If there’s one thing that hasn’t had much controversy, or changed much, it’s on the subject of water.
How much do we really need, and are we doing ourselves harm if we don’t stay hydrated?
Nutritionists will tell us that we need to follow the 8 by 8 rule, and that holds true. Meaning, 8 ounces a glass, 8 times a day.
But don’t forget to make adjustments according to your lifestyle. If you are in the heat often or exercise, you’re going to want to drink more.
I have to say that this is something we really reinforce with our children. They have very active lifestyles, being outdoors a lot, living in Florida, and being very involved with athletics.
So we may nag, but for good reason. Here are some of those reasons:
~ Drinking water first thing in the morning is a good way to flush your system, and detox, by promoting blood circulation.
~ Staying hydrated will help prevent headaches and cramping during sport activities.
~ Water hydrates your joints and that means lubrication and a flexible body- which helps prevent injuries.
~ Water regulates body temperature.
~ Drinking water is a great substitute for any other beverage out there. Iced tea and caffeinated beverages are diuretics (dehydrating you), and sodas are full of sugar.
As for sports drinks…that’s another blog, but I’ll just say water is the only option, as these drinks contain sugar as well, not to mention contains Brominated Vegetable Oil!
~ Don’t forget the benefits of oral hygiene. There’s nothing worse than a dry mouth, eek!
~ It’s free!
~ When we drink water, we naturally curb our appetite. Often the body mistakes hunger for thirst.
~ Staying hydrated throughout the day improves our concentration.
So how much do we need? On average, the 64 oz a day rule is a good guide, especially for kids. If you are exercising, a gallon a day is not unusual. You may have heard that will flood your kidneys, however, you would have to drink about a gallon an hour to do that.
And one important fact. “Water” should be replaced with the word “fluid”. Because you can drink other fluids and still stay hydrated, you just need to be careful that you’re not drinking diuretics, and you won’t want to opt for sugar drinks over water. However, fruit, is an excellent source, especially watermelon, which contains 90% water!
Water, How Much Do We Really Need?
Almond milk with vegan protein (Shakeology) is a favorite of mine. A great post work out drink for rebuilding muscle also.
Or hey, let’s infuse our water with fruit….
As for what type of water, filtered water is safe. And try bottles, they help the environment, and it’s BPA free and tastes better.
I use Aquasana. http://www.aquasana.
And tea counts too, in the evening is lovely, just get white or green!
And don’t forget an all time favorite; fresh juicing! Fruits and vegetables!
Happy Chugging!
Working as a Fine Art Photographer, I find refuge from the life of wife and mother to 3 busy athletes. As wonderful as the technological advancements of this day & age bring, I find slowing things down invaluable. Our relationships deserve our full attention, and by attending to our own health we foster all things positive!
Lover of Ashtanga Yoga, Plant strong nourishment, and a thirst for learning. We're all in this together, Namaste!
Lover of Ashtanga Yoga, Plant strong nourishment, and a thirst for learning. We're all in this together, Namaste!
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What a great post and a topic that we’ve been discussing around our family a lot this week. My son also insists that he wants to drink “sport drinks” because they are better… and we completely disagree. We’ve been trying to explain why… one of the reasons is the dye that is in most among many other reasons. Water is the way to go for hydrating for sports in my opinion!
I’m with you on that. It’s just added sugar, and also an ingredient you will love to know about- brominated vegetable oil. Look that up 😉
I didn’t realize that it was so healthy to drink water first thing in the morning to flush out toxins. I always crave a big glass of water in the morning, but my hubby goes straight for small sips of coffee. I’m going to have to convince him to drink more water from now on!
Wonderful! He can keep his cup of coffee…but the water, in addition, would be awesome!
I have kidney stones, so I stick to a gallon a day. I don’t think I could ever drink TOO much water. The more I drink the better I look and feel!!! I love the idea of infusing different fruits into it, too.
I agree Jennifer. It kicks fatigue, and does feel great.
I was literally just thinking about this the other day – I got a glass of water and ate a piece of watermelon since I was thirsty! I’m on a never-ending quest to up my water intake.
Great! Watermelon, what a great fruit, yum!
That’s a great point! It’s 110* here right now in the summer, I probably should be drinking more!
Lots, lots, lots 😉 xx
These are such great tips to get more water. I love the idea of fruit infused water!
That’s a great one for first thing in the morning too.
I am a huge water drinker! Although, lately, I’ve been guilty of not drinking as much as I should. Those glass bottles in the last pic are pretty fab looking!
They are fantastic! It’s amazing how much plastic we can go through, and these are great for avoiding that.
Great post and being pregnant with the heat I drink about 10 glasses or more a day! Of course that means I means more trips to the bathroom but I truly need it right now.
Oh that’s great!! Wishing you a wonderful pregnancy.
We’re ALWAYS talking about how much water we need and how to drink more. We love putting fruit in our water. The kids like it too.
You could freeze grapes and dump them in there too, for when they’re done.
If I drink flavored water, I’ll drink A LOT more than just regular old water. I’m a pop drinker so I’ve got problems.
Haha, one day at a time!
We don’t do sports drinks either. Water and a cool water bottle!
Perfect!
I hate sports drinks. And on the few times my kids get them, we cut them down with water
What a great idea.
i love infusing my water. I really love adding lemons, cucumbers and mint for mine!
Cucumber and mint, yum! The best.
I think your hair looks cool straightened – like freaking Pocahontas lorik! And I love that shirt too, I wonder if they have it in H&M here in Sweden (wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t ac;y#llu&a8230t..)(I wish I had the same spirit as you when it comes to picking clothes in the morning!!!)[]