Easy Steps to a Healthy Weight

This article is the first in a series. Easy steps to Healthy Weight.

Step 1. Drink Water.

The most important easy thing to change for an optimal weight and to improve your health is to drink good water. How much water? There is a lot of debate about that subject. The easiest thing to remember is 8-8ounce glasses of fluids a day. Water is preferable. Coffee and caffeinated sodas do not count because although caffeine is not necessarily a diuretic, it is a significant contributor to kidney stones if caffeinated beverages are your main source of fluid. As boring as it may seem, water should be your main source of fluid. Save other beverages for special occasions.

Another measurement for water intake is to drink half your body weight in ounces. If you weigh 150 lbs, consider drinking 75 ounces of water. It's easy to get your water drinking accomplished if you drink 1-2 glasses upon arising. If you like a drink with a meal, 1 glass at each meal. 1-2 glasses in between meals. 1-2 glasses in the evening a few hours before bed. That formula would be 11 glasses in a day adding up to 88 ounces if you drink 2 instead of 1 at each time.

The best way to tell if you are getting enough water is to look at the color of your urine. If it is clear or very light yellow, your fluid/water intake is appropriate for you. Make a note of how many glasses a day it takes to achieve that. If your urine is dark, please drink water immediately.

It's important to know that the food you eat can also contribute to fluid intake; as much as 20%. So if you eat a lot of fruits and veggies or drink green smoothies, you may not need as much water. It's also important to know that if you are pregnant or nursing, sick, live in a hotter climate, or exercise regularly, you need even more water.

What are the benefits of being hydrated? Every organ in the body functions better when you are fully hydrated. The majority of Americans are actually dehydrated. From skin to mood to metabolism, water contributes to overall good health. What many people feel as hunger pains, can actually be signs of dehydration. If you are hungy and have had a good meal within 1-2 hours, instead of reaching for a snack, reach for a glass of water. If this curbs your hunger, you may have actually been thirsty. Drinking ice water can help you lose weight as your metabolism has to increase to warm the body up to body temperature.

For a fascinating look at what can go wrong in your body (just about anything), consider reading this book. Just click on the picture for more info. So interesting. Drink up!