The Importance of Being Hydrated

Water does many things. If you are on track, you will be properly providing the necessary tools for your body's many functions. Did you know that water...

serves as a lubricant

forms the base for saliva

forms the fluids that surround the joints.

regulates the body temperature

helps to alleviate constipation by moving food through the intestinal tract

helps to regulate metabolism

Besides that, by drinking water every day you can reap these benefits:

• Lose weight: Drinking water helps you lose weight because it flushes down the by-products of fat breakdown. Drinking water reduces hunger, it’s an effective appetite suppressant so you’ll eat less.
• Eliminate Headaches: Helps to relieve headache and back pains due to dehydration. dehydration is the most common one.
• Enjoy Healthier Skin: You’ll look younger when your skin is properly hydrated. Water helps to replenish skin tissues, moisturizes skin and increases skin elasticity.
• Work Better: Your brain is made up of 95% water, thus drinking water helps you think better, be more alert and more concentrated.
• Improves Digestion and Constipation: Drinking water raises your metabolism because it helps in digestion. Fiber and water goes hand in hand so that you can have your daily bowel movement.
• Less Cramps and Sprains: Proper hydration helps keep your joints and muscles lubricated, so you’ll less likely get cramps and sprains.
• Feel Well and Be Well: Drinking plenty of water helps fight against flu and other ailments like kidney stones and heart attack.

Somebody Bring Me Some Water!

Somebody is all wet!

Are you having second thoughts about this "water" business?!
How many trips to the toilet have you made this week?
Are your clothes getting tight?
Have you gained an inordinate amount of weight this week?

If you are muttering your answers in an exasperated tone then I will assume that you are one of the many dehydrated Americans now on the road to recovery! Don't get frustrated. My teenage daughter gained 15 pounds in 4 days when she first began drinking water regularly. Here is my explanation in terms that even a teenager can understand.

Your cells have a membrane (wall) that allows for the exchange of gases and liquids. . When you don't drink enough water, your cells tend to hang on to the "crap" that should be eliminated because there is nothing good to replace it.  When you start drinking water after depriving your poor helpless cells for so long they behave in the same manner as a starving person put in front of the all-you-can-eat at Golden Corral. They load up!! But you have done them wrong and they don't trust you now. Therefore, your cells will hold onto excess water until they truly believe you will continue providing water on a regular basis. When you have won their trust back, they will release the excess water and you will know it by the volume of urine output each time you go to the bathroom! This could take a few days or a few weeks - just depends on how dehydrated you have been.

Bottom Line - DON'T QUIT!!!!

Much Ado About Water

I believe that water is the only drink for a wise man.  ~Henry David Thoreau

This makes me feel a little guilty about the wine I had over the holidays. 

It is shocking to think that in a nation where water is so readily available over 75% of our population walks around dehydrated EVERY DAY!!

Common signs of dehydration  

• fuzzy short-term memory
• trouble with basic math 
• difficulty focusing on smaller print ie. computer screens
• daytime fatigue

So drink up friends!! All you have to gain is energy, increased brain capacity, better focus and lots of potty breaks!

Challenge #1

Challenge #1 -  Water: Drink More of It!!

Pure water is the world's first and foremost medicine.  ~Slovakian Proverb

Water Facts:

• Water makes up over 2/3 of the human body
• The average adult sweats one pint of water per day
• The human brain is 95% water
• A 2 % drop in water content can spark symptoms of dehydration

Challenge Summary: Drink one half of your body weight in ounces of water EVERY day. This does not include tea, coffee, soda, wine or juice.

Example: a 150 pound person will need to drink 75 ounces of water each day.

Tip for Success: I recommend that you measure out the total amount of water needed each day and package it so that you will be more likely to drink it.  I use a water bottle that I know needs to be emptied 3 times each day in order for me to reach my goal. I only drink out of that bottle so I know exactly how much water I have consumed each day.

2012 Challenge - Better Yourself!!

Welcome 2012!!!

This year will be a year of growth, challenge and let's face it.... some frustration. Is there any real success that comes without challenges and setbacks?

For me personally, 2011was a year of new beginnings and long awaited achievements. First, I completed my first sprint triathlon. Second, I launched a new skin care line. Finally, I have clinical evidence that I am normal!! All of my inflammation markers and auto-immune markers are negative / normal. The last achievement is the most significant development for me. I was first tested for auto-immune disease in 2002 and have not had normal lab results since that time. But I do now!!! I have been greatly blessed to have been symptom-free for about 6 years (with proper attention to lifestyle and diet) and now I have finally achieved my ultimate goal of being "normal"!! What a great gift health is - no price can be applied to it!

My natural response to all of these great things is to further challenge myself in the new year. What else can I do to feel even better, run faster (some days just run at all), look better, work better, sell better, etc.?  I am digging out some of my good advice that I give to my clients and offering it up here on a weekly basis to anyone interested in feeling better, looking better, performing better or achieving some other lofty goal. What I am offering is not medical advice - so don't even think about blaming me if you don't like the way it goes :) This is simply sound advice for the general American population that will help improve your health and physical / mental ability.  I will be undertaking each challenge personally throughout the entire year - can't wait to see  the results!

I invite you to join me on this challenging journey - it will require planning, gumption, discipline (if you don't have any - find some darn it!) and perseverance. Hopefully we will all be extraordinarily transformed this time next year because of these simple changes to our daily lives.

Gluten Free Autumn Muffins

I decied to play around with gluten free flours yesterday. While I am no baker, I certainly came out of my baking experience with a greater appreciation for the science of baking!
The flavor of these muffins  - superb!
The color - slightly unappealing.
The texture - pretty darn good!
A friend commented that it didn't even taste gluten-free! I take that as a compliment.

These are gluten free, soy free, dairy free, and corn free. They do contain eggs.

Autumn Muffins

4 eggs
2/3 c. susgar
2/3 c. brown sugar
1 c. melted coconut oil
1/2 txp. baking soda
1 Tbs. .baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. grated fresh ginger
1 c. coconut milk
2 c. GF oatmeal (ground finely in the food processor)
1/2 c. brown rice flour 
1/2 c. potato starch
1/4 c. flaxseed meal
1 c. fresh cranberries, chopped 
1 c. dried figs, chopped
1 c. fresh apples, chopped
1 c. chopped nuts (I love pecans!) 

Mix all wet ingredients together. Mix all dry ingredients together. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Fold in fruit and nuts. Fill muffin tins 2/3 full and bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.

Raw Apple Cereal

Raw Apple Cereal

This is a yummy one! I am a BIG fan of this morning favorite. Here goes...

 This is a great recipe that requires very few special ingredients (unless you are a junk food junkie).
Gather all your ingredients - be sure you have almonds that have soaked overnight in the fridge.
Simply combine all ingredients into a bowl. Note that I chopped my apple instead of grating it - much easier.

Then stir it all up and make it look pretty! Enjoy :)

 Raw Apple Cereal

1 fresh apple, grated
1 banana chopped
3 Tbs. shredded coconut
1/4 cup soaked almonds chopped
1/4 cup sunflower (or other green) sprouts
just enough coconut water to moisten ingredients
1 tsp. raw honey
dash of cinnamon and/or nutmeg
Mix all ingredients together in cereal bowl. Enjoy with a green drink for a complete raw meal!!
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