Water Benefits!

Water Benefits

Drinking water is so important.  When I started my fitness journey I gave up all those terrible pops and sugary drinks and MAN did I see a change!! I gave up my pop habit cold turkey and while it was hard a first I honestly believe it was 100% worth it.  I

My body started to crave water! And it felt gooooood.  

I did not realize how terrible all those other drinks really were.  Why are we putting all of this crap into our bodies?! No need to add in extra calories and extra additives. Water has so many great benefits and you can make it work for you.  Its not just about weight loss -- its so much more.  

Why Should You Drink Water?

• Water removes dangerous toxins from our bodies
• Water cushions our body's joints
• Water helps aid in weight loss/regulation
• Water helps to suppress your appetite
• Water will reduce your cravings
• Water aides in digestion
• Water transports oxygen and nutrients to the cells in our body
• Water helps to regulate body temperature
• Water defends against blood clots
• Water will relieve that "bloating"
• Water helps fight headaches
• Water helps keep our skin clear and healthy
• Warm water stimulates the immune system
• Cold water reduces inflammation
• Water helps energize muscles

So ladies and gents --- Drink up!! Who would not want all of these amazing benefits of water!

How Much Water should You Drink?

If you take your weight and divide it by two, that is the number of ounces you should be drinking! 

Coffee and pop do NOT count in that water intake, and these should be kept to a minimum. Caffeine and artificial sweeteners are toxins and do not do ANYTHING for your body. 

In taking artificial sweeteners only makes you crave it more, so kick the habit and get rid of it altogether!

Tips to Drink More Water

1) Add in some flavor for variety 

Be sure to use something natural and not those store bought flavors.  Try adding in watermelon chunks, mint, orange slices, lemons, berries, and the list could go on.  Find something you think that will make you want to drink the water! 

2) There's an app for that! Use your phone to help you. 

Try Waterlogged for iPhone or Water Your Body (for Android and iPhone)

**Not big on apps? Just set a few alerts on your phone throughout the day to remind yourself to hit the water cooler.

3) Keep the water close by

If you’re stuck at your desk all day or on the road traveling for hours, you’re not going to make it a priority to go get water very often. The fix: Always keep a big tumbler of water on your desk or a water bottle in your bag so you have no excuse. And if you work at a desk, leave the cup in plain sight so you’re constantly reminded. On the go, keep your water bottle next to you every time you hop into the car, or buy a package of bottled water to keep in the car. Whenever you're driving about, your water will be within easy reach from your car's cup holder. Think about other places you can stash some water bottles (under your desk, next to the couch, in your purse, and more).

4) Snazzy water bottle
Splurge on the perfect reusable water bottle. Whether it's your favorite color or a unique design, the more you bond with your bottle, the less likely you'll be to lose it. Slap an inspirational sticker or image onto it, or even write on it with a permanent marker. Now you're ready to drink from it throughout the day—don't forget to refill it as soon as it's empty.

--My Favorite Water Bottle: Contigo 

I need ICE COLD water in order to drink it.  And my contigo can 

keep my water very cold.  Not the plastic ones (I find they sweat) but the metal ones.  It keeps ice in my water bottle all day long through at least 2- 3 refills while I am at work.  

-->Marked water bottle you say?

Mark the bottle at one hour interval
Every hour, you should drink about a glass of water (200 ml)
At the time marked on the bottle, your water should be at that level
(e.g by 2 pm the water should be at the 2 pm level)
Finish one whole water bottle -- Refill it! 
The marking serves as a visual reminder encourage you to drink water and allow you to see your progress

5) Sip up/Straw
Gulping all that water can seem daunting. So get a package of straws to slowly sip it instead. You can even pick up a water bottle with built-in straw.  You’ll drink more water with a straw, and you’ll drink faster. Win-win

6) Transitions

Have a big glass of water at every transitional point of the day: when you first get up, just before leaving the house, when you sit down to work, etc.

7) Fight those cravings 

When you have a junk-food craving, down a glass of water immediately. You feel full quickly and avoid the calories, and it lets time pass till the craving fades.

Not a tip -- but good to know.  Might be a little personal BUT what color is your urine? 

If it's colorless or very light, that's a great indication that you're hydrated. If it's dark in color (close to an amber shade), you know you need more water! 

Have I convinced you to drink more water yet?!?! 

DO IT! I seriously drink water ALL the time now.  

Water, water, water! and maybe a little treat ;) (I cant give it all up) now and then.  

Your body will thank you for it, you only have one body so nourish it and help it keep you living longer, better, and healthier!