Staying Hydrated: The Hardest Easiest Thing
Most of us walk around in some state of dehydration every day, and it’s one of the main causes of low energy, headaches, dull complexion, and poor elimination.
We all know that we should be drinking more water. Hydration is key to life and health, right down to keeping the cartilage in your joints soft and ‘cushiony.’ Drinking plain old water is a simple act that will help you function at top notch, lose weight, improve your sleep, gain energy, reduce cravings, and sport glowing skin. But how much do you really need to drink? And what if you’re just not in the habit?
Calculating Your Ideal Water Intake
Take your body weight in pounds, divide by two, and that’s the number of ounces of water you should drink per day. You will want to bump up that amount when you exercise, when it’s hot and humid, and when you’re sick in order to stay optimally hydrated.
How to drink all that water?
Our Health Coaches Recommend:
- Taper up slowly. Don’t go from zero to two liters in one day; develop your new healthy habit over time.
- Drink it down slowly. Sipping=absorbing; gulping=flushing. Drinking too much too fast will simply send you dashing to the restroom.
- Find what works for you, and stick with it. There are as many ways to drink your water as there are containers to drink it from. Ask around, and shop around.
How do we do it?
Successful hydration is different for everyone, and so we asked members of the Cioffredi staff for their strategies.
KEEP IT VISIBLE
“I try to keep my water bottle near me. If it’s not in sight, I’ll forget about it.” – Zac
BUBBLY
“I like my water bubbly, and I drink three bottles every day.” – Cindy (whose husband is an engineer who makes her seltzer at home)
KEEP IT FULL
“As soon as my bottle is empty, I fill it back up.” – Anna R.
HOT WITH LEMON
“I have water before my coffee in the morning. I often drink my water hot, and with lemon.” – Bill
WITH A STRAW
“I drink more water if it’s in a bottle with a straw.” – Joy
DRINK SOCIALLY
“I ask my personal training clients, ‘Would you like to get some water with me?’” – Richie
ALL DAY
“I have a giant water bottle that’s with me all day.” – Becca
AT INTERVALS
“I like marking my water bottle with times of the day, so I have goals.” – Lauren
WITH FRUITS & VEGGIES
“I cut up fruits and veggies and put pieces in my water: lemons, oranges, strawberries, even cucumbers. It tastes better.” – Emily
COLD
“I’d rather drink it cold.” – Marissa
FROM THE TOP
“I like to start with my total amount—my-goal—in a bottle or jar, or in a pitcher, so that I can see it going down as I drink it.” – Michele
