Surprised? Even though water makes up more than half of your body weight, breathing, sweating and heading to the bathroom releases water throughout the day. That means knowing how and when to stay hydrated is essential to maintaining your health.
1. Take it with you
Fill up a reusable water bottle before you leave the house. Compared to bottled water, a reusable bottle is easy to buy, puts less strain on your wallet and is better for the environment.
2. Swap for pop
Sugary drinks contain extra calories. Opt for water the next time you reach into the fridge or visit your favorite diner. If you’re watching your waistline, consider this: Water may help with weight management, according to the Mayo Clinic.
3. Just add flavor
We get it. Water alone can taste a bit blah. Switch it up by adding a wedge of lemon or lime the next time you pour that tall drink of water.
4. Drink when you move
The American Council of Exercise suggests drinking 17 to 20 ounces of water two to three hours before your workout. As your T-shirt makes a weird heart-shaped stain, drink 7 to 10 ounces of fluid every 10 to 20 minutes while you sweat. Learn more about staying hydrated while you exercise (PDF).
5. Eat up
Water comes from other places than the faucet. In fact, water is found in many of our foods. Ensure you are eating enough fruits and vegetables, and enjoy other water-rich foods like broth-based soups, oatmeal and beans.
You may still be wondering, how much water do I need in a day? It varies. Age and gender, weight and health, plus environment, all can affect your daily fluid intake. Talk with your health care provider if you have questions about your fluid intake.
More about hydration
Water & Nutrition
Hydration: Why It’s So Important
Eat More, Weigh Less
Water: How much should you drink every day?