Plain and simple, water wears many hats when it comes to keeping our bodies in check. The essential liquid regulates body temperature, improves the functions of muscles and joints and promotes cardiovascular health. Water does it all…well, most of it.
To ensure that our bodies are functioning optimally in each of these areas, we must stay hydrated. In simple terms, drinking the right amount of water for our bodies to be energized, mobile and healthy is a must. This demand is exacerbated by the heat. With summer right around the corner, the act of keeping our bodies hydrated will soon be more crucial than ever. With sun, comes sweat and increased respiration.
Sweating, despite its bad rep, is a very good thing! It is proof that our bodies are regulating their internal temperature. However, sweat is also proof that water is leaving our bodies, and when water leaves, it must be replaced if we are looking to avoid dehydration. So, if you are the summer loving, sun soaking kind of person, be sure to compensate for the shift and increase your intake of water during this time!
Now, the act of drinking enough water to ward off dehydration is not easy for everyone. Try these 8 tips and tricks to keep your body consistently hydrated!
- Create a new habit. The ‘h’ word is scary, and difficult to approach at times, but this is one of the easiest ways to ensure your body is receiving enough water. Try and drink 20 ounces of water first thing in the morning, before you eat or drink coffee. When you get comfortable with this amount, try and drink 30 ounces of water before you start your day and keep
increasing this amount as your body adjusts. - If you don’t like the taste of water (this is a reality for many people), try infusing your water with different fruits. Lemons, limes, cucumbers and berries are just a few awesome options.
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables! Foods like watermelon, celery and cucumber have a high water content, meaning you can actually increase hydration levels without even drinking!
- Carry a reusable water bottle with you everywhere you go so that you don’t have to neglect thirst when it sneaks up on you.
- We have all been trained to respond to hunger with food. However, what we identify as the feeling of hunger sometimes is our bodies simply craving water. Drink a glass before you eat to see if your body is satisfied before you sit down for a meal.
- Decrease caffeine and alcohol consumption. Yes, they are liquids, but no they do not hydrate. In fact, they do just the opposite.
- Drink water before and after you workout. This is the best way to prepare and replenish your body when engaging in physical activity.
- It might sound unappetizing, but checking the color of your urine is a great way to gage how hydrated you are. The lighter the urine, the better!