The H20 Challenge

One of the most important things I've learned so far during my quest to live a more healthy lifestyle is that adding simple habits to your diet can make a huge difference in your overall health. The simplest thing most of us can do to improve our health is to drink more water. In fact, 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. Learning about this problem inspired me to want to encourage more of my friends and family to drink more water.

The H2O Challenge will be our first Healthy Living Challenge. The challenge is to drink your daily intake of water every day for 21 consecutive days. The challenge will begin May 1st through May 21st.

Your daily intake of water is calculated by dividing your weight in half, that is how much water you should drink in ounces. If you want to convert ounces into cups, simple divide the number of ounces by 8.

Example: 120 lbs. / 2 = 60 oz.   60oz. / 8 = 7.5 cups.

Each person's challenge will be different. There are no restrictions to the challenge. You may eat or drink whatever you like as long as you fit in your daily intake of water. However, naturally in order to fit in that much water each day, you may need to cut out other drinks during the day. It's up to you to create your own plan to meeting the challenge. Next week I'll give more tips and examples on how I've added more water in my life. Are you up for the challenge?

The Incredible Egg

In the spirit of Easter festivities, I decided to dye eggs on Sunday afternoon. I'm sure I haven't dyed eggs in over 15 years. I've always loved eggs, even as a kid. Not until my healthy eating journey had I begun to learn all of the benefits of eating eggs. Here are a few reasons why I've grown to love eggs more. 

1. Eggs Are Versatile

One of the reasons why I love eggs is that you can eat them so many ways: scrambled, poached, hard boiled, sunny side up, and omelets. Many people can find at least one way to enjoy eggs. For less than $3.00 you can buy something that can give you a great variety of meal options. 

2.   Quick, Easy Breakfast

On mornings when I need a fast breakfast, eggs are my staple food. Usually, I boil a couple eggs in the morning while I get ready for work. They're easy to take with me to work and eat as a morning snack. If I have a little extra time, I may scramble two eggs in olive oil. They only take a few minutes to fry. 

3. Nutrient Dense

Lastly, eggs are packed with many nutrients. Here are just a few of the health benefits found in eggs: 


Contain choline- regulates brain system and cardiovascular system
Contain lutein- decreases risks for blindness and cataracts
Contain vitamin D - strengthens bones and improves immunity
Contain Selenium- an antioxidant that prevents blood clots 
Prevent breast cancer -women who consume at least 6 eggs per week can significantly decreased their risk of developing breast cancer 
Contain protein - one egg contains 6 grams of protein which is 12% of the Recommended Daily Value. 
Muscle Strength - encourages muscle tissue repair and growth if eaten after working out
Contain Omega 3 - fatty acid that is good for your heart
Low in calories - the average egg only contains 70-80 calories

Sources:
www.incredibleegg.org/
www.womenshealthmag.com