Develop Healthy Eating Habits with Super Foods and Health and Nutrition Ideas - especially for Home Based Business Owners 

Develop Healthy Eating Habits - Keep Yourself and Your Family Fit and Healthy As You Build Your Home Based Business 
Health and Nutrition Info - Weight Management Ideas 
Fitness Programs - Super Foods Chart - Negative Calorie Foods 
Food Pyramid showing the Basic Food Groups 

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Developing Healthy Eating Habits to Keep Yourself and Your Family Fit and Healthy as You Build Your  Home Based Business

As a home based business owner who has raised children myself, I understand how difficult it is to consistently stay abreast of health and nutrition issues and develop healthy eating habits for yourself and your family.  When you are just starting out in the home business arena, the tendency is to just keep at it, and sometimes you skip meals or pick up "fast food" because you don't want to stop and take the time to prepare something.  But it's essential to develop healthy eating habits and follow nutrition basics if you're to have enough energy to achieve your business goals. 

Running a successful home based business and raising a family can be daunting.  There never seems to be enough time to get everything done, and unfortunately, health and nutrition are often casualties in this "war".

The recipes and menu ideas in this site take that into consideration and are created to be quick to prepare while encouraging you to develop and follow healthy eating habits on a daily basis.

Developing healthy eating habits doesn't have to be difficult.  Your two major requirements are first to buy good, fresh food and secondly to prepare it well.  All the recipes I've developed have their basis in the desire and need for quick healthy family meals.
 
Here you'll find both my original recipes and ideas for developing healthy eating habits, as well as helpful cookbooks with healthy recipes for managing your weight, if that's a concern, and if that's not an issue (lucky you), just get the Comprehensive Nutritional Transformation Program included in the Healing Gourmet eBook Series, especially created to address health and nutrition problems with healing foods.  Delicious healthy gourmet recipes created to keep you and your family in the peak of health. 

And if you'd like to try some absolutely stupendous raw foods snack recipes, click over to the 100 Healthy Raw Snacks and Treats website and download your copy.  Scroll down to the "Marketplace" box for links to these eBooks.

Basic information about natural vitamins, minerals and phyto-nutrients derived from organic whole foods is also included.  Super Foods and Super Nutrient charts are listed for you to print.   

You'll be intrigued.  But more than that... you'll want to use all this nutrition info.  It's really great stuff.  And it will help you and your family stay healthy as you go about the task of building your home-based business.

Bookmark, Share or Print the entire page or just the Super Foods and Super Nutrient Charts and keep them handy.  Put them up on the 'fridge.  They'll help to keep you and the kids well nourished on a daily basis, and the next time you or one of your friends has a health, nutrition or weight management issue, you can conquer it before it becomes critical by adding the Negative Calorie Foods along with the Super Foods to your meal plan.  Your nutrition, health, and weight management issues will be under control... and so will your home business.

Scroll down.  Click some links.  Explore.

And check out the healing foods in the "God's Pharmacy" video - See what specific foods keep the body healthy.  It's really good information!

Navigate This Page:

Your Health is Your Greatest Wealth - A quick overview
Basic Food Groups
Balanced Meals
Sample Menu for a Day of "Perfect" Eating
Servings/Quantities Guidelines  

Vitamins, Minerals and Other Nutrients

100 Healthy Raw Snacks and Treats

14 Super Foods
14 Super Nutrients 
Negative Calorie Foods
Preparation and Cooking
Foods that Heal - God's Pharmacy (video) 
Cookware Recommendations 
Acid/Alkaline Balance - pH
Drink Your Water

Related Pages:
Cooking as a Home Business
Family Meal Plans 
Family Dinners 

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Books on Nutrition and Health for You and Your Family

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Your Health is Your Greatest Wealth - Develop Healthy Eating Habits as You Develop Your Home Business

To stay healthy enough to successfully pursue and accomplish your home business goals, all the following factors must be observed and implemented because they work in synergy to produce optimum health --

• exercise - outdoors as often as possible. 
• proper hydration - drink the necessary amount of pure, filtered water.
• reduce stress - take brisk walks, breathe deeply, keep your cool, stop worrying - it won't change anything but the state of your health. 
• get enough rest - minimum 8 hours - must include the hours from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. - that's when your body does its restorative work.
• eat properly - try to eat as many 100% organic foods - meats, fruit and vegetables - as you can - they contain more phytonutrients and antioxidants than bulk foods, and no harmful chemical contaminants.  That means taking time to prepare and eat well-balanced meals throughout the day to keep your body running like a well-oiled machine.  Take care of yourself and you'll be well on your way to the fulfilling life you want.

