Hydration, hydration, hydration.
Definition of HYDRATION
1: the act or process of combining or treating with water as the introduction of additional fluid into the body
2: the quality or state of being hydrated; especially: the condition of having adequate fluid in the body tissues
Making smart food choices is actually something you CAN control. This season to keep you wearing a smile from the inside out, I’m going to remind and encourage you each week to make healthy food decisions. You know the old saying, “you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make them drink.” Well, I’m sure going to try. How about you?
Along with breathing, staying well-hydrated, will keep you alive; feeling and looking your best. While dehydration is a sure bet to feeling everything but happy and healthy; basically like a dried up pile of crap.
Think of a gorgeous plump plum. Loaded with water, the plum is perfectly smooth, beautifully shaped, deeply colored, luscious and juicy. What happens to the plum when the dehydrators suck the water out? The plum is no longer pretty and plump. The plum is shriveled and dried up. The plum is not pretty anymore. Get it? Hydration starts from the inside out.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the human body is comprised of approximately 60 percent water. It’s recommended that you drink at least 2 to 3 liters per day of beverages to replace the water you lose naturally. However, a percentage of your water intake comes from the food you eat. Eating fruits and vegetables with high water content will increase your water intake. In addition, eating more fruits and vegetables increases your intake of beneficial nutrients and fiber. Consuming whole fruits and vegetables can help you feel fuller longer, make you less likely to snack on unhealthy foods and serve as a main component of low-fat and low-calorie meals. Fruits and vegetables with high water content are especially useful for making fruit and vegetable juices and smoothies.
Here are a few easy ideas to keep hydrated and happy everyday:
Try drink 6-8 glasses of water each day. Adding lemon, lime or orange slices will add colorful zing to a boring glass of h2o. I keep a large pitcher of fresh citrus fruit-filled water in my refrigerator; it smacks me in the face the second I open the door. If I see it, I drink it!
Eat a variety of watery fruits and vegetables to support your fluid intake. Fill a basket with colorful fruits and vegetables and leave it on your kitchen counter. This will remind you to eat them and it looks beautiful. Beautiful things makes us feel happy. Enjoy a salad every day loaded with colorful vegetables and a variety of mixed greens.
A variety of healthy homemade soups loaded with your favorite veggies will fill your belly and warm your soul. I make one or two large pots of soup every sunday during the fall and winter months for snacking or a complete meal. Often, your leftovers can be a healthy addition to soups, stews and chili.
Try to stick with fresh ingredients and opt for yummy healthy herbs instead of salt.
If you don’t have the time or desire to make it yourself, many grocery stores today offer heart heathy home-made soups to go. Watch for salt demons. Speak up; ask the chef about the ingredients.
Treat yourself everyday to your favorite hot tea. Add a slice of lemon or a cinnamon stick for extra flavor, fun and nutrition. Make your plain glass of water exciting and new. Drink it hot or cold and add a wedge of lemon, lime and a slice of orange. Top it off with a maraschino cherry!
Remember, hydration is essential for good health. So, be sure to pack your lunchbox with plenty of watery fruits and vegetables.
I have a few clients who never seem to remember to drink water or eat the right kinds of food during the day (especially at work) and it shows the moment they walk into my gym at the end of the day. Sluggish, tired, weak, depressed, angry, nauseous, head-achey, general body aches and light-headedness; any or all of these symptoms can be evidence of dehydration. I will ask, “how much water did you drink today?” The usual response is, “none, I don’t know, a glass I think, a sip or two.” Their workout has effectively been sabotaged; and that’s a bummer for everyone. So, I have gotten in the habit of sending text reminders to my clients who have the hardest time remembering or taking the time to hydrate during the day. It has been a huge help and now when Dick, Jane and Sally arrive to workout, they are happy and in a hurry to get started.
Set up your own text reminders to drink water and eat your apples and oranges; and while you’re at it – drink a glass of water!
P.S. Did I mention that proper hydration helps to dissolve excess fat and flush it out of your body?
“Keep up and you will be kept up” ~ Yogi Bhajan
Always love, Allison