Water World: What You Need To Know About H2O

By Mia Bolaris-Forget

We all know that drinking plenty of water is essential for hydrating and nourishing our body and our skin but for many keeping moist still remains an untapped mystery.

So, here is what you need to know.

Daily Requirements: It’s by now probably ingrained in our brain that as adults we should get at least eight glasses of water each day. But, realistically, is this feasible, and how many of us really keep track? In fact, most of us don’t think about our water intake unless we’re hot and thirsty, and even then most of us may be inclined to reach for that ice-cold can of soda, juice, or a refreshing frap or iced coffee. But, according to experts each of us must replace the fluids we lose through sweating, exhaling, exercise, etc, noting the women need about 91 ounces or about 11 cups of fluid and mean an estimated 125 ounces or 16 cups on a daily basis.

The Right Amount For You: Just like we all have different metabolisms, and varying food requirements, so do we all have different daily water requirements. In fact, experts assert that how much water we need depends on our size, exercise habits and sweat rates. So, while it’s difficult to generalize, they suggest that one of the best indicators of overall hydration is your urine frequency and output. And, they suggest that a normal flow means urinating every two to four hours and should be light in color and of significant volume indicating you are getting plenty of fluids. However, if you can go almost all day without a bathroom break and/or your urine is dark and concentrated, you are likely dehydrated.

Alternative Options: Some people just don’t enjoy drinking water. In fact they often find themselves forcing it down. Yet, according to experts, you can meet your daily requirements simply by eating foods that are abundant in water. In fact, about 20 to 30 percent of daily water requirement come from food with liquids making up the other 70 to 80 percent. Remember, oranges are almost all water (90% to be exact), soups are also primarily water as is lettuce and don’t forget that even yogurt contains an ample amount of water as well.

Untapped Potential: Most of us these days drink bottled water in lieu of tap water, but is it really better. Well, according to government agencies that require a annual water quality report note, that reports don’t always equal purity. In fact, they often can help identify contaminants and impurities.

With that said, its important to note that bottled water quality varies by brand, and whether or not it’s “safer” may depend on where you live, lifestyle needs and personal preference and taste.

Tiny Bubbles: One of my favorite H20 indulgences is sparkling or bubbly water. With that said, many may wonder about the plausibility of oxygenated water? The answer is you can’t increase water’s oxygen content. Water, by sheer composition is made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom and there is no such thing as changing its composition or adding to it to make it super oxygenated.

Should You Refuse Infused: Many new products infuse basic water (which is already good for you on its own) with vitamins and nutrients that are supposed to do everything from boost you energy to help you lose weight. However, experts suggest that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. They suggest that taking a daily multivitamin as well as eating well and exercising should be enough. And, while there may be healthier options (since many contain artificial colors, flavors, and sugar), they are fine as an occasional treat.

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All Natural: Preserving Your Health And The Environment

By Mia Bolaris-Forget

We are all aware of how healthy it is to eat right, and part of going lean is going green, but being good to your body and the earth doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg, nor does it mean you’ll have to give up your favorite things.

To Market To Market:

Produce Precautions: It’s probably in your best interests to download the “Shoppers Guide to Pesticides in Produce” at ewg.org. This easily stored list offers information of the fruits and vegetables that are noted for containing higher levels of pesticides (like apples and spinach) and those with a lower count, like bananas and peas. Experts also suggest, in lieu of cutting back on a variety of fruits and veggies, also washing them thoroughly, opting for organic options, and asking about special pesticide removing “soaps” or scrubs.

Make Certified Your Choice: Choose organic coffee blends that are “certified” denoting that they are grown in a way that preserves the ecosystem.

Shop Locally: Log onto eatwellguide.org and type in your zip code for a list of local suppliers of organic and approved produced meat, poultry, eggs, and more. Buying locally means you won’t have to rely on suppliers that ship nationwide which helps also decrease our dependence on oil and cut back on gas emissions.

Sack It To Them: Help Preserve The Environment by toting along your own environmentally friendly shopping tote, especially for smaller loads.

Get Picky About Packaging: Take note concerning the amount of plastic, cardboard, etc that are used to package each item. Some chains are going as far as replacing petroleum-based plastic containers with corn-based packaging for precut fruit, herbs, etc. Kudos to them.

Home Ergonomics:

Bathroom Basics: Invest in a water-efficient showerhead. Keep in mind that with low-flow models, a family of four can cut water “waste” by as much as 280 gallon per month with a negligible effect in water pressure.

The Power Of Plants: Not only do plants beautify your surroundings, but they can also help keep it fresh and clean. No, not by doing the housework for you, but by purifying indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene. Consider Golden pothos, English ivy and peace lilies as indoor toxin fighters.

Develop High Tech Habits: Besides recycling the basics, consider recycling rechargeables such as cell phones, digital cameras, and camcorders. You can either search for a store near you or log onto rbrc.org and type in your zip code.

Keep Your Cool: Adjust refrigerator and freezer temps to conserve the most energy. Keep fridge at 37° F and the freezer at 0° F

Save Your Energy: Consider cutting back on energy costs by using compact fluorescent lightbulbs. While they may cost more, they WILL lower your electric bill resulting in significant savings in the long run. Plus compact fluorescent lightbulbs last up to ten times longer than traditional ones. They can be bought at most hardware stores and for extra savings consider installing dimmer switches and use timers indoors and out.

What Goes Around Comes Around: Keep in mind that what may be garbage to you may be an “antique” for someone else. Consider, “recycling” (garage sales, donating to charity, etc) rather than dumping it in the trash.

