I want permanent change.
Achievable. Realistic. Flexible.
Permanent.
Step one: Drink more water!
Well, I'm also on patches for nicotine but that's my stupid tax.
And back to the water.
Just the act of drinking water uses energy and getting your daily 1-2l could result in a 2kg loss of fat over 12mths. That's right, just the physical process of drinking, processing and peeing will add to your weight loss! Bargain!
The other awesome thing about drinking water is that it usually replaces soft drink, fruit juice or sugar filled tea or coffee. And research shows that you don't tend to replace those calories with food. You might find that if you cut soft drinks without increasing your water intake you will eat more, but keep up the water and that is less likely to happen.
And it's easy enough to do! Success breeds success!
It helps your mindset as well. If you feel like you are making healthy choices you are more likely to make more healthy choices in other areas!
You'll snack less. Keeping your mouth and stomach occupied will undoubtedly help with boredom eating. Usually sugary drinks are sold along with salty foods crating a cycle of thirst and hungar - salt makes you thirsty, sugar makes you hungry. Break the cycle! Water will also help to process all that salt and fat, and fill you up to prevent overeating.
Water is just simply good for you. It's necessary for life! You'll feel great and your body will love you for it!
Hydrated skin is beautiful skin.
Drinking water will wash away the food and acid in your mouth to prevent cavities. That means great teeth! A drink of water will also help to signal the end of a meal and help with after dinner sugar cravings!
Fibre plus water equals a well lubricated bowel! And softer movements. That has to be win!
The downside? You might pee more. Especially at first, but your body will adapt. Start slow if you need to with 1l a day and build up. Drink a little often rather then downing a full glass at a time. Drink extra when you exercise or if it's hot. You know you are getting enough when your pee is clear. There is also a skin pinch test for dehydration.
Won over? Ready to start?
No need to go out and buy some fancy drink bottles and water filters just yet. Start where you are at.
Tap water in a rinsed out soft drink bottle is fine. Buying a pack of water from the supermarket is fine (please recycle!). A water filter is great though, and a glass water bottle, or least BPA free. Do your own research so you can choose a filter and bottle based on your own values and beliefs. You can even get insulated water bottles!
You'll need to get in a habit of refilling your water bottle and figure out where you can refill when out and about. Water coolers are quite common in waiting rooms and workplaces and keep extra water in your fridge.
But start now!
And you will reap the benefits straight away!
But but but....
What about my morning coffee? It's okay - have one or two a day, or quit altogether. Make water your priority and you'll find it difficult to keep up an eight a day habit!
It's okay, my soft drink is sugar free. Umm.. Sorry but no. Sugar free drinks have all the downsides of soft drinks but without the calories. You will fill the calories in elsewhere, you'll still be hungry, and you still need to walk the evil aisle at the supermarket to buy it! Your body will also have to process all those chemicals which can and will affect your health both short term and long term. Again, if you make water your priority, these will naturally fall away from your diet.
What about herbal tea? If it's unsweetened it counts. Soda water is also fine. Adding apple cider vinegar is fine, as is a squeeze of lemon or lime if that floats your boat.
A word on caffeine... It's a drug. An addictive drug. Although it's not only socially acceptable but promoted as a way to socialise, it's an addictive drug. I can't drink it safely at all. Cut down or go cold turkey as you see fit but be aware you may get symptoms such as headaches. These will be offset with better sleep, a calmer body and mind, and better overall health in the long term.
Start right now. Take your time, and when you are happy you've got this down move on to the next step!
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