Water: Let’s talk about hydration.

There’s no real formula for how much water you need to drink on a given day. But current research shows that half your weight in ounces daily is a good goal to shoot for.

If that formula sounds high, it’s probably because you’re not used to drinking a lot of water. The biggest concern most people have with drinking more water is running to the bathroom too often. That happens initially because we’re chronically dehydrated – it’s like run off during a rainstorm because the ground is too dry to absorb the water. But after three or four days, your body will begin to absorb the water on the cellular level and retain more of it.

Plain old water too boring for you? It only takes a second to turn a plain jug of water into something much more exciting. Chuck in a few handfuls of ice then try any one of these simple things:

• Add a few slices of fresh lemon or lime.
• Quarter an orange, squeeze in all of the juice, then toss in the squeezed quarters for color and extra flavor.
• Mash up a handful of strawberries or raspberries with a fork then add to the jug and stir through.
• Warm up some water and add slices of fresh ginger.
• Scrunch a handful of fresh mint in your hands to get the flavour going then add that to the jug with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, add a few slices of cucumber too.
• Or my favorite creation by Pat Riddle of Patricia?s Palate: add fresh basil and lemon to iced water. So refreshing!

Staying hydrated is good for your skin, it naturally suppresses appetite and it gives you more energy. Plus you’ll feel a whole lot better.?So drink up!

If you missed Day 2 of the Clean Eating Series, you can find it here or start over at Day 1.