My new thing!

I have made such a good habit about drinking more water. . . I don't drink as much as I would like to, but I have definitely increased my water intake. Many of my medications have some pretty nasty side effects. . . a couple of them are extremely hard on my kidneys! In order to keep my kidneys from becoming damaged and needing replaced, I have to drink fluids, namely water. I have never been a big fan of H2O. In fact it is really bland compared to delicious Diet Mnt Dew :) But I have discovered a few tricks and really quite enjoy water now.

Trick #1: Keep it on hand and COLD! I found keeping bottled water or a pitcher of filtered water was very helpful!

Trick#2: CRYSTAL LIGHT! I can drink at least twice as much water when I add my favorite crystal light flavoring. I prefer Raspberry Lemonade or Pink Lemonade, however the peach is also very good.

Trick#3: This is a healthier alternative to crystal light if the whole sub sugar thing freaks you out. I found when I went to restaurants, they RARELY have Diet Mnt Dew (big surprise), so I order water with lemon. It took a little while to acquire a taste for it, but I did. In fact I noticed I drank 3-4 glasses of water in one sitting. . . .so I bought some lemons to keep in my fridge! I feel really smart!

Trick #4: Will power, not really a trick, but it is essential anytime you are trying to change or improve something.

I just thought I would share that with anyone who might need to drink more water. . . which is probably everyone :) There are so many advantages to drinking plenty of water in our everyday life. Here a few facts that I found:

#1- Our body's are made up of 65-70% water.
#2- Muscle is made up of 70% of water, where fat is only 22%
#3- Water is responsible for transporting needed nutrients to the body's cells and waste out
#4- When a person does not drink enough water the body tends to store it. . . when the body stores more than necessary it is referred to as water weight.
#5- Debates on "how much to drink" are always an issue. But one safe way to figure it is 1/2 ounce per pound of body weight. *Note if you are more active, drink more!
#6- Track your water intake- you can also get water from fruit, fruit juices, soft drinks and some foods. However soda with caffeine will dehydrate. Water in it's plain form is the best.
#7- Only 30% of the population is sufficiently hydrated. . . that means 70% of us ARE DEHYDRATED~
#8- The body burns more fat when hydrated! Drinking water can help with weight loss- Many time feeling hungry can be mistaken for feeling dehydrated.
#9- Being properly hydrated will also give you more energy.
#10- Drinking 5 glasses of water or more can slash risks of breast cancer by 79%!!!
#11- It is proven that 8-10 glasses of water daily can reduce back pain for up to 80% of sufferers.
#12- A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing.
#13-We all know we need to drink more water.


*Also dehydration 'short term' effects are headache, dizziness, stomach pain, low energy, dry mouth. . . . 'long term' effects include: Weight gain, stress & depression, kidney stones/urinary tract infections, and asthma attacks!

Okay, so I hope I gave you enough reasons to decide to make a change and drink enough water. . especially as we come up on the hot summer months :) I am drinking my lemon water right now!! Mmmmm it's good and refreshing!


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