Getting enough water is essential

Most people have a drinking problem.

I bet that got your attention!

What I am talking about has nothing to do with martinis — I'm talking about developing a good water-drinking habit.

Yeah, I know. You've heard this how many times before? Water is good for you, blah blah blah.

Well, guess what? It's time you made peace with the fact that your body needs water.

If you're interested in making sure your body uses the nutrients you give it via food, you gotta drink water.

If you're battling blemishes and want nicer skin, you gotta drink water.

If you're wanting to avoid constipation (EEK!), you're gonna want to get friendly with water.

It's the middle of summer now. How's that New Year's resolution coming? You know the one I'm talking about — the lose weight one.

Well, water is a pretty painless way to help you with that goal, too. If you're wanting to lose some body clutter, you're gonna need to keep your water bottle handy. This was one of the crucial aspects for me in my weight loss. Drinking water was absolutely tops on my list and one of the reasons why I finally succeeded.

Here's the deal — you're a grown-up now, and it's time to stop rebelling and act like a big girl or boy. Remember, we're just talking about water here; I'm not asking you to bungee jump off a cliff or take up scuba diving with sharks.

Fact is, we don't drink enough water. But we do drink enough soda — just look at the soft drink size you can get at your nearest convenience store. A "Super Gulp" or whatever they're called in your neck of the woods holds at least 32 ounces of soft drink. Just think, you can drink a whole quart of cola and still be dehydrated!

And you will be, too.

The only thing that will truly quench that thirst and hydrate your body is water. Water makes up nearly 70 percent of the human body. Almost every body function we have needs water. Water carries the good stuff in (nutrients), and it's water that takes the bad stuff out. Water maintains body temperature and helps the circulatory system. Water is absolutely essential and yet, most people don't get enough. Instead of listening to our bodies, we turn a deaf ear and order another Super Gulp.

Are you ready to lose the soda habit and bring on the water? Your body is begging for water.

As a baby step, why not try drinking a glass of water as a part of your morning routine? This will add one more glass of water to your quota for the day.

Deliberately making sure you are hydrated will give you more energy, help you lose the body clutter and help your body function better. Drink up!

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Leanne Ely, a k a Dinner Diva, is the author of the best-selling "Saving Dinner" and "Saving Dinner the Low Carb Way" (Ballantine). What's for dinner? Go to www.savingdinner.com and find the solution!