When over 60% of your body is composed of water, you have to stay hydrated at all times. Dehydration causes fatigue, dry skin, chronic headaches, and fevers. Worse yet, consistent dehydration increases the risk of kidney failure, seizures, and urinary tract infections.
Don’t wait until dehydration depletes your energy and immune system. If you’re frequently dehydrated, you desperately need tips for staying hydrated. Turn over a new leaf and start replenishing your body daily with water.
Table of Contents
- 1 How much should you drink?
- 2 Get a Water Bottle You Actually Like
- 3 Eat Foods Packed with Water
- 4 Remember These Tips for Staying Hydrated
- 5 Flavor Your Water
- 6 Set Reminders and Alerts
- 7 Install a Water Filter
- 8 Use a Water Pitcher
- 9 Drink Water Before Eating and Snacking
- 10 Remember These Tips for Staying Hydrated
How much should you drink?
Health experts recommend that you drink at least 8 cups of water per day. That’s almost a half-gallon of water daily. This doesn’t mean you have to chug an entire half-gallon of water in one sitting.
There are several ways to get your water intake without pouring out 8 glasses of water. Let’s hydrate!
Get a Water Bottle You Actually Like
Do you always forget to bring your water bottle to the gym or work? It’s time to buy a water bottle you like. You don’t have to bring plastic or leaky water bottles.
Don’t underestimate the benefits of a high-quality water bottle. They’re worth the investment. Yes, they’re eco-friendly, but so much more.
There are water bottles that keep your water ice-cold for longer. Likewise, the same bottle keeps your tea piping hot for hours. You can also find bottles with special attachments for backpacks and lanyards.
You have several options to consider. There are insulated, non-insulated bottles, steel tumblers, camping canteens, and even collapsible bottles with reusable cups. Compare different ones to find the perfect bottle for you.
The goal is to pick a bottle you like and want to use every day.
Eat Foods Packed with Water
Are you worried about getting your recommended half-gallon of water? Eat hydrating foods packed with water! You’ll be surprised by how many of your favorite foods are natural water sources.
Fruits and vegetables have the most water naturally. Crisp, raw cucumbers are packed with 96% water. Tomatoes come in a close second with 95%, and healthy spinach is composed of 93% water.
Here are fruits and veggies rich in water:
- Brussels sprouts
- Crisp apples
- Mushrooms
- Watermelon
- Iceberg lettuce
- Broccoli
- Oranges
- Blueberries
All these healthy foods range from 88% to 92% water. Try your best to eat some of these foods every day. You could make a delicious fruit salad or veggie platter.
If you’re a meat and potatoes person, stick to lean beef. This meat has the highest water content. Lean meat doesn’t lose that much water after it’s cooked, either.
Remember These Tips for Staying Hydrated
Don’t let the heath consequences of dehydration impact your life, career, and well-being. Your daily water intake matters! Follow these tips for staying hydrated, so you can perform at your best every day.
You can never have enough health hacks in your life. Bookmark this blog to stay updated on the latest tips in health and wellness.
Flavor Your Water
Are you just not into the taste of water? You’re not the only one. Flavored water wouldn’t be a thing if everyone loved the taste of plain water.
Fortunately, there are several types of water flavorings. You could add a packet of low-calorie lemonade powder to give your daily water a citrus kick. There are also raspberry, blueberry, and mixed berry flavors.
Fruit-flavored sparkling water is another option. Choose from sparkling watermelon, peach, strawberry, blueberry, mango, and fizzy lemonade.
You can always flavor your water naturally, too. Throw a handful of frozen strawberries, peaches, or blackberries into your ice water. Try to avoid sugary drinks, as high blood sugar can cause dehydration.
Tea is another way to enjoy water. Brew a cup of your favorite tea to hydrate after work and before bed. You also get the added benefits of herbal tea, like stress reduction and lower blood pressure.
Here are more hydrating beverages to put on your shopping list:
- Coconut water
- Plant-based milks
- Natural juice
- Smoothies with real fruit
- Electrolyte-enriched beverages
Add these beverages to your water-rich diet to rehydrate your body and mind. They’re also great for gym days, hikes, and outdoor activities with friends.
Set Reminders and Alerts
When you’re always on the go, time slips by fast. Sometimes you need a push to remember the important things in life, like drinking enough water.
Set smartphone alerts to remind you that it’s time to drink water. There are also self-care apps that periodically remind users to takes breaks, stretch, eat, and drink water.
Not an app person? Leave sticky notes on the bathroom mirror or refrigerator. Leave a note reminding yourself to bring your water bottle. Remember, every little drop counts.
Install a Water Filter
Do you enjoy the taste of filtered water over regular tap water? Install a water filter in your kitchen to encourage yourself to drink more water. You can have one conveniently installed right next to your kitchen sink faucet.
There are freestanding water filters that sit on your kitchen counter. Another option is water filter pitchers that filter out deposits as you pour. You can even buy refrigerators with built-in water filters.
There are different types of filters for drinking water. Research which filters cater to your needs. You have bacterial, copper, distiller, and even ultraviolet water filters that prevent waterborne illnesses.
Use a Water Pitcher
Make a habit out of drinking water at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Keep a pitcher full of refreshing water at the kitchen or dining room table. Bring a pitcher into your office, so you can drink more water at work.
Add a few slices of lemon to your water pitcher, so it tastes more refreshing. Get in the habit of drinking water over other tempting beverages, like sodas and coffee.
Drink Water Before Eating and Snacking
Do you snack throughout the day? You may be confusing dehydration for hunger. Before you go for the candy bar, reach for a glass of water instead.
You should get in the habit of drinking water before eating, anyway. Water helps absorb and digest food better. You also overeat less when you drink water before meals.
Remember These Tips for Staying Hydrated
Don’t let the heath consequences of dehydration impact your life, career, and well-being. Your daily water intake matters! Follow these tips for staying hydrated, so you can perform at your best every day.
You can never have enough health hacks in your life. Bookmark this blog to stay updated on the latest tips in health and wellness.
