Water for Weight Loss

Drinking water seems so simple... however, many of us find it a challenge to get the recommended amount for our bodies to properly function.

There can be any reason why we fail to intake the right amount of water. It could be that it’s winter, the weather is cold and we’re just not thirsty.

Maybe you left your water bottle at home again, or the lid started leaking all over the car as you were driving so you chucked it!

Maybe you were so busy that you just didn’t think about it. Let’s get into the benefits of water. Why is it important to keep on chugging that H2O?

Benefits of Water:

• Improves your complexion. Water hydrates your body which affects us to our deepest cells, and that includes our skin. • Maintains regularity. Hydration also helps move food through our digestive system which also keeps our skin looking great and our body healthy. • Flushes out toxins. Your kidneys and liver play a big role in keeping your body healthy by removing waste from the bloodstream. Staying hydrated supports these functions.

• Keeps the kidneys healthy. Flush your system frequently with clean water. Your kidneys will thank you. • Helps with weight loss and weight loss maintenance. Not only can our bodies function more efficiently when we have the right intake of water, but filling up on water also helps us feel full so we eat less. • Increases brain power. When we’re well hydrated, our cognitive function improves. • Provides you with energy. A common feeling of not getting enough water is sluggishness. Our body is slagging like a garden plant that’s thirsty for rain. • Prevents headaches. If we don’t get enough water, the salt levels in our bloodstream get out of balance and that can cause headaches.

Other ways it benefits our bodies to drink water:

• Prevents cramps and sprains • Delivers oxygen through the body • Regulates body temperature • Helps minerals and vitamins dissolve properly so they reach different parts of the body • Helps you perform better

How much water should you drink in a day? The recommended amount of water you should be drinking daily is at least half your body weight in fluid ounces of water. (Example: if you weight 200 lbs., you should be drinking 100 fluid ounces of water daily). Drink more than this amount after exercising or being active, especially if you’re sweating in the heat.

If you don’t give your body the water it needs, it will let you know. How? You’ll see signs of dehydration. Dehydration can be dangerous. Adult bodies are made up of 60% water and our blood is 90% water.

Signs of Dehydration: • Bad breath • Urine is a dark yellow color • Headache • Tiredness • Loss of elasticity to your skin • Body overheats • Muscle spasms and cramps • Lightheadedness or dizziness Fun Ways to Get Your Daily Water Intake:

There are many ways to drink water. You can drink it right from a plastic water bottle, you can drink it from a pretty glass water bottle, you can drink it from a cooler type water bottle.

Enjoy a cool drink of water from a cup with a lid and straw, or how about from your favorite earth friendly water bottle? Fill up a plastic gallon jug, creatively labeled with a black sharpie and measured out with fun sayings.

You can drink your water plain, or you can splurge on mineral water. One neat way to get extra minerals in with your water is to purchase a squeeze bottle of minerals that you add a few drops to your glass, cup or bottle of water.

You can infuse your water with fruit, veggies or herbs. For best results, chill your water infusions in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours. • Fresh Blueberries • Fresh Raspberries • Fresh Strawberries • Fresh Mint • Fresh Lemon Balm • Lemons • Oranges • Limes • Watermelon • Cucumbers • Fresh Ginger • Apples • Fresh Basil

Infused Water Recipe

This refreshing recipe is perfect for the spring and summer seasons. All it takes is a little dressing up of our plain water to liven up the flavor and aroma as we sip. This makes getting your daily water intake a little bit more fun.

Cucumber, Cantaloupe & Mint: 5 cups of water 1 cup of ice ½ a cantaloupe 10 fresh mint leaves 1 cucumber, sliced thin

To make: Combine all in a large pitcher. Cover the top with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge until ready to drink.