Getting Healthy, Sweet, Sweet Sunday

Yes, You Can Actually EAT Water

Christy

 

 

 

Okay, so we all know now that water is important to our health for many different reasons…but sorry, water is still boring—even when “spiked” with spices and herbs…

Is there any other option that can help us reach out daily recommended two liters of water per day?

Fortunately yes…we can actually EAT our water by choosing foods that have a high water content…

Let’s look at a few of these options, using the Raw Foods Pyramid as a guide…

The levels of the Raw Foods Pyramid are…

  • Water
  • Leafy Greens
  • Fruits and Vegetables
  • Image result for raw foods pyramidSprouts and Legumes
  • Nuts and Seeds
  • Herbs, Microgreens, and Juicing Greens
  • Seaweed and Nutritional Yeast

So looking at these levels, let’s see which foods help you reach your daily water needs…

 

Leafy Greens…Leafy greens require ample chewing and provide a healthy dose of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They also help with acid indigestion, constipation, and urinary tract infections.

  1. Iceberg Lettuce…Although we have all been told to choose darker greens—such as spinach or romaine—because these have more fiber and nutrients such as folate and vitamin K, lettuce is the best leafy green as far as water content. Iceberg consists of  95.6% water…more water than any other leafy greens—including butterhead, green leaf, and romaine.
  2. Spinach…Even though spinach has less water content than iceberg lettuce—92% water, spinach provides more nutrients than iceberg lettuce—including magnesium, potassium, B-vitamins, lutein, fiber, folate, and antioxidants.
  3. Other leafy green options that will increase your water intake include kale, Chinese cabbage, bok choy, Swiss chard, cabbage, and watercress.
Advertisements
Sweet, Sweet Sunday

Mineral Water At Least Makes Drinking Water Much Less Boring

Christy

My very favorite segment of the movie Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is when Charlie and his grandfather drink the bubbly water and float into the ceiling. If they can escape the reality of gravity and this great planet full of chaos and concerns simply by drinking bubbly water, wouldn’t we all be drinking it every day?

Yet, even though bubbly water will not help us reach great heights, there are many types of “bubbly” water available that can add interest to our newly established water drinking habit that not only help with staying hydrated, but also provide many other health benefits as well.

These options include…

  • Sparkling Water…Sparkling water is water that has been infused with carbon dioxide, either naturally or man-made, making the water sparkling or bubbly.
  • Natural Mineral Water…Natural mineral water—such as Perrier and San Pellegrino—is water than comes from a  a geologically and physically protected underground water source—such as an aquifer, underground reservoir, spring, or artesian wells—such as in Mihalkovo in the Bulgarian Rhodope Mountains, in Medžitlija in Macedonia, or most notably in Selters in the German Taunus mountains.
  • Seltzer Water…Seltzer water is a  genericized trademark originally used to market the water that comes from the infamous German town Selters, This natural sparkling mineral water has been commercially bottled and shipped from this town since the 18th century or earlier.
  • Soda Water…Soda water, also known as club soda, contains bicarbonate of soda, which gives them its own unique flavor. This water is popularly used for making mixed drinks—such as whisky and soda and Campari soda.
  • Tonic Water…Tonic water is a form of carbonated water that contains a bitter compound called quinine, along with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup.

 

And now that we have looked at the different types of bubbly available, let’s think about the health benefits of adding carbonated water to your diet….benefits such as…

  1. Blood Sugar…The bicarbonate found in mineral water helps maintain a healthy pH of the blood so it doesn’t become too acidic or too basic and improves glycemic control.
  2. Bones…Unlike soft drinks, mineral water does not contribute to lower bone mineral density and osteoperosis….mainly because unlike Cokes mineral water does not contain the added risk of having a lot of phosphorus and not enough calcium. In fact, drinking one liter of sodium-rich sparkling water for eight weeks can lead to better calcium retention.
  3. Digestion…Mineral water may help treat digestive problems—such as constipation.
  4. Heart…Carbonated water has several beneficial effects on cholesterol, inflammation and blood sugar. People drinking mineral water regularly can reduce their risk of developing heart disease within ten years by 35%.
  5. Motion Sickness…Carbonated beverages without caffeine are known for their ability to help calm that queasiness.
  6. Weight Loss…Just as plain old water does, carbonated water helps you feel full longer…perhaps even better.

