WATER WATER EVERYWERE AND PLENTY TO DRINK

5 more ways to stay hydrated By Tanya Zuckerbrot Published February 23, 2016.  

Having trouble drinking your recommended daily 'cup's of water? Our body systems depend on water to function properly. Water is essential for maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails, as well as aiding in controlling body temperature and our blood pressure. In addition, a study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that increasing water intake can aid in weight loss. Even so, staying hydrated can be challenging! Try out these tips and savor the feeling of hydration. Make the experience more enjoyable: Add in fresh fruit or citrus, such as berries or lemon slices, or fresh herbs like mint, to give your plain water an all-natural flavor boost. There are a multitude of possibilities when it comes to fruit and herb combinations, making drinking water more interesting. The benefits? No artificial sweeteners are needed and you can add an extra dose of vitamins and minerals to your day. Coconut water: You've heard this one before- and it's true. Coconut water is an excellent low-calorie, grab-and-go option that provides ample hydration and coconut water is chock full of valuable electrolytes which are important for several body functions such as regulating heartbeat, muscle contraction, and conducting nerve impulses. Make sure to stick to an unsweetened, natural, coconut water to get the most benefits without any of those added sugars. Bring on the FIZZ: Soda is a no-no but that doesn't mean you can't have a little bubbly action in your day. Seltzer water is cool and fizzy going down, and wonderfully hydrating as well. For added sweetness, add in sliced strawberries and lime for additional color and flavor, and avoid artificial sweeteners in the process. This one is a no brainer. Eat your water: A simple Google search will provide you with a list of the water content in some of your favorite fruits and veggies. Choose those with the highest water content for your daily menu and enjoy the benefits! Broccoli, strawberries, and celery all have a water content that is over 90 percent and they are naturally high in fiber, helping to keep you feeling full for longer. Create a new habit: While we each have our own set of healthy habits, all too often drinking water regularly is not one of them. Set yourself up for success by making an association between mealtime and "water time. How? Start or end every meal with a glass of water! We all grab a meal at some point in the day and this is a great way to get in your water as well.