Water is my jam.
But believe it or not, I used to have a really hard time drinking water. I couldn’t drink a straight glass of clear water, I always felt the need to add water flavouring. Which isn’t healthy at all, let’s be honest. And I’m almost embarrassed to say how long that lasted. Let’s put it this way, I was a parent before my H2O habits changed. But when I finally decided to get serious about my health, I knew I needed to be drinking more water. And not just more H2O, but more clear and plain H2O.
Now, weaning myself off of the sugary water “enhancers” was a separate (and difficult) task. And if you struggle with drinking enough water and think that adding water enhancers with help, I urge caution. Firstly, once you start using them, its a hard habit to break. Secondly, is drinking flavoured water better than soda or juice? Just barely. The truth is that these water flavours contain artificial sweeteners, colours and more, and there is not nearly enough research done to say whether they help or hinder weight-loss. There are other ways to add flavour to your water (if you feel the need) that don’t add chemicals or unnatural sweeteners. Don’t worry, I talk about this below!
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Signs your body needs more water.
Most people don’t consume enough water. In fact, studies have shown that most people consume less water as they age. According to the American National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, the average American consumes little more than 4 cups of plain water each day. And according to research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, most children over the age of 3 are not consuming enough water per day. Healthy adults should be drinking at least 8-9 cups of water each day and more if active or in the heat. Children should be consuming between 1 -1.5 litres of water each day depending on age.
So what are the signs that your body is lacking in hydration?
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Dry Mouth
- Decreased urination
- Dark urination
- Thirst (of course!)
Severe signs of dehydration include sunken eyes, low blood pressure and rapid heart rate. Even moderate dehydration can sometimes require medical assistance.
Reasons to stay super hydrated.
Since increasing my clear, plain water intake, I’ve noticed so many positive side effects!
- Better body temperature regulation
- Faster recovery from sore muscles
- Brighter and firmer skin
- More energy
- Much less bloating and gas
5 tips for drinking more water.
It takes a little dedication, but you can totally learn to make water your preferred beverage.
- Buy a large, clear water bottle. I recommend a clear hydration bottle because it’s easier to drink more water when you can visually see how much you’re actually consuming.
- Set a phone reminder. There are lots of great free apps out there designed to help you consume more water. One of my favourite apps is Waterlogged (available on iTunes). Little reminders on your phone throughout the day are a great way to have you reaching for your water bottle.
- Carry your water around with you. Leaving your filled water bottle on the counter or on your desk is one way to make sure you forget about it. Get used to carrying it with you as you move room to room, or to a meeting, or running errands in the car.
- Start and end your day with a small glass of water. Starting your day with a small glass of water before your first cup of coffee is a great way to wake up your body and being your day with hydration. Ending your day with water helps keep your body hydrated throughout the evening.
- Infuse your water with fresh fruit. Skip the water enhancers and use fresh fruit, cucumbers, and herbs such as mint to flavour your water instead.
Extra water tips.
- Bottled water – bottled water is deceiving. In most cases, bottled water is much less regulated than municipal tap water. If hard water is an issue, try installing a water softener or using a pitcher filter.
- Water-rich foods – eating water-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables is an easy way to get extra hydration throughout the day.
Have a water tip to share? Post it in the comments!
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