 

Now that we have established the fact that sparkling mineral water is a better alternative to Coke...for many reasons…such as Cokes being about a hundred times more erosive to teeth than sparkling mineral water, not containing any sugar or calories, and not being loaded with insulin-raising sugars or filled with extremely health-hazardous fake sugars like aspartame…

And now that we have also established the fact that sparkling water is also perhaps a better alternative to regular tap water…for many reasons…such as the possible, or probable, presence of dangerous toxins in our water supply…as proven by the findings of 316 different chemicals in tap water throughout the United States…

 

Let’s check which options of ready-to-drink carbonated water are the best ones to grab out of all the available alternatives.

  • (to be added later)

Final Thoughts…

  1. Make sure that you are choosing a sugar-free, unflavored sparkling mineral water that doesn’t contain any calories, artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, artificial flavors, citric acid or any other acids, and any other additives.
  2. Spike sugary fruit juices with sparkling water.
  3. Try infusing your sparkling water just as you would regular water…with options such as watermelon, rosemary, blueberries, cucumber, lavender, and mint.
Sweet, Sweet Sunday

Cool As a Cucumber

Christy

If lemon water was water with lemon, or lemon with water…then what do you think cucumber water is?!

Exactly?!

But do you know the health benefits of cucumber water and why cucumber water has been served at day spas and health clubs all over the world for decades?!

First let’s look at the health benefits of the cucumber itself…

  1. Cucumbers are a great source of vitamin B, potassium, and magnesium.
  2. Cucumbers are very nutrient rich and good for you.
  3. Cucumbers are an antioxidant.
  4. Cucumbers consist mainly of water.
  5. Cucumbers contain “fisetin,”an anti-inflammatory that helps improve brain health.
  6. Cucumbers contain lignans, polyphenols which may help lower your risk of certain types of cancer—including ovarian, breast, and prostate cancer.
  7. Cucumbers contain lots of fiber.
  8. Cucumbers contain very few calories.
  9. Cucumbers contain vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that we all need.
  10. Cucumbers will make you feel more “satiated,” or full, and you won’t eat as much.

 

Cucumbers have been touted to be a great way to avoid or treat various diseases—including cancer, high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, vision loss.

While this may not be necessarily true, there are many advantages to adding cucumber water to your daily routine and healthy lifestyle.

 

The simple fact that cucumber water helps you reach your daily goal as far as drinking water is important in and of itself for various health benefits—including not only making sure that you stay hydrated, but also many other things—such as…

  • adding vitamins and minerals that supplement the rest of your diet
  • assisting in the cleansing of toxins
  • helping each of your body’s organs do its job better
  • helping you have more energy
  • helping your cardiovascular system
  • maintaining the right body temperature
  • providing antioxidants
  • providing nutrients are derived from whole food sources, not synthetic vitamins, so that any nutrients will be better absorbed and utilized by the body

The question now becomes not if you should add “stuff” to your water, but other than cucumbers, besides cucumber water can also be bland…what else could you add to your cucumber water to make even that taste better and be more nutritious?

