With the media hype and endless options to us all, it is no wonder that we stand in the grocery store scratching our head in confusion. What should I spend my hard-earned money on? Can the promise on the label be true?

What is the healthiest option when you are just plain thirsty?

Water.

Yep. Water. The amount of water you need will vary, depending partly on your activity level. If you aren’t very active, you should drink a minimum of eight cups of water per day. If you’re working out regularly, you will need more to replace fluids lost during exercise.

The following conditions may indicate that you’re not getting enough water:

- Fatigue

- Loss of appetite

- Flushed skin

- Heat intolerance

- Light-headedness

- Dark urine with a strong odor

These days, you face a choice of spring water, mineral water, tap water, sparkling water, and various other options. Which one’s for you?

The most convenient choice is water from your faucet, and, it’s free. Tap water also contains a variety of useful minerals.

One of the most important things you can do to achieve and maintain good health is amazingly simple: Drink lots of water!

Did you know that water revitalizes your body and flushes out toxins? Did you know that you may not really be hungry, but, simply thirsty?

Start today and drink, drink, drink water. You will start seeing and feeling the difference.

And, on another note, a reminder that bigger isn’t necessarily better.

I have spent an amazing amount of time out of town recently and I am shocked in what I see on a very regular, that is to say daily, basis. In the grocery stores, there are people who actually spend their hard-earned money on sugar-laden foods that have absolutely no nutritional value at all. Why? There are people driving vehicles while their steering wheel touches their all-too-large stomach. Why?

Are you someone who “needed” a serious illness to wake you up to reality? To take your life and health to the optimum level. Guess what people … you only live once. Are you someone who is content purchasing a larger size when you shop for clothes. Why? Why would you settle for being out of shape, with low energy and health conditions?

What if I told you that you didn’t need fancy workout equipment, little spandex shorts or falsely advertised “special” pills to get your body in shape. You need to make a serious mental shift and take control of your life. There are so many things that are in your control … if you would only open your eyes and see the opportunity.

It is very easy to wake up with self-doubt, pity, the weather is cold and the roads are a mess, the house is a wreck, laundry is piling up, the kids are driving you crazy, debt is out of control, blah, blah, blah. Get over yourself and stop complaining.

Here’s a thought … why don’t you regain a little self control. You already have within yourself everything you need to start on a healthier path. It all begins with a decision. Look in the mirror and make a decision!

Don’t settle for bigger, bigger, bigger … Why not reach for better, better, best!

Take care of yourself and start today!

Natalie Dreger is a certified fitness professional and can be reached at nataliedreger.com.