While browsing the supermarket aisles lately, you may have come across a growing range of coconut waters. So, why the new obsession? And is it just a health fad sure to be replaced by the next best thing? Or is it here to stay? Have a read and decide for yourself…

Image via Style&Wisdom.com

The Benefits

• Full of electrolytes
• Low in carbohydrates
• 99% fat free
• High in potassium
• Low sodium
• Cholesterol free
• Contains only natural sugars
• Ultimate rehydration
• Alkalizing
• Aids digestions
• Stimulates healthy thyroid function
• Stimulates healthy kidney function
• Controls blood sugar levels
• Keeps the body at appropriate temperature
• Contains cytokines (which studies have shown have anti-carcinogenic and anti-ageing effects)
• Good source of B-complex vitamins

When to Drink It

• Before a workout - To promote oxygen levels allowing you to workout harder and/or longer. Use it to replace your usual sports drink
• After a workout - To rehydrate the body quickly, bring the body temperature back to normal and to relieve cramping
• Throughout the day – To stimulate your metabolism and rehydrate
• For a quick pick-me-up – Replace your coffee or energy drink with coconut water for a healthy energy boost
• When you’re sick - To aid the immune system in fighting an illness
• When you have a bladder infection – To fight UTI’s more than the recommended cranberry juice
• To control acid reflux - Some people have mentioned having a glass of this midday helps to control this problem
• After a big night out - The electrolytes and quick rehydration properties of coconut water make for a great hangover cure

Those are just some of the things that coconut water can do for you. As the next best thing to drinking pure water, why not give it a try for yourself and let us know if it’s a passing fad or its a product that’s here to stay.

I made this the title of the post as I knew it would draw you all in. Now that you’re here, however, I must tell you that within this post you will not find an instant cure to making you look like a twenty year old again. Rather, you will find out how to look the best YOU that you can be, and trust me when I say that that YOU will be more beautiful than any plastic surgeon can create.

Image via Ultimatecleanse.ws

Here are your guidelines:

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Make sure to drink at least 1 to 2 litres per day of distilled or mineral water. This will keep the skin looking young and supple as well as the myriad of other benefits that water provides.

Wear sunscreen. We all know the song but it does serve some truth. Wear that sunscreen everyday, even in winter. This will slow down signs of aging, protect from dangerous skin damage that can cause melanoma and will also keep the skin moisturized.

Go organic, don’t panic. What women tend to skip over is the fact that their skin is not a barrier but, rather, an organ that absorbs whatever is put on it. Instead, opt for natural and organic products that aid your body rather than pumping unnecessary toxins into your bloodstream that will only fatigue your body. Many non-organic products on the market are also proving to cause far more serious issues than the companies would have you believe.

Eat happy and healthily. Opt for organic vegetables, colorful fruits and fresh, free range meats. The shorter the shelf life, usually, the better it is for you. So, avoid those middle supermarket aisles as much as possible and stick to the fresh areas. Changing your diet from mostly processed foods to mostly fresh foods will dramatically change your overall appearance; Your skin will be more radiant, your eyes more white and bright and your hair and nails, stronger.

Exercise. I know, I know, you’re all saying ‘well, duh’ but really. Make a habit of getting out with the dog, the kids or the hubby and going out for an evening stroll, having a game of tennis, going bowling, ice skating, WHATEVER. Just make sure to move at least 30 minutes everyday outside of your usual activities. This, like your diet, will start to show on the outside as well as help elevate your overall mood.

Breathe. We do it unconsciously day in, day out but many of us forget to notice how important it is. So, when you have 5 minutes spare just sit or lie down. Relax and spend time focusing on the natural rise and fall of your breath. Don’t force it, just let life breathe you as it does throughout the day but give it the attention it deserves for just this moment each day. Any thoughts that cross your mind, let them fly by and bring attention back to the breath. In perfoming this daily, you will start to notice drastic changes in your mood and other areas of your life. Lengthen the duration as you feel necessary.

And that’s it. That’s the magic formula. There’s no special cream, injection, expensive spa treatment or any other fad product that can get you the results that the above things can. Treat your body right and it will treat you the same in return. Don’t resort to the ‘quick fix’ because it will only cause further problems in the future.

Make a list and do all of the above suggestions every day for just 2 weeks and you WILL notice a drastic positive difference in your life.

Have a happy and healthy day.

Lara