The answer to making cucumber water even more palatable include…

  • Lemons…Lemons contain lots of vitamin C, which acts is a natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and metabolism booster.
  • Limes…Limes, just like lemons, have a lot of vitamin C along with other nutrients.  In fact,  one lime can provide almost 48% of your daily vitamin C…and vitamin C is important for protecting your heart, supporting better eye health, improving gum health, soothing digestive problems, and reducing fevers.
  • Mint…Mint is another rich source of Vitamin C, as well as several other important nutrients—including calcium, fiber, and magnesium. Mint also provides an extra boost of antioxidants, and provides a unique flavor that really makes this drink delicious and crisp.
  • Pineapple…Pineapples contain high amounts of vitamin C and manganese, along with plenty of B vitamins.
  • Rosemary…Rosemary is a great source of iron, calcium, and potassium.
  • Thyme…Thyme can take care of your Vitamin C needs for the day all by itself.
Getting Healthy, Sweet, Sweet Sunday

When Life Gives You Way Too Many Lemons

Christy

Sometimes life gives you lemons…then there are times when life gives you more lemons than you can handle.

Just like when you buy one or lemons at a time, you’ll probably end up using them before they go bad, but if you try to save money and buy the big bag of lemons, you’ll probably end up throwing out how many?!

Anyway, what should we, or can we, do when life gives us more lemons than we could possibly handle?!

Those answers will be shared later, but first I wanted to share a little bit more about the nutritional value of lemon water and tips on how to use/make/keep more lemon water on hand.

Nutritional Value

Lemon water can quench thirst better than any other drink, but lemon water also provides our bodies with plenty of vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and vital trace minerals—such as iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium.

1.Vitamins…One cup of fresh lemon juice provides 187 percent of your daily recommended serving of vitamin C and 6% DV of vitamin B6.

Vitamin C...Vitamin C is important for many different reasons. These include…

  • decreasing the severity and duration of respiratory infections like the common cold
  • helping to produce collagen, which is important for smoothing out fine lines in the face and keeping your skin healthy
  • lowering blood pressure
  • reducing the health hazards that are a result of stress
  • reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke
  • strengthening your immune system

2. Antioxidants…Lemon juice contains powerful antioxidants that helps protect cells from damaging free radicals….keeping your skin looking fresh, and helping slow down the aging process, and strengthening your immune system.

3. Electrolytes…Electrolytes are hydrating minerals—such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

4. Citric Acid…Lemons are loaded with citric acid. Citric acid provides many health benefits. These benefits include helping your body with digestion by interacting with various enzymes in your body and stimulating the secretion of gastric juice…and preventing kidney stones by increasing urine volume and hydrating you enough so that your body can flush out kidney stones quicker.

Finally, that same one cup of lemon juice contains…

  • 61 calories
  • 21 grams carbohydrates
  • 0.9 gram protein
  • 1 gram dietary fiber
  • 31.7 micrograms folate (8 percent DV)
  • 16% DV of copper.
  • 5% DV thiamin (5 percent DV)

Thirteen Tips on Filling Your Tumbler

  1. Add even more flavor to your lemon water by adding a few springs of mint, a teaspoon of maple syrup or raw honey, a slice of fresh ginger, a dash of cinnamon, slices of other fresh citrus fruits such as limes and oranges, cucumber slices, and so forth
  2. Always use fresh lemons, not artificial lemon from a bottle.
  3. Drinking lemon water first thing in the morning gives the body a chance to absorb these vitamins effectively and can provide a little immune boost….
  4. Drink lemon water at warm or room temp water to avoid shocking your system.
  5. Drink lemon water consistently in order to reap any health benefits.
  6. For a sore throat, gargle frequently with lemon juice, diluted half and half with pure water.
  7. For the relief of heartburn, taking a teaspoon o lemon juice in half a glass of water.
  8. Juice several lemons at one time into an ice cube tray. Freeze. Pop a few cubes in a glass of water to have fresh lemon juice at the ready anytime.
  9. Keep your breath sweeter by drinking a glass of lemon water after meals and first thing in the morning.
  10. Replace your morning coffee with a cup of hot lemon water.
  11. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into ice cube trays and freeze. Use instead of “regular” ice.
  12. Use more than just a single wedge of lemon in your mug.
  13. When buying lemons, choose lemons that are fully yellow and, if possible, organic. If the fruit is still green, it isn’t fully ripe. Avoid lemons that look dull or wrinkled or that seem excessively hard.