There is a great deal of information available about nutrition, health, and nutrients today.  Most people are aware of the value of basic vitamins and minerals in one's diet. Nutrients derived from food are better utilized by the body than those obtained from vitamin pills.  

Eating a balanced diet is the best way to manage your weight and supply the nutrients the body needs from natural sources rather than from a bottle of pills.  Recent research has shown that the body is able to utilize only very small amounts of the synthetic nutrients supplied in pill form.  Whole foods supplements and fresh organic foods properly prepared, are your best bets for optimum health and nutrition. 

We hope you find the Meal plans and recipe ideas included in this website helpful, delicious and time saving. Use them to protect your health and develop healthy eating habits, as you pursue your home based business.

There are many factors to consider in maintaining optimal health and ideal weight. But for the purposes of this site's theme which is - creating wealth with your own home-based business, one of which is cooking at home for profit - you'll find a quick overview of information concerning food and nutrition as it applies to keeping you and your family in the peak of health so you can be successful in your home business and your life.

There are also spiritual and emotional considerations to achieving balance in your life and overcoming issues that may have been keeping you from succeeding up to this point.  Those are also discussed on this site and links provided so you can delve deeper and learn important facts that will help you change your life for the better.

The Basic Food Groups

The five basic food groups are:  Meats (Protein), Grain, Dairy, Fruit and Vegetables. Fats and Sweets

• Meats (Protein)  -  major supplier of protein, fats, certain vitamins and minerals
• Dairy - supplies calcium, some protein, fats, some vitamins and other minerals
• Whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes - complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, some protein, vitamins and minerals
• Fruits -  major supplier of vitamins, carbohydrates, some minerals and active enzymes
• Vegetables - major supplier of minerals, carbohydrates, vitamins and active enzymes
• Fats and oils are derived from some grains, nuts, certain fruit and vegetables. Important in the diet for metabolizing the oil soluble vitamins, so don't avoid them.  Avoid foods containing hydrogenated or partially-hydrogenated trans fats as these have been found to be detrimental to cardio-vascular health.
• Sweeteners - Sugar, Honey, Molasses - readily converted to quick energy. Refined sugar (just like refined salt) is devoid of most of its natural nutrients and has been reduced to its chemical state.  Avoid it whenever you can.  In excess, it can harm your health.

A person's daily intake should include a minimum of two items from each group, preferably more, especially the fruit and vegetable category where the recommended intake is 5 raw vegetables and 4 fruits.  Make these organic for best benefits.

About Balanced Meals

Ideally, a balanced meal should consist of  -

• 1 meat, fish or poultry high protein item that's low in saturated animal fat 
• 1 dairy item, low in fat but not entirely fat free 
• 1 whole grain or complex carbohydrate item for quick energy 
• Fresh fruit and four or more fresh vegetables to supply vitamins and enzymes
• Fat or oil derived from seeds, fruit or nuts to facilitate the metabolism of fat-soluble vitamins. Best oils are extra virgin olive, extra virgin coconut, avocado and macademia nut.  Walnut, sunflower, safflower and sesame are also good. Flaxseed oil, though highly beneficial, should not be used for cooking as cooking destroys its beneficial elements.  It makes a great addition to homemade salad dressings and fruit smoothies.

Examples of basic meal composition:

• Breakfast  -  Protein food (meat, fish, eggs), Whole grain (carbs), Milk or Cheese, Fresh Fruit or freshly squeezed Juice
• Lunch - Protein food, Whole grain (carbs), Dairy (milk, cheese or yogurt), Fresh fruit and/or vegetable salad
• Dinner - Protein food, complex carb or whole grain (starchy vegetable, rice, pasta, roll or bread), brightly colored steamed vegetables, dark leafy green vegetable.  The dairy item can be in the form of a beverage or dessert.

• Eat six small meals throughout the day to keep your energy levels constant.
• Drink your water with or between meals to stay hydrated, especially if you live in a warm climate.
• Drink filtered water.  Buy Purified Drinking Water if you drink bottled water.
• Use your fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs within a few days of purchasing to be sure you get as much nutrition from them as you can. The longer they sit, the more nutrients they lose.  Purchase from a local farmer's market whenever possible. The produce is usually much fresher, often organically grown, and more nutrient rich because they're not being trucked in from miles away, or sitting on a supermarket shelf for days before you buy them.

