Drink to good health!

Q.

SGT KEN,
Hello. First I wanted to say, “Thanks for all that you do!” My question is concerning water consumption. My wife tells me to drink more water. I sit in front of a computer all day and frequently forget to get up and get a drink. And, I don’t want to have to go to the restroom all of the time.
Is it really that important?

SGT Jeff J.

A.

SGT Jeff,
Hello. Thanks for the compliment! Regarding water consumption, your wife is correct! The toilet trips are worth it. The fact is that drinking 64 ounces of water every day flushes toxins out of your system and makes you less hungry.

I, too, spend time in front of a computer. I like to prepare my water bottles the day before. This way, I will have my goal in front of me. I drink a lot of water before dinner in order to diminish my appetite. I also drink at least 16 ounces of water the moment I wake up. Drinking water as soon as you wake up will jump-start your metabolism.

Try it for a month, and let us know how it is working for you. Like many others, you may see a huge increase in your energy levels. Stay the course!

HOOAH!
SSG Ken Weichert a.k.a. "SGT KEN"

Ken Weichert (a.k.a. “SGT Ken”) is a Six-time Soldier of the Year, Master Fitness Trainer and veteran of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Desert Storm. Ken and his wife Stephanie, a Certified Personal Trainer, founded START Fitness, a group exercise and hiking business that delivers military-style workouts to Soldiers and civilians since 1998. Ken and Stephanie have led thousands of Soldiers to better health through Operation Fit to Fight, a tactical fitness instructor training program designed to prepare Soldiers for Basic Combat Training, deployments, leadership schools and post-deployment reintegration. Operation Fit to Fight creates tactical athletes who lead by example and are ready to perform necessary duties in response to natural disasters or in defense of our country! Ken and Stephanie currently produce health and fitness programs for GX magazine, and for the National Guard website.

Comments

[#1 Posted by: Jason]

That is the downside to drinking a healthy amount of water, those trips to the bathroom. I find it is worth it overall though, you can certainly notice a difference, at least I have.

My question is about products like Gatorade. Are the electrolytes just hype, or do they help you as much as they say? What about Vitamin Water - should you drink those everyday? Lot's of stuff out there, I like to keep it simple with plain water...

[#2 Posted by: Staff Sergeant Ken Weichert]

Ah yes, Gatorade, Vitamin Water, etc. - Do they help? Answer: Yes, and no. The sugar overdose is false energy, coupled with a temporary state of diabetic symptoms. They are really not worth it. However, salt and other minerals MUST be consumed daily as part of an effort to bond the water to your system. Meaning, one part salt to five parts water is good. No salt in your diet is bad. Sometimes, your food will have enough salt for your daily needs. Sometimes, you may need more. Easy symptoms to notice are the salt stains on your clothes after heavy aerobic activity of any kind. Bottom line, I watch my diet and increase my mineral and water consumption when I increase my exercise activities. Hope this helps! HOOAH!

[#3 Posted by: ana]

Nice post! Can you please discuss antioxidant water for your next post? Thanks.

[#4 Posted by: Staff Sergeant Ken Weichert]

Ana,

Hello. Thanks for reaching out! Great idea, and will do.

HOOAH!

SSG Ken Weichert

[#5 Posted by: Buy Avodart]

Water is life,this is a essential drink of everyone,without water no one can not live.

[#6 Posted by: Umendra Singh]

Health fitness is general fitness.It consists of the endurance of your heart and muscles.Skill related fitness on the other hand is related to specific taks. It includes agility, balance, co-ordination, flexibility, etc.

[#7 Posted by: SSG Ken Weichert]

Umendra,

Thanks for your comments! You are correct! HOOAH!

SSG Ken Weichert

[#8 Posted by: Luis Labrador]

What is the key to running a 2-mile run without complications, such as shortness of breath?

[#9 Posted by: SSG Ken Weichert]

Hello, Luis!

Please check with your family Doctor on shortness of breath. Nothing to be alarmed about, however your symptoms are either caused by being out of shape or because of a medical problem that you may, or may not be aware of. If simply out of shape, try inhaling through your nose and exhaling out of your mouth. This will help you filter the air and keep it warm for aerobic activities.

HOOAH!

SSG Ken Weichert

[#10 Posted by: Matt]

I've always had trouble increasing the flexibility of my hamstrings, even with the sports that I played year round in highschool (soccer, track) it was always a problem. What would you suggest being the best way to loosen them up?
Thanks

[#11 Posted by: SSG Ken Weichert]

Hello, Matt! Thanks for reaching out!

First, never stretch cold. Always perform 3-6 minutes of aerobic conditioning of some kind. Second, perform a standing hamstring stretch (seated may get your muscles cold, again).

START: Stand upright.
ACTIONS: Place your left leg in 12 inches in front of you. Point your toes upward. Bend forward from your hips and reach toward your left foot with your hands. If possible, grasp the outside your foot with your hands and hold this position. Switch legs and repeat.

Hope this helps!

HOOAH!

SSG Ken Weichert

[#12 Posted by: Billy]

Which do you think is better for a runner to be eating, primarily vegetables, or red meats? I love red meats and have eaten them for most of my life, however I like vegetables too.

Thank you for your opinion,

-Billy

[#13 Posted by: SSG Ken Weichert]

Hello, Billy!

It really depends on your events that you are training for. Meaning, I have increased my carb intake 72 hours prior to trail runs or extreme outdoor challenges with moderate attention to meats. I consume vegetables every day. Lately, I have removed red meat and pork from my diet. I have kept chicken and fish with a variety of vegetables in my daily diet and have found that I have lost body fat and have increased my endurance a great deal.

Hope this helps!

HOOAH!

SSG Ken Weichert

[#14 Posted by: UK Men's Health Directory]

Any drink is not better than water. It is essential and the most required one.