There are many uses for lemons around the house other than their simply lounging in sweet tea glasses with their best friend, ice…or squishing them in the juicer to make fresh lemonade…or drinking as lemon water.

So what to do with those extra lemons that are sitting there slowly rotting on your countertop?

 

Here are a few options…

1.  Air Freshener…Cut a few lemons into quarters. Put them in a pot of boiling water to release citrus-infused steam into the air.

2.  All-Purpose Cleaner…Fill a Mason jar with lemon peels and white vinegar. Shake. Put in a cool dark place for about two weeks. Drain the liquid into a spray bottle.

3.  Ant Repellant…Squirt lemon juice on door thresholds and windowsills. Squeeze lemon juice into any holes or cracks where the ants are getting in. Scatter small slices of lemon peel around the outdoor entrance.

4.  Clogged Tub and Shower Drains...Boil a big pot of water on the stove. Pour it down the drain. Wait for the water to drain. Slowly pour 1C baking soda down the drain, using a spoon or funnel. Add 1C lemon juice. Use your tub stopper or a rag to cover the drain. Wait 30min. Uncover the drain. Pour more boiling water down the drain. Repeat until your drain is no longer clogged. Do this once a quarter to prevent those big clogs from building up again.

5.  Coffee Pot…Stir together a few tablespoons of lemon juice, a tablespoon of Kosher Salt, a few ice cubes, and a tablespoon of water in the pot..Rinse with warm water once the stains are removed.

6.  Cutting Boards…Clean after each use by scrubbing 2tsp salt onto the board with a lemon half and rinsing.

7.  Faucet Polish…Rub faucets with lemon peel. Wash, dry, and buff with microfiber cloths.

8.  Fridge…Add the juice of a lemon to a sponge. Place it in the fridge overnight.

9.  Fruit and Vegetable Spray...Mix together 2Tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2Tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1C water in a spray bottle. Spray on fruits and veggies and then rinse. This will keep apples, avocados, and other fruits and veggies their natural color and avoid browning.

10.  Garbage Disposals...Cut three or four lemons in half. Remove the pulp. Fill each empty rind with a few tablespoons of baking soda. Place the rinds in a bowl in an out-of-the way spot. Keep the lemon halves there for a few days or until you don’t notice the citrus smell anymore. Then, if you have a garbage disposal, send the rinds down it — they’ll clean and freshen your drain on the way.

11.  Laundry Detergent Booster.…..Add 1C lemon juice to the washing machine during the wash cycle.

12.  Microwave…Combine 3Tbsp lemon juice with 1 1/2C water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on High for 5-10 minutes. Wipe away the softened food with a dishrag.

13.  Mosquito Repellant...Break block of 100% organic beeswax into pieces. Place in a glass bowl over a pan filled with simmering water. Melt over medium heat. Stir citronella oil into the melted wax.

14.  Pots and Pans…Rub the cut side of half a lemon all over them, inside and out. Buff with a soft cloth.

15.  Roach and Flea Repellant.…..Mop your floors with the juice and rinds of four lemons and 2 liters water.

16.  Stain Remover..First try to get as much of the dirt out as possible. Next cover the stain well with lemon juice, scrub it with some Kosher salt, and throw it in with the next load of laundry.

17.  Tarnished Silver…Dip a cloth into lemon juice. Rub the tarnish off. Rinse.

 

 

Beginning with Breakfast, Sweet, Sweet Sunday

When Life Gives You Lemons

Christy

Lemon water…simply lemons with water, or water with lemons…big deal, right?!

 

But wait!!!

Besides helping you drink your daily suggested amount of water, lemons actually add many health benefits to water…benefits that up until now, I didn’t realize…and many of us didn’t even recognize either. For this reason, lemons have been used in many forms of holistic medicine for centuries.

