Increase your H2O intake with these Fun Twists
If you know me, you know I rarely leave my house without my water bottle. I LOVE WATER and do my best to stay hydrated throughout the day. One because I live in the desert and two because I am still breastfeeding so need to keep my liquid intake up and three because I drink too much coffee and lastly because I exercise everyday so know that I sweat a lot out. When I say sweat, I mean I SWEAT:-) My daily consumption goal is approximately 10 cups of water with a bit more on heavy exercise days. I used to find myself confused on how to actually track this as what is considered a cup exactly? Is that a small water glass or a baking measuring cup? So I decided to take my 20 ounce Camelbak bottle and work to get 4 of these in each day and that is a number I can wrap my head around.
I recently came across this image and I was just shocked! Actually seeing the amount of sugar in the above beverages made me stop in my tracks. We don't regularly have these in our house but I will probably conjure up this image next time we consider purchasing something at the store. You would never spoon this much sugar directly into your mouth, but if you grab one of these on the run, you are essentially doing the same thing. Luckily I don't have a problem with the taste of water but I know some people struggle to get it down so they tend to reach for other, high sugar options such as soda, juice, energy drinks and so on. These can wreak havoc on your internal body, waistline, mood, energy level and even brain composition. The last one there really shocked me but when you think about the fact that our brains are made up of over 70% water, dehydration can make you lethargic, irritable, have a lack of focus and on and on. So drink up!
Next time you feel thirsty, try one of these fun takes on the basic glass of water. The flavor combinations are limitless and fun to create for you and your family. At home it is easy to slice up some fruit and place with a handful of herbs in a pitcher of water for drinking throughout the day. This can be done while out on the go as well, you just need to do a little planning before you go. Select your ingredients and fill the container at night so there is time for total infusion. In the morning you will have a delicious treat that is loaded with vitamins and minerals. Reuse the fruit throughout the day to keep the the health benefits going. I also have one of these handy portable water infusers from Amazon which makes this so easy.
Take advantage of all the antioxidant and detoxifying benefits of gorgeous summer fruits. My favorite is to add acidic fruit such as lime, lemon or orange slices to my first 20 ounce drink of the day. This will help to get the digestive system moving and also help with any muscle fatigue you may have. Then I begin creating based on what was on sale and in our kitchen. Here are some but honestly just the tip of the iceberg.
*slice or cube fruit and drop in. Maybe try to freeze berries or fruit cubes to keep water cold throughout the day. For herbs, slightly muddle, chop or put in whole leaf.
Does Your Yoga Mat Need a Refresher?
I don't know if you are like me but I am on one of my 3 yoga mats every single day. I have one in the car that I use for transporting easily to privates, one in my house that I use for my daily practice or exercise and one that is kept at the studios where I teach. Between these 3, I have germs from so many different house and gym floors, tennis shoes and load of sweat...GROSS! Thinking about all that bacteria germinating inside my hot, rolled mat makes my skin crawl.
I have purchased several commercially sold products to use at home and they are not as effective as I would like. Plus they can be so expensive. So being the all natural Do-It-Yourselfer, I started researching how to make my own natural solution and have found a combination that works really well for me. You can tweak this a bit according to your preference but this is my favorite.
Green Yoga Mat Spray 
Water
Distilled Vinegar or Witch Hazel
Essential Oils (I prefer, clove, lavendar, tea tree but you could also use lemon or thyme)
*Depending on your spray bottle size, you will mix 3/4 water, 1/4 vinegar or witch hazel and a few drops of your essential oils). Wipe down a bit and lay in the sun just until dry.
If you are using the vinegar, you may notice quite a strong smell during your first practice. Don't worry, this will fade and you will be overtaken by the sweet smell of your essential oil. Enjoy!
Crazy For Coconut Oil Like Us?
Have you joined the coconut oil bandwagon yet? I am IN LOVE with coconut oil! I began using this on my dry hair and skin during my pregnancy and was blown away by its hydrating and restorative properties. I was a bit skeptical to fully substitute this aromatic fatty oil for my traditional Extra Virgin Olive Oil in daily cooking. I gave it a go and was surprised that it was just a subtle change and not overwhelming at all. It really is so versatile and I now sneak it into everything and have even found many other amazing uses. This is one constant in our home now and it should be in yours as well!
Here we go...
1.) Substitute for butter, oil or frying options
2.) Spread on toast instead of butter or jam
3.) Drop a teaspoon into a smoothie
4.) Need a pick-me-up? Mix 1 Tbsp with 1 Tbsp of ground chia seeds. (Stay away from this if you need to sleep soon!)
5.) Coffee creamer when mixed into HOT coffee for a subtle, lightly sweet enhancement. Blitz for a frothy effect
6.) Insanely hydrating face, body & hair cream. Can even lighten pigmentation
7.) Rub small amount in hands and then run fingers through hair to calm frizz
8.) Eye makeup remover
9.) Homemade sugar scrub (mixing equal parts oil and sugar)
10.) Helps heal cuts and infections more quickly due to its antibacterial & antifungal properties
11.) Helps ease symptoms of eczema
12.) Swipe a bit inside nostrils when flying to help keep sinuses from drying out
13.) Make a beautiful massage oil by adding a few drops of favorite essential oil
14) Helps to repair damaged cuticles
15.) Naturally clears up cold sores
16.) Can be used as shaving cream
17.) Fights acne
18.) May be used in place of traditional diaper rash cream
19.) Cloth diaper wipe solution (mixture of approximately 2 cups water, a few drops of baby soap, 1 tsp coconut oil and 2-3 drops of essential oil)
20.) Some reports say even a natural SPF4
21.) Relieves cradle cap in newborns. Massage onto baby's head, remove with a warm washcloth after a few minutes
22.) Use as a natural nipple cream in place of Lanolin cream
23.) Helps to prevent and/or repair stretch marks
24.) Can be used as a natural lubricant
25.) Eases and heals bug bites
26.) Itchy skin and ears for dogs can be aided with a little oil
27.) Natural wood polish for furniture
28.) Can help to remove gum from clothing
29.) Rejuvenates dull leather goods
30.) Seasons cast iron pans