Let’s get one thing straight, drinking water is super important year-round. The benefits of being properly hydrated are numerous, including:
- Improving skin elasticity
- Regulating body temperature
- Improving the process of flushing out toxins
- Preserving kidney function
- Promoting healthy digestion
- Oxygenating the blood
- Joint lubrication
Our bodies are comprised of more than 60 percent water, so we NEED to be properly hydrated in order to thrive. Add in the Texas heat, and you could be at some serious long-term risk if you’re not getting enough fluids.
There are many reasons we don’t drink enough water. We don’t want to be constantly running to the bathroom. We get busy with work and forget to take a break to sip on water. We leave to run errands without bringing a reusable water bottle along.
The risks of not getting enough water are that your body learns to adapt without it. When this happens, we can lose our thirst cues because our bodies learn to function dehydrated. This doesn’t mean it’s functioning WELL, but it can mask the symptoms of dehydration, at least temporarily.
As athletes, we need our bodies to function at optimum levels. Today we are going to outline four ways you can increase your water intake so that you can stay hydrated and thriving throughout the summer months!
BRING YOUR WATER BOTTLE WITH YOU EVERYWHERE. One of the reasons we are so chronically dehydrated is that we are ALWAYS on the go. We rush around with very little time in between. If we leave our water bottle behind, we are less likely to hydrate. Curb this by bringing a reusable water bottle with you everywhere you go. It’s easy to refill, and allows you to be able to consistently sip water throughout the day.
EAT SOME FRESH FRUIT. Did you know that fresh fruit contains water and can actually count towards your daily hydration goal? Fresh fruit, especially in the warm summer months, can help you get some extra water in. Apples and berries are particularly water-rich, so grab a serving or two each day and you’ll make great progress on staying more hydrated!
MAKE WATER FUN AGAIN. For some, water is just boring. We get it! However there are plenty of ways you can flavor your water, carbonate it and turn it into a beverage you enjoy! A few of our favorite suggestions are to fill a pitcher of water with herbs and/or fresh fruit, and let it sit in the fridge overnight. In the morning, you’ll have wonderfully infused water that tastes way more flavorful than regular water! Some of our favorites include watermelon + mint, pear + rosemary, blueberry + basil and strawberry + thyme. Level up with a beverage carbonator to give it some fizz. Why not add a little fruit-only juice? We like pomegranate and cranberry. Add about 2-ounces for every 8-ounces of water, and you’ll get a little extra flavor (and antioxidants!)
HAVE A GLASS OF WATER WAITING FOR YOU ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND EACH MORNING. Ever heard the term failure to plan is planning to fail? This also applies to water intake. One way to press the easy button is to pour yourself a glass of water right before bed and keep it on your nightstand overnight. When you wake up in the morning, drink that glass of water immediately. After you do this for a few weeks, it will become a habit. This is a simple way to get an extra 16-ounces of water in at the beginning of each day.
We would like to thank Territory Foods for providing this content.