A nice bonus to eating like this for good health is that it also helps you reduce or maintain your weight, and successful weight management is an integral part of a balanced health plan.

The following is a sample menu for a day of "perfect" meals.  Eating like this consistently will make you feel great and you won't have to worry about weight or other health issues.

The body has the capacity to repair and heal itself as long as nutrition is consistent and high quality.  However, obtaining high quality food can be a tricky business due to the widespread use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, food additives, overprocessing, long distance shipping, and nutrient-depleted farmland soils.  Buying organically grown produce and minimally processed 100% organic foods are your best options for ensuring that the foods you eat are providing the nourishment you need and expect.

Sample Menu for a Day of "Perfect" Eating 

Breakfast:

Fruit.  Fresh Juice.  Cereal with 1% milk, sweetened with Xylitol (sweetener derived from Strawberries), honey, or organic cane sugar, and topped with wheat germ. The fruit -- bananas, strawberries, blueberries, other berries or even dried fruit -- may be added to your cereal if you prefer.  A hot beverage - coffee or tea.

On an exceptionally busy morning, a smoothie made with fresh fruit, Soy milk, orange juice, raw oats, wheat germ and protein and vitamin powder can prove very filling, and it will keep your energy up until lunch.  Adding a tablespoon of flaxseed oil and a tablespoon of lecithin - contains choline and inositol - provides extra nutrition.  Add honey, Xylitol, natural organic turbinado cane sugar, or other natural sweetener, for extra sweetness if desired.

Mid-morning:

A plate of fresh fruit which may include berries, cantaloupe (enhances the complexion), papaya (helps the digestive system), pineapple, peaches, apples, apricots, watermelon, red grapefruit or orange sections with vanilla or lemon yogurt for dipping.  Cheese, tuna, salmon, sardines or some other cold water fish.  Juice or water.

Lunch: 

A cup of hot homemade soup.  Large green salad with chicken or seafood, OR a small green salad and a chicken or fish sandwich on whole grain bread, OR a large bowl of soup -- your choice.  Fresh fruit juice.

Mid-afternoon:

Re-energize with a handful of dried fruit (quick energy) and nuts (longer lasting energy). Green tea with honey.

Dinner:

A cup of hot homemade soup.  Meat, fish or poultry. 1 starchy food.  2 or more cooked vegetables - green, orange, yellow, brightly colored.  Leafy green salad as a side dish, a cool meat and vegetable salad as the entree or a light yet filling pasta and vegetable dish.  Glass of wine (preferably red because it contains resveratrol, but you can also get this nutrient from grape juice) or fruit juice.  A light dessert made with fruit and yogurt.  And if you're a chocoholic like me, add some dark chocolate shavings.  No guilt.  It's "choc full" of antioxidants.

Before bed:

A few slices of home roasted turkey or cheese will help you sleep.  They contain the amino acid, tryptophan which induces sleep. 
A soothing cup of herbal tea, or hot chocolate made with milk will also help to lull you to restful sleep.

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  Vitamins, Minerals and Other Nutrients 

Preparing and eating fresh whole foods at every meal can be challenging, especially when you have a business to run, a career to pursue and a family to raise. 

Nutrients from fresh organic foods are your best option, but when you're too busy to prepare a home cooked meal, supplement with PhytoVitamins derived from the foods you would cook if you had the time.  

Supermarket produce has lost a considerable portion of its nutrients by the time it reaches you, so a daily PhytoVitamin supplement is a good idea even if you're able to cook every day. These supplements are produced from whole foods.  In actuality they are simply fresh whole foods, dehydrated, concentrated and pressed into tablets. They are your best option to supplement your diet and ensure you get the required amount of nutrients for optimum health.

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For optimum health, the foods you consume should supply the following vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes.

