May Water Challenge

How is it the first day of May already? Is it just me, or did it sneak up out of no where?

Anyway, it's MAY! Yay!

I've decided to do monthly challenges to either break bad habits or to start a good habit.

Did you know that about 75% of your body is made up of water? So you can see why hydration is very important. Here are some benefits of drinking water:

• Aids in Weight Loss - If you feel like you're hungry, it could be that you are actually thirsty. Hunger pangs are often mistaken for being thirsty.
• Healthier Skin - drinking plenty of water keeps your skin healthy by flushing out toxins to keep it clear and keeps your skin from drying out and cracking.
• Helps Digestion - It helps in breaking down food and aids in the absorption of nutrients. It also helps with, well, ya know.
• Muscle and Joint Health - Your muscle tissue is made up mostly of water so staying properly hydrated will help prevent muscle cramps. Additionally, it will help keep your joints strong and lubricated. Keeping your muscles and joints healthy will help keep you injury free too!

These are just a few benefits. There are many more but you get the idea. Hydration is uber important. So, with that being said, this month I decided I would do a water challenge. I am generally bad at staying properly hydrated, and with the weather getting warmer, proper hydration is even more crucial.

I needed to set a goal and also have a way of tracking my water consumption. I found an Android app called Water Your Body. This app will ask you for your weight and give you a water consumption goal and will also allow you to track your water intake. Added benefits: reminders, monthly graph, and daily log. My daily goal has been set at 84 ounces. Keep in mind that if you're working out, you should probably consume more water. Personally, I am not going to count the water that I drink while working out (I never have). It is very easy for me to drink 24 ounces in the course of a 45-minute spin class. And thats ok, because my body needs it.

Tips to Help You Hydrate

• Hungry? Many people mistake thirst for hunger. So, if you feel hungry, try drinking a glass of water instead of reaching for that cookie. You might be surprised that your not hungry any more and you just saved yourself some calories! 
• Fruits and Veggies are high in water content, good for you, and generally low in calories for the portion sizes. So not only will it help fill you up but the variety available should keep you from getting bored.
• Watch for Calories in your beverages! Some of these "vitamin waters" are high in calories and low in nutrients. Additionally, if you're trying to lose weight you will want those beverages to be low in calories because, I don't know about you, but I don't want to waste my hard earned calories on a 100+ drink. If you're not a fan of plain water, you can dress it up with something like Crystal Lite On-the-Go packets for about 5 calories, or a Mio Liquid Water Enhancer for no additional calories. Personally, I drink water as is.
• Keep it With You where you go. I keep a 24-ounce glass of water at my desk at all times. You can also keep a bottle of water in your purse, gym bag, or car. This will keep you hydrated and keep you from stopping for one of those high calorie drinks.
• Enjoy! Be sure that you enjoy what you're drinking. If you started drinking something and its not you, don't force yourself to keep drinking it. This should be a positive experience! :)

Question: How much water (or other beverage) do you drink a day? If you drink water, do you like it 'straight up' or do you 'dress it up'?


**DISCLAIMERS**
The opinions above are mine and mine alone. I was not paid by Crystal Lite, Mio Liquid, or Water Your Body. Additionally and more importantly, I am NOT a doctor and in no way should this be taken as advice. If you are concerned about your fluid intake, you should seek the advice of a professional.