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Water. It’s everywhere. The Earth is approximately 70% water and so is the human body. Yet, most of us don’t drink enough of it. I mean, who has time to hit the bathroom every hour, right? We’re busy, we’ve got things to do, places to go, people to see. But you really do need it. And probably more than you’re getting. Be honest.
Water is essential to:
Prevent dehydration
Improve cognitive function
Prevent constipation
Keeps skin clearer and brighter
Keep joints and tissue lubricated
and much more.
Drinking 8 eight ounce cups of water per day is a guideline that’s been around for ages. It’s a goal that’s achievable, might take some planning but definitely doable. But it’s not the one and only guideline – there really isn’t one. You cannot recommend the same measurements for all people of varying sizes and lifestyles. I follow the guideline suggested by my dietitian about drinking half my body weight in ounces. I usually go over that amount. I drink 15 eight ounce cups a day, Monday through Friday with the weekends varying. This is because I have a set routine for the weekdays (and really do need to get one for the weekend).
Some ideas to make increasing your fluid intake easier.
- Get a marked water bottle. Or four. I have one in my car that I use at the gym, one on my home desk, one in the living room and another in my work bag. I find I drink more because I like to drink to the lines.
- Set a routine. I drink one cup when I get up in the morning, along with coffee (that’s a whole other post). Four cups at the gym, four cups each in the morning and afternoon at work. Two at night with my vitamins and supplements.
- Jazz it up with flavor, add fruit, mint leaves, cucumbers. are my favorite.
- Every time you get up to use the bathroom (and you often will), drink another cup. Take the long way to the bathroom at work and get some steps in as well
- Drink water with meals, avoid the sweetened drinks. If it’s too boring, flavored seltzers are a great idea,
- Track your water. Apps work well, some people put rubber bands around their bottles for each cup. I track mine with my food on My Fitness Pal
- Drink a cup every hour while at work. Depends on your job of course, it was hard to do when I was a Labor and Delivery nurse, my timing for bathroom breaks was skill I had to learn
Start with one extra cup tomorrow. If that’s your only cup, it’s still progress. Soon it’ll be a daily part of your routine like brushing your teeth.
Drink your water!
How many cups do you think you can do on a regular basis? Show off your numbers in the comments below!
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