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In this article we want to give you the easiest to execute tips on how to stay healthy and feel good, both very necessary ingredients for a successful portrait. And while there's lots of things you can do to look and feel good, the easiest, and most profound is drinking LOTS of water. Yes, water!

People spend thousands of dollars a year on beauty products, surgical enhancements, elixirs and creams all to look younger and feel better. But,   it's fair to say that staying well-hydrated will do more for your well-being than any of those things, and it's 'free.'

To illustrate this point, here are two images of a Peace Lily plant - one is when the plant is in dire need of water, and the other is AFTER it's been watered. You may think that your lips are thin, your skin is sallow, your eyes are dark, your scalp is flaky and pooping takes a long time because of your health, age, or eating habits. But most likely, it's just your body's way of indicating that you're dehydrated. You are just like this plant. Without water, you wilt, with water you flourish. You want to "fix your flaws?" Drink more water!  It's also interesting to know that often times when you feel 'hungry' you're actually thirsty!

The quality and tone of your skin when you drink ample amounts of water will vastly improve.

"Have you ever tried to flush a toilet with no water?" It's near impossible to eliminate the waste out of the toilet without it. The more water you use, the easier it goes down.

The same is true for your body. Water serves not only to quench your thirst, but to flush out the toxins and other wastes we accumulate throughout the day and improve your overall performance. It plumps and hydrates your cells, makes bowel movements easier and nourishes your entire system. Did you know that your body is made of 50 - 65% water and your brain is 75%?

"Okay, okay" you say "I get that I need to drink water if I want to look good, feel good and think good, but how much should I be drinking?"

Well, it depends on who you ask, but the general rule of thumb is 12 (twelve) 8 oz glasses if you're a woman, 16 (sixteen) if you're a man - which, in terms of water bottle sizes, is 3 liters and 4 liters respectively. Which sounds like a lot, and it is. If you are an avid exerciser or very physically active, drink even more. Water evaporates through your skin and is eliminated through urine and feces. The barest minimum is "8x8" = 8 (eight) 8 oz glasses.

Consuming all that clear, fresh, tasteless water might sound boring..... So, to 'spice things up' add lemon juice for a health boost, fresh cucumber slices for a cooler, pineapple chunks for some sweetness or drink flavored herbal teas (also health boosters). Low sodium broths are also a great way to take in water and other helpful nutrients.

It's important to note though, in drinking more fluids, do not make the mistake in thinking that because coffee is made with water, that it will do the trick too. In fact, coffee is a diuretic (meaning it will de-hydrate you by encouraging urine production) and actually requires you to drink more water to replenish what you lose, same with caffeinated black teas. Alcohol too is very dehydrating --  not to mention ruins your skin, diminishes your dexterity and bloats you up. And, fruit juices, as tasty as they are, should be consumed in moderation, as they are high in sugar (empty calories) as is soda (the carbonic acid of which is also bad for your teeth).

Do you have a helpful tip or suggestion for us that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear them! Leave them in the comments below or send me a personal message. Do you like this article? Share with your audience!

SP Photo Studio, is a full-service provider for your private and business image branding needs. Our philosophy is based on our commitment to helping ordinary people do extraordinary things on camera.

We work with our clients to grow their vision with a defined approach, creating engaging image content for social media network. We provide the tools, tips and talent to empower you to be 'camera ready', whenever and wherever. Would you like a free consultation on how to take your personal branding images to the next level? Schedule a 15 minute consultation right now.