Friday, February 1, 2013

Weekly Challenge - Week of 2/4


I have 8 nutrition books at my side, and have read many more.  The first topic usually covered is hydration/fluids.  Thus, we will start our set of weekly challenges at the COrE of well-being.

“70% of the Earth’s surface is water; our bodies are also 70% water.  It is one of the essentials of life.  Without enough water, the cells cannot function properly.  Most people today are dehydrated not only from not drinking enough water, but also because many foods and drinks, especially caffeinated ones, soda and alcohol, have a dehydrating effect.”[i]

As such, the YES fluids allowed by Clean (see footnote below) include water, green tea, herbal teas and seltzer or mineral water.  Although caffeinated beverages land themselves on the NO list, tea has significantly less caffeine than your typical cup of coffee, or soda.  Not to mention the fact that tea (green and black) is a SuperFood[ii]!  Thus, tea is approved so long as consumed in moderation.

To sum, and keep this briefing actually brief, your CHALLENGE this week is to consume ONLY the following beverages on a daily basis:
1.  Water (seltzer or mineral included)
2.  Tea (green or black)….and NOT the bottled version purchased at the gas station nor “diet”; rather, straight up…
 
How much should you be consuming?  Technically, 6-8 glasses is recommended.  However, eating foods that are high in water-content will also suffice, and are arguably a better source of hydration than water itself.[iii]  As such, a quota will not be set.  The intent is more to eliminate sports beverages, coffee, alcohol, diet beverages, etc from your intake and replace them with better “well-being” options per the approved list. 

Tips:
- Add a squeeze of lemon (increases metabolism) or lime juice to your water.
- High-water-content foods include watermelon, broccoli, tomatoes, grapefruit, avocado, cantaloupe, strawberries, etc (i.e. fruits and vegetables). 

Participant Question:
Q:  So, if I have Gatorade, I have lost my weekly challenge points for that day?  What about milk, juice, etc.
A:  Yes, Gatorade = failure and no points awarded.  In reality, sports beverages aren't good for you, nor necessary.  When/if Kohawk tennis players drink sports beverages, they are encouraged to dilute it to 1/2 water.  As for milk (or dairy in general), it is highly criticized as well.  The common sense argument is that why would HUMAN'S drink COW'S milk?  100% juice (no added sugar) is obviously healthy.  The kicker here is quantity.  When one juices, they are typically consuming TOO MUCH (i.e. 2 apples, 3 carrots, 1 orange, etc.).  This fruit is better consumed naturally/whole so getting fiber, etc. and in a normal portion size.

Questions?  Comments?  Post them here, or email me.



[i] Clean - http://www.amazon.com/Clean----Expanded-Revolutionary-Program/dp/0062201662/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1359685628&sr=1-1&keywords=clean
[ii] The SuperFoods Rx Diet - http://www.amazon.com/Superfoods-Rx-Diet-Weight-SuperNutrients/dp/B00375LMFW/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1359687270&sr=1-2&keywords=superfoods+rx
[iii] Fit for Life - http://www.amazon.com/Fit-Life-Harvey-Diamond/dp/0446553646/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1359688669&sr=1-1&keywords=fit+for+life

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