On-the-go lifestyle
An on-the-go lifestyle makes following any eating plan difficult. It’s
inevitable that you often eat and drink
outside the home. It’s often difficult
to drink enough water while on the
go because a water supply might not
be available and you might be wary
of the quality of the local water.
Bottled water solves these two
problems. With bottled water, you can
make sure that you have an adequate
supply. And you can be assured that
the water has been filtered to remove
contaminants.
Environmental concerns
Concerns have been raised about
the environmental impact of plastic
containers. These concerns center on
two issues: the cost of manufacturing bottled water and recycling the bottles.
In terms of manufacturing costs, every time you choose bottled water
over a drink such as soda, water is saved. According to a 2006 survey, it takes
1. 37 gallons of water to make 1 gallon of bottled water, 2 to 3 gallons of water
to make 1 gallon of soda and 42 gallons of water to make 1 gallon of beer (
including the water used to produce the barley, hops, etc.).
In terms of recycling, most bottled-water containers are now made from
100 percent recyclable PET. These containers can be re-recycled.
The bottom line is that water (tap or bottled) is a more healthful option
than other drinks, and drinking bottled water is a safe, convenient method to
increase water consumption for the whole family. It’s important to provide
family members with low-calorie or no-calorie, on-the-go beverage alternatives such as bottled water. A
TIPS & TRICKS
THIS&THAT
THE 411 ON H20
1. Most people tend to drink more water
in the hot summer months, but cold
weather can dehydrate too.
2. Blood is thicker than water, but not by
much— 79 percent of blood is water.
3. The elderly have proportionately less
water in their bodies than the young.
4. Water is a nutrient for every cell in the body.
5. Stay one step ahead—drink water before you get thirsty and keep dehydration
at bay.
6. Beat the heat—travel, hot weather
and exercise all increase the body’s
need for water.
7. Our teeth contain 10 percent water!
8. Eighty-five percent of the brain is water!
9. Water acts as a shock absorber to help protect
vital organs, such as the brain, spinal cord
and interior of the eyes.
10. Small sips throughout the day are a smart
way to keep well watered.
11. Did you know that kids lose proportionately
more fluids through sweat than adults?
12. Studies show that a water loss amounting
to a mere 2 percent of body weight can have an
effect on a person’s physical endurance.
13. Water has no fat, no calories and no cholesterol!
A SMART DRINKING PLAN
HOW MUCH WATER do you need? That
depends on a variety of factors, including
whether you’re exercising. The general goal
is to replace as much fluid as you burn up
or release during a day.
Here’s some sound advice from www.mayo
clinic.com.
It’s generally not a good idea to use thirst
alone as a guide for when to drink. By the
time one becomes thirsty, it is possible to
already be slightly dehydrated.
Be aware that as you get older your body is
less able to sense dehydration and send your
brain signals of thirst. Excessive thirst and
increased urination can be signs of a more
serious medical condition. Talk to your doctor
if you experience either.
To ward off dehydration and make sure your
body has the fluids it needs, make water your
beverage of choice. Nearly every healthy adult
can consider the following:
• Drink a glass of water with each meal and
between each meal.
• Hydrate before, during and after exercise.
• Substitute sparkling water for alcoholic
drinks at social gatherings.
• If you drink water from a bottle, thoroughly
clean or replace the bottle often. Refill only
bottles that are designed for reuse.
ONE LAST POINT
Though uncommon, it is possible to drink too
much water. When your kidneys are unable to
excrete the excess water, the electrolyte (
mineral) content of your blood is diluted, resulting
in a condition called hyponatremia (low sodium
levels in the blood). Endurance athletes—
such as marathon runners—who drink large
amounts of water are at higher risk. A
