30 Day Health Challenge #HappyNewYear #2014

Let me shout it through the rooftops…

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

There’s something remarkable about the New Year. Perhaps it’s the fresh, new beginning or the closing of a time period. Either way, it starts a new and that is always good with me.

Today is also the first day of our 30-Day Health Challenge! And as I mentioned, these are simple activities to head us in the right step towards our better, healthier selves!

It couldn’t be easier today, take note…literally and drink water!

(Image Source)

Why drink water?

Well, I’m glad you asked! Here are some reasons why you want to make drinking water a daily healthy habit:

  1. Water cleans out the toxins  in the body, helping flush out waste products. (Good tid bit to know ;))
  2. Leaves you with healthy, glowing skin! (I know this personally because it is the cure for my dry hands!)
  3. Great for weight loss – what? YES! If you substitute water over high calorie drinks (example: soda) it can help not only make a healthy habit but consume less calories as well
  4. Boost of energy: When dehydrated the cells in the body can’t perform properly thus creating fatigue.
  5. Headache be gone! A headache can be a sign of dehydration, make sure if you feel one coming on, you are hydrated!

How much water should you drink?

The key factor is to look at the color. When the urine is fairly clear in color, then the body is hydrated. When it’s dark, well…grab some water!

According to Dr. Oz Website, “the Institute of Medicine sets general guidelines for total water intake. It recommends that women consume a total of 91 ounces (that’s about 2.7 liters) per day – from all food and beverages combined. For men, it’s about 125 ounces a day (or 3.7 liters).”

This is a pretty simple task right? I’m not asking to take away of your favorite beverages but to add water in!

But, it’s hard to make drinking water a habit…

Find out the reason to why you are having a hard time making this a healthy habit.

If it’s a taste issue, here are some suggestions:

  • Add some flavor. (Lemon, mint, cucumber) Be creative!
  • The more you drink, the less you will like those sugary drinks. Your taste buds will adapt.

Finally, my personal favorite piece of advice, write it down…

Literally, write it down!

When I start a new habit, I make sure to make a note about it somewhere. I want to know how much I drank to keep me on track. It doesn’t have to be a hard task, just take note. Here’s an example:

journal

This method was especially easy and even convenient when I worked in the corporate world. I would grab a glass and jot a line. It only takes two seconds and will keep you on track!

So grab a tall glass of water and let’s drink to the New Year! A new you!

***

Today is also a special day because it is the “new.”

My friend Angela, from Joy Focused Learning and I have teamed up on you. 🙂 And in a good way.

Every Wednesday, Joy Focused Learning and Mama’s Blissful Bites are teaming up to bring you a fantastic linky party!

As a reader, you will be able to meet a diverse group of bloggers with a variety of different topics that interest you.

As a blogger,  feel free to link your most paramount posts to get your blog noticed and standing out!

The only thing we ask is to grab our button and link up!

Mama's Blissful Bites

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Happy New Year!