We all know water is a nutrient essential for life. The average human body is composed of 50-60% water. Science tells us that mental performance and physical ability become impaired just prior to one feeling thirsty. The human body needs adequate water intake to perform at its best. The simple fact is many of us do not consume enough water. The Institute of Medicine has determined that the adequate intake of water per day is 9 cups for women and 13 cups for men. I have been working to overcome this deficit in my own diet, but it is not always easy. Sources state that any liquid will help hydrate the body; however, water is the best choice since it's calorie free. Who doesn't love "calorie free" and healthy for you? I am all about a good, cold glass of sweet tea. If I did the "any fluid" method, I would end up drinking my calories for the day! Also, if you love caffeinated beverages, you need to remember that liquids with caffeine will dehydrate the body. Our goal is hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Your body and skin will thank you for it.
Many of us have a hard time drinking our daily amount of water during the summer... and it's hot! In cooler months, it's easier fall behind on daily water intake. With fall quickly approaching, it is important to have a plan for increasing your water intake. Sorry friends....pumpkin spiced lattes do not count as water intake! Sad, but true! Let's take a look at 5 simple tips which helped me increase my daily water consumption.
1. Drink a full glass of water as soon as you get up.
That's right, before you take a single sip of that aromatic coffee brewing in the kitchen, refresh your body with a glass of water. Go ahead and gulp it down. Your body has been without fluid all night and is at its most dehydrated state upon waking. I keep a full glass of water beside my bed and when my feet hit the floor in the morning, I drink it down.
2. Drink 8 ounces prior to each meal and 8 ounces after each meal.
Water is a natural diuretic and essential element to aide in digestion. Your body will tell you when you have not consumed enough water. Simply put, urine is darker and solid waste is harder when the body is not hydrated. An added bonus of drinking a glass of water before a meal is that it helps fill you up!
3. Drink a cup of water after each trip to the potty.
You just removed fluid from your body, so replace it with a cup or more of water. I have found this to be an extremely easy way to add water to my diet.
4. Drink from a pretty glass.
Water always tastes better in a pretty glass and with a cute straw. Visual appeal has long played an important role in food consumption. Why not the same with a beverage? I love getting out a favorite beverage container, filling it with water, and heading outside to read. Before you know it, I have enjoyed a chapter or two and my glass is empty. By the way, I highly recommend the book pictured above. Twelve Extraordinary Women (How God Shaped Women of the Bible and What He Wants to Do with You) by John MacArthur. He leads you through a wonderful journey into the lives of some of the Bible's most faithful women. It has been a fascinating and inspirational journey!
5. Add sliced fruit to your water.
Sliced fruit adds a delicious, natural flavor to water. It is also visually appealing and good for your body. Skip the water flavoring packets sold at the grocery store. They are packed with artificial flavors and chemicals. Who needs more artificial ingredients and chemicals in their body?
In the last month, I have been committed to drinking more water. I have lost 7 pounds by skipping the occasional glass of sweet tea and drinking more water. When I forget to drink my daily allotment, my weight is up. There is obviously an important connection between water and the body. I also feel so much better substituting pure, refreshing water for diet drinks and sweet tea. As with any health issues, always consult your physician before altering your daily diet. If you are healthy, go ahead and drink up! It's good for you! See you at the water fountain!
1. Drink a full glass of water as soon as you get up.
That's right, before you take a single sip of that aromatic coffee brewing in the kitchen, refresh your body with a glass of water. Go ahead and gulp it down. Your body has been without fluid all night and is at its most dehydrated state upon waking. I keep a full glass of water beside my bed and when my feet hit the floor in the morning, I drink it down.
Water is a natural diuretic and essential element to aide in digestion. Your body will tell you when you have not consumed enough water. Simply put, urine is darker and solid waste is harder when the body is not hydrated. An added bonus of drinking a glass of water before a meal is that it helps fill you up!