So let’s begin by taking a look at some of these “hidden” health benefits of lemon water…

 

  1. Blood Pressure…Eating or drinking one lemon per day can reduce high blood pressure by ten percent.
  2. Depression and Anxiety…Lemon water contains a high level of potassium, which is needed to prevent and cure depression and anxiety.
  3. Digestion…Lemon water helps with digestion and keeps your stomach from health problems—such as constipation, heartburn, indigestion, bloating and belching.
  4. Energy Levels…Lemon water can help you have more energy when you wake up in the morning…without causing a “caffeine crash” later in the day.
  5. Joint and Muscle Pain…Lemon water can help reduce both joint and muscle pain.
  6. Kidneys…Lemon water can help prevent and  dissolve kidney stones, gallstones, pancreatic stones and calcium deposits because of the amount of citric acid it contains.
  7. Liver…Lemon water helps your liver produce the digestive enzymes and bile necessary for moving food through gastrointestinal tract smoothly.
  8. Oral Health…Lemon water helps relieve tooth pain, fight gingivitis, and get rid of bad breath caused by eating foods with strong smells like garlic, onions, or fish.
  9. Respiratory System…Lemon water helps relieve the symptoms of asthma, allergies and other respiratory problems.
  10. Skin…Lemon water contains Vitamin C, which reduces your risk of having wrinkled and dry skin.
  11. Urinary System…Lemon water is a mild diuretic that can help the urinary tract effectively clear out any unwanted elements.
  12. Weight…Lemon water can help you lose weight by keeping your hydrated, fighting food  cravings, and significantly decreasing your caloric intake.
Sweet, Sweet Sunday

Interesting Information about Infused Water

Christy

Infused Water…What is it?…water that is infused.

Okay, now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, what does the word “infused” mean?

Infused means having something better tasting than plain old water added to your water to make it less boring.

And what exactly can you put in your water to make it less boring?

Almost anything and everything—including fresh fruit—such as grapefruit, berries,, tangerines, mango, apples, citrus, limes, and lemon….vegetable slices—such as cucumber, ginger, celery…and herbs—such as basil, mint, lavender, cinnamon, and ginger.

Simply adding these things to your water can provide so many benefits—including helping to detox your body, boosting your immunity, and destroying bad bacteria in your digestive systems, boosting your metabolism, and helping you lose weight, improving your mood, flushing toxins from your system, filling you up so you don’t eat as much junk, naturally helping your body release fat cells for water weight loss, keeping food moving through your system, keeping your organs healthy while you’re sweating, reducing muscle fatigue while working out, helping you recuperate faster from a workout, and keeping you from feeling groggy in the afternoon.

Lemon infused water, for example, is great not only for the taste but also for helping with digestion.

Now for a few tips on adding infused water to your daily drinking habits…

  • Add variety to your daily  fruit water by always trying new recipes.
  • One way to keep infused water close at hand is to invest in a  specially-designed fruit-infuser water bottle. I have been using one made by Contigo that I found at Target for about a year now. Water infusers work a little bit like teapots or tea infusers. A basket-like container within the bottle keeps the flavor-contributing ingredients separated from the water while still letting them mingle.
  • Drink a large glass of water before every meal.
  • Drink your first glass of water within 15 minutes of waking.
  • Always keep a pitcher of fruit infused water in your refrigerator.

Beginning with Breakfast, Sweet, Sweet Sunday

Yes, Actually You CAN Take It With You

Christy

Now that we’ve established the fact that all of us should be drinking more water and talked about a few ways to make drinking water more of a habit, let’s look at a few of the things that will make this goal easier to achieve.

Sure, you could simply buy bottled water, more on which kinds of bottled water to buy later, but having a portable water bottle that you can carry with you everywhere you go is a much smarter option. In fact, using reusable water bottles…

  • does not create the litter that typical water bottles do. More than thirty billion water bottles are consumed every year…and most of those empty bottles end up eventually stockpiled in landfills.
  • saves you money. Tap water costs 240 to 10,000 times less than bottles water. Last year, people dumped thirty-eight billion water bottles into landfills worldwide.
  • is environmental-friendly. Bottled water production consumes over one thousand times more energy than tap water.
  • saves water. Producing one liter of bottled water actually requires three liters of ordinary municipal water.
  • makes you a smarter consumer…ordinary tap water and then making the consumer think that they are getting some super-water with extraordinary powers to cure what ails you. Wrong!!! Shockingly, 24% of bottle water is actually just repackaged tap water.

