DECEMBER 2019 CHALLENGE
We’re focusing on implementing a new habit each week for the last month of this decade. Last week’s challenge: eat an apple a day. How did it go? AND – do you find that if you eat an apple each day you’re less likely to eat junk food? Sometimes if we make small changes, it helps us crowd out food that shouldn’t be a part of our daily nutrition. Just sayin’.
WEEK TWO: Water. Water. Water.
Let’s build on that apple a day and increase the amount of water we’re drinking. This suggestion is probably no surprise to you. I’ve written a bit about the importance of water in the past, and you’ve probably heard of the benefits water provides to your body. Increase the amount of water you’re drinking each day by adding an 8-ounce glass a day to your water intake until you’re comfortable with the amount of water you’re drinking. (Check with your healthcare team to make sure you’re on the right track here.)
Here are some ways to add water to your day:
Drink a glass of water before each meal.
If you’re feeling hungry between meals, have a glass of water before reaching for a snack. It could be that you’re dehydrated and your body is craving water.
Feeling sluggish? You guessed it! Skip the caffeine and have a glass of water.
Fill a water bottle each morning and sip on it throughout the day.
You drink multiple cups of coffee each day? Swap out one cup of coffee for a glass of water.
Going out to a party or dinner where you’ll be drinking alcohol? Limit yourself to one alcoholic beverage and drink water throughout the remainder of the party / dinner.
Do you avoid drinking water because you find it boring? No problem! Try adding the following to your water:
Cucumber slices
Lemon slices
Lime slices
Mint sprigs
Orange slices
Strawberry slices
Make a game out of it to see how you can increase your water intake. Do you feel better? Less fatigued? Are you less likely to overeat? Take note now that you’re eating an apple a day and drinking more water whether you’re able to resist food and beverages that zap your strength and energy.
You’re in control. Healthy living starts now.
