Better than Water

I, your trusty nutritionist, don't drink much water. That's because I believe there are lots of things that hydrate you as well (or better) and which also come packed with lots of natural nutrients. New research is showing that getting nutrients in their natural form (as opposed to in man-made supplements) is very important, so here are my favorite ways to hydrate without water:

Green Tea
White Tea
Red Tea
The water left over when you steam veggies
Low-sodium veggie soup
Fresh vegetables

Vegetables?! Yes! It turns out that these foods are mostly water, with lots of vitamins and minerals attached. That means your big salad is practically a big plate of electrolyte-enhanced water...with a whole bunch of healthy fiber added!

Happy hydrating!

Fat-Burning Date Nights

Here are some ideas for non-fattening ways to enjoy an evening out because the customary "stuff and sit" outings--where you overeat and then let it all turn to fat as you watch a show--lead to regret on Monday morning!

1. Go dancing or take dance lessons
2. Go for a hike
3. Have a healthy picnic and play frisbee
4. Get spa treatments together
5. Have a Shabu Shabu or broth fondue dinner at home or at your favorite Shabu restaurant
6. Go ice skating or rollerskating (Moonlight Roller Rink in Burbank has themed music nights and evenings reserved for skaters over 30)
7. Play mini-golf
8. Take a yoga or pilates class
9. Enjoy a messy meal pulling fresh crab or lobster out of its shell (no butter sauce!)
10. For the truly adventurous...take trapeze lessons! There is a circus school in Hollywood where anybody can learn.

Consider making these part of your weekend routine and please share your favorite healthy activities that I failed to mention!