• Vitamins - A, B-complex (B1 thiamin, B2 riboflavin, B3 niacin, B6 pyridoxine, Biotin, Pantothenic acid, Folate, B12), C-complex (ascorbic acid (Vit. C) plus Bioflavinoids - Vit P), D-complex (yes there are additional components to Vitamin D -- D2, D3 which are valuable to bone health), E, K.
• Minerals - Calcium, Mangesium, Manganese, Iron, Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Chromium, Selenium, Iodine, Phospherous, Molybdenum, Copper, Cobalt, Zinc,
• Amino Acids - the building blocks of proteins - Arginine, Glutamine, Histidine, Lysine, Methionine, Taurine, Threonine, Tryptophan and Valine. These are the most widely known essential amino acids, but there are many others which are present in food and beneficial to good health. 
• Enzymes - Lipase, Bromelain, Amylase, Pancreatin, Rutin, Papain, Peptase, Protease, Serrapeptase, Nattokinase, Lactase - to name a few. Present and active in raw foods such as fruit and vegetables. Cooking destroys enzyme action.
• Antioxidant Phytonutrients - polyphenols, carotenoids, lignans,  flavinoids - widely believed to slow the aging process and enhance the immune system. 
• Other valuable nutrient cofactors - Coenzyme Q10 (Vitamin Q), Grape seed extract, Lecithin (contains choline, inositol and linoleic acid), Polyunsaturated essential fatty acids (EFAs) - Omega 6 and Omega 3
• Pre and Pro-biotics - necessary for digestive tract health. 

  

Foods rich in these elements are:

• Dark Yellow-Orange fruit and vegetables - Beta carotene which is converted to Vitamin A in the body.
• Dark green leafy vegetables - Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Vit K, fiber, beta carotene, carotenoids
• Dark red fruit such as cherries and plums (prunes) - iron, other minerals
• Dark red grapes -  resveratrol, polyphenols and grape seed extract - newly discovered phytonutrients that enhance the immune system and overall good health.
• Bright red and yellow fruit and vegetables - Oranges, Pink or Red grapefruit, Tomatoes, Bell Peppers - Vitamin C 
• Berries - Srawberries, blueberries, raspberries - Vitamin C, phytonutrients
• Melons (Papaya, cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon) - Calcium, B Vitamins, Vitamin C, Carotenoids
• Mushrooms - No color but nutrient dense - Iron, B vitamins
• Raw nuts and seeds - Protein, fats and oils containing essential fatty acids
• Whole grains and pasta - Protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber
• Rice, beans and other legumes - Protein, B Vitamins
• Dairy foods - Eggs, milk, cream, yogurt, cheese - Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese, Lecithin, Pre and Pro-biotics 
• Oils - Cold pressed plant oils - Extra Virgin Olive oil, Flaxseed, Coconut, Macademia nut, Avocado, and oil from fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna - Omega 3, Omega 6, Lignans
• Onions, Garlic, Fresh Herbs and Spices - phytonutrients 
• Cabbage, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Celery, Cauliflower (the cruciferous vegetables) - Antioxidant phytonutrients

All plant foods, especially whole grains and green leafy vegetables, are high in fiber and extremely beneficial for elimination of toxins.

The foods listed above also contain many other nutrients. Only the main ones in each are indicated.

According to the nutrition experts, the most nutrient dense/antioxidant rich foods you can eat are:

Oatmeal, Whole wheat, Eggs, Yogurt, Liver, Turkey, Fatty cold water fish such as Sardines, Alaskan Pink Salmon, Mackerel, and Trout, Beans, Avocadoes, Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin, Mushrooms, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Spinach, Kale, Romaine Lettuce, Mangoes, Pomegranates, Papaya, Pink or Red Grapefruits, Oranges, Kiwi, Cantaloupe, Blueberries, Strawberries, Apricots, Watermelon, Black Cherries, Dark Red Grapes, Prunes, Dates, Almonds, Walnuts, Brazil nuts, Sunflower seeds, Olives and Cold-pressed Extra VIrgin Olive Oil, Coconut oil, Avocado oil, Macademia nut oil, Walnut oil, Garlic, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Honey, Green Tea and Dark Chocolate.

Of these, here are the 14 Super Foods as designated by Steven Pratt, M.D. in his book "Super Foods Rx" --

Beans, Blueberries, Broccoli, Oats, Oranges, Pumpkin, Wild Alaskan Salmon, Soy, Spinach, Tea - Black or Green, Tomatoes, Turkey, Walnuts and Yogurt.

7 more from the list above that can also be designated "Super Foods" --

Pomegranates, Avocadoes, Sweet Potatoes, Prunes, Honey, Purple Grapes, Sunflower Seeds and Garlic

Other highly nutritious and highly recommended foods are: Royal Jelly, Bee Pollen, and the juices of the following exotic fruits - noni, goji berries, mangosteen, maqui and acai berries.