Seems like such an easy option, until you start looking at the different options available.

So how do you know which water bottle to choose?

By thinking about the different types and features of reusable water bottles so that you can make a good decision once you get to the store.

 

Materials…The first factor to consider when choosing the perfect water bottle in what the bottle is made from. Water bottles can be found in many different materials—including aluminum, stainless steel, plastic, polyethylene, and copolyester.

 

1.Plastic…The first material that portable water bottles can be made from, and the first material that comes to most of us when we think of them, is plastic. Benefits of using plastic bottles include…

  • affordable
    can repeatedly drop one without worrying about breaking or shattering it
    can take just about whatever abuse you give them
    easy to tote around
    incredibly durable
    lightweight
    readily available
    travel

Brands To Consider

  • Fit & Fresh
  • GOBIEH20
  • Nalgene

 

2. Metal…Metal options include stainless steel and aluminum, and are ideal for those who are tough on their water bottles. Benefits of using metal water bottles include…
  • doesn’t retain smells and tastes
  • double-wall construction that gives them outstanding insulating properties
  • keeps water cool for an extended period of time
  • keeps water fresh tasting, but some absorb heat and make the water warm
  • provides better insulation than plastics
  • very durable

Brands To Consider

    • Earth Lust
    • Hydro Flask
    • Klean Kanteen

 

3. Glass Bottles…A third option for water bottles is glass. Benefits of using glass reusable water bottles include being totally recyclable. Brands of reusable glass bottles include…

  • bottlesUP
  • Life Factory
  • Love Bottle
  • Takeya

In addition to first choosing which material you would like your water bottle to be, there are other questions that you should ask yourself, including…

Easy to Carry

  • Does the water bottle have a belt holster that can hold your water bottle if you participate in activities where you need to be hands-free or if you just get tired of carrying a water bottle?
  • Will the bottle be easy to carry?

 

Easy to Clean

  • Is it dishwasher-safe? Can washing the bottle in the dishwasher actualy clean the inside thoroughly or does it have to be hand washed?
  • If you will have to wash the bottle by hand, is the opening wide enough to get a bottle brush inside them in order to clean it?

 

Opening…In addition to checking the neck of the bottle to make sure that it will be easy to clean, ask yourself if the mouth of the bottle will be easy to fill with ice cubes and water…

 

Drinking Valve…

  • Does the valve lock securely enough to prevent the bottle from leaking?
  • Is the valve wide enough to provide optimal flow?
  • Does the water bottles come with a push-pull valve or a bite valves?
  • Which type of valve do you prefer?
  • Insulators
  • – Some water bottles come with sleeves that help keep your drink warm or cold. This comes in handy depending on your walking or hiking weather conditions. A nice, cold drink is a definite plus on a hot, summer day.

 

Size

  • How many ounces will the bottle hold?
  • How many ounces does your ideal bottle need to hold?
  • Will you have a source of water nearby, such as a water fountain, to use if and when you need to refill the bottle?
  • Will the bottle fit in the cup holders in your car?

 

 

Filter

  • Does the bottle have an in-bottle filtration system that will allow you to refill the bottle from any faucet or other source and be certain that your water will be clean and tasty?
  • Does this water filter make the bottle too heavy to be usable?
  • How easy is it to replace the filter?

 

 

 

Getting Healthy, Sweet, Sweet Sunday

But Water Is SO Boring and Has Absolutely No Taste

Christy

Okay, so now we’ve established the fact that drinking water each day is important in maintaining our overall health and well-being. Water is required for all sorts of  reasons—including flushing toxins and waste products from our bodies, helping with digestion, keeping us “regular,” preventing dehydration, helping with weight loss, hydrating the skin, reducing the signs of aging. treating fatigue, adding shine to dull hair, preventing chapped lips, maintaining a health immune system.

