ASK THE TRAINER: Keeping yourself hydrated

I talk a lot about how important it is to eat good, clean, real food and to eat often. I tell people every day how being healthy is a puzzle with many pieces, and how important each piece is, but what about what you drink?

Your body is about two-thirds water, your brain is roughly 90 percent water and your muscles consist of around 80 percent water. These days people reach for a soda before water. More often than not if we drink water, it has added artificial sweeteners that are not great for us. Your body needs just plain old water to survive. You should drink about eight glasses of water per day, but this varies depending on weight and medications you are taking. So be sure to check with your doctor to know how much is appropriate for you.

You should try to get in the habit of reaching for just plain old water for many reasons. Your skin is the largest organ and it requires quite a bit of water. You look younger and healthier when your skin is hydrated. Headaches are often a sign of dehydration, so before you pull out the Tylenol, drink a glass of water. There are times you feel hungry, but you are actually thirsty. Drink a glass of water before meals to hydrate and you will also eat less. Your brain is about 90 percent water so even a slight dehydration can have negative effects on your attention, concentration and alertness. Proper hydration aids in weight loss because it flushes out the byproducts of fat breakdown. Water also helps keep your blood pressure in a healthy range, transports oxygen and nutrients throughout your body and keeps joints lubricated. Water also helps regulate body temperature, which is most important while exercising so you don't get to hot, and to flush toxins from your body.

Many people tell me they just do not like water. There are so many options out there to spice up water; all you have to do is do a quick search on the internet to find some very tasty quick solutions to that plain old water. One of my favorites is to add one-fourth lemon, one-half cucumber and a few mint leaves to 1 gallon of water. It is quick and easy and can sit in the fridge for a refreshing drink anytime! So drink up!