Dawn Michelle Simon, Aventura nutritionist

THE EXPERT: Dawn Michelle Simon is a licensed registered dietitian with experience in implementing nutritional interventions for adults and children. She has over 20 years’ experience in dealing with digestive problems, developmental disabilities, obsessive compulsive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, substance abuse /recovery and weight management. Dawn Michelle is based in Aventura and teaches her clients to use food, nutrients and movement to support the immune system and raise energy and vitality levels. Reach her through her website at http://www.dawnmichellesimon.com/.

THE ANSWER: When trying to lose weight what you drink does make a difference.  Water is a great zero calorie option as opposed to diet soda but not your only one.

Many of us just don’t drink enough so first let’s talk about fluid needs. Normal healthy adults require approximately 1 milliliter of fluid per kilocalorie of food each day.  So for example if you are taking in between 1600-1650 kilocalories daily your fluid requirements would be 1600-1650 milliliters (almost 7 cups).

With excessive sweating add an additional 1 – 2.5 cups per day.

Ice cold pure filtered water is a great thirst quencher but if your taste buds long for flavor, diet soda is definitely not your only option.  Here’s how to make your own refreshing flavored electrolyte (energy/sports) drink:

Bring about one gallon filtered water to a boil:

Add 1/2 teaspoon

• aluminum-free baking soda
• sea salt
• honey

Stir until dissolved

Chill in pitcher in frig

Add ice cubes, your favorite  fruits, herbs or vegetables like:

• orange slices
• sprigs of mint
• cucumber
• strawberries
• black cherry
• pineapple slices

Another way to break the monotony is tea.  Oolong teas (black, white, and green) will increase your antioxidant intake while herbal teas like chamomile or mint have their own nice flavor. Get creative, served either hot or cold, adding fresh peach, lemon, honey or stevia. Have it your way.

Fruit juices don’t have to be off the table while watching your calories.  Diluting fruit juice to half concentration cuts calories without sacrificing taste.

Don’t forget popsicles, gelatin, clear soups and consommé also add to your fluid count. Waters great but there are so many flavorful options.

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HAVE A QUESTION? To submit questions to Dawn Michelle – or any of our other experts – send e-mail to ask@talkofaventura.com.

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This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, treatments or services. Information supplied by our columnists is provided for general information purposes only. This information is not a substitute for medical or professional care, and should not be used in place of a visit or consultation with your healthcare provider.