"Can you really lose 10 pounds in 10 days?" Follow me for the remaining 8 posts and learn how!

The answer is yes, IF YOU FOLLOW MY 10 TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR OVERALL HEALTH (because healthy bodies don't like to carry excess baggage!)

TIP # 3: STAY HYDRATED!!!

MANY folks are unable to tell the difference between thirst and hunger so they basically end up eating more calories than their bodies need. Test my theory next time you think you’re hungry and try drinking a large glass of water then waiting a few minutes…a glass of water OFTEN eases hunger signals. And even if you’re still hungry and decide to eat, at least you’ll have already had your water and won’t be too full after your snack to drink later.

And did you know that one of the most common health emergencies in a gym setting is a heat-related emergency? But heat-related emergencies often have nothing to do with exercising in excessive heat…they’re about DEHYDRATION!!!

Let’s just put it this way: the body is made up of about 70% water and H2O facilitates more crucial functions in the body than anything else so if you’re even 1 or 2% dehydrated some major body function simply isn’t going to happen. Here are the most common signs of dehydration:

• Decreased urine output and darker urine
• Increased thirst
• Dry mouth
• Food cravings, especially for sweets
• Feeling tired or sleepy
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Dry skin
• Bad breath
• Fever and chills
• Muscle cramps

And here are some tips for staying hydrated:

• Avoid alcohol, excessive caffeine, sodas, and energy drinks.
• Keep a water bottle with you AT ALL TIMES.
• Consume watery snacks (LIKE VEGGIES, FRUIT, OR SMOOTHIES MADE FROM ONLY WHOLE PRODUCE…am I starting to sound like a broken record yet? Just take my Smoothie class and all will become clear!)
• Add flavor to your plain water by adding chunks of fresh veggies or fruit (my personal favorite “essence waters” are made with cucumbers & kiwis, any type of citrus fruit, strawberries, or apples & cinnamon.)
• Drink room temperature water, not ice water (ice water has a tendency to quench the thirst more easily so you may not drink as much, plus drinking room temperature water prevents brain freeze.)

STILL NOT SURE IF YOU’RE DRINKING ENOUGH? HERE’S THE QUICKEST, EASIEST WAY TO KNOW IF YOU’RE PROPERLY HYDRATED…I CALL IT THE “PEE TEST”.

So keep chugging your water…your health AND YOUR WAISTLINE will thank you for it!