Other than making up a huge portion of our overall body composition, water also regulates our systems, flushes out toxins, and keeps our skin glowing. However, it can be hard sometimes to keep yourself hydrated. In the summer especially, when the temperatures are high, it is easier than ever to skimp on fluids without even realizing it. The result is moodiness, a parched mouth, and possibly even heatstroke. So how can you keep yourself watered, without sparing too much effort or sacrificing flavour? Read on to find out.
First, get yourself educated on how much you need to drink. The average person requires eight glasses a day, but depending on your body weight, activity level, and health, the amount you need may be more or less. A good way to know if you’re hydrated is to check the colour of your urine. If it’s light yellow, you’re doing great! Darker yellow or brown, however, means you should go fill up a cup. Another general confusion is what water can be replaced by. The answer: nothing. No other fluid is sugar and calorie free like water is, and some drinks (like coffee) can actually dehydrate you.
So now you know how much water to drink, but how can you get in the required amount if you keep forgetting to take a sip? The best thing to do is to bring a reusable water bottle with you wherever you go. This means ‘not wanting to get up’ when you’re thirsty in the office is no longer a good excuse for not drinking. If you still tend to forget, you can set a timer for yourself to take a few swigs every thirty minutes or so. Over time, it will become a habit, and a healthy one at that!
For a lot of people, the bland taste of water is uninspiring, leading to many wasted dollars and empty calories at the soda and juice machine. However, if you get a little creative, water can become just as flavourful, and without the detriments other beverages peddle. Simple things like slicing fruits to steep in your water can make a huge difference. Another option is to make a caffeine free tea to keep in a thermos instead. Since most teas have no sugar, and is low in calorie, it is an acceptable alternative to plain water.
Water is refreshing, revitalizing, and keeps you healthy. As we all know, the Yukon water is very clean and tastes great. As tempting as it may be to reach for a bottle of soda or juice, resist the urge and head for the water fountain instead. To make life more interesting, spice up your water with all of the fruits and teas you want to get the taste you desire, but not the sugar high. With a little creativity and practice, you’ll be a water drinking pro in no time.