Which Type of Water Is Best?

We all know we're supposed to drink more water, but which type of water is the best? Every weight loss plan advocates drinking more water, but does water really wash fat out of our bodies? According to Beverage Digest, bottled water is the fastest growing beverage in the U.S., with sales doubling from 1998 to 2000.


Tap water
It's the cheapest and most readily available water. Some municipal tap water is fluoridated to help protect teeth from cavities, which is viewed as a health benefit by many and a health hazard by others. In the United States, tap water is closely monitored to meet federal safety standards, and is an inexpensive source of water. Most municipal tap water is relatively low in sodium, but if you use a home water softener the sodium content can go up significantly.

Bottled water
You simply can't beat the convenience of carrying a bottle of water with you wherever you go. But believe it or not, bottled water is really no different than the stuff that flows out of your faucet. In fact, many major bottled water manufacturers start with municipal tap water! Bottled water isn't as highly regulated as municipal tap water systems, and some studies have shown that bottled water can contain more harmful bacteria than tap water. If you're looking for water that comes from a natural spring, choose bottled water labeled "spring water." In another funky labeling twist, "purified" water is simply water with all the minerals removed. This type of water isn't necessarily better for us, it just tastes a bit different -- and costs about three times more.

Mineralized water
Mineral water must contain no less than 250 parts per million of total dissolved minerals that are naturally present, not artificially added. There is little health benefit to drinking mineral water, but some people prefer the taste. If you have a well, chances are you drink mineral water right from your tap!

Sparkling water is either naturally carbonated or has carbon dioxide added. Contrary to what you'll hear, carbonation doesn't cause cellulite or harm your health in any way except perhaps causing you to burp more often. Seltzer water and club soda technically aren't sparkling water -- they're considered soft drinks and may contain added sugar or salt.

Flavored water
Flavored waters are marketed to people who dislike the taste of plain water. Many contain sugar, sugar substitutes or artificial flavors, and the calorie content can vary significantly. Read labels carefully to choose calorie-free water, or add a twist of lemon or lime to your own tap water for a healthier taste-bud buzz.

Our vote for best water

Tap water just can't be beat for safety, convenience and low cost. Fill up a water bottle at home and save money, or add your own natural flavorings to tap water if you're tired of drinking tasteless water. Steer clear of waters that contain calories, but if you prefer fizz or the taste of a specific brand of bottled water, go ahead and splurge.

3 burning questions about water -- answered!

1. Does drinking cold water increase my metabolism?
Sorry, but no! The best way to increase our metabolism is to build muscle strength.

2. Do I have to drink eight glasses of water every day?
No, but it's a good goal to shoot for. Many of us routinely confuse thirst with hunger, and eat when we should in fact be drinking. Thirst actually isn't a good signal for drinking, as we become dehydrated before we begin to feel thirsty. Drink water on a schedule and you'll find you feel better and probably eat less!

3. I can't stand the taste of water. What else can I drink?
Water is supposed to be tasteless -- that's the whole point. We've become so used to constantly having a taste in our mouth, from gum, mints, hard candies, soda and flavored beverages, that we're bored with plain old water! If you're trying to lose weight, learning to enjoy the un-taste of water is a great idea. If you simply can't stomach plain water, choose decaffeinated teas or coffees, fat-free milk or calorie-free flavored water as a substitute to meet your fluid needs.

Mom Snacks, Dad Snacks!

A new study revealed something tots figured out long ago— if you're looking for a junk food snack, ask dad instead of mom.

Research by Harris Interactive on behalf of the Grain Foods Foundation found dads were more likely to dole out cookies, chocolate, or chips at snack time, while mom was more likely to serve crackers, pretzels, fruit, or yogurt smoothies.

Registered dietician Judy Adams, also president of the Grain Foods Foundation, advises that parents aim to serve up a carb and a protein when kids ask for a between meal snack. Two simple ideas include half of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or crackers and a low-fat cheese stick. Single serving microwavable popcorn bags are another kid-friendly snack, Adams says

In short: Good (and bad) habits start early. So start teaching your kids how to make wise snack choices now. And while you're at it, don't forget to be a good role model yourself!.

Typical Characteristics of Successful Entrepreneurs

A good deal is known about what is required to be a successful entrepreneur. An overriding factor found in most successful entrepreneurs is a tremendous need to achieve. Attitude seems to have everything to do with success in business, while factors such as intelligence, education, and personality are less significant.

The following list catalogs some of the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs.

