For the last month, I've felt like the Pillsbury Doughboy... but unfortunately I'm not poppin' fresh... instead I'm poppin' buttons!

I know I've gained a few pounds in December... how much I'm not sure... but my size 10 clothes are fitting snug (actually they are somewhat uncomfortable)! I went to the GAP this weekend and the "large" fit more comfortable than the "medium". For someone who used to be size 26... you'd think I should be happy to just be able to shop in "regular stores" now... but this morning even my shoes seemed tight (no joke)... Weight gain is a slippery slope... so I have no choice but to get my butt back into gear before this gets out of control.

First step in trying to feel less bloated... I've decided it was time to get the water intake up again. I have a water concoction that I usually drink every couple months to really cleanse myself of toxins and sodium. I always find after 4-5 days of drinking this water, I feel less bloated. From what I understand the extra vitamins and minerals extracted from the ingredients in this water help you to calm and cleanse your stomach and GI track while shedding a couple pounds of "water weight". Though after this water weight is gone... I'm still certain there is some "new fat pounds" on my booty that need to be worked off too (and that will only disappear with exercise)!

Here is the magic water recipe:

2 ltr jug
1/2 lemon (cut and squeeze out juice and use remaining slices too)
1/2 cucumber (cut thin slices)
10 mint leaves
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger

Put all ingredients in jug then fill with water and let it set overnight. Try to drink 2 bottles of this water each day (works out to about 3 litres) for 4-5 days. You do need to use fresh ingredients each day otherwise the water gets slimy (from the cucumbers)!

This is a natural and healthy way to reduce water retention... don't worry it's NOT a colon cleanse or anything nasty like that.

Considering the cost of the ingredients, it's more expensive than bottled water (even though I use tap water)... but it's tasty and a lot more healthy for you then adding aspartame water flavour crystals!