Saturday's Health-wize...drink to life!

Why is drinking water so important?

(and,... beeee-leaf me! I needed to read this info!!)
* much of the info about water in this post was found here

You might be surprised...
 to learn that water is quite possibly the single most
 important catalyst in losing weight and keeping it off.  Water
 water may be the only true "magic potion" for permanent
weight loss! 

Water suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolize stored fat. Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits. Here's why: The kidneys can't function properly without enough water. When the kidneys don't work to capacity, some of their load is dumped onto the liver. One of the liver's primary functions is to metabolize stored fat into usable energy for the body. If the liver has to do some of the kidney's work, it can't operate at full throttle. As a result, it metabolizes less fat, more fat remains stored in the body, and weight loss stops. Drinking enough water is the best treatment for fluid retention. When the body gets less water, it perceives this as a threat to survival and begins to hold on to every drop. Water is stored in extra cellular spaces (outside the cells). This shows
 up as swollen feet, legs and hands.  Diuretics can be a quick fix. But, even better
over long term is to drink more water and eat less sodium.
~~
How much water?
...8 glasses per day is the suggestion.  More water is suggested for those
who are overweight - 1 glass more per 25 lbs overweight.  Also, drink more if you are
exercising a lot or the weather is hot and/or dry.
~~
Drinking enough water
... can be a challenge sometimes.  But, here are just
a few suggestions.
1)  Try to keep water with you wherever you go.  In the car, in your purse,
by your work station, on the table when watching tv, etc
2)  Freeze cubes of lemon, lime or orange juice and add these to your
water bottle or glass
3)  Set a reminder on your phone or other to let you know that you
need to go and get a drink of water.

==================================

 ~~ Recipe ~~

Baked Brussels Sprouts

-- Wash a pound of  fresh brussels sprouts

-- Cut off any tough ends and halve any especially large ones.

-- Put in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.  

-- Place on cooking sheet and season however you like

          (I use a splash of  "balsamic blend"  seasoned rice vinegar)

-- Roast at 450 degrees for 10 minutes,  or until they start to brown lightly, then, 

        Flip them and cook until lightly brown on other side.  

        (I actually prefer  the leaves a little charred.)  

**These are fabulous hot or cold, actually rather addictive.  And so good for you!

===================================

~~ Ruby's Report ~~

Treadmill - I didn't do so good this week with meee treddy. One day
                         not feeling good and 2 days not wanting to get up really
                         early before appointments - this gave me only 10 miles
                         for a total this week
                         ---(my goal is to do 3 mi for 6 days = 18 miles per week)

Food - this week, I did better with food.  I tried to eat less in the evening. 
              I think this works better for me.  I'm also trying to drink more water!
              

Weight -  ...not too bad this week...I've given myself a bit of liberty
                    because it's the holidays ("just try to maintain weight")
                    But...I'm clicking my heels...I'm down 1.6