• An overpowering need to achieve. Usually this is measured by the individual's internal ruler.
• Follow through. Meeting commitments and not quitting define this characteristic.
• Positive mental attitude. Exhibiting confidence and believing in one's ability help the entrepreneur succeed.
• Objectivity. An important trait is the ability to accurately weigh and measure risks in a sphere of realism.
• A respectful attitude toward money. Money is not sought as an end in itself, but rather as a method of keeping score or as a tool toward accomplishments.
• Tendency to anticipate developments. Making things happen, rather than reacting to outside developments, defines the entrepreneur's methods.
• Resourcefulness. Successful people can handle unique problems in unique ways.
• Communication abilities. These skills cannot be overstressed. Successful people have worked at developing the ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Technical Knowledge. A sound working knowledge of both general business practices and the processes used to deliver goods and services is a must.
  

7 Key Qualities of a Successful Entrepreneur

by Kristine Geimure

Being an entrepreneur is about more than just starting a business or two, it is about having attitude and the drive to succeed in business. All successful Entrepreneurs have a similar way of thinking and posses several key personal qualities that make them so successful in business. Successful entrepreneurs like the ambitious Richard Branson have an inner drive to succeed and grow their business, rather than having a Harvard Business degree or technical knowledge in a particular field.

All successful entrepreneurs have the following qualities:

Inner Drive to Succeed

Entrepreneurs are driven to succeed and expand their business. They see the bigger picture and are often very ambitious. Entrepreneurs set massive goals for themselves and stay committed to achieving them regardless of the obstacles that get in the way.

Strong Belief in themselves

Successful entrepreneurs have a healthy opinion of themselves and often have a strong and assertive personality. They are focused and determined to achieve their goals and believe completely in their ability to achieve them. Their self optimism can often been seen by others as flamboyance or arrogance but entrepreneurs are just too focused to spend too much time thinking about un-constructive criticism.

Search for New Ideas and Innovation

All entrepreneurs have a passionate desire to do things better and to improve their products or service. They are constantly looking for ways to improve. They're creative, innovative and resourceful.

Openness to Change

If something is not working for them they simply change. Entrepreneurs know the importance of keeping on top of their industry and the only way to being number one is to evolve and change with the times. They're up to date with the latest technology or service techniques and are always ready to change if they see a new opportunity arise.

Competitive by Nature

Successful entrepreneurs thrive on competition. The only way to reach their goals and live up to their self imposed high standards is to compete with other successful businesses.

Highly Motivated and Energetic

Entrepreneurs are always on the move, full of energy and highly motivated. They are driven to succeed and have an abundance of self motivation. The high standards and ambition of many entrepreneurs demand that they have to be motivated!

Accepting of Constructive Criticism and Rejection

Innovative entrepreneurs are often at the forefront of their industry so they hear the words "it can't be done" quite a bit. They read just their path if the criticism is constructive and useful to their overall plan, otherwise they will simply disregard the comments as pessimism. Also, the best entrepreneurs know that rejection and obstacles are a part of any leading business and they deal with them appropriately.

True entrepreneurs are resourceful, passionate and driven to succeed and improve. They're pioneers and are comfortable fighting on the frontline The great ones are ready to be laughed at and criticized in the beginning because they can see their path ahead and are too busy working towards their dream.

Entrepreneurs’ beliefs about the qualities that made them successful (based on interviews with self-made millionaires):

1. Hard work (93%)
2. Being honest and trustworthy (85%)
3. Enjoyment of work (82%)
4. Getting along with people (82%)
5. Taking opportunities (81%)
6. Being my own boss (72%)
7. Intelligence (69%)
8. Being well disciplined and dedicated to success (68%)
9. Being physically fit and well/employing good people (67%)
10. Having a supportive partner (66%)


Traits that make for success in a large organization:

1. Vision
2. Tenacity
3. Self-belief
4. Financial awareness
5. Political awareness
6. Hard work
7. Dedication
8. Communication skills
9. Flexibility

The core talent of great managers is an instinct to coach others toward success.

Optimism and ego are the talents underpinning all great leadership.
Success, whether as a manager or a leader, does not come to those who aspire to well-roundedness, breadth, and balance. The reverse is true. Success comes most readily to those who reject balance, who instead pursue strate­gies that are intentionally imbalanced. This focus, this willingness to apply disproportionate pressure in a few selected areas of your working life, won't leave you brittle and narrow. Counterintuitively, this kind of lopsided focus actually increases your capacity and fuels your resilience.

Leadership and management are both critically important to the ongoing success of an organization, but no, they are not interchangeable. On the contrary, the role of the leader and the role of the manager are utterly different. The responsibilities are different. The starting points are different. The talents required to excel at each are different. And, as we'll see, the One Thing you need to know about one is not only different, but is, in fact, the exact opposite of the One Thing you need to know about the other. This doesn't mean that you cannot excel at both. You can. But it does mean that, if you want to excel at both, or if you want to choose between one or the other as your primary focus, you need to be aware of the difference.

Kumbira sa Kapamilya 2007

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