The Blessing of Water
By Carolyn Allen

For some individuals, it's literally “hard to swallow” the required quantity, or it simply doesn't taste as interesting as other beverages. Bladders that aren't used to accommodating this much liquid initially feel over-used and stretched, although like any muscle, they'll get quickly get stronger with regular exercise.

In his eye-opening book on the physical benefits of this simple habit, Dr. F. Batmanghelidj lists 46 reasons why your body needs water every day. Althought that's too many to list here, here are some highlights:

• Water is the one of the best diet tools of all. Drink water on time and you will not eat excessively when you feel hungry, but are, in fact only thirsty for water. (It's easy to prove this one; next time you think you're hungry and it's not time for a meal or snack, just get a drink instead and see how you feel in 15 minutes.)
• Without water, nothing lives. (Visualize how water immediately revives a tired plant.)
• Water is the main solvent for all foods, vitamins and minerals. It is used to break down food into smaller particles for their eventual metabolism and assimilation. This is why food without water has no value for the body. (That's an interesting eye-opener !)
• Water increases our attention span (and don't we need it to stay focused on healthy eating while living our busy lives ?)
• Water helps reduce stress, anxiety and depression (What a time and money saver! It only takes a second and it's FREE to drink some water!)
• Water restores normal sleep rhythms (Hear, Hear, early A.M. seminary friends!)
• Water gives luster and shine to the eyes, skin and hair. (Thank you! Who doesn't want to be naturally attractive?)

1. Drink 16 ounces upon arising to get the day started and the systems flowing. How simple does it get? Drink another 16 ounces before lunch, and then again at dinner. There! The basic six are taken care of! Another easy habit is to fill three 16-ounce tumblers and place by the kitchen sink or at your work area first thing in the morning. Sip throughout the day. It's easy to sneak in another glass or two.

   Adding a tablespoon of lemon in the morning is especially helpful because it aids digestion and acts as a blood purifier. A tablespoon of lime has a high potassium content and is also extremely beneficial.

2. Make it an regular habit to drink 8-16 ounces of water before every meal. Change the flavor of water by adding a squirt of lemon, a dash of vanilla, or flavored ice cubes made with Crystal Light.

3. Carry a water bottle with you. Keep a case of water bottles in the trunk of your car. It's easy to squeeze in an extra 16-32 ounces while you're driving.

4. There is some proof that drinking ice water is said to burn a few more calories as the body “works” to bring it to body temperature. Drinking warm water is also helpful for the same reason.

5. Every couple of hours, get a glass of water and while drinking it, imagine a garden being watered on a hot afternoon, or a newly planted seed in dry ground. Your body and all its functions will respond with gratitude in exactly the same way, for it, too, is a living organism.

1. Flush out dietary over-indulgences with extra water, both immediately and over the next 24 hours. (Drinking carbonated beverages and even sports drinks requires several extra glasses of water to literally “rinse out” the additives. Think of the rinsing required to remove a stain as you drink. Eliminating these drinks, even those that are sugar-free, is one of the easiest ways to reduce daily calories.)

2. Water Retention: The only non-medical way to address water retention is to drink more water! As unlikely as it seems, the thirstier the body is, the more it will hold until it has reached a “saturation” point and can start to release. Think of a sponge and you've got the picture.

3. Stop a binge or manage cravings by quickly drinking 16 ounces of water.

4. Stop a binge or manage cravings by taking a quick bath or shower. It'll get you out of the kitchen and away from temptations. A quicker method is to simply go to a sink and gently wash your hands, concentrating on the flow of the water and visualizing its power to change your life through the scriptural stories mentioned above and your body through the other facts listed here.

5. Check the toilet: An adequate supply of water means urine that is pale yellow. Darker colors indicate an immediate need for more water.

1. Consider your water and fluid intake. Is it enough? Which of the suggestions listed above feel right for you? How will you incorporate them? Do diet sodas play an unnecessary part in your life? How will you change this?
2. Have a brainstorming session and see how many scriptural stories and events center around water and how it changes events and lives. Relate it to your own need for water.
3. As a journal exercise, actively choose to get a drink of water instead of eating an unnecessary snack. Pay close attention to how your body responds, and then write a few sentences about your satisfaction level.
4. Express gratitude for your body and its ability to benefit from enough water through your journal and prayer.

I know it sounds weird, but this is a delicious topping for cottage cheese for a perfect 4:00 p.m. snack to tide you through until dinner.

1 can black beans (rinsed and drained)
1 can corn (drained)
1 lb. tomatoes, diced
1 avocado, diced
1 bunch of green onions, chopped (add more if you like)
Cilantro to taste
Zesty Italian Dressing to taste

Click here to sign up for Meridian's FREE email updates.

Carolyn Allen graduated from BYU in 1976 with a degree in child development and family relations. Overcoming a lifetime struggle with her weight has given her the opportunity to encourage and coach women around the world through her website, daily online newsletter and weight loss motivation classes in the Washington, D.C. area. Since most of her readers are non-LDS, it gives her great joy to share her testimony of the Gospel and our Heavenly Father's desire for us to be happy and healthy with them.

She has been happily married to Bob Allen, the handsomest early morning seminary teacher in the Church, for 23 years. They are the proud parents of five children, two who are currently serving missions, and three grandchildren.

Her first book and audio CD, “60 Seconds to Weight Loss Success: One Minute Inspirations to Change Your Thinking, Your Weight and Your Life” was published last summer and is available at bookstores everywhere. Just ask for it by name! Her other books, (including a weight loss journey scrapbook with starter pages for you scrap bookers!) are available from her website. Visit Carolyn at her website and feel free to e-mail her at Carolyn@MyWeightLossFriend.com. She welcomes your recipes and would love to hear from you!