6. DRINK WATER

In this age of drinking sodas, iced tea and coffee, I must talk about the value of plain water. Along with eating healthy plant food, adequate water is vital for good health.

My childhood on the farm made me a water drinker. When we wanted a cool drink, we took the water  bucket to the cistern and drew fresh water. Our water was rain that fell on the roof and was carried through guttering to the cistern. I loved the taste of this water. Since my parents did not buy pop, I never became addicted to the sweet taste of sodas or to the “lift” that caffeine drinks bring.

After I moved away from home, I began to indulge in colas and soft drinks, especially at social gatherings. For about 20 years, I had my share of these drinks. Then I embraced healthy living. One of my first steps was to omit sugar, which stopped all drinks except juice and water.

About this time, Dr. Batmanghelidj’s amazing “water cure” made the news. Imprisoned in Iran from 1979 to 1981, he had nothing to prescribe for illness but water. His success drove him to do a study, which proved the value of water in treating disease. When he was released, he came to America, published his findings in medical journals and wrote the now-famous book, The Bodies Many Cries for Water. He stated that water could cure 65 percent of America’s sickness.

This information was brought to my attention, and I began to make certain I drank 8 to 10 cups of water daily. I discovered a common rule to follow: drink one-half your weight in ounces of water. When I arise in the morning, I drink 24 ounces of water from my Berkey water purifier. Let me sidetrack to tell you that I am concerned about the quality of water in most areas including my small town. I trust the Berkey makes my water pure.

Before my morning walk, I try to slowly drink this water. Sipping seems to allow the body to more efficiently use water, whereas gulping makes the water simply pass through. About an hour after breakfast, I start drinking water again. I make a point to drink 24 ounces more before my second meal. I carry the glass of water with me so I can regularly sip on it. I follow the same procedure an hour after that meal. Then I add one more cup in the evening. Water slows digestion, so I stop drinking at least thirty minutes before meals and an hour after.

My plant-food diet gives many benefits, but it is greatly helped by the water I drink. Water speeds my metabolism, which keeps my weight under control. Being fully hydrated gives me energy and prevents sickness. It gives me a remarkable sense of well-being. I have no headaches, arthritic pain or constipation. Most important at my age, water helps my ability to think clearly.

We can all set an example by carrying our water containers constantly. When others notice our energy level and the fact that we are rarely sick, our voices will be a chorus when the waitress comes: “WHAT WILL YOU DRINK?” “WATER PLEASE!”

MAMA’S MEAT LOAF
1 medium finely chopped onion
1/2 c finely chopped celery
1/2 diced red pepper
1 c shredded carrots
1 c quick oats
2 cloves minced garlic
2 T olive oil
1/2 c chopped walnuts
1 1/2 c soft whole-wheat bread crumbs
1/2 T salt
1/4 T basil
1/4 T oregano
Saute vegetables in oil. Blend bread to crumb. Add
other ingredients. Add water if too dry. Press down
into a sprayed 5 x 9 bread pan. Bake at 375 for one
hour. Serve with cashew gravy.
CASHEW GRAVY
Blend 1/2 cup washed, raw cashews with 1/2 c water
for 3 minutes. Add and blend until smooth:
3 1/2 c water
1/2 c white flour
2 T chicken seasoning
1 t salt
Boil until gravy thickens.