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5 Squares Newsletter
 

July, 2008

 
 
Monica

Greetings!

What an exciting month it has been! Thank you all for the wonderful feedback
on our first newsletter. I was amazed at the number of responses. This month
we are so thrilled to announce our expansion into Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens. Please forward this newsletter to your friends in these areas.

 
This month's nutrition article is on hydration. During our little heat wave a couple of weeks ago, I found myself physically ill. I had not hydrated properly and not only was I experiencing a lack of focus, I actually had short-term memory loss. Please be careful this summer. It is especially important to keep an eye on your children and their water intake.
 
I hope you enjoy the recipe for Shrimp Vera Cruz. It's a great dish to prepare for guests; they'll never know they were eating healthy. Also, check out the exclusive offer from Manhattan's Peak Performance-a gym where you may end up sharing dumbbells with Academy Award-winning actors and other A-listers.

 
Happy Eating!
 
Monica Lynn
 
P. S. Feel free to email me your feedback and questions.  
In This Issue
Nutrition: Is Your Body Hydrated?
Peak Performance and Your Exclusive Offer
Recipe: Shrimp Vera Cruz
Nutrition: Is Your Body Hydrated?
 
 
How do you know you are drinking enough water? 5 Squares Logo and Tag Line
Do you really need to drink eight glasses of water a day? Recently, experts in the news media have been discussing the many rules about water intake. The real issue is not about whether you follow the recommended guidelines set for the general public, but do you consume enough water for your individual body? That is the question and the answer should be based on your unique body size, activity level, age, environment, and diet.
 
Why should you care about your water intake?
Your body is made up of 50 percent to 75 percent water. That totals about 10 to 12 gallons and is the largest component of your body. And each day you must replace the water you lose from sweat and urine, which can average 10 cups or 2 ½ quarts a day. Keeping your body's water balance is critical for maintaining body temperature, mental functions, nutrient and waste processes, physical performance, and healthy organs.
 
You body's signs and some factors to consider
What are the signs telling you to drink more or less? Here are a few to consider.
 
  • Pale to colorless urine means you are hydrated. Check with your physician, because some medications and vitamins alter urine color.
  • Are you thirsty? Your body signals dehydration with thirst. By the time you are thirsty, however, you are already becoming dehydrated. Lack of thirst, however, does not mean you are fully-hydrated.
  • Dry lips or a dry, cottony mouth is a sign you should drink more water.
  • Wetting accidents may mean you are over-hydrating. Over-hydrating is not common, but you should know that it is dangerous to your water balance. Ask your doctor if you think you are over-hydrating.
Consider your environment and your activity level. If you will be outside on a humid, hot day and will be exercising, drink extra water before, during and after your exercise. Also infants and the elderly are particularly sensitive to hydration issues, so please speak with a medical professional for further information.
 
Sources of Water
Drinking pure water is not the only source of water, although it has the wonderful benefit of zero calories. Most people consume 80 percent of their water from drinks and 20 percent from foods. You can find high percentages of water in the following foods and beverages:  lettuce, watermelon, broccoli, grapefruit, and carrots. Most fruits and vegetables are a good source of water as well.
 
Remember, the most important thing you can do for your hydration is to listen to your body and drink and eat accordingly. If you have any specific questions regarding hydration, please email us.
Quick Links
Peak Performance and Your Exclusive Offer  
Gym Trainer and ClientPeak Performance has an exclusive offer for 5 Squares Newsletter readers: 50% off your first personal training session and a 10% savings off the purchase of a package of 10 sessions. This offer expires July 31st, 2008 and applies to new clients only. Clients must use the code 5421 to redeem the discount.
 
Located in the Flatiron district of New York City, Peak Performance is a personal training facility that combines back-to-the-basics workout routines and forward-thinking motion with highly educated and effective trainers. Peak Performance trainers specialize in personalizing routines for your unique goals for body composition or sports-specificity. For further information visit www.peakperformancenyc.com.
Quick Links
 Recipe: Mediterranean Chickpea Salad  
                                             A quick and healthy meal loaded with flavor.                               Shrimp and Rice

         Ingredients
         1-2 teaspoon olive oil
         1 medium onion, chopped
         2-4 garlic cloves, pressed
         1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
         1 medium jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
         1 small green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
         1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
         1 tablespoon cornstarch
         ¼ cup cilantro, coarsely chopped
         2 cups hot cooked brown rice


 
  1. Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat.
  2. Sauté the onion and garlic until tender, about 5 minutes; add tomatoes with liquid and the jalapeno pepper; simmer approximately 10 minutes.
     
  3. Add the shrimp and cook until the shrimp turn pink, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. In a small dish, combine the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir to blend; whisk into the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute then stir in the cilantro.
  5. Divide the rice among 4 bowls, and top with equal portions of the shrimp and vegetable mixture.
     
Makes 4 servings
5 Squares™ healthy eating plan is a weight management program designed to help you manage your eating habits and achieve personal weight and health goals. We take all of the guesswork out of eating properly by eliminating the opportunity to make wrong choices.

Our expert chefs prepare guilt-free, delicious food, which is delivered right to your door before 6 a.m. Because you have your five meals for the day (3 meals plus 2 snacks), you have the power to eat the right foods, the right amount, and the best nutritional calories.
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Email us:  Info@5Squares.com
Call us toll free:  1.866.5.WE.COOK (1.866.593.2665)
www.5Squares.com
 
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