During this time of the year, the cooler weather causes us to not crave as much water as we do in the warmer months. We do, however, usually crave tasty warm drinks such as coffee and coffee mixtures. While they may be temporarily satisfying and give us a quick pick-me-up, they are also dehydrating. So, especially this time of year, we must be sure to hydrate with water! Staying adequately hydrated is one of the best solutions to eliminating mental fog, energy dips and helping with digestion and weight loss. Who doesn’t want that?
So exactly how much water should you drink? Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces of water each day, and more if you exercise. Get bored with plain old water? Here are a couple great alternatives to make it more enjoyable and add additional benefits:
Add a squirt of lemon for not only taste, but also for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, immune-boosting vitamins and minerals, digestive assistance and liver cleansing benefits.
Or, mix up our favorite water substitute “The iGnite Cranberry Cocktail,” found in New York Times Best Seller The Fat Flush Plan. It not only tastes great, but also helps eliminate water retention, cleanses accumulated wastes from the lymphatic system and helps to clean up cellulite.
CRANBERRY WATER RECIPE Makes 32 oz.
- 4 oz Unsweetened 100% Cranberry Juice from Concentrate (found in the juice aisle in most grocery stores)
- 28 oz Water
- 1/3 Tsp of liquid Stevia
- Squirt of lemon for added flavor
Those of us at iGnite swear by this cranberry water — always keep a jug of it in your ‘fridge and you will be amazed at how much more liquid you drink throughout the day.
Try it out & let us know what you think!
like coffee). My stomach doesn’t appreciate hot lemon water in the morning, so I opt for Dandy each day instead. For breakfast, I made one of my favorite smoothies with coconut water, spinach, banana, frozen blueberries and strawberries, and Hemp protein powder.
Trader Joe’s chopped salad (about 1/2 cup of package, apple cider vinegar, pumpkin seeds and avocado tzaziki dip that my husband had made for the Super Bowl (Reboot and Whole 30 compliant recipe that’s delicious!). I enjoyed a nice walk to the gym for a weight workout and luckily avoided the rain on my walk home.
Later in the day when my kids came home from school and were raiding the pantry and frig for snacks, I enjoyed a few dried dates along with my go-to cleansing juice like “Tigerlilly” at Juiceland: kale, spinach, parsley, celery and cucumber. I usually make a big batch that will last me 2 days. These great juice bottles come from People’s Pharmacy, so I re-use them quite a bit.
degrees went brussel sprouts, onions, asparagus, mushrooms and green beans. It was exactly what I needed! And I drank tons and tons of cranberry cocktail all through the day. When it was time for bed, I felt good about the foods I had eaten during the day. I think I’ll add more protein into my diet tomorrow for more consistent energy. Loved having a light dinner and tea though. Just what my body needed!
This was my first official day to commit myself to the challenge. I started the day with the warm lemon water and Apple Cider Vinegar. It definitely helps get me going without the caffeine. I am enjoying the 
I did feel a slight headache, but as I kept moving and went for a run around Town Lake, the sluggish feeling went away! I was re-energized after the run and was excited to experiment with some new appetizers I was preparing for the Super Bowl game.
My game time meal and appetizers included: Roasted Veggies – These were delicious and a perfect snack! I cut up cauliflower, broccoli, beets, mixed colored carrots, and kale then sprinkled with a little olive oil, salt/pepper, garlic & turmeric. I placed in the oven to roast. Super easy and even my teenage boys were enjoying it! Mushroom caps – stuffed with Italian turkey sausage and sauerkraut. These were simple and delicious baked in the oven – without breading or cheese they were still yummy and satisfying. Raw veggies and olives with Hummus was simple and easy. Last, I made a big pot of homemade tortilla soup – sautéed chicken with onions, garlic, peppers, Rotel, vegetable broth and seasoning. It was warm and tasty! All this made for a Re-boot friendly evening! The only temptation was the brownies a Mom brought over for the boys – difficult to pass on those! It was a fun evening and I was still able to get to bed by 10:30 without checking my emails or social media!
Energy & Mood: Sunday was honestly my first committed day! It was a fun and busy day which helped and I realize how much the exercise helps to relieve missing the caffeine.
About a year ago I began adding a dash of Cayenne pepper for extra cleansing.
an over easy egg for extra protein and fat.
cup of coconut yogurt, raspberries and a gluten free rolled oats.
Hydration: Alkaline Water – I recently learned about the benefits of Alkaline Water so I try to drink this giant bottle as often as possible. Personally, I think what’s most important is to stay hydrated, alkaline water or not.
I’ve really enjoyed breakfast and the hot water and lemon fulfilled the need to hold a warm mug while waking up. I had the porridge option this morning as I needed a break from eggs and although I’ve never made it with coconut milk before I loved it.
My energy today has been great and I took Seamus, my excitable dog, on a wonderful long walk around town lake in the glorious sunshine. Being outdoors this week has been so easy in this Texan weather and mixing it with exercise is even better. Seamus also loved it and followed it by sleeping all afternoon.
The food part has been the easiest for me as it is all the things I love but it has taken a little more planning. When you can’t just grab a sandwich or piece of toast (yes, Brits also eat a lot of toast) it helps to have everything ready to go.
hese reboots. I have it conveniently perched on the bathtub right next to the shower to remind me, but inevitably, it’s not until I’m in the shower reaching for the brush I keep there that…DOH!
I had my lemon water and then got three figgy pops. I found these last week at Costco and I love them as an easy and very yummy grab and go item.
Got home in time to take my oldest to middle school and then made my favorite breakfast/lunch/dinner/snack – Udi’s whole wheat, 1/4 smushed avocado topped with a scrambled egg and sriracha. Yum! And settled down to work.
After picking up two kids and dropping off one, I went to meet my oldest for a pedicure at the delightful salon she can walk to from the middle school. Spontaneous-as-of-this-morning focus on me time. And I got a little green juice in for good measure.
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