Bottoms Up!
Have you ever felt like you’re eating right and making healthy choices but feel SO tired? It may be time to focus on your ‘chug a lug’! There’s no better way to focus on health than to focus on drinking water! Hydrate and give yourself an instant mood boost!
Now, believe it or not, I used to be HORRIBLE at getting in my water. There was an on going joke that I lived off Coca Cola . . . little did they know, it really wasn’t a joke. I lived off caffeine but was seriously ready to drop the second the caffeine and sugar hit wore off. When I started drinking water, it was a forced effort. I literally threw up water because my body wasn’t used to it. So, when I say “listen to your body and don’t try to make it happen over night”, I’m definitely speaking from experience.
So, really!? Why should we drink more water?
- If you don’t drink water, you will die. It’s that important! Depending on our environment, we can live only a few days without water – maybe a week. For most of us, we should prioritize our water consumption a lot more than what we currently do.
- Be less cranky. Research says dehydration can affect your mood and make you grumpy and confused. Think clearer and be happier by simply drinking more water. Who knew water could feel like the fountain of youth!?
- Perform better. Proper hydration contributes to increased athletic performance. Water composes 75% of our muscle tissue! Dehydration can lead to weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and electrolyte imbalance.
- Lose weight. Sometimes we think we are hungry, when actually we are thirsty. Our body just starts turning on all the alarms when we ignore it. For those of you trying to drop some pounds, staying hydrated can serve as an appetite suppressant and help with weight loss.
- Have less joint pain. Drinking water can reduce pain in your joints by keeping the cartilage soft and hydrated.
- Flush out waste and bacteria. Our digestive system needs water to function properly. Waste is flushed out in the form of urine and sweat. If we don’t drink water, we don’t flush out waste and it collects in our body causing all sorts of problems. Also combined with fiber, water can cure constipation. That’s your natural detox right there!
- Prevent headaches. Sometimes headaches can be caused by dehydration, so drinking water can prevent or alleviate that nasty head pain. Next time your head hurts, try drinking water first.
- Make your skin glow. That’s right! Beautiful, young looking skin. . . Our skin is the largest organ in our body. Regular and plentiful water consumption can improve the color and texture of your skin by keeping it building new cells properly. Drinking water also helps the skin do it’s job of regulating the body’s temperature through sweating.
- Feed your body. Water is essential for the proper circulation of nutrients in the body. Water serves at the body’s transportation system and when we are dehydrated things just can’t get around as well.
Here’s the thing. . . If you’re not used to drinking water, it can be such a chore! SO, how do you get it in? Make it fun! Find a cute water bottle or two. My newest bottle has fun family pictures all over it!! Gotta love Shutterfly!! (Get your FREE book: https://invite-shutterfly.com/x/PyBS3K.)
Here are a few other tips on getting your H2O in:
- Add a little Flavor – either with a little bit of fruit or a liquid water enhancer like Mio or Crystal Light Flavors. Just beware that some of them can add quite a bit of sodium. One of my personal Favs? Water with sliced cucumber and mint! YUM & so refreshing!
- Add a reminder to your phone. There is so much going on in our lives and until it’s a habit, it’s easy to forget. There are a few apps that help you track water too.
- Some Like it Hot! One complaint I hear, especially in the winter, is “It’s too cold. I can’t get my water in.” Have some hot tea with lemon or an Herbal Tea. Just be aware that any caffeinated tea will actually dehydrate you.
Bottom line; extra water in your life can improve your overall health immensely. So, Bottoms Up and Enjoy!
