Drink More Water!

I know you’ve heard it 100 times from your mom, your kids, or someone on the news, touting the health benefits of water.  The reason we keep hearing about water consumption is because it IS important to stay properly hydrated.  Dehydration can lead to muscle fatigue, loss of coordination, inability to regulate body temperature, and decreased energy.  When you feel thirsty, you’re actually in the beginning stages of dehydration.  Therefore it is important to drink water before you feel thirsty and continue to drink water throughout your day to stay hydrated. Even more importantly to note is that our body’s thirst mechanism decreases as we age.  Here are 7 tips to incorporate more water into your daily routine:

1.     Find a cup or water bottle that you LOVE. Fill it up and take it with you everywhere you go. If you have it with you, you’re more likely to actually drink it.

2.     Schedule it into your day. Set certain times throughout the day that you will drink your water. For instance, drink one full water bottle by 9:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 3:00 pm. Fill up one more time to sip on throughout the evening.  This way the majority of your water is taken in before bedtime and you’ll be able to sleep!

3.     Drink a full glass with every meal and one glass in between each meal.

4.     Try adding fruit or veggies to your water. Cucumbers not only make your water taste better, they make it look appealing too! Or try a squeeze of lemon or lime.

5.     There are many flavored powders on the market to add to your water. Just beware of extra added sugar and calories.

6.     Other beverages count as well, such as milk, juice, or herbal teas. However, beverages containing alcohol actually dehydrate your body.

7.     Eat more whole fruits and vegetables. Many are comprised of 70-90% water!  Plus, this is a great way to incorporate more of these foods into your diet.

Sometimes when we THINK we're hungry, we're actually thirsty.  Our bodies are inefficient in this way and tend to mix up these signals.  Before you reach for that snack drawer, drink a glass of water and wait 10-15 minutes.  Make sure you follow with a healthy snack if you still feel hungry.  You may find that your water bottle will be as important to take with you as your keys, wallet or purse.  Stay hydrated!