MOST people know it’s important to drink more water but just can’t seem to drink as much as they would like – so I thought I’d help you with a few tips on how to make it a habit. But first let’s remind ourselves exactly why we should drink more.
Many people underestimate the importance of hydration when it comes to having a healthier mind and body – and of course there’s also the benefit of fat loss.
If you drink more water it’s one of the easiest steps you can take for a healthier body and mind. But it’s surprising how many people still get dehydrated.
Water makes up almost two thirds of our body and it plays a vital role in everything from regulating body temperature to keeping our skin healthy. It can also help reduce injuries when you’re increasing your movement because water helps to keep your joints lubricated.
When it comes to fat loss, hydration aids metabolism, so keeping your body well hydrated is so important in helping it to burn fat.
When you’re drinking the correct amount of water (see below), some of the key benefits include:
- healthier skin
- healthier teeth and bones
- healthier joints
- improved digestion
- reduced fatigue
- increased fat metabolism
Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more water
Instead of waiting until you’re desperate and knocking back a whole bottle at a time, aim to drink water consistently throughout the day from as soon as you wake up in the morning. I carry a water bottle with me all the time and it’s become a habit now. Water is constantly on my desk and there’s always in a bottle in my bag.
The body loses water through breathing, sweating and digestion, which is why it’s important to rehydrate by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water.
Vegetables that contain more than 90 per cent water include cauliflower, broccoli, red cabbage, peppers, aubergine and spinach. Carrots are 87 per cent water and green peas and white potatoes are 79 per cent water.
Your body uses water in all its cells, organs and tissues to help regulate its temperature and maintain other bodily functions.
So how much more water should I drink each day?
The amount of water you should drink depends on a few things like whether you live in a hot or cold climate, your age, your body type (slim, overweight, muscular, flabby) and also how active you are.
But as a general rule between two and four litres a day is what’s recommended by doctors. I can hear you say right now, “wow that’s loads – I don’t drink anywhere near that amount!” – and you’re right. Most people don’t even drink one litre a day!
Let’s do something about this right now! Here’s some tips on how to build a habit and drink more water.
- Make water more pleasurable to drink throughout the day; try adding some fresh mint for flavour. You can buy infusion bottles really cheaply and they work brilliantly. Or add pieces of fruit to tap water as I’ve done in the photo above.
- Use a water app! These are fabulous and there’s loads to choose from. One of these can be your trigger – which is what starts every habit.
- If you’re a member of our Slimpod Club community, join in the water challenge which will be starting today! It’s always great to do things as a group!
Do drop me a comment below and let me know if you drink enough water already or if you really need to get a good water habit going!
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