In many cases, it may seem like quick, short-term weight loss diets are the best for us during specific time periods in our lives. For instance, let’s say, you’re hoping to drop a few pounds before your big wedding day or maybe even lose a few more inches so you can fit into your favorite pair of jeans. Either way, in the long run, you’re never going to achieve optimal results that will be the most effective for your body type if you’re always looking for an easy way out. Instead, you have to practice daily health and fitness routines to train your body and gradually get it to where you want it to be. This way, you’re practicing a healthy lifestyle, staying in shape and maintaining an ideal weight! Let’s explore a natural, effective way to get in shape for not just this summer, but for the rest of our lives!

Make Water Your Best Friend!

With so many juices, soft drinks and “magical” dehydrating fluids spotted on the shelves these days, it’s difficult to decide what’s really best and what we should be drinking for our personal goals. However, regardless of if you’re trying to lose weight, trim a few inches or just maintain your current body weight, you will always need clean, pure, water to help you along the way. Water is nature’s best friend and is by far the healthiest liquid to have in your regular diet. If you haven’t gotten acquainted with water just yet, you may want to think about introducing yourself because it’s vital for your goals and will benefit your body in a number of ways.

10 Benefits of Drinking Water?

1. Keeps your body and vital organs hydrated

2. Cleanses your body internally

3. Flushes out toxins and impurities

4. Helps you to maintain the balance of body fluids

5. Can help control calories *(Although, water does not have a magical effect on weight loss, substituting it for higher calorie beverages can definitely help you lose weight)

6. Helps energize your muscles

7. Helps cleanse and detox your kidneys

8. Helps you maintain clear, healthy, moisturized skin

9. Helps you maintain regulated bowel function

10. Helps boost your metabolism

How Can Water Help You Lose Weight?

Studies show that drinking water regularly is proven to help promote weight loss by both cleansing and flushing your body of impurities, toxins and waste; while also increasing your metabolism and aiding in calorie control. Although, there has been significant controversy on the daily suggested amount of water, it is encouraged to drink plenty of water on a regular basis.

Check out delicious recipes to spice up your water!

Do you ever get bored just drinking plain H2O? Well if you do, you’re in luck because I have a few great recipes to really spice up your water so you can be more encouraged to enjoy it on a regular basis.

Check out a few of my favorite recipes below:

Flat Belly Diet Sassy Water

Combine:

2 liters water

1 tsp freshly grated ginger

1 medium cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced

1 medium lemon, thinly sliced

12 small spearmint leaves

Super-Hydrating Fruit20*

2 liters water

1/2 bunch basil, mint or tarragon

½ cup grapes or strawberries

1 orange peeled

1 cup watermelon

Combine water with the above ingredients in these combinations: Strawberry-orange-basil; watermelon-mint; grape-tarragon. If the fruit requires peeling (such as melons), peel first and then slice; berries and grapes can be used whole. Herbs can be either torn or tossed in whole. Infuse the water in the refrigerator overnight, allowing the herbs and fruits to remain for a more intense flavor.

*From Chef Scott at Canyon Ranch Spa in Tucson, Arizona

Blueberry Spritzer*

2 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries

2 cups water or sparkling water

1 Tbsp sugar

Bring berries, water and sugar to boil in medium pot. Turn heat to low and allow to simmer for 10 minutes. Occasionally mash the blueberries with the back of a spoon to release their juices. Pour into a fine mesh strainer over a container or bowl, pressing the blueberry “pulp” with the back of a spoon until all the liquid is released. Store in refrigerator up to 3 days, or freeze ¼ cup portions in sealed plastic bags or small plastic containers. To use, combine equal parts blueberry mixture and flat or sparkling water. Frozen ¼-cup portions may be added to water and allowed to thaw, slowly releasing the blueberry flavor.

Makes 2 cups of juice; you can save the pulp to make smoothies.

*From The Sneaky Chef

Also, be sure to check out these delicious spa water recipes if you’re hoping to give your water a little sass and flair!

I hope these recipes inspired you to stay hydrated and add more water into your daily health regimen. Your body will love you for it!

Visit: http://www.spawaterrecipes.com