GET THE GLOW | 5 WAYS TO STAY HYDRATED THIS SUMMER

Everyone knows you’re supposed to drink about 8 cups of water a day, but how many of you aren’t meeting that quota?  I get it, you’re busy and that next jolt of java is your number one priority. If you’re really serious about improving your health though, the habit of hydrating needs to be at the top of your list.

Staying hydrated helps:

• Manage blood sugar levels which directly contribute to weight loss and gain,
• Combat fatigue,
• Keep your hunger signals in check,
• Ensures your organs can function properly and,
• Keeps your skin looking healthy…among about a million other things.

While 8 cups of water may be the general standard, for optimal health, you should ideally drink 0.67{f31dd2d1944685ce2ae88154a0fca4e838c1d5c4feb0a8c87e0077bbf24e5273} of your body weight in ounces every day. For example, if you weigh 130 lbs, you should drink 87 ounces a day, which works out to almost 11 cups of water.

(Your Weight in lbs) x 0.0067 = # of Ounces to Drink Per Day

To help you stay hydrated all day, everyday, here are 5 ways to ensure you meet your daily water quota 

1.  Invest in a water bottle you actually like drinking from.

I carry my white Swell bottle around like it’s my cell phone; it goes everywhere with me. I love it because it keeps my cold water cold and my hot tea hot so no matter what I’m drinking, it’s at my ideal temperature. This makes sipping at something throughout the day much more enjoyable.

Not only does having a desirable water bottle increase the likelihood you’ll keep it on hand throughout the day, it also helps you avoid purchasing bottled water to stay hydrated while you’re out and about. Bottled water usually comes in polyethylene terephthalate containers, which are generally safe but when stored in warm temperatures, the plastic may leach chemicals into the water, which can lead to potential health risks. In addition, plastic bottles are not healthy for the planet due to the fossil fuels burned to fill and distribute them.  So consider getting a glass or ceramic bottle that can be re-used and is guaranteed not to leak chemicals.

 2.  The Elastic Trick

Incorporate a tracking system, like the elastic trick, into your routine to keep you on track with your water consumption throughout the day.

Determine how many cups of water your water bottle holds and how many bottles you need to drink to reach 8 cups.  If your water bottle holds 2 cups of water you need 4 bottles to get your H2O fix. Wrap 4 elastic bands around the base of your water bottle.  Every time you finish one, move the band to the top of the bottle with the goal of having all 4 at the top by the end of the day.  It’s a simple little system that gives you a little reward as you move the elastics in the right direction. 

3. Start Gulping Right Away

Before you go to bed, fill up your water bottle and place it on your nightstand.  When you wake up, finish the entire bottle of water before you even step out of the bed.  What better way to start your day than by cleansing your system and satisfying those thirsty cells.

4. Add Some Flavour

If plain water just isn’t your jam, don’t force it. Instead, try adding lemon, mint, or frozen/fresh berries to give it some flavour.  I like my water cold so I often freeze fruit in ice cube trays with a bit of water and then add them to my bottle for the perfect hint of flavour.

If you like hot water try adding some lemon and ginger to your water to soothe digestive ailments and brighten skin.

5. Make it a Ritual

Attach drinking water to an activity you do several times a day.  For example going to the bathroom, eating or driving.  Commit to having a glass of water after you go to the bathroom, or whenever you eat something (even if it’s just a piece of fruit) or whenever you’re driving.  By attaching the action to something you’re already doing you’ll be reminding yourself throughout the day to keep on sippin’.

Increasing your intake of H2O is one of the most basic steps in looking after yourself and it can be a pretty simple one if you put the right systems in place.  You may find yourself making an extra trip or two to the bathroom the first couple of days but once your body has adapted to the extra fluids that should stop.  Instead you’ll be left with a higher functioning system, more stabilized energy levels and that glow we’re all going for.  We’d love to hear how you’re upping your water intake so please share below!