That is a question that I see or hear frequently. Are you staying hydrated? Without thinking about it, it's easy to just assume we're fine. We drink something all day long - coffee, pop/soda, gatorade, milk, water, etc, etc, etc. But is that actually enough and are your beverages actually hydrating you? Maybe, maybe not.
Hydration is something we are focusing on this week in my Awaken To Possibilities group on Facebook and we are currently doing a 7-day hydration challenge. I'd love for you to join us!
Your body is roughly 60 percent water––which is why it's so vital to your health and survival. Water, not soda or coffee. Water keeps your blood flowing, joints moving, and brain working. It also plays a big role in many things your body does, like carrying nutrients to cells, getting rid of waste, protecting your joints and organs, and maintaining your body temperature. I always know I need to up my water intake and maybe add some electrolytes when my joints start aching.
And that's not even the half of it!
🔸 Skin health: Staying hydrated can help you keep that youthful glow and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
🔸 Brain function and energy levels: Even mild dehydration—as little as 2 percent fluid loss—can affect your memory, mood, concentration, and reaction time.
🔸 Digestive health: Your body needs water to digest food properly and keep things moving. Without enough water, you may experience constipation, gas, bloating, heartburn, or other unpleasantness.
🔸 Weight management: Drinking water can help reduce snack cravings and feelings of hunger. It can also support your metabolism and help you lose weight.
🔸 Detoxification: Getting enough water helps flush toxins out of the body, which supports healthier-looking skin, among many other benefits.
🔸 Immune function: Staying well-hydrated helps your immune system in many ways. For starters, proper hydration is needed for your immune cells to travel to where they’re needed.
Did you know:
- Lack of water is the number one trigger of daytime fatigue.
- Your body loses as much water when you are asleep as when you are awake.
- Your body needs as much water in cold weather as it does in warm weather.
- A mere 2 percent drop in body water can trigger brain fog and short- term memory impedance
Do you struggle with drinking water?
Does water bore you?
It doesn't have to taste boring!
If you’re like me, you like flavor. That's why I love finding and sharing ways to make water more enticing! Here are a few:🌺
🫧 Carbonate: Liven up your hydration routine with sparkling mineral water. Even better—add a squeeze of juice from a favorite fruit or Vitality™ essential oil.
🍊 Infuse with fruit: Pop some fresh fruit into a cool glass of water. Berries and sliced citrus pair perfectly with H20.
❄️ Freeze: Freeze berries with water in an ice cube tray. These flavorful cubes brighten up plain water.
🌱 Spice it up with herbs: Level up the flavor by adding fresh herbs to your water. Mint leaves, ginger, lavender, and lemongrass are all excellent choices. I love using Vitality™ oils like Lemon and Peppermint because they last so long and provide great flavor!
☕️ Make tea: Transform your water with herbal tea. From hibiscus to mint, herbs can enhance taste while adding more health benefits. I love Vitality™ teas.
Tips: Add a pinch of unrefined sea salt or Himalayan salt for electrolytes to improve hydration. It also helps to keep water with you! I love a fun water bottle I can carry easily. Any time I'm going somewhere, I always have a water bottle along, and I've taught my kids to do the same (so I recommend finding strong stainless-steel bottles that are easy to clean and wash frequently). Keep water handy always!
So how about you? What is your favorite healthy way to liven up water and stay hydrated? I'd love to hear from you!
World Chocolate Day!
This is my kind of day! World Chocolate Day is July 7 and dedicated to appreciating one of the world’s, and my, most beloved treats. – chocolate!
It brings together chocolate aficionados, food enthusiasts, and industry professionals to share, celebrate, and indulge in various chocolate-themed events and festivities. I can go for that, can you?
In honor of World Chocolate Day, it only seems fair to make chocolate brownies. YUM!
Guilt-Free Peppermint Brownies
Ingredients:
- 1 15-ounce can low-sodium black beans
- 1/3 cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup honey
- 3 eggs
- 2 drops Peppermint Vitality essential oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350o F
- Rinse and drain black beans
- Melt coconut oil on stove until clear
- Blend all ingredients except eggs in food processer until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, lightly whisk eggs until well beaten.
- Fold into chocolate mixture.
- Pour mixture into a greased 8x8 pan and bake 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool 15 minutes then cut.
- Let cool another 15 minutes and serve.
The Peppermint Vitality essential oil definitely adds great flavor and fun and can be found here. I love mint and chocolate together! It can be left out if it isn’t your thing. Either way, I hope you enjoy! If you would like to be notified of future updates, please subscribe to my mailing list!
Thank you for checking in!
Traci!
P.S. In Young Living, members get the best deals, including 24% off the retail price. No selling required! Membership is free, too. It's so easy to get started. Are you ready? Let's chat!
