This nifty trick can tell you instantly if you are dehydrated

Dehydration is no joke. This 10-second trick can keep your hydration in check. Plus another great recipe and so much more.

This week’s adventure started the moment I got out of my car. For those of you who are new to my newsletter (welcome), we have been parked in Nevada City California, since April just chilling among the pines and redwood trees. 

The grounds is all wood chips. I saw something green move from the corner of my eye. I turned and thought, what the heck is that?  Oh my goodness, it’s a Praying Mantis. I haven’t seen one of these since I was a kid. We used to play in a creek and used to collect walking stick insects and these little guys, displaying them proudly on our fingers as if they were pets.

This little guy must have known he was suddenly the star of the show. He hung around for me to take a million pictures and a couple of videos. I swear as he got more comfortable in front of the camera, he was striking a pose. When it was all over he slowly meander off looking back over his shoulder as if to say, thanks for the moment. 

I am a big sci-fi fan and I never realized how much the Praying Mantis looks like the numerous alien movies I have seen. Which, of course, left me wondering if as a kid, the creators also had Praying Mantis hanging out with them. How about you? Did remember seeing these as a kid? If so, what part of the world? I am still wondering if maybe these guys are really from a distant planet. 

Let’s play a game

I am going to share something new in my newsletter that I hope helps you to get to know me better, plus adds a fun conversation.  I will share a “true or false” or “which one is true about me.” In the comments, I would love if you would play along and take a guess. 

If you play along and comment on which one you think is true, give me three things about you, and let me pick which one I think is right. And for others, take the time to go through and see if you can guess others. Here we  go; 

Which one is the truth about me and why?

1. I am a marmalade fan

2. I love thrifting

3. I am really good at sports

Let me know your answer in the comments and why you chose that answer. I will be looking for your 3 as well.  I will let you know the answer in next week’s newsletter. Thank you for playing along.

Thank You!

Thank you for all the replies to last week’s email. I had no idea so many of you are actually reading my newsletter. I have made a list of the questions I received and will get those answered in an upcoming newsletter. If you have a burning question, please go ahead and email me or leave a comment below and I will get it answered as well in an upcoming newsletter.

Baby, it’s hot! Are you suffering from dehydration? 

We are almost through August and the temperatures have not been kind this year. Because we can not run our air conditioner we have been drinking a ton of water. 

I actually like my water at room temperature however, I have found a whole new appreciation for ice-cold water this summer. 

I thought I would write an in-depth blog on dehydration which I did on my website. You can read it here.  https://www.healthygutadvisor.com/blog/whatcausesdehydrationandwhattodoaboutit

I first learned of the perils of dehydration when I used to suffer from Crohn’s disease. I had no idea diarrhea could lead to dehydration. It makes me wonder how many times I could have avoided going to the hospital if I knew to drink water and electrolytes. Why did the doctors not let me in on this secret? 

There is an excellent book called Your Bodies Many Cries for Water or You are not sick, You are thirsty by F. Batmanghelidj and M.D that changed my life when I was in nutrition school. 

Not only can a 2% drop in fluids cause fuzzy short-term memory but also lead to high cholesterol. I wonder how many people would not need statins if they just drank water.

The blog is lengthy but so worth the read, I share a simple little tip on how you can use the back of your hand to test if you are dehydrated.  

If you take medications, have a poor diet, or drink coffee, soda, or alcohol, you need to learn why this is not a great idea and what you can do to avoid becoming dehydrated. Seriously, wait until you see what soda does and what your body has to go through in order to rebalance.

Of course I also share with you the best electrolyte mixtures to help alleviate dehydration. In fact, this summer I was waking up with headaches and nausea even thought I was drinking tons of water. 

I added in an electrolyte mix and the headaches, the yucky slightly nauseated, fuzzy head mornings are thing of the past including my leg cramps. You must check it out. 

With the long weekend coming up we will be spending it with friends and family. That means summer sun, heat, and alcohol, am I right? The perfect combination for dehydration and the nasty side effects. I have a nifty trick with step-by-step instructions on how you can avoid the hangover the day before it happens. Don’t worry, you still get to drink your libations! I also share the best water to drink, and the best water bottles to have, and finish it up with a recipe for Solé water.

What is Solé? 

Solé, pronounced “solay”, involves dissolving salt crystals in high-quality water creating a concentrated salty solution containing 84 ionic minerals to help balance and restore mineral imbalances. This is a really inexpensive and the most natural way to get your minerals and electrolytes. 

I started this a month ago and have noticed marked improvements in my energy levels. We are a saline solution mixture of salt and water. Makes sense once you think about it. And it is incredible that over 70% of the population has at least 2 mineral deficiencies. 

I share the best way and easiest recipe on how to start your own Solé. You do not need to know how to cook, it involves water and salt. Anyone can do it.  But, of course, if you want to use packaged electrolytes I share the top 3 companies that I have used. I carry electrolytes with me especially if I am hiking or on a lengthy car trip. 

Are you Upside yet? 

Just like you, your vehicle get’s thirsty too! 

If you haven’t signed up for your fuel break yet, here is another chance especially since you know it’s going to go up because of Labour Day. 

Upside is a free app that gives you cash back on gas, groceries, and restaurants. All you have to do is open the app, add my code  👉 QBCBW 👈 and get .15¢/gallon off your first purchase. 

