A Salty 108

This year I elected to start the New Year off with 108 sun salutations.  This was a perfect jump start to 2013 and an auspicious beginning.   I haven't done 108 in a while.  In the fall for the global mala I have been doing 108 minutes of yoga which is far different.  After finishing my start to the new year I went cross country skiing.  I'm a bit sore all over today.  It's a good feeling though and the right kind of ache.

New years eve we decided to go out for dinner.  We both wanted a quiet night with an early evening. We have a lot going on these days and a good meal and an early evening seemed perfect  After pursuing some menus and reviews we made our selection.  Giant mistake.  As I enjoy a meatless lifestyle the "special new years menu" had nothing for me.  I did manage to piece together a few dishes and felt OK with my selections.  Unfortunately I wasn't able to enjoy any of it, as the chef bathed everything in salt.  I did try, but found myself gagging through most of it.   I got home and spent a good deal of time drinking water, lots and lots of water. A celebratory glass of champagne was out of the question.  The idea of alcohol made me cringe.  Yesterday while doing my 108. I was soaked and dripping in perspiration, as the salt came oozing out of my pores.  

This restaurant was well reviewed and packed with many happy folks enjoying a night out.  I overheard the table on both sides of us comment on how much they liked the food.  I don't believe this was an issue of an over zealous chef with a salt love affair,  but a bigger issue with the American diet.  Americans like their salt, but large doses are detrimental to overall health and frankly mask the taste of food.  If the food is fresh and cooked with even minimal skill, you don't need to disguise the taste.

Salt in moderation is beneficial for the body but when overused leads to water retention, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.  If you feel you may have overindulged in saltiness this holiday season I recommend a little cleanse for the body. 

Three day salt flush:

• Drink 64 oz of spring water spread out in 8 oz glass of water.
• limit your salt intake.  Be mindful of what you are eating.
• Limit your carbohydrates to foods such as rice and oatmeal.  (no bread and butter)
• Exercise, choose activities that will allow you to sweat.  ( A little bikram yoga should do the trick!)
• Do not eat out, prepare all you meals at home. 

You'll feel better and your body and heart will love you for doing this.

Be well, eat mindfully and do your practice. ( and all is coming as Pattabhi Jois used to say) 

Happy New Year!