Does the thought of getting in the recommended 8 glasses (64 ounces) of water a day make you feel a little filled to the gills? If you haven’t been drinking nearly this much, it can seem like a difficult goal to achieve. But drinking enough water is a key piece of the puzzle for weight loss, digestion, athletic performance, healthy skin, and overall good health.
So how can you up your fluid intake, without feeling like you’re floating away? Read on for some easy ways to increase your H2O.
Start Strong. One of the healthiest ways to start your day is with a big glass of water. We tend to wake up somewhat dehydrated after 6-8 hours snoozing without fluids. Our bodies are also very busy overnight building tissues and making repairs, all of which use water. Consuming a good amount early in the day not only aids in rehydration, but also makes it easier to reach your daily goal.
Drink before eating. Getting into the habit of downing a glass right before each meal or snack is a quick way to boost your daily water intake. This simple practice will help you meet almost half of your recommended water intake for the day, making it much easier to fit in the rest. Bonus: you may find yourself feeling full faster at meals, and be more satisfied with smaller portions.
Eat foods with high water content. Drinking water isn’t the only way to hydrate. Consuming foods that contain a lot of water, like fruits and veggies, soup, smoothies, cottage cheese and yogurt can also help to hydrate your body! While it’s difficult to calculate exactly how much, the water you get from these hydrating foods can make a difference.
Keep it in sight. One of the easiest ways to drink more water is to have a constant reminder. Keep a bottle on your desk, a pitcher on the kitchen counter, and carry a bottle with you when you’re on the go. Not only does this practice prompt you to drink up, but it also makes it very convenient to stay hydrated.
Set yourself up for success. Early in the day, set aside water bottles or fill up a pitcher that holds the amount of water you’re aiming to finish that day. Not only will you have your water handy, but you’ll also have a constant reminder of the amount you have left to consume by the end of the day.
Staying well hydrated is one of the most important practices for good health. If you’ve been struggling, start slowly by incorporating a few of these easy tips. Before you know it, getting in those 8 glasses a day will a breeze!
