Water, Please!
fit tipcanada
(Feb.04.11)
In winter months, sometimes it’s more tempting to reach for a hot coffee or tea instead of a cold glass of water. Nursing mommies, beware! Hydration is an important factor in your ability to maintain an adequate milk supply. If you’re exercising, you’ll need even more water to replenish that loss through sweating. Aim for 8-12 cups per day, plus an extra 2 cups for every hour of exercise. There are ways to sneak in water without it tasting so “watery.” Start your day off with a hot cup of water, brightened by freshly squeezed lemon juice, to hydrate you and help your liver get off to a great start. In the afternoon, skip the pick-you-up coffee and try a cup or two of herbal tea to warm you up. Different aromas and blends provide mood-enhancing effects; peppermint will wake you up, ginger will calm your stomach and chamomile will relax you. At dinner, try a low-sodium sparkling water instead of wine or soda – but serve it in a wine glass for fun!
~ Dara Duff-Bergeron is a veteran fitness trainer and a specialist in women’s health and fitness. With a decade under her belt, Dara now shares her exceptional experience and down-to-earth philosophy through Fit Family (fitfamily.ca) personal training and Belly Bootcamp (www.bellybootcamp.ca/) pre- and post-natal fitness. Dara is mommy of one with another on the way, and lives in Toronto with her own little fit family.
