H 2 The O

Nature's nectar.

Water.

Did you know roughly 70% of an adult's body is made up of water?

How much water intake are you getting daily? Typically, we're "supposed" to get 8 cups per day which equals to about 64 oz. However, if you're a coffee drinker like me or, you consume caffinated beverages, you should probably try to consume a bit more water than what is suggested. You see, Caffiene acts as a mild diuretic (if you didn't already know) and this keeps water from getting to the necessary locations in our bodies.

Look at water like oil for a machine. Water helps to nourish the lymph and organs. It flushes out toxins and regulates temperature and keeps the engine from overheateing if you will.

By the time you start to feel thirsty, your body has depeleted over 1% of it's total amount of water.

What if you "hate" water? Hate is a pretty strong word eh? I've gone through phases where it's not my favorite. However, there are so many different ways to enjoy water without  the "ugh, water?!" thoughts. My favorite is lemon. Lemon is a great detoxifier. If you get the water really cold and sqeeze a little lemon slice, it gives it a bit of a tang. Cucumbers are another refreshing way to enjoy a glass of water. I've also seen different retailers that offer fruit infusers attached to water bottles. Drop a few frozen berries or melon in there (frozen would help keep it cool) and you'll have a refreshingly fruity flavored water.

What about the drink packets and sqeezables that are all the rage? Sure, you can use them to help consume your water. Just be careful, some of these mixes have aspartame. Personally, I bypass these. I've read too many unsettling things about aspartame. My favorite drink packets that I use occaisionally (read, days that I just need a little something other than plain water) is the Real Lemon brand. Yes, there's a tad bit of sugar but I don't believe it's enough to derail my healthy habits if I only have it once or twice a day.  The real lemon comes in several different flavors. You must read the lables as there are only 2 that I've found to be doable for the 17 day diet (my opinion only) and they are the plain lemonade and the raspberry lemonade. More days than not, I sip ice cold water.

Since I've started this program, I've noticed that I am habitually going after more water. I have a large insulated tumbler that I fill up with ice water in the morning. My goal is to drink it by lunchtime. Then, I try to fill it up one to two more times while i'm at work and once more when I get home in the evening.

Do you have a goal you set to get your water intake? What do you like to add to your water to make it taste good?