Benefits and How-Tos for Staying Hydrated
by April Pascarelli
Stay hydrated. Drink more water. It's good for you! What the experts in science and nutrition say about water is true! We 100% need water. Our bodies could not go on without it, but why sometimes is it so hard to drink the daily recommended amount that our bodies require?
Life is busy for one thing. And when you’re in the center of chaos, the little things that we so often take for granted quickly can go by the wayside. And sometimes, it is just downright hard to stop, drop and drink water. (Though you probably made time for that cup of coffee, am I right?) Regardless of where you stand on the water spectrum, most of us can probably agree that we should be drinking more. So, how do we make sure we consume the adequate intake for our bio-individuality and lifestyles, and really, what are the benefits (other than keeping us alive)? Read on to find out.
Sometimes it is the simplest things in life that we tend to forget. Just as we occasionally need the reminder to breathe, we often have to be reminded to drink water. Drinking enough water is the difference maker and deal-breaker when it comes to so many aspects of our lives.
For starters, drinking more water can aid in weight loss as it creates that full feeling in your stomach. In turn, you will feel less hungry and (hopefully) end up snacking less on empty calories and sugar. As for what it does for your body, well, the list goes on and on.
Want more energy and to reduce that foggy, fatigue feeling? Drink more water! Did you know that your brain is more than just memories and smarts? It consists of mostly water which means drinking more of it increases your energy and brain function. Imagine if just a little more of this liquid could help you think, concentrate, stay focused, and be more alert. Hmmm, it's also no wonder that increasing your water intake can reduce your risk of headaches.
Just like a good juice cleanse can flush our bodies of toxins, your daily water intake works in this same way. The toxins we take in through food, the air we breathe, and our everyday environment have to find a way to exit the body. Our bodies work hard at naturally detoxifying with help from our lungs, liver, and kidneys. But we take in a lot of toxins! It makes sense that our bodies sometimes need a boost. Enter water to help rid the body of unnecessary toxins. These toxins tend to build up and are at the root cause of so many health problems.
Water moves things along so that our body and organs can continue functioning normally. We need it to keep our digestive system running smoothly. Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps and even joint pain. Water lubricates and cushions our muscles and joints, which should be no surprise that it can help to enhance your overall physical and athletic performance. You know that feeling when you can barely make it through a run or intense workout because you have not had enough water? We’ve all been there. Staying hydrated is essential!
So, now you know the benefits. But how do we make sure that we are, in fact, drinking enough water? Remember, your body will tell you. If you’re feeling tired, brain fog, reaching for empty calories, or having a hard time keeping your digestive system regular, those could be your cues to drink up. Here’s six tips to help hold yourself accountable.
Tip # 1
If you’re not a fan of water and that reason holds you back, change up the taste. Fill your cup with lemon and cucumber slices before filling it with water. Maybe even throw in a little mint or basil. If these flavors aren’t for you, find what is. Throw in orange or lime slices, apples, or melon. You can even infuse your H2O with berries. The point is, spice it up. Not only will it be refreshing, but it will have added nutrients from the healthy additions, and it will taste good!
Tip #2
If you are new to this whole drink more water thing, it could take some time to crowd out the bad and bring in the good. So start by replacing one of your sugary sodas with some sparkling water for some flavor or cold-pressed juice (aka the real deal). Beware of added sugar, highly processed ingredients, and preservatives. Cold-pressed juicing will merely extract the pulp from the liquid. And then into the bottle they go. Low in fiber and big on nutrients, and water, of course. (Also, there is this little place with the most delicious cold-pressed juice to help you out with this. Wink, wink.)
Tip #3
Take the challenge + track your progress. Take your reusable cup (make sure it's BPA-free and preferably made of sustainable material) and hold yourself accountable. If you've got a 26- ounce YETI and you are trying to get to 65 ounces daily in intake, then you know you need to drink two of those, plus four more ounces. Aim for half your body weight in ounces per day, and you will guarantee hydration fulfillment.
Tip #4
In addition to tracking your progress, make sure you never leave your house without your water! If you have it, you will drink it. And for those days that are nonstop (most days, right?), then you will have no excuse. Just be sure to take those mini moments throughout your day to stop and sip.
Tip #5
When you have your morning coffee (or afternoon, or whatever time of day), drink water with it. Also, it can't hurt to decrease your caffeine intake. On the flip side, when out having drinks with friends, be sure to order a glass of water to go with your beverage of choice and alternate your sips. Caffeine and alcohol are both diuretics, and instead of hydrating your body, they cause the excretion of water instead.
Tip #6
Lastly, be mindful at meals. Drink water beforehand, and that feeling of filling up will happen faster. Additionally, consider your plate. Of course, most of what we consume for water comes from our beverages, but the more veggies you pile on, the more this ups your game. Vegetables like lettuce, cucumbers, celery, and tomatoes are all high in water content. And soups, broths, and fruits such as melon all help to up your hydration levels as well.
So, in summary, just like the air we breathe is vital, so is drinking water. Without it, our bodies would not be able to function. It keeps our bodies running smoothly and at their absolute best. And pretty sure that your body deserves to operate at its best!