Drinking enough water is really the first step toward a healthy, slim body. Lack of sufficient water leads to dehydration, constipation, tiredness, and flaky skin. As the body cannot work efficiently because of lack of water, this promotes weight gain. It is estimated that only one in five drink enough water to keep our bodies properly hydrated. Your body needs and uses about 2 liters of water every day. Concentrating on getting 8 glasses of water a day helps you slim because it helps your body to function more efficiently. It takes your mind off food because you are busy drinking water, and it makes your body feel healthy, clean, and cared for, so that you won’t want to fill it up with lots of junk food. It is also the first positive step toward taking care of your health.
Let’s look at other benefits from water. It gives 100 percent hydration, is good for your teeth, is cheap and calorie free, and contains minerals such as magnesium and calcium. It is also great for making your complexion look fresh and clear. Many nutritionists can tell if a person is not drinking sufficient water just by looking at their face. It is also vital to look at all the fluid you are consuming, as many drinks have a dehydrating effect.
Coffee: Contains caffeine and helps us to feel more alert and to concentrate. It is dehydrating and mildly addictive.
Tea: Is an antioxidant, contains caffeine, and is calorie free. It is mildly dehydrating.
Green Tea: Contains more antioxidants than black tea. Not everyone likes it, but why not try it?
Low Calorie Diet Drinks: Can be high in additives such as the sweetener aspartame. Try to drink only occasionally.
Fruit Juice: Most contain vitamin C and are good for you. Fruit juices contain fruit sugars that can cause tooth decay, so it is good to dilute them with water.
Get Fit & Healthy
Try to Accumulate More Activity Into Your Day
Why? Too many labor-saving devices are undermining our health and contributing to weight gain.
How? Jog on the spot or do 10 squats while waiting for the kettle to boil.
Recipe of the Week
Grilled Swordfish With Citrus Relish & Cilantro
Serves 6
Ingredients
1 grapefruit, peeled and sectioned
1 orange, peeled and sectioned
juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger root
1 tablespoon chopped, fresh cilantro leaves
6 swordfish steaks, about 150 g each
3 teaspoons olive oil
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper
Method
To make citrus relish, combine grapefruit and orange sections in a mixing bowl. Add lime juice, ginger and cilantro and set aside. (This can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The relish should be served at room temperature.) Meanwhile, drizzle the swordfish steaks with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the fish on each side under a medium grill until it is cooked through. Place each steak on a warm plate and pour over the relish
Ask Alva
I am a 22-year-old girl, weighing 58 kilos. My height is 5’1”. Recently, I started going for brisk walks for 45 minutes every day, five days a week. I would like to know how much my weight should be to suit my height and for my age. And, is this much walking sufficient exercise for me? Fouzia
Your weight falls right at the top of the normal weight range for your height. So you are not overweight, but it would not harm you to lose a few kilos. Do this by concentrating on healthy eating and exercise. Walking is good for you — but make sure that you walk at a brisk pace for at least 20 minutes. This is good for your heart and for toning your hips and legs. Keep up the regular programme you have started; you will see an improvement in about 6 weeks. You could also do some stomach exercises, and swim once a week. Email to [email protected] for a free copy of my Healthy Eating Guide. Alva