...and the 14  Super Nutrients...

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Servings/Quantity Guidelines

Here are some recommended serving quantities and frequencies for the 14 Super Foods* listed above:

**Soy products have been known to cause allergies, so be cautious if you are unsure about these.

*Source: "Super Foods Rx" by Steven Pratt, M.D.

Weight Management and Negative Calorie Foods

If weight management is a concern, there is research that shows that certain foods require the body to use more calories to process (digest) them than are actually contained in the foods themselves.  These are designated as Negative Calorie Foods and are quite valuable for weight management as the calorie count is low and the digestive process requires more calories than they possess.

You expend more calories than you take in - thus, you lose weight.  These foods are mainly fruits and vegetables.  The following list shows many of them.  You can compare them with the list of Super Foods above and create a nutrient dense menu for yourself so you stay well nourished as you lose weight.  Of course, you should also eat adequate amounts of protein and high quality complex carbs.

Fruit: Mangoes, Limes, Lemons, Honeydew Melons, Grapefruit, Cranberries, Cantaloupe, Blueberries, Apples, Watermelon, Strawberries, Raspberries, Pineapple, Papaya, Peaches, Oranges

Vegetables: Water Cress, Cucumbers, Chili Peppers, Beets, Celery, Cauliflower, Carrots, Broccoli, Asparagus, Zucchini, Turnips, Spinach, Radishes, Onions, Lettuce, Green Cabbage, Green Beans, Garlic

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Preparation and Cooking

The best cooking methods for preserving and retaining the nutrients in food are:

Meats, Poultry, Fish and Seafood:

• Slow Oven Roasting - Beef, Pork, Poultry, some vegetables 

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• Braising - Beef, Pork, Poultry
• Stewing - Beef, Pork, Poultry
• Steaming - Fish, Seafood, Chicken breast
• Light Grilling - Fish, Seafood, Chicken
• Broiling - Fish, Chicken
• Stir frying in a light oil like Extra Virgin Olive, Avocado oil

Note about meats:  Best Roasting Temperature - 350° F.  Words to live by when cooking meats -  "Low and Slow".  Use a meat thermometer and cook to a minimum internal temperature of 145° F for beef and fish, 160° F for pork , ground beef and egg dishes, and 165° F for poultry. Take care not to allow the meat to char when roasting or grilling as carcinogens form in the charred bits.

Note about oils:  If your cooking oil starts to smoke, discard it.  When oils smoke, nutrients degrade and carcinogens form.**  Extra Virgin Olive Oil in particular has a low smoke point, about 325° F.  Add some butter to the pan to raise the smoke point when using this oil for sautéeing.  Heat the pan first, then add the oil.  When you see movement in the oil, it's ready to use.  In a preheated pan, this takes just a few seconds.
**Source: Richard E. Collins, So. Denver Cardiology Associates

Vegetables:

Kitchen Tip

Fruit and vegetables should be thoroughly washed before eating, especially if they are to be consumed raw.  An organic fruit and vegetable wash is the best product to use. Add vegetable cooking water to soups and gravies being served at the same meal, so as not to lose any nutrients that may have been dissolved in it.

The vitamins in most vegetables are delicate and easily destroyed by heat or dissolved in the cooking water, so careful cooking is necessary. 

• Most vegetables are best raw.    However, some vegetables release more nutrients when cooked than they do raw - Carrots, Tomatoes, Spinach, Kale, Collard Greens, Beets, Broccoli, Pumpkin, Sweet potatoes, White potatoes. 
  Best methods - lightly steamed, quickly stir-fried, roasted, or raw.
  Cook non-starchy vegetables to crisp-tender, not soft, to retain nutrients. 

Fruit:

• Best enjoyed raw and dried (unsulphured).

Nuts and Seeds:

• Best enjoyed raw or lightly toasted (160° F to 170° F for 15 to 20 minutes).  Unsalted.
• Purchase unshelled raw nuts to get the most nutrients.

Cookware Recommendations:

Waterless Cookware
Preserve The Nutrients in Your Food

What you cook in is just as important as what you cook.  **Non-stick cookware has been shown to emit dangerous gases when heated. These gases, have reportedly killed small animals when inhaled. The danger to humans has also been documented. Additonally, if the surface is scratched, dangerous chemicals are released into your food.  It is recommended that you avoid using them.
**Source: Kevin Trudeau in "Natural Cures They Don't Want You to Know About" 

Best cookware recommendations are stainless steel, iron, copper, tempered glass, and those with enameled surfaces.

