5 Reasons to Drink More Water + 5 Tips to Increase Water Intake
Growing up in N.Y.C. I can’t remember a real emphasis being placed on drinking water. Arizona Ice Teas, Snapple Apple’s and Coca Cola were a must but give me water and I might’ve thrown up! To this day I do my best to convince my mom and Wela (grandmother) to increase their water intake. It wasn’t until after college that I truly began to realize that being hydrated and drinking water was the key healthy living.
5 reasons why drinking water is a major key!
Your body is made up of 60% water. YES- 60%! According to Web MD “The functions of these bodily fluids include digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients, and maintenance of body temperature.” Without enough water many of your bodily functions will be completely out of whack causing you to feel off balance and causing preventable diseases such as obesity, dehydration, migraines, constipation, etc.
Did you know that drinking water also benefits your muscles?! Yup! Workout Junkies rejoice because drinking water energize your muscles, lubricates your joints, helps you endure pain AND allows your body to recover faster after a strenuous workout. If I’m being totally honest, I am currently SO SORE and immediately filled my water bottle to hydrate as much as possible!
If glowing, healthy skin is at the top of your must-have list, drink a gallon of water a day! Drinking water can reduce acne, oily skin and help your skin have a youthful glow. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Skin is made up of three layers — the outer layer (epidermis), the underlying skin (dermis) and the subcutaneous tissue. If the outermost layer of the epidermis doesn't contain enough water, skin will lose elasticity and feel rough.” Drinking water reduces sagging skin, balances pH levels, and increases elasticity!
Increasing your water intake can seriously advance your weight loss plan! Drinking water decreases your appetite, helps you burn more calories and studies have shown that people who drink mostly water also consume less calories.
Staying hydrated is also great for your digestion and bowels movements. Medical Daily states that, “Drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water can act as a digestive aid. Proper digestion makes minerals and nutrients more accessible to the body. Water is also necessary to help you digest soluble fiber, which helps the bowel make well-formed, soft stools that are easy to pass.” So if you’re feeling constipated, bloated or have a slow metabolism, increasing your water intake might do the trick.
5 Tips to Help Increase Water Intake
Start your day with 8-16 oz of water. It not only will increase your metabolism and move your bowels but it’s a great way to begin your day hydrated.
Calculate how many of those water bottles you need to have to reach your goal in advance. For example, if you have a 24 oz water bottle you must refill your water bottle about 6 times. PRO TIP: 128 ounces of water = 1 G of water
Purchase a LARGE water bottle to take with you on the go! Glass water bottles are recommended as they aren’t as harmful to the environment and won’t release toxic chemicals into your water.
Replace one other drink a day with water. Whether it’s your afternoon coffee or a soft drink with your meals, drink water instead! This will both decrease your caloric intake and increase your consumption of water.
Add fruits and herbs to your water to make them tastier, and to curve your sweet tooth!
PRO TIP: Avoid drinking large amounts of water an hour before bed so that you don't interrupt your sleep.
Interested in drinking more water but need a little support? Join my Facebook Group! Our 30-Day challenge this month is a water challenge.
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