Hi Fusers! Congratulations on completing Week 1! I hope you have successfully completed the week free of eating any processed foods. Trust me, your body is grateful :) And if you slipped up, or chose to indulge in something that was processed, I hope that you made it in for an extra workout to make up the points. Remember, this isn't all or nothing, it's more of a system of checks and balances. We're in this for the long haul, making the transformations that will lead us to greater health. So keep up the great work everyone!
This week the challenge is to drink at least 6 cups of water each day, adding an extra cup for each caffeinated beverage consumed. As easy as this challenge sounds, many of us find that we just don't drink enough water. I know for me, I really have to think about this one, it truly doesn't come naturally to me. However, I know that by focusing on this challenge, I'm all the better because of it ;)
Did you know our bodies are 60-70% water? Every cell in our bodies is composed of water, thus making sense of why it is so vital for us to drink enough. We lose water constantly, from sweating, breathing, and going to the bathroom. It is essential that we drink enough water to replenish the water lost in our bodies, as well as maintain the balance of bodily fluids, which help aid in digestion, circulation, transportation of nutrients, as well as help maintain body temperature. http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/6-reasons-to-drink-water.
In regards to exercise, water intake is extremely important. Obviously to replenish water lost via sweating, however ensuring your body is properly hydrated prior to working out is absolutely necessary for optimal performance. Muscle tissue is composed of at least 75% water. Being dehydrated can lead to fatigue, weakness, dizziness and/or electrolyte imbalance. Once your brain signals to you that you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. So best to stay on top of it. http://breakingmuscle.com/health-medicine/10-life-changing-reasons-to-drink-more-water.
I posted another article on our FB page that discusses a variety of other reasons why drinking enough water is so important.
Good luck this week continuing to keep processed foods out of your bodies and enough water in your bodies. Keep up the great work with your workouts, I know a lot of you got bonus points last week for doing more than 3, great job!
See you in the studio :)
Yours in health,
Kristin at The Fuse Fitness