Healthy Habits
Friday, March 2, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Why drink 50 oz. of water daily?
1. Drinking Water Helps Maintain the Balance of Body Fluids. Your body is composed of about 60% water. The functions of these bodily fluids include digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients, and maintenance of body temperature.
2. Water Can Help Control Calories. For years, dieters have been drinking lots of water as a weight loss strategy. While water doesn't have any magical effect on weight loss, substituting it for higher calorie beverages can certainly help. Water-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, broth-based soups, oatmeal, and beans.
3. Water Helps Energize Muscles. Cells that don't maintain their balance of fluids and electrolytes shrivel, which can result in muscle fatigue. During exercise, they recommend that people start drinking fluids early, and drink them at regular intervals to replace fluids lost by sweating.
4. Water Helps Keep Skin Looking Good. Your skin contains plenty of water, and functions as a protective barrier to prevent excess fluid loss. You can also help "lock" moisture into your skin by using moisturizer, which creates a physical barrier to keep moisture in.
5. Water Helps Your Kidneys. Body fluids transport waste products in and out of cells. When you're getting enough fluids, urine flows freely, is light in color and free of odor. When your body is not getting enough fluids, urine concentration, color, and odor increases because the kidneys trap extra fluid for bodily functions.
6. Water Helps Maintain Normal Bowel Function. Adequate hydration keeps things flowing along your gastrointestinal tract and prevents constipation. When you don't get enough fluid, the colon pulls water from stools to maintain hydration -- and the result is constipation.
5 Tips to Help You Drink More
If you think you need to be drinking more, here are some tips to increase your fluid intake and reap the benefits of water:
- Have a beverage with every snack and meal.
- Choose beverages you enjoy; you're likely to drink more liquids if you like the way they taste.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables. Their high water content will add to your hydration. About 20% of our fluid intake comes from foods.
- Keep a bottle of water with you in your car, at your desk, or in your bag.
- Choose beverages that meet your individual needs. If you're watching calories, go for non-caloric beverages or water.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Why 4 fruits/veggies a day?
Why eat MORE fruits and veggies?
Color & Texture. Fruits and veggies add color, texture … and appeal … to your plate.
Convenience. Fruits and veggies are nutritious in any form – fresh, frozen, canned, dried and 100% juice, so they’re ready when you are!
Fiber. Fruits and veggies provide fiber that helps fill you up and keeps your digestive
system happy.
Low in Calories. Fruits and veggies are naturally low in calories.
May Reduce Disease Risk. Eating plenty of fruits and veggies may help reduce the risk of many diseases, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and some cancers.
Vitamins & Minerals. Fruits and veggies are rich in vitamins and minerals that help you feel
healthy and energized.
Variety. Fruits and veggies are available in an almost infinite variety…there’s always
something new to try!
Quick, Natural Snack. Fruits and veggies are nature’s treat and easy to grab for a snack.
Fun to Eat! Some crunch, some squirt, some you peel … some you don’t, and some grow
right in your own backyard!
Fruits & Veggies are Nutritious AND Delicious!
from http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/?page_id=1477