Information

The human body consists mainly of water. Water is a solvent and transport medium and is necessary for all metabolic processes in the body. The water balance is regulated both by the intake of liquid from the diet and by proper water consumption. Thirst sensation occurs as a result of fluid loss through sweat, urine or after a salty meal.

A lack of water intake may lead to circulatory problems, concentration difficulties, confusion, or constipation. If the thirst is missing as a signal generator, reminders can be helpful. For example, you can check the fluid intake with a tally sheet or you can put eight empty glasses of 0,2 litres on a tray in the morning, which should be filled and drunk until evening.

If the water balance is not right, the body usually sends thirst signals: The lips, mouth and throat become dry. Adequate hydration can be observed by the colour the urine, the colourless the urine is, the better the liquid supply.

Adults should drink 1,5l daily at least.

In excessive sweating (sports, heat, heavy work), the required daily liquid amount can go up to much more than 3 litres. During reduced food intake we should drink much more, because the supplied fluid is missing from the diet.  We also need more liquid on high-dietary fibre food.

The drink of choice is water, the best and most controlled food and it is calorie free.

In a balanced varied diet fruit juices are also useful. They should be diluted with water in the ratio 1:3, because of their fructose content. Especially orange juice and currant juices contain plenty of vitamin C. In all the intense red and yellow juices (natural colour, not of added dye) a lot of healthy secondary metabolites are contained. The same is true for tomatoes – and other vegetable juices, which are also low in calories (caution: often a lot of added salt). Unsweetened fruit – and herbal teas are very good thirst quenchers as well.

By the way, milk does not count as a drink to quench your thirst, but is a nutrient-rich food!

A caffeine beverage, such as coffee, black, green – and mate tea, cola drinks and energy drinks are stimulating. The caffeine that is also present in cocoa and chocolate in small quantities, affects the central nervous system. The pulse rises, because the heart is stimulated to greater pumping capacity, the adrenal glands pour out more of the hormone nor-adrenaline. The blood pressure is temporarily increased slightly. The whole metabolism gets going and the caloric basal metabolic increases. Organs are better supplied with blood, among other things, the function of the kidneys are stimulated and therefore the urinary excretion as well, similarly, the gastric secretion. The bronchi dilate, breathing accelerates. Physical and mental endurance are improved, as the reaction rate, concentration and the ability to deduce. Caffeine promotes the formation of serotonin, a mood-enhancing neurotransmitter. But beware: Caffeine is a very contrasting substance. All positive effects can be reversed from excessive caffeine consumption. About 4 cups of coffee or 1 litre black tea during the day is acceptable for a healthy adult person.

Alcohol can well have a healthy effect. For example, red wine contains flavonoids and phenolic acids which lower the cholesterol in the blood and inhibit the formation of blood clots causing heart attacks. The amount of alcohol intake is, however, of particular importance. Too much of has exactly the opposite effect: it promotes high blood pressure, liver, pancreas and stomach disorders and the risk of cancer increases. It is recommended that no more than ¼ litre of wine per day or 1 to 2 half pints of beer or spirits should be drunk.

Alcohol has quite a high amount of calories and should be therefore taken carefully.

Information:

Vegetables are low in calories but a rich sources of many nutrients, including potassium, dietary fibre, folate (folic acid), vitamin A, and vitamin C. For the dressing use vegetable broth instead of oil to safe calories. The lime juice provides plenty of vitamin C. Garlic has good amounts of vitamin C, selenium, manganese, and iron. Fresh mint enhances food with a burst of cool flavour and an added dose of vitamins, calcium, and antioxidants.

Ingredients (2 Servings)

• 150g mixed vegetables (for example: carrots, celery, cucumber, bell peppers)
• 1 cup Greek-style yogurt, preferably low fat yogurt (8 ounces/225 g)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint leaves,
• 1 tablespoons lime juice,
• pinch of salt
• 4 tablespoons of vegetable broth
• garlic to taste

Preparation:

Cut the vegetables into pieces. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together yogurt, mint, lime juice, salt and the vegetable broth. Use a rasp grater to finely grate garlic into the bowl. Stir, taste and adjust salt and lime juice as needed. Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days.

Information:

What distinguishes Greek yogurt is its thicker, creamier texture because the liquid whey is strained out. Also, it contains probiotic cultures (healthy bacteria for the digestive tract) and is lower in lactose and has twice the protein content of regular yogurts. All yogurts are excellent sources of calcium, potassium, protein, zinc, and vitamins B6 and B12. While regular yogurt tends to have fewer calories and more calcium, Greek yogurt has more protein and less sugar — and a much thicker consistency. Both types pack probiotics and support digestion, weight loss (Greek yogurt is protein-rich, so it may help people feel fuller for longer), and heart health.

Berries are high in antioxidants like anthocyanins, which may protect your cells from free radical damage and may reduce inflammation. They contain fibre, which may increase feelings of fullness, as well as reduce appetite and the number of calories your body absorbs from mixed meals. Berries are low in calories yet rich in several vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C and manganese and they have been shown to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

Nuts and seeds are good sources of protein, healthy fats, fibres, vitamins and minerals. Nuts and seeds regulate body weight as their fats are not fully absorbed, they regulate food intake, and help burn energy.

Ingredients: (2 servings)

• 300g Greek Style Yogurt, fat free
• 250g Blueberries or mixed berries
• 20g nuts or seeds

Preparation:

Mix all the ingredients and enjoy.

Information

Dark chocolate and almonds make a rich, satisfying, and portable snack.

A 100-gram bar of dark chocolate with 70–85% cocoa contains:

• 11 grams of fibre
• 67% of the RDI for iron
• 58% of the RDI for magnesium
• 89% of the RDI for copper
• 98% of the RDI for manganese
• It also has plenty of potassium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium

Of course, 100 grams (3.5 ounces) is a fairly large amount and not something you should be consuming daily. All these nutrients also come with 600 calories and moderate amounts of sugar. Chocolate therefore should be consumed only in moderate amounts. Cocoa and dark chocolate have a wide variety of powerful antioxidants. The bioactive compounds in cocoa may improve blood flow in the arteries and cause a small but statistically significant decrease in blood pressure.

Choose quality chocolate — dark chocolate with 70% or higher cocoa content.

Dark chocolates typically contain some sugar, but the amounts are usually small and the darker the chocolate, the less sugar it will contain.

Almonds are highest in calcium of all nuts. Almonds are also high in fibre, vitamin E and magnesium. Almonds help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease, and can help protect against diabetes.  These nuts are actually low in calories with ten almonds costing you approximately 78 calories.

Ingredients: (2 servings)

• 50g dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao
• 20 almonds