FINALLY!  A Blog!

It is something I have been saying  I will get around to putting together but just haven't. Well, today, I decided to finally make it happen. It was not an easy task either. I feel so technologically challenged compared to when I was in college which wasn't THAT long ago...

Anyways.

Today lets talk about water. We all know how crucial it is to drink plenty of fluids, especially in this heat we've been experiencing, but WHY? and HOW MUCH?

Well, staying properly hydrated is essential to maintaining cell function in our bodies, keeping electrolytes in balance, controlling hunger, and keeping our kidneys functioning to name a few. Ya, a pretty big deal.

So how much do we need? We often hear that we need 64 oz of water, but really, that is the BARE MINIMUM that I would recommend. I actually suggest aiming to have half your body weight in ounces per day of good ol' pure water.

I don't want to hear that you "just can't drink water" and therefore must sweeten it up or fill up on other calorically or even non-calorically sweetened beverages. We are all adults here. Drink your water (and eat your vegetables while your at it.).

So, now we have a brief synopsis of why and how much...lets talk about how to make it happen. If you know me, you'll know I am a new mom with a 16 month old son, and I get distracted easily.

When I am at work, I am really good about drinking my water, but something happens when I get home! I'll go into the kitchen to get my water, and realize there's dishes in the sink that need loaded in the dish washer, and then I will hear the washer go off, so I head to the garage and switch my laundry over, then my son needs a diaper change, then I realize I need to get dinner started, then the dryer is done, then another diaper change, then dinners ready, etc etc etc...and then it hits me! I never drank the water I went to go get and now its the end of the day! True story, this happens to me all the time, and I am sure I am not alone.

So how do we get all that water in? Some things that help me are to take very conscious "water breaks" through out my day where I literally have to set everything aside and say, "I am drinking my water now", and drink the whole glass or bottle at once. Another thing that helps me is to put rubber bands around my bottle based on how many times I need to fill it up through the day, and as I drink a bottle, move a rubber band down. The key is to prioritize it. Become aware, and make conscious steps throughout your day to ensure you drink enough water. Your body and kidneys will thank you later :-)