Hydrate!

Hydrate

Drink Up!

Sounds like an easy enough thing to do, but getting our recommend daily amount of water can be difficult at times, especially with our busy lives and go-go-go schedules.

We have always been told that we need to drink 6-8 (8oz) glasses of water a day, which is a generalized amount. To know exactly how much water YOU should be drinking divide your body weight by 2 for the number of ounces you should have a day, then divide that number by 8 for the number of 8oz glasses recommended for YOU. Round up, a little extra water is always good.

YOUR body weight /2 = total ounces of water per day

Total ounces /8 = number of (8oz) glasses of water YOU need per day

 

Why Water?

Our bodies needs enough water to function the way they were designed to, and it’s essential for good health.

Here are a few ways that water benefits us:

1 – Water helps support the balance of fluids in the body: 60% of our body is made up of water, which is then used to support our internal body systems, when we are low in water the brain sends a message that we are thirsty. Listen to that message and drink up.

2 – Water can help support a healthy weight: Drinking water can help you feel full and cut the temptation to snack unnecessarily. Sometimes when the body sends a message that it’s hungry what it may really be is thirsty, start with some water and if you are still hungry then grab and healthy snack. Choosing water over higher calorie drinks ensures that you are not ingesting excessive calories.

3 – Water is energizing:  Muscles in the body require enough fluid to stay strong and avoid muscle fatigue. When you’re feeling fatigued all you may need is a drink of water to help you through. Make sure you drink extra fluids after exercising to replenish the water lost through sweating.

4 – Water is great for the skin: The skin contains water which gives it its elasticity and helps the skin maintain a smooth and clear appearance. When dehydrated the skin appears droopy, dry, chapped and fine lines and wrinkles tend to be more visible.

5 – Water assists kidney function: In order to properly do its job of removing contaminants from the body the kidneys require an adequate amount of fluids to flush out what the unwanted toxins gathered within. The more water in the body the better the flow, colour and odor of your urine. There is a higher risk of getting kidney stones if you do not drink enough water.

6 – Water helps with digestion: Enough water in the body assists in the digestion process and helps the body rid itself of waste easier. Constipation can occur due to not enough fluid in the body to help with the flow through the intestines.

 

Eat your Water

The good news is that you don’t have to drink all your water, many of the foods we eat have a high concentration of water.

Try including foods from the following chart into your daily diets. You can eat them plain, add them to salads, juices, smoothies or soups. The possibilities are endless.

Hydrating Foods

 

Tips to help you drink more water:

  • Choose water: When given a choice of drinks opt for water first, you can then choose something else after or just stick to water.
  • Get creative: As great as plain water is, it can get boring drinking it all the time. Have fun with your water, add in some fresh fruits and herbs to help mix up the flavour and get the added benefits from them as well. Mint is a great herb to add in if you have any digestive distress.
  • Measure out your water: Get a bottle or jug that is large enough to hold your daily amount of water, then use that bottle/jug to drink your water from. Use that bottle/jug to fill up smaller bottles that are more easily transportable, or your glass throughout the day. Any extra water you drink is just a bonus 😉
  • Get it through foods: Use the above chart as a guide to the fruits and vegetables you should try to incorporate into your daily diets.
  • Be prepared: Try keeping a bottle of water with you at all times within reach.

Blueberry mint

There you have it, water really is magical tonic for us, so drink up!