Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean we can forget about our water intake. Drinking water helps maintain the balance of our body fluids, energizes muscles, keeps skin looking good, helps our kidneys and maintains normal bowel function (yes I went there!).
So how much water do I need? Experts recommend 1-2 litres (or 6 – 8 glasses) per day – or enough fluid so that you rarely feel thirsty and your urine is colorless or light yellow.
Your challenge today is to increase your water intake if you aren’t already drinking the recommended amount. How do I drink THAT much water in a day? I hear you ask. Here are just a few ideas:
– Drink a glass of water when you first get out of bed, then a set an alarm on your phone to remind you to have a glass every 2hrs.
– Carry a 1 litre sports bottle with you to sip on during the day, making sure you drink 1-2 full bottles.
– Have a glass of water before and after each meal.
If you just can’t bear the thought of drinking tap water, try adding a twist of citrus e.g. lemon, lime or orange (currently in season), or perhaps try sparkling water.
If you don’t regularly drink a lot of water during the day you are likely to notice an increase in the number of trips to the toilet smile emoticon This does settle down as your body adjusts, but is also good for you and your kidneys. Just think of it has an opportunity to get more movement in your day!
If you have any hints or tips for drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day, feel free to share them below.
Jo