Drink Away the Pounds!

Think about this, if you substitute a bottle of water for a sugary drink, you are cutting out on average 130 calories from your daily calorie consumption. Now, think about this healthy habit in the grand scheme of things.    

130 calories a day—910 calories a week—3,900 a month = 47,450 a year, which is equivalent to 13 pounds a year.

Look how much of impact this change can make!!

It's extremely rare that I drink a glass of pop or another type of sugary beverage. I have found that drinking sugary beverages tend to spike my energy level, leaving me feeling more exhausted and ultimately, causing me to consume more calories.

My advice is to make water your favorite beverage. Drinking the recommended 8 glasses of water a day not only will make you feel more energized and alert, but the water will naturally clean out your system as well.

Drinking water doesn't have to be boring and bland. I love infusing my water with mixed fruit, mint etc. to give it that extra added kick.

Here are some of my favorite infused water recipes:

-         lemon + cucumber + mint

-         orange+ lemon + mint

-         blackberry + cherry + lime

-         lemon + raspberry + mint

For each water recipe, I use a half of a squeezed lemon to mix in with the other ingredients. The lemon juice acts as a natural detox and healthy cleanse for your system. To make the following recipes, you slice the fruit and drop it in the water. You can go ahead and drink the mixture right away but the best flavor is when the ingredients infuse overnight.  It's best if the water is used within 3-5 days and if you notice the fruit getting soft or the water becoming cloudy, it's time to make a new batch.

You can purchase infused water bottles to hold your water. The nifty bottle has a filter to hold your fruit and other ingredients for a single serving on-the-go version. 

I came across one brand in particular, "Define Bottle" and the product was featured on "Good Morning America" and "Shark Tank." This awesome product was started by a 17-year-old who had a passion for making a difference and bringing awareness of childhood obesity to the community. Way to go, Carter!!

For more details on the product, click here: http://www.definebottle.com/. Similar products can be found at your local grocery store and other retailers that sell drink ware.

You will be glad you sipped the day away on guilt-free infused water without drinking "empty" calories.

Happy Eating!!

Lauren

Lauren is a proud Fredonia alumnae, where she obtained a bachelor's degree in public relations with a minor in leadership studies. Since her senior year of high school, Lauren has been working for the Independent Health Foundation. Her role within the foundation has allowed her to make an impact in the lives of others and help create healthier communities throughout Western New York. In her spare time, Lauren loves traveling and being around family and friends, and not to mention, whipping up delicious treats in the kitchen. For now, you can catch Lauren on her lifestyle blog, "Perfectly Chic," at lorlowskiperfectlychicdotcom.wordpress.com.