Many people do not consume enough water and consequently suffer from dehydration. This then leads to headaches, tiredness and loss of concentration. Chronic dehydration can contribute to a number of health problems, such as constipation and kidney stones.

Water and weight loss are partners in healthy living. Sometimes people believe they are hungry when in fact the body is really thirsty. So if you are trying to improve your weight, have a glass of water before you go for food. Fluid is essential for the growth and maintenance of your body. Research indicates that eight to ten glasses of water per day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80 per cent of sufferers. It can also help plump up skin cells, making skin clearer, healthier and less wrinkled, however, it is lost from the body through breathing, urine and perspiration and needs to be continually replaced.Water and weight loss are partners in healthy living.

There are four essential elements to successful weight loss:

Nutrition - Exercise - De-stress - Support and Encouragement

The right diet (eating habits) is paramount to successful weight loss but equally important is exercising muscles to sustain weight loss, as muscle is the body's metabolic furnace. Stress can also adversely affect your weight. It can increase blood pressure, upset hormonal balance and interfere with sleep...all of which affect the body's ability to lose weight. Research has also found that having a mentor/coach can be crucial in weight loss as we all tend to go off the rails at some point and having someone to get us back on track and to supply the necessary motivation and inspiration is extremely beneficial.

Being overweight or obese can lead to so many health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, arthritis and a number of forms of cancer and a lot more.

Try to plan your meals around lots of fruit and vegetables, rice or pasta for that carbo fix you need, plus lean meat and protein rich foods. Avoid too much sugar and saturated fats. There is such a thing as healthy fats. Olive, peanuts and canola oil have them. Tuna, salmon and mackerel contain omega-3 fats which are good for the heart. Your local doctor or dietitian can provide you with a healthy lifestyle program to include all the elements required to assist you with your weight loss goals.

You owe it to yourself and your family to start a 'Healthy Living Plan' to-day in order to be around for many more to-morrows.