I know I’ve been talking a lot about pregnancy lately so this post is good for everyone.  Whether you’re pregnant or not, water has probably the biggest impact on your body.  With clients, simply reminding them to drink 64 oz. (or half their body weight in oz.) does wonders for their bodies in more ways then one.

Then of course, there’s a lot of people out there that don’t mind doing it, but really hate the taste.  So below, I’ve created a list of ingredients you can add to your juice that not only enhance the flavor, but boost the nutrients as well,

In less than a month, we will be taking a road trip for my sister’s wedding and am totally thinking of doing this.  That way there will be no temptations, right?

Flavored Water Ideas

• Watermelon
• Cucumber
• Lemon
• Cantaloupe
• Orange
• Cherries
• Lime
• Grapefruit
• Basil
• Mint
• Grapes
• Blood orange
• Rosemary
• Lavender
• Strawberries
• Blackberries
• Raspberries
• Pineapple
• Kiwi
• Papaya
• Honeydew mellon
• Fresh ginger root
• Mango

Also, have fun combining ingredients.  Get creative.  By combining I’m sure you’ll never get bored.

• Watermelon and mint
• Cucumber and mint
• Lemon and mint
• Cherry and lime
• Watermelon and cucumber
• Ginger and lemon
• Orange and pineapple
• Lemon and lavender
• Lime and mint
• Cucumber and lime
• Lemon and basil
• Strawberry and mint
• Blackberry and ginger
• Lemon and blueberry
• Thyme and blackberries
• Cucumber and rosemary
• Cantaloupe and watermelon
• Cucumber, lemon, and mint
• Lemon and lime
• Strawberry and basil
• Cranberry juice and lemon (use a capful of unsweetened cranberry juice)
• Ginger and lime
• Pineapple and mango
• Strawberries and lime
• Pineapple and mango
• Strawberries and lime
• Orange, lime, and lemon
• Lemon and a pinch of cayenne
• Papaya and mango.

Of course, there’s many more so don’t let this list stop you from trying more.

*If you’re working with herbs, crush or chop them, squeeze citrus wedges, slice or cube melons, and crush berries.  You’ll get the most out of the flavors with these techniques.

When I originally thought of writing this post, we were here in the lower 80′s.  I’m starting to wonder if I jinxed it because as I write this now we are in the 30′s!  What gives Mother Nature?

Like I said, last week was gorgeous out.  And of course, I was trying to hold out as long as possible without turning the air conditioning on.  Not sure why I do this, maybe it’s because I’m from the Midwest.  We don’t turn our air on until June.  Even my uncle practiced this when he moved to Arizona.  I lived there, and let me say, there’s no way you’re going to June 1st without the air!  He learned fast.

Anyway, I digress.  It WAS warm and I had tried out a few things that made the warmer weather more comfortable.  And it’ll be good to know because I’ll be ready to pop in June.  Hope these help you as much as they did me that very short week of warmer weather.

Tips for Surviving Warm Weather While Pregnant

• Carry a spray bottle full of cold water for heat emergencies (like that scorchking walk from Target to your car).
• Wear lightweight, breathable T-shirts.
• Keep an ice pack handy.  It’s especially good for when aches and pains hit, or during pregnancy hot flashes.
• Camp out by a source of water whenever possible.
• Buy a fabulous maternity swimsuit and show of your belly.
• Stay hydrated.  Check out some flavored water recipes or cool down with a nutritious smoothie.
• Keep your house stock with food so you can avoid making trips to the store during the heat-of-the day.
• Use a highlighter to turn your perspiration into shimmer.
• Get a pair of flip-flops.  They’re easy to put on and if you’re feet are swollen, they’ll fit easily.

Happy Wednesday Friends,

I am amazed by all the easy things you can do to better your health.  This hot towel scrub is one of them.

You’re a few weeks into the new year and if you made a resolution to get healthy, then listen up!  This is one of the easiest things you could do for yourself and it is so relaxing!

Benefits:

• Reduces muscles tension.
• Re-energizes in the morning and deeply relaxes at night.
• Opens the pores to release toxins.
• Softens deposits of hard fat below the skin and prepares them for discharge.
• Allows excess fat, mucus, cellulite, and toxins to actively discharge to the surface rather than to accumulate around deeper vital organs.
• Relieves stress through meditative action of rubbing the skin.
• Calms the mind.
• Promotes circulation.
• Activates the lymphatic system, especially when scrubbing underarms.
• Easy massage and deep self-care.
• Can be your “me time” especially if done with candlelight and a drop or two of essential oils, such as lavender.

Directions:

1. Turn on the hot water and fill the sink.

2. Hold the towel at both ends and place in the hot water.

3. Wring out the towel.

4. While the towel is still hot and steamy, begin to scrub the skin gently.

5. Do one section of the body at a time.

6. Scrub until the skin becomes slightly pink or until each part becomes warm.

7.Reheat the towel often by dipping it in the sink of hot water after scrubbing each section, or as soon as the towel starts to cool.

Body scrubbing can be done before or after your bath or shower.  For the maximum effect, scrub your body twice a day: once in the morning and once again in the evening.  You can scrub anywhere from 2-20 minutes. 

Happy Scrubbing,