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Can water really help you look and feel great?

Summer is here bringing with it a welcomed increase in temperature. While you enjoy a day out in the sun you may be struck with the desire for a glass of icy cold water. This thirsty reminder should not be taken lightly - as much as 75% of adults suffer from mild, chronic dehydration, a condition that dramatically works against your weight loss efforts.

Read on to discover why water consumption must be at the top of your list in your quest for a fit, healthy and athletic body.

Water does all that?
Though you probably don't think about it often, water is the most essential element, next to air, to your survival. The simple combination of two parts hydrogen, one part oxygen makes up more than two thirds of your body and is involved in a host of bodily functions that we routinely take for granted. Just to name a few:

  • Water works to regulate the thermal condition of your body
  • Water serves as a lubricant in your joints
  • Water helps flush toxins from your blood
  • Water gives your skin a clear, glowing complexion
  • Water assists with digestion, pulling all the usable nutrients out of foods
  • Water aides in disease prevention (Drinking 8 glasses a day has shown to reduce your chance of colon cancer by 45% and bladder cancer by 50%)

What about fitness and fat-loss?
You've probably heard that you need to drink plenty of water in order to drop weight, but did you ever wonder why? What does water have to do with decreasing your calories and increasing your activity level in an effort to shed pounds?

  1. Water is a natural appetite suppressant

Fill your stomach with a glass of water before each meal and you will find that you won't eat as much. This also works on snacking throughout the day, keep hydrated all day long and watch as your desire to snack decreases.

  1. Water increases your body's ability to efficiently metabolize fat

This process begins with your kidneys receiving enough water to function at their peak, which in turn helps your liver reach optimal efficiency in removing toxins and waste from your blood. With your liver working at maximum capacity, fat will be metabolized at a higher rate. This means a decrease in your overall body fat. (And who doesn't want that?)

  1. Water is the perfect substitute for high calorie beverages

Want to super-charge your fitness results this summer? Well, this is the most effective way to utilize water toward your waist-shrinking efforts. Most of us consume more than our share of calorie-packed beverages. Smoothies, shakes, frozen mochas, soft drinks...you get the idea. When you trade your high calorie beverages in for a tall glass of water you will expedite your results in a major way.

The Other Side of the Story...
Now you know that drinking sufficient amounts of water will help you reach your fitness goals faster than ever, but you should also know that failing to drink enough water comes with serious consequences...

  • Your body will shift into "preserve" mode - which means you will store more fat.
  • Bodily functions will slow - leading to an overall decrease in energy levels.
  • Headaches will become an expected nuisance - your brain is over 70% water.

To avoid dehydration this summer check out the following 5 Hydration Tips:


Tip #1: Caffeinated beverages - such as coffee, soft drinks or energy drinks - cause your body to lose water. After you enjoy a dose of caffeine replace the lost water by drinking 2 times that amount in water.

 
Tip #2: Add a slice of lemon to your water to spice things up.


Tip #3: Always carry water with you throughout your day - keep a bottle in the car, at your workplace and next to your bed.


Tip #4: Exercise and hot summer days both increase your body's water requirements - make a mental note to drink before, during and after exercise or while out on a hot day.

 
Tip #5: Make it a habit to begin your day with a large glass of water then drink a glass before each meal and one between meals.



Bonus Tip # 6: There is one other thing you can do to achieve your fitness goals in the shortest amount of time possible - work with the Fitness Professionals at Team LP Fitness. We are committed in helping guide you in the right direction for you to achieve your desired health and fitness goals. With over 30 years experience in the fitness industry, we supply the motivation, enthusiasm, knowledge, and fitness tools to take your desired fitness to the next level. 

Want to know more? Just call or email us today to set up your first appointment. After all, getting you into great shape our passion.  ONLY results driven, committed people need apply. 

Link to the Mayo Clinic with even more information on the consuption of water. A MUST read! http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283

For maximal calorie burning ....... 

Activities that require the coordination of your entire body, such as jogging, swimming, and the elliptical trainer, burn more calories than stabilized activities, such as a stationary bike. For maximal calorie burning, choose cardiovascular exercises that use your entire body.

        

Milanese Steak Grill

Give your taste buds an early summer vacation with this tantalizing combination of parsley, lemon peel, garlic and white wine. Make sure to trim your steak of all visible fat before grilling to enjoy the leanest cut possible. Add a side of steamed veggies and brown rice for a healthy, tasty meal.


Yield: 4 servings

Here"s what you need...

  • 1 lb. boneless beef top round steak, 3/4 inch thick, trimmed of fat
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons grated lemon peel
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  1. Heat grill. Lightly sprinkle both sides of steak with salt and pepper. When ready to grill, place steak on gas grill over medium heat or on charcoal grill 4 to 6 inches from medium coals. Cook 8 to 11 minutes until desired cooking temperature, turning once.
  2. Meanwhile, on rimmed platter or in shallow baking dish, combine remaining ingredients; mix well.
  3. Place hot grilled steak in sauce mixture. Cut steak diagonally across grain into slices. Coat each slice with sauce mixture before placing on individual plates. Spoon any remaining sauce over steak slices.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving (1/4 of recipe) equals 150 calories, 4g fat, 2g carbohydrates and 24g protein.

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