But drinking the suggested amount of water can often be a challenge.

I have been drinking two liters of water each day for about five years now. The two things that I have found work best for me in reaching this goal have been a simple two liter Coke, (yeah, I am from the Deep South), bottle and an infuser bottle that I take with me everywhere…and have left how many in my grocery cart at Walmart and had to replace…

Like I said earlier, my two favorite tools for helping me drink more water each day have been a 2-liter Coke bottle that I fill each day in order to finish by the time that I go to bed that night, and an infuser water bottle that I take with me everywhere I go.

But there are several other tools and techniques that can help you start drinking the water that your body needs each day, so keep reading…

THE WHO…(no, not the band…your co-workers, family, and friends)…Just as with any other goal, having other people—such as your spouse or a friend or a co-worker—can help you in your quest for drinking more water. To me this seems rather extreme, but this could actually be fun is you challenge a co-worker to see who can drink more water

 

THE WHAT

  1. The Little Water Bottle…Carrying a small refillable water bottle everywhere you go, whenever you go will help you get into the daily habit of drinking more water throughout the day.
  2. The Big Water Bottle...In addition to carrying a small bottle of water with you, I have found it helpful to go ahead and pour a pitcher with how much water you have decided to drink each day. This serves as both a reminder and an easy way to make sure that you drink your full amount of water. I simply use an empty 2-liter Coke bottle.
  3. The Water Filter…Invest in a filter….You can get water filters both to filter both your tapwater as well as the pitcher or bottle that you use. We will be taking a look at a few options in a later post…For now, just realize that they might actually be worth checking into.
  4. The Straw….Using a straw actually does make a difference because you end up drinking faster, and drinking more at one time.
  5. The “Seltzer” Machine…Making your own carbonated water with the help of a home “seltzer” machine, such as the Soda Stream, might encourage you to drink more water also.

 

THE WHEN

  1. Before Meals…Drinking a full glass of water before every meal makes you feel full and helps you eat fewer calories.
  2. Morning...Drink a tall glass of lukewarm water as soon as you wake up.  Drinking this water will give you more energy to face the day ahead.
  3. Once Per Hour…Have one glass every hour on the hour will ensure that your water quote is met by the end of the day.
  4. Specific Times Throughout the Day…It is easier to start a habit if you link this new habit with an already existing daily activity. Drink a big glass at certain parts of your daily routine—such as when you first get up, just before leaving the house, when you sit down to work, whenever you get up from your desk at work to take a bathroom break, after your brush your teeth in the morning, and right before you eat lunch.
  5. Whenever You’re Drinking Alcohol….Drink one glass of water for every alcoholic beverage that you drink in order to avoid having a hangover the next day.
  6. Whenever You’re Exercise…Drink water before, during and after exercise.
  7. Whenever You’re Hungry…Drink water if you’re feeling hungry. Thirst is often confused with hunger.
Getting Healthy, Sweet, Sweet Sunday

Just Exactly HOW Much Water Should We All Be Drinking Each Day

Christy

There is no hard and set rule as to how much water each of us should be drinking each day, but the fact is that only 22% of American men and women are drinking the eight or more cups needed each day to enjoy the complete benefits of water listed in my last post….even though water is calorie-free, caffeine-free, alcohol-free, cheap, readily available, and even helps you lose weight—reason enough alone to start drinking two liters per day if you ask me.

A recent study shows that 7% of adults do not drink water at all…36% drink up to three cups of water each day…35% drink from four to seven cups of water each day.

Some studies suggest drinking eight 8oz glasses per day. Other studies suggest dividing your weight in half and drinking that many ounces.

Another recommendation is that men should drink about three liters of water each day, and women should drink two liters…(which I actually do drink each day and have been drinking for years….you’d be surprised how much better I feel when I manage to get my two liters in, even though it seems like I am constantly having to find a bathroom whenever we go anywhere).

