Water Wonders

People talk frequently about all the foods we should eat to stay healthy, but another important thing to focus on is what we should be drinking every day. Your body can survive months without food, but will only last days without fluid. 60% of our bodies are made up of water, and this essential life element fuels all the different systems in our body. Many of us are not drinking nearly enough water every day and yet this is crucial to prevent dehydration, promote weight loss and keep you healthy and alert every day.

Experts at Mayo clinic recommend that the average male drink 3.3 liters of water a day and the average woman drink 2.2 liters or 9 cups a day. (http://www.mayoclinic.org/water/ART-20044256) If you work out intensely however, you should drink more to replenish the water lost – about 400-600 milliliters or 1.5 to 2 additional cups. This may seem like a lot to drink, but make a conscious effort to meet your daily water goal and you will notice a huge difference. Some tips to make sure you are drinking the recommended amount of water is to carry a water bottle and calculate how many time you need to fill it up in a day to meet the allotted amount.

Electrolyte enhanced water is one of my favorites! Trader Joe’s has a great and affordable brand that I pick up by the dozen. This water rehydrates your body and replenishes electrolytes to give you optimal hydration after a tough workout!

I like to fill my water bottle with cut up lemons and strawberries and leave it in the fridge overnight for a chilled and delicious infused water. Cucumber and mint are another great combination in water for a calorie free and all natural alternative to plain water. I also like drinking herbal tea in the morning with a little organic honey for a warm way to start the day hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is essential for bright skin and healthy hair and nails, so make it a goal in 2014 to stay hydrated and beautiful!