3. Drink a cup of water after each trip to the potty.
You just removed fluid from your body, so replace it with a cup or more of water. I have found this to be an extremely easy way to add water to my diet.
4. Drink from a pretty glass.
Water always tastes better in a pretty glass and with a cute straw. Visual appeal has long played an important role in food consumption. Why not the same with a beverage? I love getting out a favorite beverage container, filling it with water, and heading outside to read. Before you know it, I have enjoyed a chapter or two and my glass is empty. By the way, I highly recommend the book pictured above. Twelve Extraordinary Women (How God Shaped Women of the Bible and What He Wants to Do with You) by John MacArthur. He leads you through a wonderful journey into the lives of some of the Bible's most faithful women. It has been a fascinating and inspirational journey!
5. Add sliced fruit to your water.
Sliced fruit adds a delicious, natural flavor to water. It is also visually appealing and good for your body. Skip the water flavoring packets sold at the grocery store. They are packed with artificial flavors and chemicals. Who needs more artificial ingredients and chemicals in their body?
Blessings from Lynda at Still Woods Farmhouse
Please leave me a comment. I love to hear your thoughts!
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These are great ideas for drinking more water. I have really had a hard time with that, staying dehydrated!
ReplyDeleteHI Elizabeth. I hope these tips can help you change that around! Drink up!!
DeleteBlessings from Lynda at Still Woods Farmhouse
HI Elizabeth. I hope these tips can help you change that around! Drink up!!
DeleteBlessings from Lynda at Still Woods Farmhouse
I'm definitely guilty of not drinking enough water. I do enjoy a slice of lemon in my water though. It's nice to know that it's proven to lower your weight if you drink more. it makes sense since it flushes your body out.
ReplyDeleteHi Kelly! I wasn't so sure about additional water helping with weight loss, until it worked for me. In our office, they often have weight loss competitions One of the biggest losers always said that she increases her water intake. It obviously works! I like lemon in my water too. This week my fruit of choice has been raspberries! Yummy!
DeleteBlessings from Lynda at Still Woods Farmhouse
Such a good reminder! I try to drink water with my meals, but I drink way too much Diet Coke. Just gotta get in the habit of grabbing water instead!! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
I think I can say that I have officially kicked my diet drink habit! I was studying for a national board exam in counseling over 15 years ago and my major professor told me to cut out the diet coke. She was a health fanatic and was always preaching the harmful effects of diet drinks on the brain and body. I did what she said and within a couple of weeks, I could tell a dramatic difference in my ability to retain the massive amount of information I was required to recall. That made a major impact on my decision to boycott diet drinks. I do have to tell you Jann that I have been known to cheat when I eat pizza! Pizza just tastes better with a cold diet soda! Keep up your water habit!!
DeleteBlessings from Lynda at Still Woods Farmhouse
Hi Lynda,
ReplyDeleteYour post is an important one because everyone needs to drink lots of water. I drink eight to ten glasses of water a day and have been doing so for many, many years. I started my water regimen because of health reasons and now it is just part of my routine. I never drink soda but I do drink my tea and coffee. It always amazes me how thirsty I get when I don't get my daily quota. Thanks for joining me for tea and enjoy the rest of your week.
Blessings,
Sandi
Hi Sandi,
DeleteEven though I have not been committed to my water regiment as long as you, I have noticed the same thing. When I don't drink enough during the day, I find that I am so thirsty. I'm glad my body is reminding me to do the right thing! Thank you for dropping by and have a wonderful week! Fall is coming!!
Blessings from Lynda at Still Woods Farmhouse
I have been drinking more water and it does help to get the pounds off. Thanks for sharing at my party.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Linda
My co-worker shared the weight loss/water concept with me years ago. I wish I would have listened then! I have come to enjoy my water and love the added benefit of weight loss...plus I feel so much better! I always enjoy sharing at Coastal Charm!
DeleteBlessings from Lynda at Still Woods Farmhouse