 Foods that Heal - God's Pharmacy

Nutritious Organic Recipes:

This eBook series - The Healing Gourmet - gives you delicious and nutritious gourmet recipes.  

It's the World's Most Comprehensive Nutritional Transformation Program.  You get delicious Organic Menu Plans in this 10 Part E-book Series - the Healing Gourmet. 

Click Here! to learn about the author and for details of the contents of each book.  Get your health back on track right now with The Healing Gourmet Cook Book Series.

See also 100 Healthy Raw Snacks and Treats

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Acid:Alkaline Balance - pH

Controlling your body's Acid:Alkaline Balance

p (potential) Hydrogen = pH and is the term used to describe your body's potential for attracting Hydrogen ions. Normal pH is 6.4 on a scale of 0-14. Above 6.4 is in the alkaline range, and below 6.4 is acidic. To be healthy, avoid illness, and have the ability to properly assimilate nutrients, your body's pH ratio (acid to alkaline) should be just slightly in the alkaline range. 

Most foods that you eat are acidic and leave acidic residue in the body upon digestion. When your body is more acid than alkaline, you are prone to many illnesses as disease thrives in an acidic environment. Stress is also a major contributor to acidic conditions in the body. Worry and stress can take your body's pH from alkaline to acidic in a matter of minutes.  Do your level best to avoid stressful conditions in your life. 

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In order to maintain a healthy pH, eat lots of fruit and vegetables -- more plant products than animal products -- preferably organic. Plant products, with a few exceptions such as cranberries, plums and certain nuts, leave alkaline residue upon digestion, thus producing an alkaline body pH.  An alkaline body pH keeps you healthy and reduces the occurrence of life threatening illnesses, according to Dr. Susan Lark, and Dr. David Williams of Mountain Home Nutritionals.

Even if you eat right, it's difficult to be sure that your body is maintaining the proper pH.  Supplementation can be very helpful and is highly recommended.

The best alkaline foods are Bananas, Dark Chocolate, Figs, Mineral water, Orange juice, Potatoes, Spinach and Watermelon. 

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Drink Your Water - H2O - Hydrogen and Oxygen - without them, we die.

Oxygen contributes to alkalinity, and we all know that Oxygen is essential for life and good health.  Water in blood as well as other body fluids is the means of transporting and assimilating nutrients into the body.  It's as necessary as oxygen to sustaining life.  You can live longer without food than you can without water.

The water you drink should be pure and filtered.  There are many water filtering products on the market that you attach to pipes and faucets, or you can buy a filter pitcher.  Research them to be sure you get filters that remove the greatest number of chemicals and other contaminants.  All drinking and cooking water should be purified using one of these methods.  Under no circumstances should you drink tap water.  The chemical additives it contains are extremely detrimental to your health and overall well-being.  If you buy supermarket bottled water, look for "purified drinking water"

Your body is approximately 70% water.  Inadequate daily intake contributes to an acidic bodily environment, acidosis, which can lead to a host of health problems including migraines, weight management issues, fatigue, water retention/hyprtension, joint and muscle pain, and constipation, to name just a few. There is even a widely held theory that drinking two or three glasses of water at the onset of a headache can relieve it.  I haven't researched this myself, but it may have some merit.

Healthy Hydration - Vemma Thirst. Innovative thirst quencher works with water to hydrate and nourish in one healthy tasty drink. Perfect for athletes, work at home parents - everyone!

Some say that the proper quantity of water to drink each day is in the area of 8 to 12 glasses, but there really is no standard.  It depends on your size and activity levels.

It's also been said that if you wait until you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated so you should drink whether you feel thirsty or not. You need to be the judge of this yourself.  If you know the signs of dehydration you can successfully monitor your intake to avoid this condition. 

Major signs include - Dry mouth, joint pain, headaches, constipation and yellow or amber urine that carries an odor.  In extreme cases, as in young children or the elderly, the eyes may be sunken as well.  F.Y.I. - At this stage, medical care is recommended.

Keep in mind that children need several glasses of pure water daily, especially in hot climates. They become dehydrated quite rapidly, so if you're outdoors on a hot day, make sure they're drinking water - not juice or soda - often throughout the day. 

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