Water Water Everywhere!!

Water. Just about the simplest thing we have going for us these days eh? In my community nutrition class, we have to do a nutrition education project on whatever topic we'd like... my group members and I chose: Water Hydration for College Students. It seems like an easy concept right? Students drinking water? People in general drinking water? See that is what you would think, BUT, people these days tend to pick waters arch enemies: SODA, TEA, COFFEE, ENERGY DRINKS, and SPORTS DRINKS. Just about anything but water. But why? What is it about water that has lost its appeal? Its free... It has no bitter taste like coffee... no extra calories to add on the pounds. So what is it?

Water Water EVERYWHERE.
After oxygen, water is the second highest priority in your body (70% of your body is water). What is involved in every cell, tissue, and organ process in the body, making it one of the most vital things in life. It is essential that we have AT MINIMUM 8-10 eight ounce glasses of water PER DAY! If you feel thirsty, this already means your dehydrated, so keep drinking even when you are not thirsty! A wonderful way to tell if you are hydrated is to keep tract of your urine throughout the day (Your body doesn't lie!!). If your urine is clear, this is a great indicator your hydrated! If it is amber or dark in color, you are dehydrated. The only exception to this rule is if you are supplementing with vitamins-- this can alter the color of your urine. 

Adequate hydration is not only essential for optimum brain function, it also:

•  Maintains your body temperature

•  Aids in digestion 

•  Metabolizes fat 

•  Lubricates and cushions your organs 

•  Transports nutrients throughout your body 

•  Flushes toxic waste from your body 

•  Keeps you looking and feeling young

E A T I N G my water?

Hmm sounds pretty cool right? According to the Institute of Medicine, 20%of your water intake comes from food. "Eating a three-ounce cucumber is like drinking three ounces of water, but better," says Howard Murad, M.D., author of The Water Secret.

The New Gatorade:

Since sports drinks are FULL of SUGAR and CALORIES... this is a pretty healthy alternative!   Plus (+) most Americans sip on these drinks when they are on the go, after walking on the treadmill for 30 minutes, or hand them to their child for a snack. The carbohydrates and electrolytes found in these drinks meant to replenish intense exercise lasting about 2 hours. (ex. football practice). 

Lets try this: CANTALOUPE, PEACHES, STRAWBERRIES. (water +electrolytes)

Throw some of these in your water bottle (or just eat them plain) and not only are you getting some fruit for the day but you're getting some potassium which is an essential electrolyte (oh, did i mention BYE BYE unnecessary calories!) "Potassium and sodium work together to maintain fluid levels in the body," says Wendy Bazilian, Dr.PH., R.D., author of The SuperFoodsRx Diet, "which helps regulate your heartbeat and circulation." 

H20+Recovery

Cherries and pineapples. Could this get any better? For you runners out there... this is for you! An enzyme found in pineapple called bromelain is proven to reduce inflammation and speed muscle repair."Tart cherries contain anthocyanins and melatonin, which reduce inflammation," says Russel J. Reiter, Ph.D., professor of cellular and structural biology at the University of Texas Health Science Center.

These are just two-- the possibilities are ENDLESS. Add just about anything to your water to spice it up! 

Avoid D E H Y D R A T O R S!!

Like I said before-- water has some enemies!! SODA, TEA, COFFEE, ENERGY DRINKS, and SPORTS DRINKS. Other than providing extra calories, sugar, caffeine highs/lows, and dehydrate us... WHAT DO THESE DO FOR US??? I haven't exactly figured it out yet. I guess I will get back to you on this one :( 

Take for instance Mountain Dew-- a college students studying staple

Carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, concentrated orange juice, citric acid, natural flavor, sodium benzoate (preservative), caffeine, sodium citrate, erythorbic acid (preservative), gum arabic, calcium disodium EDTA (preservative), brominated vegetable oil, and Yellow 5.

VS.

Water (H20)

Water

So this is my point girls and boys-- drink water!!! It is vital to life! Of course it is okay to drink other things in moderation, but lets give our body what it is made of! WATER!

Come see me at spin tonight-- 7pm! stay happy and healthy!