The Blessings of Water

We often forget that much of our body is made up of water. Water is a requirement for good health and well being. Other liquids are not a substitute for water. It is not necessary to spend money on bottled water from the store. If your tap water has an odd color from minerals or additives, you can use a filtering system that sits on the kitchen counter to create palatable water. Alternatively you can purchase an expensive whole-house filtration system so that even your shower water has not odor or taste. Do you know how much water you should drink every day? Drinking water every day has been neglected by most for far too long. Water helps clean the body, prevents dehydration, and is a diet and stress aid.

You can figure your own water needs with a simple formula. Take your weight, say 130 pounds. Divide that in half. The result is 65 pounds. Translate pounds into ounces. If you weigh 130 pounds, your body requires 65 ounces of water daily for optimum health. With very little physical exercise, you can divide your weight by three, translate that into ounces and drink that amount. Although you actually need the larger amount, you can be relatively healthy with smaller intake. To assure pure water, I purchased a Britta filter. We keep it filled with filtered water in the refrigerator. The cost is very small when compared to buying bottled water. If you do not like the taste of water, add a few drops of lemon juice to a 12 ounce container. NOTE: Other liquids, such as coffee, tea, soda pop or alcohol do not replace water use. Your body needs water, just water, to remain healthy. During periods of low humidity, especially if you are working outdoors, you may need to increase your daily intake of water even more.

In addition to the physical benefits of water, that wonderful liquid is also a terrific stress reducer. If you have ever sat beside a stream or river, walked along the ocean, or visited a place with a flowing fountain, you are already aware of how soothing the sound of running water is to humans. You can create your own small, indoor fountain by purchasing a small pump, digging through all that stuff in the garage or attic and making your own. Small indoor fountains are also readily available at most department and big box stores at a low cost. Turning a small fountain on, especially while soaking feet in a basin or body in bathtub, is one of the most soothing things you can do to relieve stress.

When all else fails, try soaking in a bathtub full of warm water for thirty minutes with the lights off, a lit candle in the bathroom, and the telephone bell muted. I like to add a few drops of organic vanilla extract to the bathwater and relax while my body and spirit are soothed. While I prefer silence for this activity, several friends say they put a couple of classical CDs on the stereo with the sound high enough to hear as background music. The point is not to think you must experience the tension release from a nice soak the same way someone else does. Try several methods until you find the one that works best for you. And remember, you might want to change your method at some time so the activity doesn't become routine.

With cold weather still here and busy schedules for most of us, a nice easy dinner in the oven is a great way to bring everyone together for an evening meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is easy enough that older children can put it together or younger ones can assist with preparation.

Chicken Enchilada Crescent Bake

2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 (10 ounce) can red enchilada sauce
2 (8 ounce) cans organic refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1-1/4 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

In 2-quart saucepan, mix chicken and 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
Separate or cut dough into 8 long rectangles (if using crescent rolls, press perforations to seal). Spoon chicken mixture and 1 tablespoon of the cheese onto 1 long side of each rectangle. Roll up; pinch edges to seal. Place seam side down in 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish. Pour remaining sauce over enchiladas, and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Bake at 375 degrees 15 to 20 minutes

Serve with a green salad and vinaigrette dressing.