Tuesday, April 24, 2012

How Good of Friends are You With Water?

I needed this reminder today....WATER! I know we all know that consuming water is an important part of staying healthy, but water is even more important to those of us who are either trying to lose weight or exercising frequently. Why so much water instead of soda, juice, or any other beverage? Well, first off juice is loaded with sugar, even if you make your own fresh squeezed (which is much better for you).  You'll still need to figure in those extra calories for the day. Soda is carbonated so it adds a whole new twist to the mix and can cause bloating, water retention, and the urge to crave other types of sweets. If a soda a day is your treat, have at it. Just be careful and drink it in moderation. Then there is the water. The GOOD STUFF! Most people exist in a chronic state of dehydration, and this affects digestion, fat metabolism, and ability to accurately estimate hunger levels. Who knew?  Incorporating smart hydration techniques into your day can contribute to weight loss. Adequate hydration boosts your energy level so that you can move more and experience a greater calorie burn. Water and hydrating also helps you feel full and teaches you to eat when you are hungry, not thirsty. Staying hydrated maximizes your calorie-burning potential and even a 1 percent dehydration level can slow your metabolism. All the more reason to drink water, right? It is recommended that the average american drink 2.5 liters of water per day. Honestly, water hasn't been a huge issue for me and has often times been my beverage of choice. I do however sometimes struggle with making sure I get enough. I've even had to get creative. Take a look!

So this is what I drink out of when I'm at home and puttering around the house.


These are my choices for when I'm headed to the gym. 


How about this adorable drinking device?! I love it and it sits on my desk at work. 


Whatever it takes.....get creative! And on a side note - if your urine is not pale yellow or clear, it's a good indication you are not drinking enough water.

Another option is to add a little flavor here and there. (My Aunt Shannon got me going on this one when I was there for a visit last summer.) It's called MIO. It's a perfect water enhancer with flavor minus all the extra sugar. Not to mention it doesn't have all the "no no's"  other sweeteners like Crystal Light have. So, if you're up for spicing things up or just need that little extra boost to get your water in for the day, give it a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. My favorite flavors are the fruit punch and berry pomegranate 


Happy Hydrating!


P.S. I know you always seem to see me in workout garb, but that's a big part of who I am and who I've become on this journey. 

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14 comments:

  1. I drink about a gallon of water a day. Last night I was craving water too. I know I drank enough throughout the day, but I could not get enough yesterday! I also use the Mio. It really helps some days when I just need some flavor.

    Sarah
    notaneffingdiet.blogspot.com

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  2. I love the MiOENERGY... black cherry is delish!

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  3. Thanks for the reminder, I really don't get enough water. I have 32 oz of green tea and 12 oz of Coke Zero every day, but the only water I get is 17 oz at a time when I run or do a class at the gym. I haven't looked at Mio, but I think I'll check it out at the grocery store this week.

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  4. Great blog, girl! I have similar water bottles too! ;)

    Happy Hydrating !

    Kelly @ Journey to a New Me

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  5. One of the few things I don't have a problem with is water. Oh my doesn't it make your face skin looks healthy lol.

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  6. I've been struggling so much with getting in all my water the past two weeks. Thanks for the reminder and encouragement to do better!

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  7. Water is very important. We always think about our bodies but our brains which is apart of our body gets dehydrated and when it does nothing functions up to par. I have been told that you should be drinking half of what you weigh in ounces at least, so if you weigh 200 lbs then you should be drinking 100 oz in water. Just a note Caffeine dehydrates. I know though I struggle with getting the amount of water I need everyday and that is all I drink pretty much.

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  8. I do really well with water during the week. It's the weekends where I fall short. Need to work on that!!

    Keep focused!

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  9. Thanks for the insight. I drink water every single day. But do I drink enough? According to my pee-NO! Thanks for the tip on MIO my daughter loves that stuff but I didn't know it was better than crystal light. Here is to increasing my water...and maybe buying some cute cups to help me along :)

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  10. Hey Hunnie,

    Just to let you know I am running a competition to win a copy of Jillian Michaels new "Kickbox Fast Fix" over on my blog at: http://becciweightloss.blogspot.co.uk/p/competition.html if you could please let your readers know about it that would be great! Thank you :) Becci xx

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  11. I try hard to get my water in. Buying two great bottles that sort of "invite" drinking helped!

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  12. Water is my best friend. I drink lots everyday. Good post:)

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  13. Your truly well-informed. I cant believe how much of this I just wasn't aware of. Thank you for bringing more information to this topic for me. I'm truly grateful and really impressed.

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