Outer Limits:

Serve and Protect: If you’re going to be entertaining outdoors such as hosting a bbq or a picnic consider using disposable cups and writing each person’s name on each so they’ll use only one, rather than several. And don’t forget to get disposable, earth-friendly dinnerware made from corn, potatoes, and limestone.

Home Improvements:

Be Prudent About Paint: According to experts, most paints emit VOCs (volatile organic compound); the same kinds of chemicals present in gasoline and nail polish. Some companies however offer water-based products with significantly lower levels of these chemicals, making the amount present almost negligible. For minimally organic paints look for water-based latex paint rather than oil-based alkyd paints and remember to never use outdoor paints indoors.

Up On The Roof: When it comes to replacing old shingles consider a Classic metal Roofing System made from recycled aluminum but looks just like traditional shakes or tiles. And, you may want to note that installing this type f material may quality you for a $500 tax credit.

Energy Saving Appliances: Look for the Energy Star label on common household products such as washes, dryers, dishwashers, etc, suggesting these items exceed government efficiency standards by using less water and electricity.

Personal Panache:

Eco-Elegant Selections: Dress for successfully preserving the environment by choosing natural fabrics such as bamboo, sasawsashi, Soya, and other exotic self-maintaining plants.

Undie options: Ditch the synthetic undies for 100 percent cotton varieties that won’t expose one of your body’s most sensitive areas to chemicals and pesticides.

Natural Beauty: Opt for organic formulas made with all natural ingredients and packaged in recycled materials.

Be A Good Sport: Opt for sportswear made from environmentally friendly recycled materials.

Clean Up Your Act: Wash up with natural soaps made from organic ingredients and scented with oils such as lemongrass, jasmine, etc.

F ood For Thought:

Meat Market: Consider eating more grains, legumes, and veggies in place of meat. Not only is it cheaper, but also much better for you. And, a healthy second option is fish instead of meat.

Sunset Grill: Consider grilling corn IN its husk, no aluminum required.

Golden Opportunities: Choose gold-colored recycled coffee filters that are reusable and environmentally friendly.

Take It One Day At A Time: Switch to all organic by replacing one item on your list for an organic one, each week.

Take It In Stride: Avoid drive-through windows especially if you have the time and if there aren’t any long lines.

Scrap The Idea: Rather than throwing out food scraps, toss them in your garden, to make an all-natural compost.

Replace Wood With Bamboo: Bamboo is much more sustainable than wood because it grows very quickly. Consider bamboo bowls or cutting boards in lieu of traditional wood.

Home Office Options:

Lap Up The Good Life: Invest in a laptop; they use considerably less energy than desktop computers.

Get Out Of The Loop: The junk email loop that is. Register with the Direct Marketing Association’s Mail Preference Service and you’ll start to notice a lot less garbage that you’ll have to weed through.

Double Down: Set up your printer so it prints on both sides of the page eliminating waste.

Increase Your Green By Putting Your Money Where Your Heart Is: Want to save the environment while at the same time adding some extra cash to your savings? Consider investing in some environmentally friendly funds available through 401(k) plans.

Investing In The Future:

Echo-Chic Children: Look for brands that are made from natural fibers and materials and sans any harmful chemicals. Some such brands are even carried at Walmart

Eco-Education: Teach kids about preserving the environment by putting them in charge of such responsibilities as collecting bottles for “refund” and organizing recyclables.

Yard Work:

Blade Runner: Consider cutting you own lawn. Many modern non-gasoline-powered reel lawn mowers mean NO emissions and the task is a great source of exercise.

Solar Power: Remember that even if you’re not ready for an entirely solar-powered home, you can start slowly via solar-powered lighting in your yard or patio.

Wild Ideas: Choose plenty of plants and shrubs that are suited to your area and environment, which also means less (harsh) pesticides and fertilizer.

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Everything To Lose, Everything To Gain: A Healthy Look At Dieting And Diet Supplements.

By Mia Bolaris-Forget

Taking vitamins is important for all of us, and it’s especially important for those trying to lose weight and perhaps depriving themselves and their body of essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

Remember, a healthy diet and ample exercise are the key to not only losing weight but also keeping it off. And, natural, healthy diet supplements may just be that extra help for those who get discouraged, especially once they reach a slow point or weight loss plateau. Yet, experts caution against products containing caffeine, growth hormone or ephedra, and suggest that such products may contribute to increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Furthermore, ephedra and growth hormone have been linked to increased risk of heart disease and cancer. Hence they suggest, when looking for a diet supplement its imperative to choose one that contains all-natural and healthy ingredients among which the following are listed:

Citrus auriantium (bitter orange): A nourishing nutrient found in the peel that improves the body’s ability to burn fat for energy.

Theanine: An amino acid extracted from green that lowers the production of stress hormones, which encourage fat storage.

Lipoic acid: A nutrient present in red meat, spinach, and broccoli that improves the body’s sensitivity to insulin preventing it from storing fat resulting in greater energy.

Conjugated linoleic acid”: An omega 6 essential fatty acid that converts the body’s fat into fuel, protecting muscles from breaking down during dieting and exercise.

St. John’s wort: An herb that (although you have to be cautious with this one, especially if your taking meds/antidepressants, it lowers their efficiency) boosts the amount of serotonin in the brain, lessening craving for junk food and sweets.

Kelp: This form of seaweed contains iodine, which helps keep your metabolism at a healthy level when you diet.

Digestive enzymes: Derived from a variety of foods, these help break down foods and maximize the absorption of nutrients to keep energy at its peak.

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