Water, only better

One thing that is universally accepted as a factor in weight loss is increasing the water you drink to 8 glasses. Some authorities cite more than this, up to half your body weight in ounces of water. The reason for this is that body fat does not simply vaporize into nothingness, but rather pass out of your body in the forms of sweat and urine. Some also exits through the digestive tract in the form of liver secretions that get mixed with the bolus as it transits the intestinal tract and, well, out the door so to speak. This is one reason laxatives have been used by some desperate for a quick result in weight loss. It is not a healthy process in the least, and your body can become not only dehydrated, but dependent upon them to function at all. Dumb move, but the logic behind it is smart. Anything that you can do to make this built in flushing mechanism work more efficiently is a good move, be it weight loss or not. The majority of our immune system rely s upon the condition of our digestive tract, and good digestive health is a primary move in good overall health. So water consumption is a just plain good move healthwise.

But what if you hate water ? What if you find it boring, flat, uninteresting and easy to ignore in your weight loss ? There are options. A popular one is something like those little packages of powder that you pour in your bottle, shake and drink. Good point is they are convenient, portable and make water taste good. Bad point is they are a chemical nightmare that may prove counterproductive to your efforts in the long run, if you are losing weight for health. Herbal teas work much the same as weter in the body, but not always convenient or even palletable to some. Is there a better solution ?

You bet. Spa water ! Not only does it taste good, but it helps your body to do what it naturally does in a more efficient matter. make up a gallon of this and see if you don't find yourself guzzling the whole thing in a day.

Spa water
2 organic lemons, washed and sliced
1 cucumber, peeled and sliced thin
20 fresh mint leaves, coarsely chopped
5 slices of fresh ginger, coarsely chopped
1 gallon of water.

Place in a pitcher, cover and steep overnight.

I have been making a gallon pitcher of this every day and one day last week I introduced my husband to this. He has real problems getting in the 6 servings of water Weight Watchers recommends. so I thought this tasty sollution would hel. It definately has. Sadly, my son does not like it, but instead preffers just plain water most of the day. Unless he has discovered some diet soda with antioxidants or promises of giving him wings. Ugggh. One step at a time....

Here is how yesterday played out food and activity wise. It was a good day.
exercise- 45 min
Wii fit 40 min ( strength training)
resistance bands- 5 min


Breakfast-
Oatmeal with the usual toppings( seed mix,coconut,crasins,flax,goji berries,wheat bran,olive oil,peanut butter-I love this mix)
Yo digestive yogert,water
2 cups coffee


Lunch-
Grilled chicken salad ( 3 oz chicken, 1 T seed nut mix, romaine,arugala,dandelion,parsley Boston bib and Salad Spritzers dressing)
Fiber Plus bar
Yo plus digestive yogert
apple,water


Dinner-
marinated grilled chicken( lemon juice,blood orange juice,garlic,thyme)
Quinoa,Green beans, tossed salad
Diet Cherry 7up


Snacks Spa water through the day
AM parsley,nettle,dandelion,thyme tea
Parsley ,nettle,dandelion,thyme tea,celery
Afternoon-Parsley ,nettle,dandelion,thyme tea,
sugar free pudding,sugar free jello,carrot
Evening- apple,blood orange,lite string cheese,Fiber Plus bar

water 16 (128 oz) not counting the tea, coffee or sodas
Fruits 4
veg 7
lean protien 2
dairy 3
healthy fats 3