Two weeks into the New Year, the new weight loss plan has been pushed slightly aside, especially with football at the height of the season. It is hard to think about weight loss when there are hot wings and queso dip and tons of chips and salsa to go around.  Did I happen to mention the ice-cold beers?

How do you stay true to your weight loss and plan for a better you, when there are so many temptations?  The answer is easier than you may think.  Your key to maintaining a healthier you and a reasonable weight is water.

Yes, I said water.

Most of us make feeble attempts to drink a bottle a day or a couple of cups each day, but it is nowhere near enough.  According to Livestrong.com, if you drink enough water to produce at least 1.5 liters, or about six cups, of colorless or slightly yellow urine a day, your fluid intake is probably adequate.  There are many sources that suggests a body should take in half of your body weight in water per day.  Yep, half your body weight, so if you are man who weighs 200 pounds, then your water consumption should be 100 ounces of water per day.

Why so much?

Just as you need sleep for your organs to properly clean your system, your organs also need pure, clean liquids to filter out fats, wastes and toxins from the body.  I know, that is a lot time to spend looking at your  junk, but going to the bathroom means that the bad stuff is leaving your systems. Remember, the weight comes from your body holding on to fats, which trap toxins, which causes breakouts and a host of other side effects.  Water takes care of that stuff.  It is like rinsing away the yuckies of the day. You see an immediate difference in your skin as well.

But, that much water, is just too blah…..

Would you rather have high blood pressure?  There are several wonderful water additives that can be squeezed, shaken, and poured into a water bottle so you can convince yourself that you are being healthier and drinking more water.  Stop lying to yourself.  Read the label of one of those little packages.  If you can’t spell half of the words on the packaging, then it doesn’t belong in your body.

Let’s do it the natural way.

It is easy to add fresh fruit slices to your water to give it a bit of flavor.  I even know a few people who add a few tablespoons of pineapple or apple juice for flavoring.  The use of lemons and limes are really great for the body.

“Lemon or lime juice helps stimulate and regulate the digestive track (which is why it’s so helpful with constipation, heartburn and gas), stimulates bile production, and thins out bile, which allows it to flow more freely. Bile is produced by the liver and ends up in the small intestine to break down lipids (fats) that we’ve consumed.”

Others prefer the use of mint leaves, which gives any drink, hot or cold a nice pick up.

“Mint leaves are a nice refreshing flavor to add to your drink. On top of that, it can help you digest more effectively, improving the flow of bile from the liver, to the gallbladder, to the small intestine, where it breaks down dietary fats. Mint also helps relax cramped up stomach muscles.”

It is best to experiment to find out what works best for you. Remember, water clears out the toxins and makes for a healthier you.

Here is a great way to detox, simple, cost efficient, and good for you. It will also save you a small fortune to buy a water filtration system for your home.  Whether it is attached to the faucet or connected under the sink, your woman will think you are cool for getting it connected.  And you know what that means, yeap, more snuggling.

See how good water is for your body?