How bad is the situation? When you consider that health authorities around the world recommend that men drink roughly 15 cups of water a day and that women consume 11 cups, in most cases none of us are hydrated enough. The human body is largely composed of water and can become dehydrated with a loss of as little as 2% of its water content. Of course, by the time most people realize that they’re thirsty, at least some level of dehydration has set in. The good news is that you can take control of your water intake and ensure that you’re drinking more water all year-round. To accomplish that goal, focus on these five simple strategies:
Create a hydration plan
While the hydration plan is something that most people associate with runners and other athletes, it can have positive benefits for all of us. You can create your plan by tracking your water intake over a week or two, and then creating a schedule for water intake based on those numbers – with adjustments based on whether you’re currently consuming enough water.
Make water more exciting
Let’s face it: water can be rather plain at times. Fortunately, you can enjoy its hydration effects and look forward to drinking it by infusing it with fruity flavors. There are a host of sugar-free options from which to choose from, and they all help to ensure that your next glass of life-sustaining water is something that you look forward to consuming. Take a look at some recipes so you can start infusing your own water at waterlogic.com.
Eat your water
No one should blame you if you struggle to drink the amount of water that you need to remain hydrated each day. The reality is that there’s only so much liquid some of us can drink before we start to get that uncomfortable bloated feeling. Fortunately, you don’t have to drink all your water; since many foods are high in water content too, you can eat your water! Fruits and vegetables are lifesavers when it comes to hydrating with food. For example, cucumbers are more than 96% water, iceberg lettuce is more than 95% water, watermelon is 91.5% water, strawberries clock in at 91%, broccoli, grapefruit, green peppers – you can’t go wrong with fruits and vegetables.
Drink more at work
For most people, the work environment poses the biggest problem for hydration. It’s easy to become so caught up in your work that you just forget to grab that glass of water or piece of fruit. These tips can help:
Keep plenty of water nearby. A big reusable drinks bottle or a pitcher can be ideal. If you have a plumbed in water cooler in your office you can enjoy an unlimited supply of hydrating H2 Start your lunch every day with a glass of water. Make it a priority.
Drink more at home
Of course, most of our daily lives are spent at home, so you need to really focus on getting the right amount of water there. Make water a ritual in your house:
Begin each day with a glass of water. Always keep fresh fruit on hand and add vegetables to every meal. Keep your water bottle by your side at all times – and use it. Develop a routine. Water consumption is more effective when it’s consistent throughout the day, so don’t be afraid to set timers or use other memory devices to help you get into the consumption habit. Encourage the whole family to consume more water. These types of goals are often easier when we’re pursuing them with someone else.
Once you get into the habit of drinking more water, you’ll quickly notice just how great you feel. And when you begin to incorporate these tips for drinking more all year round into your life, you will wonder how you ever managed to get through the day without them. Bottoms up!
