Cheers To Water!

Ahhh water - nothing tastes better when you're thirsty.  I just wish I could enjoy it before I'm feeling dehydrated.  As my mantra has always been to "love the food that will love you back" I am determined to drink water - and love it!
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The good news about water is that its effects are immediate.  I discovered this a few days ago when I woke up feeling sluggish, and then felt wholly revived after drinking a bottle of water. ​

It's estimated that more than half of us fail to drink the recommended eight cups of water a day.  Dr. Andrew Weil has named this condition NAMAIS (not as much as I should), which is what most people say when asked how much water they drink.  For those who want to take simple steps to good health - grab yourself a nice tall glass of water and join me in my resolution to IDEW (I drink enough water).

Health benefits of water

• When you're drinking water, you're not drinking soda! 
• Water flushes out toxins from the body, leading to clearer skin.  Some studies suggest that it may help plump up wrinkles too (yay!)
• Drink water before a meal to feel fuller.  Next time you find yourself feeling hungry, try drinking a glass of water first - you may walk away feeling satisfied.
• Research has shown that drinking water may even reduce your risk of certain cancers.

​Bottom line - your body needs water to function.  We can't live more than 3 to 5 days without it.

Tips

• Drink water throughout the day.  Don't try and get through the required amount in one sitting as your body will expel what it can't use.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. The water content in them can be as high as 90% or more. 
• Add a little freshly squeezed juice  (or a splash of 100% fruit juice) to carbonated/sparkling water to make natural soda.
• Create your own healthy, delicious water. To make an infusion, fill a jug with cold filtered water, and add your choice of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Refrigerate for a couple of hours to let flavors develop and discard after 3 to 5 days, or when the fruit becomes mushy.
•  Don't be tempted to use the commercial flavor drops - most are just artificial coloring and sweeteners.

If water is just too dull for you and you really hate drinking it, try plain carbonated/sparkling water.  For some reason, there were rumors that it promoted tooth decay and bone loss - all completely untrue!  Not only will carbonated water help you feel fuller, but it can aid with digestion, and even help with constipation.  Sparkling water is also a great choice if you're out with friends and would rather not drink alcohol.  Just have it in a wine glass (with lots of ice), and you'll fee part of the social scene.  Be sure not to confuse carbonated water with tonic water, which is sweetened with sugar or high fructose corn syrup and has quinine added to it - not a healthy choice.
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​Happy drinking!