H2O, Water water water!

Start your day the ma'am way-drinking water! I wake up at 4:40AM, roll out of bed into my clothes, stagger into the kitchen, flip the switch on the coffee pot then pour myself a nice big glass of water with a splash of lemon juice. Ahh....It's refreshing, hydrating, and acts as a simple cleanse at the start of my day.

Proper hydration is crucial to a healthy body, especially if you are exercising regularly. Some symptoms of dehydration include:

• muscle cramping



• headaches



• dry mouth and thirst



• dizziness or light headedness



• over time dehydration can lead to injuries or illness

(see http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dehydration/DS00561/DSECTION=symptoms)

Proper hydration helps flush toxins from your system and will improve your performance during your workout, even during your work day!

My tips for increasing your water consumption:

• start your day with a glass of water



• sip water throughout the day, try using a cup with a straw or carry a sport cap water bottle



• drink extra water right after your workout when your body is ready to absorb it



• don't try to cram drinking water by chugging a gallon in one sitting



• alternate water and your other beverages (e.g. coffee, tea, juice)



• keep track of the number of glasses of H2O you've had throughout the day until you get in the habit of drinking water.

I vaguely remember a cartoon/commercial from my youth that used to sing: "Water, it's the best no calorie drink in all the world!" They were right! Happy sipping.