Summer has totally arrived here in south Texas… but then it’s July and we’re probably due for some weather that feels like summer.
Hotter weather definitely means making sure you stay well hydrated. Whether or not you are physically active getting in adequate amounts of water in your day is essential for your overall well being and health.
I often hear from people “I’m not a water drinker”. Actually, we all are, but we’ve conditioned ourselves to other beverages that are (unfortunately) often sweetened.
Water is not only essential for life, but it also has many other benefits to it.
Consider this, water is the second most consumed beverage, after soft drinks. This is a disturbing stat considering soda is a huge health hazard upping the risk of obesity, stroke, and other health problems.
Roughly 60% of your body is made of water. Drinking adequate amounts helps transport nutrients, helps digestion, regulates body temp and more.
Drinking water can help with weight loss, it helps you to feel full making you eat less ( don’t use this as a substitute to NOT eat)
Water is also muscle fuel. Sweating out at the gym or in your workout cause muscles to lose water. When muscles don’t have enough water they get tired. Adequate water ensures smooth muscle function. Staying well hydrated helps you in those final miles running or the last set you are doing in the gym.
Drinking water also helps you have clearer skin, it flushes toxins from the body, helping reduce pimples and break outs.
It helps with kidney function. Our kidneys process 200 quarts of blood daily sifting our waste and transporting urine to our bladder. Kidneys need enough to clear away what we don’t need in our body. Yet another reason to drink up!
Water can also help boost our productivity boosting our concentration.
Feeling tired ? Dehydration is often the reason beyond that dragging feeling.
It can help with pain prevention…. aching joints and muscle cramps can occur if you’re dehydrated.
It helps with digestion and can prevent constipation.
Water may help with decongestion and dehydration helping it to bounce back when under the weather ( ok I personally swear by this… when I start feeling a little off… I up my water intake)
Of course, if you workout, it’s crucial you stay on top of your water intake and make sure you’re adequately hydrated before your workouts and replenish appropriately afterwards. A good rule of thumb is to weigh in (naked) before a hard workout, then after. For each pound lost, replenish with 16oz.water.
There is some debate on exactly how much water you need each day. Studies suggest adults need 9-16 cups per day.
Other things do contribute to your water intake (note … these don’t take the place of water…but do supplement) coffee, tea and water-rich fruits and veggies.
How to get more water in….
Start when you wake up in the morning. I always need a big glass after I hit the floor.
Try drinking a good size glass 30 minutes before a meal.
Make it a habit to take water everywhere with you. I never leave without my big water glass loaded with water and ice… I will even go back and get it if I forget it. I drink on it constantly while I’m out.
If it’s “bland” to you in the beginning ( a common complaint… in time… you won’t need anything) try adding lemon or lime to it.
Our bodies really do have a natural thirst. It’s often been suppressed. Consistent drinking of water will cause this natural thirst to return.
Water has so many health benefits, it’s a zero calorie drink, and perfectly replenishes what your body needs. Get started and in time, you’ll be drinking it all the time =)
sassyfitnesschick 