Benefits of Drinking Water

Why should you care about drinking more water in the first place? Well, water is the most important nutrient. It’s vital for every function your body performs.

Without water, you would die in a few days. Seems like a good reason to get more, right?

Drinking enough water is critical for your general health. But water intake also has benefits related to your physical fitness.

  1. Increase performance
  2. Reduce calorie intake
  3. Recover faster

 

How Much Water Should You Drink a Day?

Rule of Thumb

A good rule is 0.5 ounces per pound of body weight. For example, if you weigh 150 lbs you would drink 75 ounces per day.

In addition, you should increase your water intake to 0.75 ounces per pound when you’re more active.

This might be a lot more water than you’re used to drinking. If so, try gradually increasing your water intake until you reach your target. Also, a gradual increase gives your body time to adjust so you’re not running to the bathroom every 5 minutes!

Still, it may be hard for you to drink enough water each day. For that reason, here’s a list of 6 tips to make it easier to drink more water.

6 Tips on How to Drink More Water

  1. Drink a glass upon waking
    The best time to drink water is first thing in the morning. You’re already thirsty so it’s the perfect time to hydrate and get a head start on the rest of the day.
  2. Keep water nearby
    Fill up a bottle of water at the start of the day. Then keep it near you all day long and refill it as soon as it’s empty. You’ll find yourself drinking more water just because it’s accessible!
  1. Get a bigger bottle or a bottle that tracks your progress
    A bigger bottle makes you drink more without thinking because you’ll feel the need to finish it. Another benefit is you don’t have to refill it as often.Better yet, get a bottle or a gallon that will track where you need to be for the day.  Example, if a gallon is your goal. Put lines with the time of day where you need to be so you can finish it for the day.
  1. Add a little flavor
    Some people struggle to drink water because it tastes bland. But don’t let that stop you. Try adding pieces of fruit or a few drops of lemon juice. Stay clear of the chemical filled water drops and go for fruit instead!
  1. Drink before you’re thirsty
    By the time you’re thirsty your body has already lost some water. Maybe not to the level of dehydration, but enough to hinder your performance. So be proactive and drink continuously throughout the day even if you’re not thirsty.
  1. Swap out other drinks
    Lastly, I encourage you to ditch the soda. You’ll be healthier with that one choice. Then cut back on other drinks like coffee, juices, and other sugary drinks.

 

Water is your best friend!

Drink up!

Kim