12 wk Get Healthy: Week 1 - H2O!!!!!!

Here we are! Day 1 of Week 1!

Let me begin by sharing that the decision to participate in this series was through much prayer and anxiety! While I am unhappy with my current physical condition much of it does not stem from my current weight. But, more from my lack of ability to do some of my favorite hobbies like kayaking,  hiking or just plan taking a family walk. I duffer form auto immune disease and chronic pain due to them. This is MY journey and will be unlike anyone else's. You will have to prayerfully consider your journey as I did and decide where you need to make changes. All this being said, a decrease in the scale # would be an added bonus but not the sole focus!

This weeks bad habit: Drinking My Calories.... to be replaced with Drinking H2O!!!!!!!

I have a horrible habit of starting my morning off with a calorie packed coffee, skipping breakfast and then following it up by skipping lunch and having a soda instead. Not only am I loading my day with sugar but I am depriving my body of much needed re-hydration.  Well not anymore!!!!!! Today I start the H2O drinkfest! 

Why Drink Water??????

• When we are dehydrated it throws of the balance of our brain and we often begin to confuse the "I'm thirsty" with the "I'm hungry" response. Do you find your self looking through the cabinets for something that sounds good and trying the quench that craving but can't put your finger on what it is? Well, try water!!!!!
• Water enables your body to absorb required vitamins and minerals.
• Water aids in joint lubrication.... Hello, RA sufferers (myself included) isn't that many of our #1 complaints???? Here is a clue! DRINK H2O!!!!! 
• Lessons the burden on my liver and kidneys by helping flush out toxins! (This is important to me because of the medications effects on my soft tissue organs.)
• Muscles consist of 75% water. Also important for us chronic pain sufferers to keep in mind. The last thing we want to add to the pain mix is muscle pain, right?
• Helps with metabolism. Something that I could defiantly use a boost in! Since becoming less active so has my metabolism. It can use any help I can get!!!!

The Plan...
I know, I know, many of us get stuck in the rut of "water is boring!" Here are someways to make it more enjoyable and accessible!

• Always keep a cold one handy.... Keep a jug or bottles in the fridge at all times. Also keep a mug of fresh ice water out so that you see it when you walk by and are reminded to take a sip or two!
• Try infused.....Pintrest is loaded with ideas to infuse flavor into water without losing any health benefits. It is simple and easy to do. Just place desired fruits, herbs or even veggies into jug, fill with water and wait! Here are some of my favorites!
• Cucumber Lime Water
• Lemon
• Strawberry Basil
• Mint
• Blackberry
• Grapefruit
• Melon

You can keep track of my journey here and also my facebook page. Also be sure to check out the other 18 mamas as we all take different paths to the same goal of a healthier life!