Hi Boox Popular Magazine 2024
We need water to survive yet many of us ignore it throughout the day. Water lubricates your joints, protects your brain and other internal organs, maintains the body temperature and removes toxins from your body. When the body doesn’t have enough water, it gets dehydrated resulting in dry mouth, low blood pressure, headaches, dizziness, dry skin, fatigue, and many other symptoms. The best way to tell if you’re sufficiently hydrated is by checking the color of your urine. A dark or brown color means you’re not well hydrated and you need a gulp a few glasses of water.
For most people, drinking more water can be a boring and repetitive task. But with simple hacks and making some fun rules for yourself, it doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are some essential yet fun tips to get you started:
Drink a Glass When you Wake Up
Imagine not drinking any fluid for 8 long hours. This is essentially what you do when you sleep. When you are asleep, your body becomes dehydrated. So hydrating your body is the first thing you need to do in the morning. Many chose coffee over plain water, but it even makes you more dehydrated.
Starting your day with a big glass of water has shown to boost up metabolism. It also wakes you up and makes you alert. Dehydration has been strongly linked to decreased mental performance. For improved performance and productivity, it is important to stay adequately hydrated in the morning.
Try Infused Water
The internet is obsessed with infused waters right now. Infused water does not contain any added sugar and is as hydrating as the good old water but much tastier. And not to forget, you get to eat fruits and veggies once you’re emptied a pitcher! I do this almost every single time.
The best part about infused water is the simplicity of the ingredients involved in making it. Start by choosing what flavor you want, slice your fruits or vegetables and add to your water. The more fruits you add, the more intense the flavor will be.
Use Technology to Set Reminders
For most of us, if an activity involves using a mobile phone, it becomes much easier. There a plethora of smartphone apps available on Google Play and App Store that can help you drink more water.
Plant Nanny is one such app allows you to grow virtual plants based on your water intake levels. If you don’t meet your daily quota of water, the plants start to show the consequences and may even die after a day. It also sends frequent reminders to drink water.
These smartphone apps are an excellent way to keep children and youngsters hydrated who are glued to their phones.
Drink Water Before Meals
Another great way to consume more water is by developing a habit of drinking a glass of water before each meal. If you eat 3 meals per day, you are drinking an extra 3 glasses of water every day.
The simple rule of drinking water before meals has numerous other benefits. If you are looking to shed some weight, a glass of water before meals helps you eat less and reduces your calorie intake. Water is an appetite suppressant and it makes you feel fuller. On average, you will be reducing 75 calories per meal.
Science also suggests that drinking ice cold water boosts metabolism as the body has to work harder to warm up the water. This again helps you burn some extra calories.
Replace Sugary Drinks With Water
When it comes to weight loss, sugar is your biggest enemy. Sodas, sports drinks, energy drinks, and your favourite can of cola – they all contain high levels of sugar. A great way to drink more water and at the same time, stay on weight loss track, is to replace sugary drinks with water. Not only does it keep you hydrated, but it is also a cheap way to cut calories.
If drinking plain water sounds boring, you can try infused water and experiment with your favorite fruits, vegetables, and herbs too. I personally love the citrus flavor and keep my pitcher topped up with lemon slices.
Invest in Water Filter
Based on where you live, buying a water filter could be a necessity rather than a luxury. Tap water in most countries is safe to drink but the presence of chemicals such as chlorine affects its taste. If these chemicals are consumed in excess and over a long period, it could lead to serious health problems.
However, filtered water tastes much better and is safe to consume. Most people prefer some kind of filtration system that removes contaminants and improve the taste of water. From water filter jugs to complex purification systems, you can choose depending on the quality of water in your area and your budget. Check out the complete range of water filtration systems here.
Eat Water-Rich Foods
Eating water-rich food is another simple and sneaky way to consume more water. Add fruits and vegetables with high water content into your shopping list. Not only do these foods have high water content, but they are also packed with essential vitamins and minerals which benefit your overall health.
Lettuce: 96% water
Cucumber: 95% water
Celery: 95% water
Zucchini: 95% water
Coconut Water: 95% water
Cabbage: 92% water
Watermelon: 91% water
Cantaloupe: 90% water
Oranges: 88% water
Broth and Soups: 92% water
Eating these healthy water-rich foods especially during summer months- when the body loses water and electrolytes through sweating- can keep the body hydrated and replenish essential nutrients.
The Bottom Line
Drinking enough water in a day is a secret to healthy living. It doesn’t need to be boring. Try these simple ways to see how you perform and experiment with unique ideas to gulp down extra glasses to water.
