Ionized Water and Why I Tried It!

We all know the importance of water. It improves circulation, aids in digestion, flushes away toxins, acts as a lubricant for joints, protects organs, and helps muscles and ligaments to move more freely.[i]

This zero-calorie drink is the key to a healthy life.

Unfortunately, good water is often hard to find. Tap water can be contaminated with chemicals and hormones.[ii] Plastic bottled water is not necessarily better.[iii]

So after a lot of thinking and research, I came across ionized water. Scientific research on the benefits of using a water ionizer is still developing. However, my experience with ionized water has been amazing. I chose to drink ionized water because it is chemical-free, eco-friendly (no wasting plastic), more alkaline than regular water, and believed to contain more antioxidants.

To begin the process of buying my first water ionizer, I contacted Aviva Water. I was fortunate to speak to Aviva Water owner Richard Hereward and have Matt Strachen to assist me in selecting the perfect product for my needs and lifestyle. I was very pleased with the company’s knowledge, efficiency, and customer service. Shortly after the first call, I received the Jupiter Science Ionizer in the mail.

 Photo courtesy of Aviva Water.

Jupiter Science Ionizers work by using an electrical current to ionize drinking water. The Jupiter Science Ionizer’s electrical current and specialized filter removes most harmful contaminants, such as chemicals, hormones, heavy metals, and pesticides, leaving only healthy minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

From the Jupiter Science family of water ionizers, I selected the Venus Ionizer. With the Venus Ionizer, I can vary my water’s alkalinization and acidity. I use more alkaline water for drinking and more acidic water for cleaning.

The Venus Ionizer allows me to live in a more alkaline environment and to use and drink cleaner water. I think it is a great product for those who are health-conscious. I have chosen the Jupiter Venus Ionizer for my lifestyle. Which one will you choose?

In love and fitness,

FG

*Please note that this blog is not intended to provide or take the place of medical advice or treatment. This blog post is based on personal experience. FG Pilates, as a company, does not endorse the use of water ionizers. FG Pilates recommends that readers review the benefits of alkaline water with their doctor prior to making any lifestyle changes.

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[i] More information on benefits of drinking water: http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/basics/water.html

[ii]http://www.ewg.org/tap-water/reportfindings.php

http://hosted.ap.org/specials/interactives/_national/pharmawater_update/index.html

[iii]http://www.naturalnews.com/025993_water_bottled_fertilizer.html

http://www.nrdc.org/water/drinking/bw/chap1.asp

Nutrition During Pregnancy

With the royal family looking forward to a new baby, pregnancy nutrition has become a hot topic. Here are my tips to keep you and your baby healthy during your pregnancy.*

Nutrition is Key

There are many misconceptions about eating and weight gain during pregnancy. Pregnancy is not an excuse to be fat or to start dieting. Optimal nutrition is key for the health of you and your baby. Without the right fuel your body won’t function and won’t be able to provide for you two.

My advice is to eat the right food often and in small portions. Eat every 2 ½ to 3 hours to keep your metabolism up and to avoid a drop in blood sugar. A stable blood sugar level is important to avoid overeating. Plus, it will decrease heartburn, which is very common during pregnancy.

Food List

Stick to these foods to create well-balanced meals that are full of nutrition for you and your baby!

Whole grains:

•          Examples: Quinoa, millet, oats, brown rice, and whole grain bread
•          Benefit: They are full of fiber, which keeps you full longer and increases your energy level.

Root vegetable:

•          Examples: Sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, squash
•          Benefit: They are full of antioxidants, which is important for your little one to be born strong and healthy.

Animal Protein:

•          Examples: Chicken, turkey, lean red meat, bison, white fish and salmon
•          Benefit: These proteins are important for cell growth and for brain growth in the later stages of pregnancy. Plus, protein is important for maintaining muscle tone, which will help speed up your weight loss after the baby is born.

Vegetable protein:

•      Example: Chickpeas, beans, and peas
•         Benefit:  They are full of fiber and vitamins. They are also rich in iron and calcium, which is important for stronger bones.

Good Fat:

•                     Example: Olive oil, avocado, and nuts like almond and walnuts
•                     Benefit: They are full of fatty acids. Fatty acids help your skin to glow, cells to grow stronger, aid in digestion, and decrease inflammation in your body.

Other Tips

Don’t forget to drink plenty of water and continue to exercise throughout your pregnancy. Exercise will help with water retention, another side effect of pregnancy.

Most of all, listen to your body. There will be times when you get morning sickness, but just breathe and meditate. Remember how happy your baby will make you for the rest of your life!

In health and fitness,

FG
FG Pilates

*Please consult with your doctor before dramatically changing your diet or exercise routine.

If you enjoyed reading this article, you may also like: 5 Steps to a Healthier You!

5 Steps to a Healthier You!

Memorial Day Weekend is less than a month away. Here are some tips to boost your health inside and out so you are swimsuit ready!

1)      Drink More Water

·      Bottom Line: Your body needs water to function correctly.

·      Benefits of Drinking Water:

o   It’s a zero calorie drink.

o   It acts as a natural detoxifier by flushing away unwanted toxins from the body.

o   It improves circulation, fat loss, and keeps your body temperature regulated.

o   It keeps you hydrated (which is important for glowing skin).

·      Don’t like the taste of water? Try adding a slice of Lemon.

2)      Limit Your Alcohol Consumption

·      Bottom Line: While drinking alcohol in small doses can have positive effects on your health, drinking an excess of alcohol is harmful to your body and mind.

·      Negative Effects of Alcohol:

o   Drinking alcohol can lead to dehydration.

o   Alcohol is a depressant. Therefore, it offers an initial kick followed by a crash.

o   Alcohol can damage your liver.

o   Like sugar, alcohol is unnecessary calories.

·      My advice: Take a break from drinking alcohol. You will feel recharged and your skin will benefit too.




3)      Consume Less Sugar

·      Bottom Line: Sugar = ANTIFOOD.

·      Negative Effects of Sugar:

o   Sugar is empty calories.

o   It can mess up your metabolism, insulin levels, and blood sugar levels. (A stable blood sugar level is important for a toned physique).

o   Sugar can affect your mood. Like alcohol, it can give you energy and then cause you to crash.

o   Current research links sugar to some types of cancer and diabetes.

·      My advice: Cut down your sugar intake by


o   Reading labels carefully to limit your sugar intake.

o   Using Stevia, a natural sweetener that come from a leaf in South America. It's much sweetener than sugar. Therefore, it is to be use in moderation. The bonus is that it has 0 Cal.

4)      Eat More Cruciferos Vegetables

·      Bottom Line: This "Green Family' is full of fiber and vitamins!

·      Benefits of Cruciferos Vegetables:

o   They contain plenty of sulfur, which helps detoxify the liver. A healthy liver = a healthier YOU! 
  


·      My advice: Incorporate more broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, and cauliflower into your diet.

5)      MOVE! 


·      Bottom Line: Keep your body in motion to burn calories and promote weight loss.

·      Benefits of Cardio:

o   It exercises your body and your heart.

o   It burns calories and promotes weight loss.

o   Sweating is a good way to flush all the bad toxins out of your system.

·      My advice: Run in the park, power walk on the treadmill, or try a spinning class! 


Use these five tips to become a healthier you!

Please remember to consult a doctor prior to starting any exercise program or making dramatic changes to your diet.




In Love and Fitness,

FG