The magic of water

Today I want to go over some of the health benefits of our good ol' friend H20. For being such a simple and easy to come by tool, it often amazes me to see what people drink on a daily basis. Regardless of marketing hype that boosts energy and sports drinks to be for bad ass elite athletes who sweat glowing gatorade (haven't figured that one out yet), Water remains the ultimate drink for those who are truly hardcore. I don't know how many little kids (and even adults) I've met who say they hate water. Why? Because it's not flavored like marshmallows and kool-aid? Go sit and color in your book. 

Water may not be as pleasing to the sugar buzzed palate of todays average american, but the whole host of benefits that it offers makes it vital to your health and well being, especially if you're dieting because water assists in fat metabolism by keeping the kidneys clean of crud. When the kidneys get gunked up, it passes some of its work load on to the liver which is an organ in your body that helps to burn off stored fat. When the liver has to do it's job and then some, it fails to reach it's full potential, throwing a wrench in your weight loss plans. 

Besides that, water keeps you hydrated and purifies your body by washing out toxins and waste particles. You can think of it like a housekeeper, you mess up your hotel room and use up the soap, then the little lady who doesn't speak much English comes through and takes out your trash, fixes your sheets, and sprays some air freshener. Only this little foreign lady also helps your body absorb vitamins and nutrients more effectively and lubricates your joints, which is always a good deal. 

Though it may sound weird, water intake reduces water retention. Do you look a little thick and bloated at times? It may be because your body is retaining water sources in your skin due to insufficient hydration. If you drink adequate amounts (5-8 glasses a day) then your body has no need to store extra water and you will notice less puff (let me know if I'm getting too scientific for you.)

And of course, water is inexpensive (unless you are at the movie theater). Yeah the economy is rough, so why are you spending extra money on red bull, mountain dew, or gatorade? 

Down 2-4 glasses with each meal starting today and enjoy your newfound status as a bad ass.