52 weeks of bodily bliss... week 3: a secret to fat loss and optimal health

Week 3 is here.  The regular exercise as part of your life must be empowering and you should feel and look better by now, even have shed a few pounds.  Are you reviewing your goal regularly?  I hope so.  So you can ensure you ARE on track, and staying right there :)


This week I want to touch on a key element to weight  loss, feeling and looking great: water.  


Many, including my immediate family/friends suffer from serious physical challenges, that could easily be changed by adding more water to their daily regime.  Water being so simple, seemingly negligible, and let's admit, almost taken for granted, plays a crucial role in the health of the body.


Water is an essential element for survival.  An adult body consists of 60-70% water.  You could literally go without food for almost two months, but only a few days, without water.  Most people, adults AND children aren't sure how much water they should consume, thus many live in a constant dehydrated state.  Not drinking enough water creates many problems; such as, excess body fat, poor muscle tone, digestive complications, muscle soreness, water-retention problems to name a few.  


Further, without water, You'd be poisoned to death by your own waste products.  Kidneys' function in removing uric acid and urea, use water to dissolve these.  If there isn't enough water, waste is not removed effectively, and may build up and cause kidney stones.  


Water is also vital for chemical reactions in digestion and metabolism.  It carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells through the blood and helps to cool the body through perspiration.  Water also lubricates the joints.  All these functions are reversed when dehydration is present.

You even need water to breathe:  the lungs must be moist to take in oxygen and excrete carbon dioxide.  It is possible to lose a pint of liquid each day just exhaling.

When your body does not move, the water inside the body becomes stagnant, creating a breeding ground for disease.   As you move your body with exercise, you stir the water, refreshing your body, renewing energy, and regaining strength.

So, switch that juice box or soda can to a tall glass of crisp filtered water. Flavor it with lemon, lime, many even put mint leaves, berries, or citrus fruits in the water jug to keep things interesting and yummy ;)   

So, how much to drink.   the simplest rule of thumb is the "8 x 8" That is 8 glasses of 8 oz for eh average person. For those who exercise, desire to lose weight or are of larger frame, can double this amount.  

For many drinking more water is a huge challenge.   Start small, start doubling your now normal intake.  If you do not drink any water now, let's celebrate that with a fresh chilled tall glass of h2o.   Not sure how much you drink start raising awareness of this.  No matter your state, become aware of your water intake and adjust to desired amounts. 

Enjoy the benefits of your conscious effort invested in YOU.

Have a tall crisp glass!  Cheers!!!!