You aren't drinking enough water- but you could
Our bodies are more than 50% water and need constant replenishing.
You’ve probably heard the recommendation to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.
That’s a decent goal. However, as with all nutritional recommendations, I want you to do what is right for your body, not the average body.
How much water should you be drinking daily?
Here’s a more individualized (and just as simple) formula:
Take your ideal body weight in pounds, cut it in half, and there you have the ounces of water you should be drinking each day. For example, a person whose ideal weight is 150 pounds should consume 75 ounces of water each day.
That may sound like a lot. You may even be thinking there aren’t enough hours in the day to drink that much. But, it can be easier than you think with these 7 healthy tips:
1. Think big.
Swap out your water glass for an 18 or 24 oz. water bottle that encourages you to drink more. You’re much more likely to reach for another sip of the bottle sitting next to you than you are to walk to the sink for your 4th refill.
2. Drink first.
Feeling hungry? Drink a big glass of water before you grab a snack. Your body will often emit hunger cues when what it actually needs (and wants) is hydration.
3. Take it to go.
Leaving the office for the night? Bring your bottle by the water cooler for a fresh refill to enjoy on your commute home.
4. Build a habit.
If you’re used to drinking 2-3 cups of water per day, upping your intake by 150% or more probably won’t feel all that natural. That’s ok. Turn it into a challenge or game. Keep your water bottle next to your bed and when you awake start drinking, and challenge yourself to drink at least 24 ounces before you have a bite to eat in the morning. Drink a bottle in the car on the way to work (don’t leave the car until it’s gone). Down a glass while you’re preparing dinner (you aren’t allowed to take a bite until it’s gone)…
5. Switch up the temperature.
Have you ever tried your water hot, infused with lemon? Especially on colder mornings, don’t limit yourself to ice water.
6. Try herbal teas.
Delicious and packed with a variety of antioxidants and nutrients, a soothing cup of herbal tea keeps you hydrated too.
7. Treat your eyes, and your tastebuds.
Give your drink a beautiful upgrade by adding cucumber, berries, or some citrus to make your everyday beverage feel luxurious.
Don’t forget quality
Drink spring or filtered water. Certain filters reduce contaminants such as lead, copper, mercury and fluoride. They also reduce the taste and odor of chlorine.
What did I miss?
Do you have another tip that has worked for you? I’d love to hear it. Share it below in the comments.