I were a fan.  Then, I wouldn’t be spending an inordinate amount of time wading (not literally) through America’s VERY VAST beverage options.  Going inside the local 7-11 these days makes me dizzy.  I bet there are 10,000 beverage options wedged inside a place not much bigger than P-Wee Herman’s Playhouse.  Random.

One of the things that I need to continue to change related to my new lifestyle is not drinking so many calories.  I did get off Pepsi for the most part, although I’ve slipped here and there due to lack of sleep some nights.  And, because coffee and/or crack aren’t pleasing to my palate—I’ve swigged down a few illegal Pepsi Colas when I’ve had to be peppy/pleasing/pantastic! (new word, people!) mostly related to work.  I’m supposed to be a leader (dag nab it) and a leader does whatever it takes to inspire, including artificial insemination (i.e. drinking more than 20 ounces of soda to implant pep).

Anyway. . .off topic again.

For the most part, I’ve been good.  I switched to the low-cal version of Gatorade (G2) and have forced down a lot more water compared to years past.   But, I am still drinking too many calories and have for almost all of my adult life.  What I’m trying to explore is how to drink smarter.   I have found it helpful to drink some of my fruit and veggie servings.  It makes those nine servings slide down much easier.  You just have to make sure you are measuring servings carefully and are drinking only 100% juice.  For example, I didn’t realize a serving of OJ was only ½ cup.  A big glass of OJ can equal 5-6 servings if you are not careful.  I also tried V8 for the first time in my life and have been pleasantly surprised, although it’s certainly not “pantastic.”  In fact, I like to heat it up a tad in the microwave and sprinkle it with some freshly ground pepper.  But, then I can’t decide if it’s gone from V-8 to tomato soup.  I suppose the benefits are the same, although don’t quote me as the expert on V-8 nutrition (or anything else for that matter – I’m an entertainer!).

I guess the point of today’s blog entry is to drink responsibly.  If it’s not water, it probably adds up.  And, if you are drinking pop—it’s bad for you.  I remember my mother proudly telling me that she was glad I was ONLY drinking pop.  It could be worse.  I could have been drinking booze, smoking pot or doing “stuff” with my boyfriend.  I think looking back, I’d be a lot thinner if I’d been more active in those other types of addictions.  But, we can’t be perfect. . .can we?

So, cheers people! Sip down a bowl of peppered V8 this week in the name of good health or just to be weird—like me.

PS. Gotta love the tanked cat.  Or, not.