Today while reviewing the kaizen theory of making small changes with a client, in this case to reduce the amount of sugar she puts in her coffee, she stated that the first cup of the morning is always the most difficult. She reported that if she is able to drink the first cup with less sugar, the rest of the coffee that she has that day goes down much more easily. This makes sense because coffee is one of those things that is an “acquired taste;” however, she said the same thing was true for drinking water. If she worked out earlier in the day, she would drink water throughout the day, put down the coffee, and not pick up any more calorie-laden beverages.
To protect against foreign bacteria that can cause traveler’s diarrhea, the doctor suggested that while I recently traveled in Africa, I drink mainly soda. (Beer was also approved, but it is not something I drink. Water was only OK if I personally broke the seal on the bottle, which cannot be guaranteed at restaurants with wait-staff.) I had given up soda, but figured this might be the only health reason to drink soda. I was a bit concerned that I might start craving it or have difficulty turning it down again once I returned to American soil.
It felt odd to order Fanta at the first restaurant. My reaction to soda was not a thrill of return or a desire for more. It felt sugary and heavy. After just a day, I was experiencing nausea, bloating, and low energy. I felt unhealthy. What I was craving was a shower and 64 ounces of water!
If you steer away from giving your child too much juice because of the sugar factor, but getting them to drink water is akin to convincing them that their cough syrup really does taste like bubble gum, then you might want to check out the kid-friendly Y Water. This organic, nutrient-rich and low in calorie beverages is the kiddie version of Vitamin Water.
In keeping with their conscious theme, each cute Y-shaped chubby bottle is 100 percent recyclable and 100 percent reusable. What is even more fun is that each bottle comes in a Y Knot that allow the bottles to stick together so that your child can build and connect things. It’s like Lego for water bottles!
Quick. How much water have you had today? Any? Or are you subsisting on diet soda and coffee?
Water is the single most important beverage that there is. Plain old water. Yet, studies have shown that many of us aren’t drinking the amount of water that our bodies need to stay healthy and strong. Lack of hydration can cause headaches, muscle cramps and even fatigue. Being well hydrated can help with clearer skin, a more effective metabolism, and even can help you to eat less food – a great bonus if you are actively trying to lose weight.
True story time: I am a big water drinker. Huge. I carry around my own reusable bottle and drain it several times a day. I’m not fussy – it doesn’t have to be filtered – plain tap water works well for me. The bottle holds 24 ounces, and I probably fill it five or more times a day, not including meals. So, my body is used to lots of water.
Beer or no beer? A study of 25 college students was performed a few years back and found that beer may have some positive influences on the body after a long tough workout. The students were split into two groups and asked to exercise in 104 degree weather. One group was given beer and the other group was given water to help them recover. The study was conducted for several months and according to the professors and scientists in charge, the students that were given beer appeared to be better hydrated than those given water. They believe that beer helps you retain liquid better than water and the carbohydrates in the beer help replace lost calories.
On the other hand, most of us exercise to lose weight and drinking beer after exercising pretty much defeats the purpose. (The average light beer has 103 calories, 5.7g carbs and 14mg sodium.) Why put empty calories back in your body after trying to burn them? I recommend drinking plenty of water while exercising and then eating a healthy meal or snack after the bout of exercise to help replenish the body. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment and I will get back to as soon as possible.
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