Were you decadent over the holidays? Did you overindulge in cocktails, cookies, and couch potato-ism? I sure hope so! We all need to kick back now and then and just enjoy ourselves without feeling guilty. But now that vay-kay is over, you may be trying to regain a healthier, more balanced lifestyle-or just fit into your jeans again. Either way, drinking plenty of water is a good idea.
Water plays an essential role in the way your body functions: it flushes out toxins, carries nutrients to cells, and keeps ear, nose, and throat passages moist-that’s especially important in keeping away colds during winter. Of course, keeping your body well hydrated has some nice cosmetic effects, too, including shiny hair, clear skin, and weight loss; a recent study done at Virginia Tech found that drinking 16 ounces of water before each meal helped dieters shed pounds at a faster rate than those who didn’t drink.
So, how much water should you drink? According to the Mayo Clinic, following the “8 8-ounce glasses a day” rule is a safe bet. As our bodies age, we are less able to sense dehydration and send thirst signals to the brain, so it’s wise to drink the daily eight glasses even if you don’t feel thirsty. And there’s no need to spend lots of money on bottled water. Instead, invest in a filter that fits onto your tap; it will taste just as good, and adds up to mere cents per glass.
Below are some easy tips to help you remember to drink up. Happy New Year to you, and here’s to a healthy start to 2011!
- First thing in the morning, drink a full glass of water. Mornings are a time when many of us feel parched, after heating systems have been blowing out hot, dry air all night.
- About 15 minutes before each meal, drink a large glass of water. You’ll find that some of the emptiness inside that feels like hunger is actually thirst, and you’ll feel satisfied with less food.
- After you exercise, make sure to replenish you body’s water. Take the time to hydrate before going on with the rest of your day.
- If your body temperature tends to be cold, leave water out at room temperature: room temperature water can be easier going down than ice cold water out of the tap or the refrigerator.
- Herbal tea counts! While caffeinated tea can be dehydrating, hot water with a little mint or lemon helps to replenish your body’s necessary fluids while keeping you warm at the same time.
- Add a spritz of something to your drinking water to make it a little more exciting: try a wedge of lemon or lime, or a drop of fruit juice.
- If your urine looks dark, drink! Urine should be colorless or slightly yellow, unless you have recently taken vitamins or medication.
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