I have been using this company for 5 years now and the savings are worth it. Right now I have made $95.80 standing there pumping gas over the last couple of months. 

When I hit $100 I cash out with the numerous E-gift cards. I usually get Starbucks cards and use them to buy strangers coffee. Yes, I am one of those people that buys people’s orders in line as well as anyone I see in a uniform. Call me quirky! Makes me feel good. 

It is super easy, download the app, use my code, 👉 QBCBW 👈 get .15¢/gallon saving bonus, pick a gas station and start pumping. You can also save inside the gas station store, grocery stores, and restaurants. 

For three years I have been traveling around the country and even in the smallest town (which happens to be Wheatland Colorado) there was a gas station offering Upside savings. So, no excuses put the money back in your pocket. 

Strawberry shortcake Waffle style

Last week I shared the fluffier waffle version of strawberry shortcake. This week, as promised is the other recipe. 

If you can think of a good name to call these, please comment with some ideas. The same goes for last week’s fluffy waffles-short cake. 

I will be honest, when I first tried just the waffle I thought “meh”. Then I combined it with real whipping cream and strawberries and my “meh” turned to oh ya, yes, yes, yes!

These waffles are thick and not typical for strawberry shortcake however, it creates a whole new level of yumminess. the chunky-type biscuit is actually perfect for shortcakes. If anything it is almost a southern twist. The slightly sweet waffles are perfect with the sweet delicate flavor of the strawberries and the velvetiness of the smooth whipping cream. Do not insult this creation with spray whipping cream. They deserve real whipped whipping cream. This recipe is now my favorite for when I am needing a little comfort food.  I can’t wait for you to try these.

The waffle will last 5-7 days refrigerated, or frozen for a couple of months. Defrost and enjoy any time you need a little sweetness. 

If you would like to cure your strawberries you can do this a couple of hours ahead of time or a day ahead. If you are not worried about your sugar load, you can use sugar. If you are watching your carbs, either omit the sugar or sweetener altogether or, add 1 teaspoon of your favorite low-carb sweetener such as Swerve. 

I think strawberries are sweet enough especially when combined with whipped cream and the waffle. On that note, if you would like to add a tablespoon of sugar or sweetener to the whipped cream, it is up to you. I do not add any sweetener. Once your taste buds are cleaned up, you can easily appreciate and enjoy the sweetness of simple fresh ingredients. And this recipe does not disappoint. Therefore, I am leaving out the added sweetener. 

I used the DASH mini waffle maker. If you do not have one, save $10 and check out these cute waffle makers. I have never owned a waffle maker before, I was sold on the cuteness. The size was perfect for me to be able to store in my motorcoach.

You can easily double this recipe if you need more. 

The Actual Recipe

Prep time 20 min
Overall time 40 minutes 
Serves 6-8 single or 3-4 double

Strawberries

1-pint, organic strawberries

Cut the strawberries into quarters, slices, or chunks, totally up to you, and add to a bowl. Discard the tops of the strawberries. If you are adding sugar or Swerve, do so and mix again if not, keep the cut strawberries refrigerated until ready to use. You can also do this step the day before.

Whipping cream

2 cups whipping cream or heavy cream (not half and half)

The night before or at least 30 minutes before assembling, add the container and whipping blades to the freezer. I use a small blender to make mine, therefore I added the cup to the freezer. 

If you are adding sugar or a sweetener, add it to the whipping cream before whipping. Add 2 cups of whipping cream to a bowl or blender, and blend until there are stiff peaks. Keep refrigerated until ready to use. You can also do this the day before

The waffles

Dash mini waffle maker 

 Ingredients

2 1/4 cup Fine almond flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp Celtic sea salt

2 eggs

1 tb honey (or swerve for low carb)

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 tb avocado oil

A little oil or ghee for greasing the waffle maker and spoon (about a teaspoon)

Heat the mini waffle maker while you prepare the ingredients.

In a small bowl, add 2 1/4 cups of almond flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of Celtic salt. Using your hands or a fork thoroughly mix the dry ingredients breaking up any chunks. Set aside. 

In a large bowl, crack the two eggs and stir to combine the yolk and whites. Add 1 tablespoon of honey and mix to combine. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 3 tablespoons of avocado oil, and stir to combine. It may thicken slightly.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until everything is combined. 

Lightly grease the waffle maker and the tablespoon. Scoop out 2 tablespoons of the batter and add to the center of the mini waffle maker. Close the lid tightly and allow to cook for 2 minutes. Place the waffles in a container until ready to use. 

Assembling a work of art

To assemble the strawberry waffle cake add a waffle to each plate. Spoon on the strawberries about 1/4 cup, top with whipped cream, and serve immediately. Enjoy! 

After writing this, I am now back in the kitchen making more of these. They are so good!

That’s it for this week,  don’t forget to play along, which one is a true statement about me? 

1. I am a marmalade fan

2. I love thrifting

3. I am really good at sports

And I look forward to your comments and taking a guess at yours. 

Next Monday is a holiday and I will catch up with you all the following week. You should not be reading my emails on a day of fun. This is your day to disconnect and realign with the Universe. So, go have fun and I will see you the week after.