Boost Your Daily Intake with Fruit-Infused H2O!
Bored with Water?
"Drink more water" - We hear it all the time - from doctors, health coaches, sports coaches, & ALL of the supermarket magazines. But do you know how much water you are you really supposed to drink ... and why?
To be honest, plain water has never been my first choice in beverages. Now I know that if I’m not getting the water that I need, I’m creaky and cranky. My health suffers and so does the rest of my family - You know how it goes: “If Mamma ain’t happy...” I had all the reasons in the world to avoid a glass of water and grab a cup of java instead. Water was boring, I don’t like it, I need that 4th cup of coffee. If I ICE my coffee then it’s just like I am drinking water because, well, ice is water, right? Wrong.
Water accounts for nearly 60% of your body composition and is essential for the growth and regeneration of every cell, tissue and organ in your body. Without proper hydration, your body simply won’t work properly and you’re setting yourself up for all kinds of unwanted complications.
So how much should you drink?
Get this... Half your body weight - in ounces - every day. You read that right.
Every organ, every tissue, every cell in your body needs water to function correctly
Proper hydration keeps the body cool by helping with temperature regulation
Improves muscle and joint function by keeping things lubricated
Prevents dry mouth, lips, and throat
Helps you lose weight.
Water is absolutely essential for proper waste elimination.
Cleanses toxins from your body Shedding toxins gives you more energy, improves mental health and functioning, and gives you better skin and hair. Bonus! You will glow!
How do you know if you're dehydrated?
It may be more obvious in summer but you can get dehydrated in cold weather. Indoor heating, dryer air, LOTS of Holiday cocktails all work together to dry you out and symptoms of dehydration can really sneak up on you. Some of us are so chronically dehydrated we may not even notice anymore - I know I can certainly get there very easily. Pay attention. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms there's a good chance you need to look at your hydration.
Little or no urine or urine that is darker than usual
Dry mouth
Sleepiness or fatigue
Extreme thirst
Headache
Confusion
Dizziness or lightheadedness
No tears when crying
Don’t be a hero and tough out the dry mouth or medicate that annoying headache. Actively prevent dehydration.
Water Bottle Alchemy
Using certain fruits, herbs, and flowers can take the benefits of hydration to a whole new level. Infusing your water keeps things interesting & makes your water taste better which will lead to drinking more of the good stuff and less of the sugar laden, carbonated or caffeinated stuff that we've grown so used to. Here's what you get when you drink the right amount of H2O:
Heightened metabolism
Better ability to Focus
Fewer headaches
Enhanced digestive functioning
Improved immune system functioning - recuperate faster from illness and workouts
Additional energy boosts and mood enhancements.
Before you go to bed TONIGHT. Grab your water bottles and your favorite combination of fruit, herbs, or whatever your intuition tells you. Filter yourself some water and start making magic. This can be a great family activity and a fun part of the bed time routine so everyone has their own special water concoction for work or school in the morning.
Try these combinations or experiment with your own recipe!
Orange, lemon, and ginger (improves immune system and blood circulation)
Cucumber, raspberry, and grape (beats inflammation and fights cancer)
Rhubarb, apple, and cinnamon (amplifies metabolism)
Strawberry and lime (boosts anti-aging)
Pineapple and mint (natural anti inflammatory to relieve joint pain. Mint supports digestive system)
Here is my All Time Favorite Water Recipe
Filtered water in your largest pitcher - preferable glass
3 Melaleuca leaf tea bags (or your favorite green tea)
1 Lemon (washed and sliced)
1/2 cucumber (peeled and sliced)
Combine, let sit for a few hours and drink. Super simple, Super refreshing, Super healthy. No need to toss everything when you finish the first pitcher. I will often refill the pitcher once or twice more just to get all of the yummy out of the ingredients and put it all into the compost box when it’s done. Zero waste, 100% delicious.
