Drinking enough water during the day can be a task that is easily overlooked. It is tempting to stick to sugary drinks or grab a cup of coffee. While these drinks might satisfy your craving, the long-term effects of these beverages do more harm than good. Caffeinated drinks can contribute to dehydration and they are also a diuretic, meaning you may need to use the toilet more. Sugary drinks are also bad for your waistline and contribute to diseases like diabetes. What you want to focus on is drinking more water!
The human body is composed of more than 60% water, so it is vital if our bodies are to function properly. Drinking water helps us feel more energized and helps with overall organ function. Moreover, drinking sufficient water helps our skin to look healthy and refreshed. These are just a few reasons why water is so good for you.
As a general rule, the average adult should drink water whenever they feel thirsty, and the amount you need will depend on what you are doing and whether you are inside or out in the sun. However, if you do find yourself forgetting to drink enough and are regularly very thirsty, here are a few tips to stay hydrated:
Fruit infused water
Don’t like the taste of water? You can place fruits such as lemons, cucumbers or even strawberries in your water. By doing so, you will reap the benefits of staying hydrated and have a nice flavor to your water.
Lemon water is a great source of vitamin C and aids digestion. The benefits of infusing lemon in your water are great, all while keeping you hydrated.
A great start to the day
When you wake up, your body is dehydrated from the night before. This is an excellent time to replenish your body. Aim to have at least 2 cups of water first thing in the morning. Better yet, have warm water with a slice of lemon in it. This is a good way to kickstart your metabolism for the day.
Incorporate water dense foods in your diet
A great way to get more water into your diet is through your food intake. Foods like cucumbers, apples, tomatoes, watermelon and oranges are composed of more than 80% water. By incorporating these foods in your diet, you can stay hydrated throughout the day.
Set a timer on your phone
Do you get lost in work, exercise or socializing? If you often find yourself very thirsty, then set a reminder on your phone. This way you will be prompted every hour or two to have a glass of water.
Urine Test
A simple way to understand if you are dehydrated is from your urine. If your urine is a light yellow color, you are hydrated. However, a darker yellow color, indicates a level of dehydration. Please be mindful that if your urine is transparent, this could indicate a sign of over-hydration.
With these tips and tricks, slowly and gradually you will be well on your way to staying hydrated!
