H20

One of the most vital things we can do for our bodies, our health, and well-being is to drink water. Think about it: our bodies are composed of 60 to 70 percent of water. And if you are active, sweat a lot, drink alcohol, or drink lots of caffeine then you should drink more water than you think you should.

How much water should we be drinking every day? The number is different for everyone, but a good way to estimate is to take your body weight in pounds and divide that number in half. This will give you the number of ounces of water per day that you need to drink. For example, if you weigh 140 pounds, you should drink at least 70 ounces of water per day. You should also keep in mind that food accounts for about 20 percent of your total fluid intake, depending on what one eats in a given day. (Example: watermelon has more water than bread.)

The benefits of staying hydrated?

• If you're trying to lose weight, not only will water help you feel fuller, but it also flushes out toxins and fat. Plus, water is calorie free!
• Adequate liquid intake is vital for staying healthy or for fighting off sickness.
• Water helps with digestion.
• You'll be more alert! Did you know that your brain is 90% water?
• Water is great for your skin, and can help your skin stay clear and glowing.

Many times when we feel that we are hungry, we may actually be thirsty! So before you binge on a high-calorie snack, drink a glass of water first. If you're not a big water-drinker, try for just one day to double or triple the amount of water you drink in a given day. Odds are you'll notice a difference immediately!