What is the big deal with water?
Water is our body's vital fuel, mother nature's health drink. It's inexpensive, easily obtained and calorie-free. Yet few people follow the advice to drink eight glasses of water a day.
According to the International Bottled Water Association, Americans drink eight gallons of bottled water a year, approximately two ounces or a quarter-cup a day. Californians drink three times the national average of bottled water, taking in 24 gallons a year, or nearly a cup a day. Climate and seasons play a role in thirst as well. We tend to perspire more in the summer months, therefore, we tend to drink more water. Increasing intake of plain water makes good sense.
Water:- regulates body temperature.
- transports nutrients and oxygen throughout the body.
- carries waste products away from body cells.
- cushions joints.
- protects body organs and tissues.
Water and exercise
About 60 percent of our body weight is water. It can help us exercise longer and more efficiently. Drinking water can ward off constipation and possibly crankiness. Since it's a natural appetite suppressant, water can help us lose weight and keep it off. We all should drink water, but athletes and exercise enthusiasts should be especially careful to drink a sufficient amount. When it is hot or humid, increasing water intake is wise. Drinking fluids, particularly, water, during exercise reduces cardiovascular stress and improves performance.
After a strenuous workout, your fluids must be replaced. Otherwise, you will suffer chronic dehydration. Drink water before, during and after exercise and remember that water reduces body temperature, therefore, making the whole exercise process safer.
Bladder health
Please note that water helps prevent urinary tract infections, both for men and for women. Dark-colored urine often suggest you aren't drinking enough water. Get into the habit by starting with a glass of water with every meal, then work in a cup between meals. Your body's daily water loss, on the average, amounts to about 2 1/2 quarts -- that's about ten cups!
How much?
On average, you need around half a cup of water for every 100 calories you expend. So if you need 2,000 calories a day to keep that body moving, you should be gulping about 10 cups of water daily. If it's a hot or humid day or if you are physically active or exercising vigorously, you will need more. Many of us need a minimum of about eight to 12 cups a day. Water can come from fruit. Fruit can contain up to 95 percent water: A slice of watermelon has the highest water content. Milk and juices are another great water source. Not all beverages are created equal. Caffeinated coffee, tea, soda, and alcohol act as diuretics -- causing you to lose fluid.
Plan of action!- Start today.
Don't wait any longer make the commitment toĘ drink more water today. Challenge yourself.
- Save money.
Depending on how much you spend on pop and fruit juices (not 100% juice) you could save enough money per year to buy a new wardrobe.
- Use a straw.
Using a straw can help you to get more water down than gulping.
- Keep it everywhere.
Many of us spend plenty of time in our car. Make sure you have a supply in your car. You can even carry around a cooler with ice to keep it cool in the summer.
- Drink water when you are hungry.
Start to differentiate between hunger and thirst. Try when you think you have a hunger pang, drinking a glass of water. Then see how long before the hunger pang returns. If it is an hour or so, you may just be thirsty.
- Water and bathroom breaks.
Our society is becoming quite sedentary. Use water breaks and bathroom breaks to get additional movement.
- Freeze your water overnight.
Fill your water bottle at night and take it with you the next day for a refreshing swig almost anytime during the day.
- Make it count.
Try drinking two glasses of water upon rising in the morning, two glasses about one hour before lunch, two glasses about one hour before dinner and two glasses about one hour before bedtime. This will give you the 8 glasses you need in one day.
- Bigger is better.
Get a 1 quart sipper container. Fill it and drink it twice every day!
- Drink water for energy.
Water will actually help you stay alert.
- Think about clear skin.
Keeping your body hydrated will help your skin look and feel smoother.
Girls, get going!
