Water Anyone?
Our bodies are roughly 65% water. The brain is about 85% water, blood is 80% and muscle is around 70% water. We can survive weeks without food, but only a few days without water. It is literally the most important item that we consume.
Why do we need it?
Dehydration can lead to a number of ailments and diseases. Lack of water is the number 1 cause of daytime fatigue. Yes, you can literally fight that mid day drag with a few big gulps of good old water. The health benefits of being properly hydrated can be lengthy, but several are worth highlighting for us health conscious folks. Water is essential for proper digestion and the absorption of nutrients. Water helps removes toxins and cleanses the body of waste (also helps combat constipation). Levels of oxygen in the bloodstream are greater when the body is well hydrated, which leads to more energy. In the long run, all these benefits ultimately lead to fat loss.
How Much is Enough?
How much should we drink? Surprisingly this topic is often debatable. There can be a number of factors to consider such as gender, weight and activity levels. Health authorities have long recommended the 8- 8oz glasses a day. Well known as the 8X8, which is roughly a half a gallon. However, depending on the variables this may not suffice for many. I would recommend the 8X8 as a starting point. It is virtually impossible for a healthy adult to over hydrate with 8X8. From there you will monitor yourself to determine if you should increase your water intake. Dark urine is a sign of dehydration. You want to have clear or slightly yellow urine. Another good rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces. I find I need more than that. I go for 96 oz every day! Remember to drink the water evenly throughout the day to keep the body constantly hydrated. When you first increase your water intake, you will definitely feel full and a little bloated. Don’t let this deter you. Within a day or two you will feel a whole lot better! Yes, you will be making many trips to the bathroom, but this will slow down as well as your body adjusts. Your metabolism will kick in and you will lose weight much faster if you are increasing your water.
Many individuals find it easiest to have a ¼ gallon bottle to sip from throughout the day and then refilling mid way through. Ideally you want to hit your water goals 3 hours before bedtime so that you are not getting up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. I love the 32 oz Contigo water bottle.
I fill it up three times a day! It’s easy to keep track of that way. If you don’t have a water bottle with measurements, you could always fill up a pitcher or a gallon jug and leave it in the fridge. Then just keep pouring your water out of there. There are lots of little tricks, but the key is to drink plenty of water. This is a great habit to get your kids into as well. Have them bring a water bottle to school. They are more likely to drink more water if they have a water bottle with them. It is time to cut out the soda and sugary drinks. Get them hooked on water now! It will help them so much in the long run!
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