Drinking water has to be part of my healthier habits routine — every system in your body depends on it. But I don’t like water and I never really feel thirsty. My daily fluid intake is one, maybe two, cups of tea.
Then I saw this article “Drinking three litres of water a day took ten years off my face” What?! Hand me the jug…mouth open, poor in!
The appeal of younger looking skin is what hooked me in but I had no idea that water really is a miracle potion. Drinking water helps you:
- Lose Weight – suppresses your appetite, prevents fluid retention, helps your body burn stored fat and flush toxins
- Build Muscle – increases oxygen to your muscles so they can work harder
- Be Smarter – this is the other muscle that performs better with the increased oxygen that water provides
- Keep Joints Strong – keeps your joints moisturized, like oil on rusty parts!
How much water should we be drinking? The Institute of Medicine recommends 3 litres (13 cups) of beverages for men and 2.2 litres of beverages for women (9 cups). Individual factors may affect those guidelines (such as level of physical activity) but the Mayo Clinic says you’ll know if you are drinking enough when your pee is nearly clear. Other fluids can contribute to your daily total (milk, non-carbonated juice, caffeine-free tea) but water is best especially as it’s calorie-free!
MY PLAN FOR DRINKING MORE WATER
Do you struggle to drink water? I pretty much gag on it so here’s what I’m doing:
- Starting my day with warm water and lemon (great morning detox!)
- Making “spa water” — a jug of water with citrus fruits or cucumber. I pour myself a glass and keep it at my desk and continually sip (I refill rather than be overwhelmed by one honking big bottle on my desk)
- Scheduling an afternoon break — I get up from my desk and drink vitaminwater zero (no calories and the added bonus of a small vitamin punch)
- Increasing the size of my water bottle during exercise (especially important to hydrate before, during and after exercise)
- End my dinner with a mug of warm water and peppermint or peppermint tea (a lovely digestif)
I’ve just started and it seems like I’m dashing to the loo every two seconds but I’m told your body quickly adjusts — whoops — gotta go!
