Keeping hydrated

Do you drink enough water?

We've all heard the advice to drink 8 glasses of water daily right? Your total fluid intake should be more than that. But remember that you also get some water from food, and also that you need to drink more water if you exercise, are pregnant or breast-feeding or if you're in hot, humid weather. So nobody can tell you exactly how many ounces to drink so the 8 glasses a day is just an easy advice to remember.

Tips for drinking enough water

1. Figure out what your water intake should be. And then figure out how much you are drinking now. Like anything moderation is the key. Don't overdo it.

2. Keep a glass/bottle of water by you at all times. Keep one on your nightstand and on your desk at work. Make a habit of grabbing a bottle when you leave the house.

3. When you eat, drink water. Drink a glass before and after a meal. Drinking water before a meal also helps you feel more satisfied with less food.

4. Add lemons or limes to your water. If you don't like the taste of water this might help.

5. When you craving junk food, drink a glass or 2 of water instead.

6. Drink 2 glasses of water first thing when you wake up. 

7. If you're a coffee drinker, drink a glass of water while waiting for your coffee to brew.

8. Thirsty? Drink water. Feeling thirsty is your body's first sign of dehydration.

 

Another thing to remember is if you're working out a lot you should make sure your electrolytes are in balance. Sweating makes you lose electrolytes, which affect your function of your muscles, blood acidity (pH), the water in your body and other vital processes, so when working out heavily you need to replace them.You can replace lost potassium electrolytes by eating potassium-rich foods such as bananas, beans and raisins or consume an electrolyte substitute in gel, tablet, powder pack or strip or by drinking a sports drink.