Did you know that water is the most important nutrient in the body?
Water is the most common nutritional deficiency in the American population and most of us don’t even realize how chronically dehydrated we really are!
Early Signs of Dehydration include:
Fatigue
Anxiety
Irritability
Depression
Cravings
Cramps
Headaches
By simply drinking more water, you can alleviate many common health gripes and concerns.
Health Benefits of Keeping Hydrated:
Increases Energy and Relieves Fatigue
Maintains Regularity
Promotes Healthy Weight
Flushes Toxins
Regulates Body Temperature
Improves Skin Complexion
Prevents Cramps & Sprains
Empowers the Body’s Natural Healing Process
Makes you want to reach for a glass of water right about now, right?
So, how much water do I need to drink?
I you drink half your body weight in ounces of water per day. For example, if you weigh 160 lbs, you should strive to drink 80 oz of water every day.
Now, most of us also consume dehydrating diuretic beverages like coffee, alcohol, fruit juice, caffeinated tea, and soda. To help rehydrate yourself, the general rule is, if you drink 8 oz of any diuretic beverage, add 12‐16 oz of water on top of your daily intake.
However, please keep in mind that you can drink too much water! As with everything, it’s all about balance. Too much of a good thing isn’t necessarily better. Do not drink more than 100 oz of water in a day.
Tips for Drinking More Water & Staying Hydrated:
Drink a glass of water upon waking. If you start the day dehydrated, you might have low energy, brain fog, and feel less mentally able to focus on tasks.
To make it even better, drink warm lemon water first thing. Add a ½ freshly squeezed lemon into a mug and add warm water from the tap or kettle. Warming the water is especially helpful as it soothes your senses and relaxes your body.
If you drink coffee first thing, you're starting your day dehydrated. You can still drink your coffee, but start your morning with a mug of warm lemon water. It helps hydrate and aids with liver and lymph detox.
Designate a special water bottle that you keep at home and/or work so you can keep track of your water intake.
Set an alert on your phone to remind you to drink water.
When you feel hungry, or a craving come on, drink a glass of water first. Sometimes that craving, or feeling of hunger, is your body communicating that it’s thirsty.
Sip water throughout the day, as opposed to only drinking when you are dying of thirst or chugging to get in your daily water intake. Your body will absorb more water over the course of the day, rather than at one shot!
Drink a glass of water about 30 minutes before you eat a meal. This can help curb over indulging.
Pro Tip: Add a pinch of high quality sea salt or Himalayan pink salt to your water. This adds trace minerals and helps balance electrolytes (magnesium, calcium, potassium and sodium) which water depends on for proper absorption.
Still need inspiration to drink more water? Let’s make water sexy and infuse it!
There’s really no exact recipe or measurements. Basically add fruit, spices and/or veggies to a pitcher or glass. Lightly muddle to release juices. Then add your filtered water and enjoy! You can also do this the night before and keep in the fridge for a more intense flavor.
Try adding some of your favorites:
Herbs & Spices: Ginger ~ Mint ~ Lavender ~ Thyme ~ Cinnamon ~ Basil ~ Rose Petals ~ Vanilla ~ Parsley ~ Cilantro ~ Lemongrass ~ and more!
Fruit & Vegetables: Cucumber ~ Lemon ~ Lime ~ Watermelon ~ Berries ~ Pineapple ~ Kiwi ~ Melon ~ Celery ~ Fennel ~ and more!
I want you to keep hydrated and feeling good! I hope these tips help make water more appealing to you. Remember, hydrated people are sexy people!
Love,
Alyssa
August 6, 2019