I don't always drink enough water, 

                              but when I do I feel fabulous.

                                 Stay hydrated my friends.

 

Summer's coming and what better way to stave off the heat with lots of cool refreshing sips.

I'll admit that I've been having a hard time, not with just with drinking enough fluids but food as well.

In the little house I live in, space is a premium. I like to retreat to my room in the evenings to relax, play my favorite game, read  and watch some tv.  The problem started when I thought I'd bring my evening snacks into my room for convenience.  Absolutely I knew better but I  wasn't paying  attention to my "I know better" filter.

By the end of the week, I'd eaten a few more than I knew I should have and by the end of the month, I was eating them all.

It all starts coming back. The bargaining, rationalizing, and all the other "ings".  Then the old feelings of exhaustion, puffiness and lack of motivation. I felt the old tapes in my head starting to surface.  Damn, I thought that "file"in my head had been permanently closed and put away in the archives.

 Many times when we think we're hungry, we are actually dehydrated.  When you don't have to pee for 8 to 10 hours, that's a major clue. Also, by keeping my snacks within arms length is never a good idea. However, keeping my 32oz. fresh fruit flavored (and/or plain) water was a good idea. 

So, the snacks are back in a place when I have to go and get them. They are also laid out so I can make a choice.  The fluids came back and by the second day I was starting to feel so much better.  My body was still retaining a lot of water, however, which it will do in the beginning.  Then the dam broke and I broke out in a chorus ( by the way, it was in the bathroom) of "Happy Days Are Here Again". I know, my kids think I'm nuts too.

           So here are two of my favorite sips that will "get you going" so to speak.

                     Enjoy. Enjoy a lot of it.  Four to six glasses a day at least.

                                   Fruited Waters

                   This is my favorite way to sip throughout the day. 

I make mine 1 part fruit to 4 parts water. If that's too little flavor, start with 1 part fruit to 3 parts water, or even 1 part fruit to 2 parts water.

When you get used to your "blend" add less fruit and more water. You'll be surprised to how quickly you will adapt.

Always puree your fruit in a high powered blender. Store for the day in you refrigerator for the day. 

 I add the water first, ice (I like a lot) and then top with the fruit blend. Stir together.

Here are some of my favorite:

Fresh pineapple. 
This is a great way to start the day. I drink this every morning.
Pineapple has many wonderful properties and is great for digestion.

 Watermelon
Add a little lime if you wish

Mixed berries
Use your favorites.

Tropical
Pineapple, mangoes, strawberries even banana,

Lemonade
4 apples and 1/2 of a lemon.
I usually strain most of the apple juice, but do leave some pulp.I freeze the rest of the pulp and add to baked goods.
 If it's just too bitter, add just a little of your favorite natural sweetener.

Freezing juice puree is a great way to make it really easy to make any sip. 
 I use ice cube trays (add a couple of tablespoons of water to the fruit. I freezes better).
I also have a baby food freezer set that double stacks in the freezer.