How much water you as an individual need each day depends on many factors—such as your health, activity level, climate,

Everyone needs to drink more water than usual whenever they are running a fever, have diarrhea, trying to survive the summer heat, (which here in Texas right now is up to 110 degrees), are working out or doing “hard” physical activity, or are vomiting.

By the way, a general rule of thumb is that you are probably not drinking enough water if your pee isn’t clear.

Getting Healthy, Sweet, Sweet Sunday

Why We Should All Be Drinking Water Everyday

Christy

 

What if I were to tell you that there is one “food” that has no calories, fat, carbohydrates or sugar….a “food” that if consumed adequately and regularly can provide numerous health benefits and can prevent or help treat many health problems—including fatigue, headaches, feeling irritable or anxious, constipation and other digestive disorders, insomnia, asthma, allergies, constipation, high blood pressure, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.

That one “food” that would most help us maintain and improve our health that most would be…

Water

Yet even though this “magic potion” is cheap, readily available, and perhaps even better, helps us lose weight, many of us often overlook the importance of drinking enough water each day.

Many of us assume that we will get enough water from the foods that we eat, but this is not the case. On even the “healthier” diet that you can consume—a diet that consists mainly of whole, fresh foods—you only will get up to 20% of the water that you need each day. On the typical American diet—a diet that consists mainly of processed foods and sugary soda—you won’t even get that much.

Also factor in the fact that those sugar sodas—as well as many other drinks that we drink during the day such as alcohol, coffee, and tea—actually take away from the amount of water that your body needs and negate any benefits that would be available from having the appropriate amount of water available for the various body systems to function.

 

Reaons to Drink Water

1.Asthma and Allergies…Water  is important in keeping your air passages open, very important for those of us with asthma and allergies. Whenever you are dehydrated, the body closes up these passageways in an effort to minimize water loss. This can make asthma and allergies worse.

2.Blood Pressure…Water is important in preventing your blood from becoming so thick that it increases your blood pressure.

3. Body Temperature…Water is important in cooling the body whenever you sweat. Water is stored in the middle layers of the skin. Whenever you sweat, this water comes to the surface of the skin. As this water evaporates, it cools the body.

4. Body Waste…Water is important in removing both urine and feces.

5. Brain Function…Water is important in protecting brain structure and function, as well as producting hormones and neurotransmitters. Drinking water promotes clearer thinking and reasoning.

6. Constipation…Drinking water, especially carbonated water, is important in both preventing and relieving constipation.

7. Exercise…Drinking water is important while you are exercising for many reasons—such as maintaining appropriate body temperature, staying motivated, keeping you from getting tired as quickly, and keeping you on top of your game both physically and mentally.

8. Headaches…Drinking water can sometimes relieve the intensity and duration of headaches.

9. Hangovers…Drinking water can help prevent the unpleasant symptoms experienced after drinking alcohol—such as thirst, fatigue, headache and dry mouth. These symptoms are a result of your becoming dehydrated from drinking too much alcohol, which is a diuretic.

10. Joint Pain…Drinking water maintains the ability of the joints to absorb shock and prevents joint pain.

11. Kidney Stones…Drinking water makes you have to pee more often, which prevents minerals from consolidating, crystallizing and becoming kidney stones.

12. Skin…Drinking water is important for maintaining healthy, clearer skin. Water is also important in preventing skin disorders and premature wrinkling…as well as making your skin look healthy and vibrant and preventing it from becoming dry, flaky and tight.

13. Tooth Decay…Drinking water keeps the mouth clean and as a result reduces tooth decay.

14. Weight Loss…Drinking water can help you lose weight by reducing your appetite and making you burn more calories.. Drink water instead of calorie-laden juices and sodas. Drink water thirty minutes before meals to make you feel full more quickly and keep you from overeating. Drink cold water, instead of lukewarm, so that your body will have to use more calories to heat the water to body temperature.