Are you drinking enough water?💦

Most people underestimate the amount of water their body needs and how much water they are actually consuming on a daily basis.

Hydration or drinking enough water every day is as essential to your health as balanced nutrition. In addition to staying hydrated i.e. replacing water lost from your body through sweating, breathing, and going to the loo – drinking enough water has several other health benefits.

1. Helps you sleep better

2. Improves your cognitive performance

3. Lubricates your joints and helps build endurance

4. Helps keep your body temperature stable

5. Aids with weight loss goals. Turns out - a lot of times when we think our body is hungry, it’s actually thirsty!

6. Last but not least - the human body is made up of 50-70% water so it’s a no-brainer that keeping it hydrated is fundamental for optimal health!

This brings us to the next most important question – how much water should you be drinking in a day?

A range of factors such as your diet, physical activity levels, the weather, and how much you sweat can affect your optimal water intake. However, research suggests that drinking at least 2-3 liters of water (approximately 8 glasses) per day is a healthy start. So the next time you find yourself reaching for a fizzy drink or cup of tea – pour yourself a glass of water instead!

How do I know if I am drinking enough water?

Your body has several ways of telling you if you are not hydrating it enough. Look out for the following signs:

• Dark urine

• Not going to the loo enough

• Constantly feeling thirsty

• Headaches

• Trouble concentrating

Here are a few simple tips that can help you boost your water intake instantly

1. Keep a water bottle at hand: Invest in a light easy-to-carry water bottle that you can keep with you at all times. Having water in sight and accessible increases the likelihood of you actually drinking it.

2. Start your day with a few glasses of water: Hydrate before you caffeinate! Gulping down 2-3 glasses of water before breakfast increases the chances of hitting your daily water goal.

3. Start every meal with a glass of water: This prevents overestimating your hunger cues and allows you to eat in moderation while also crushing your daily hydration goals. Double win!

4. Track your water intake on the AimFit app: Make sure to mark your water intake on the AimFit app. It only takes a second but does wonders in keeping yourself accountable.
   

What if you don’t like water?

Photo by Vitalii Pavlyshynets on Unsplash

If you are someone who doesn’t enjoy drinking plain water, there are plenty of other ways you can hydrate yourself. Here are a few options with high water content:

• Cucumbers, lettuce, cabbage, cauliflower, bell peppers, and tomatoes contain over 90 percent water

• Watermelon, and strawberries all contain over 90 percent water

• Broths and soups contain over 90 percent water

• Skim milk contains over 90 percent water

• Plain yogurt has over 80 percent water

• Grapefruit has over 80 percent water

• Cottage cheese has 80 percent water

Lastly, remember all good habits take time. So set small daily goals for yourself and build them up over time to see long-lasting, sustainable changes in your health.