Tips for Staying Hydrated

Contributing Author: Gentle Heron

This post is especially timely given the very high temperatures seen in much of Europe lately and in other parts of the world this year.

Water makes up 60% of your body weight. You lose water through sweating, breathing, urination and bowel movements. In warm weather or cool, getting adequate hydration is critical to maintaining your body’s store of this essential fluid. Here are some tips for improving your hydration:

• Start the day right. Drink a glass of water first thing each morning.
• Nutritionists recommend adults drink 7-9 cups of fluids daily. In addition to plain water, unsweetened coffee or tea, skim milk, broth-based soups and 100% fruit or vegetable juices count. Do you know how many cups you drink? Keep a diary!
• Another way to keep track of your intake is to measure out 8 cups (2 quarts, or 1/2 gallon) of water in the morning, and drink it throughout the day.
• Improve plain water. Don’t be boring. Add sliced fresh fruit to your glass (or to a cup of hot tea). Freeze fruit slices and use instead of ice cubes.
• Water-filled low-calorie snacks are good. Try celery sticks, sliced cucumbers, and strips of colorful bell peppers.
• Read the labels of beverages you purchase. Even clear-colored specialty waters may contain artificial ingredients, added calories, or caffeine that you do not want in your diet.
• Don’t confuse hunger with thirst. If you feel hungry, especially if you have eaten in the previous couple of hours, drink a glass of water, then wait 10 minutes. You probably weren’t hungry after all, just confusing the signals for thirst and hunger.
• You will need more water if you are overheated, working hard or exercising heavily.
• You will also need more water if you are older, because your ability to detect thirst decreases as you age.

Image Credit: Pixabay