The Most Important Nutrient You Need in Your Body
We've all heard the saying, 'you are what you eat'...but do we know what it really means?
When it comes to deciding what to put into your body, there is so much conflicting information out there, it’s hard to know what’s best. #Amiright?!
Keto, low-carb, non-fat, paleo, vegan…
Even if you think you're sure of what to eat, then there’s the trouble of when to eat it...
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks between meals; pre-workout, post-workout…??
The so-called “experts” can’t agree; no wonder we’re confused.
Honestly, the way I see it is we gotta stop tryin' to micro-manage every. little. thing.
Get outta your own way already!
When it comes to “being healthy”, I've found simplicity is key.
As a matter of fact, Mother Nature tells us what to eat & when to eat it, if we listen close enough.
Nature's Principle
most abundant = we're meant to have most of
less abundant = we're meant to have less of
& generally speaking, if it can't be made in your kitchen, it's likely harmful to the body & the planet.
most abundant = we're meant to have most of
less abundant = we're meant to have less of
& generally speaking, if it can't be made in your kitchen, it's likely harmful to the body & the planet.
So...
what comes to mind when you think most abundant nutrient?
I'll give you a minute.
I could rant about eating your vegetables – which you should by the way, especially the green ones; vegetation is by far the most abundant on land.
But consider this: up to 70% of Earth’s surface is covered in,
Water!
That’s right!!
Just as Earth is made up of mostly water, ideally our own body's water levels mirror this as well.
Water is essential for nearly every biological process in the body; at least 2 L a day is required for basic function. Unfortunately, most people are seriously (severely) dehydrated. #TrueStory
Not only do we typically not drink enough water, but we're also chasing it with dehydrators like caffeine, alcohol and sugary drinks.
Dehydration impairs muscle function, including intestinal mobility, mental performance and detoxification pathways.
In other words, you’re foggy, constipated and sore (headaches, joint pain, you name it). Fun eh!? #Not
3 Tips to make it easier to drink more water
#1. Get a good filter, or find a clean source
If your water tastes like chemicals, you won’t drink it, nor should you.
We use the Berkey Water Filteration System with the fluoride and heavy metal attachments – it’s seriously the best water I’ve ever tasted.
We use the Berkey Water Filteration System with the fluoride and heavy metal attachments – it’s seriously the best water I’ve ever tasted.
#2. Have water with you; on-hand all day, every day.
It's much easier to remember to drink water if it’s something you always have with you & you’re much less likely to get up for a soft drink or juice.
#3. Track your progress – and set deadlines.
Aim to drink 3L of water per day & at least half of your goal by 1 pm. Put an alarm or reminder on your phone to go off every hour if you have to.
Water Break! (When to hydrate)
#1. As soon as you wake up.
Finish at least one large glass of clean water first thing in the morning, before you eat or drink anything.
#2. 20-30 minutes BEFORE meals.
Drinking water before a meal helps to prime the stomach acid & lubricate the intestines. NOTE: Drinking fluids with meals can dilute your digestive power and impair digestion. If you must drink during the meal, sip on warm/room temperature water instead of icy cold bevy’s.
#3. Before a shower.
Not only does hydrating before you hop in help you consciously drink more water, doing so before a hot shower can reduce blood pressure spikes and decrease chances of a heart attack if you’re at risk.
#4. Before/During/After a workout.
It’s uncomfortable to have a bunch of fluid sloshing around in your stomach during an intense workout, but it’s equally uncomfortable (& stressful) to feel parched while we exercise.
Make sure you’re well hydrated prior to your training session then take little sips of water during the workout when needed. Hydrating after a workout is always necessary to replenish your body and help rid your muscles of unwanted waste & reduce the onset of muscle soreness.
Make sure you’re well hydrated prior to your training session then take little sips of water during the workout when needed. Hydrating after a workout is always necessary to replenish your body and help rid your muscles of unwanted waste & reduce the onset of muscle soreness.
FYI: You do NOT need to “replenish your electrolytes” with those nasty sports drinks. If you’ve been pushing yourself for well over an hour, a small pinch of sea salt in your water does the trick.
#5. One hour (after a meal and) before bed.
Once a meal has vacated your stomach, drinking water helps cleanse the GI tract; drink plenty of water between meals, but since no one likes to get up in the middle of the night to use the loo, I don’t generally recommend fluids too close to bedtime.
Also, please remember, drinking the recommended amount of water doesn’t do anyone any good if you’re chasing it all with dehydrators like coffee, tea, sugary soft drinks & juices. Yes, that includes all the energy drinks too.
But WAIT!!
There is something more abundant than water.
Although water contains it, this all-mighty nutrient is...
Oxygen
How many breaths have you consciously taken today?
Think about it…
You can survive weeks without food.
You might last a few days without water.
But, good luck going a day without air.
Breathe darling
….deeply, with intention.
Much love & gratitude,
meg xo
Author
Megan Elizabeth
H.BSc, R.H.N.
Before Megan pursued a career in Natural Nutrition & Functional Fitness, she studied molecular biology, biochemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry at the University of Guelph. She had the privilege to work for major pharmaceutical & biotech companies on projects involving calibration, DNA preparation, and creating standard operating procedures. Now, she trusts cows over chemists & uses her kitchen as her laboratory where she teaches families how to get back to the basics of eating well & feeling great.
"Why count calories when you can make calories count."
Meg’s Sweet Treats Recipe Guide is loaded with nutritious & delicious desserts that are easy to make & fun to eat.
