Water It Down

 I cannot begin to tell you how much I love drinking water! Yes, I really do love water. Don't get me wrong I like other drinks as well but unfortunately none of those other drinks can do what water will for you. I have recently decided to cut off all soft drinks, coffee, and high sugar juice drinks and replaced them all with only water. Soda is addicting so I understand it's hard to quit especially if you have been drinking it for years but I assure you if you quit drinking it all together you will find that not only do you have a bit more energy but you may lose some weight as well.

   I once gave up soda for an entire year many and I mean many moons ago, However, I began drinking soda again and found it hard to stop. I wasn't drinking it anywhere near as much as before but I was drinking it enough to feel bothered by it. About a week ago I drank my last cup of soda and have been drinking only water throughout the day, a gallon of water to be exact. I am super excited with the results so far: my skin is looking better (clearer and brighter), I am feeling fuller so I am snacking a lot less, and best of all I am feeling more energized. I have been reading and asking around in regards to the benefits of drinking water and the benefits are endless:

• Lose Weight- water makes you feel full which helps make you realize that the "hunger" you were feeling was most likely "thirst". For best results drink 1 full glass (8-10oz.) of water before every meal.

• Hydrates Skin-Water will hydrate your skin helping brighten your skin in the process and help maintain a clearer complexion.

• Builds Muscle-Water will hydrate your muscles allowing them to work harder and longer before feeling tired.

• Prevent Illness-Water helps promote frequent urination which help keep the kidneys working properly and flush out any toxins from your body. This will help prevent kidney infections, common colds, and even migraines.

  I know the idea of drinking water is not appealing to everyone but I assure you if you give it a week you may change your mind. Try adding fruit to add flavor to your water without adding sugar and calories. I actually like adding lemon/lime juice to my water as this gives you a lot of energy and a big surge of vitamin C. The benefits of lemon/lime water are amazing and I recommend for you to try some (best when drank first thing in the morning).

*Tips:

• Aim to drink at least one gallon of water throughout the day. Use a water bottle at work or school to remind you and make it easier to drink the water.

• Drink 1-2 cups of water first thing in the morning half an hour before breakfast. Water will get your system going and will allow your body to absorb more of the nutrients/vitamins from the food you consume afterwards.

So go ahead and "Water it down" tell me how you feel switching to just water?

Live. Laugh. Love.

Michelle Marie