look, we know hydration is important

but did you know that dehydration can lead to a variety of undesirable affects such as headaches, fatigue, nausea and increased heart rate?

or that just a single pound of body weight loss via sweat results in a 2-3% decrease in athletic performance?

proper hydration allows for quicker recovery after physical activity, while optimizing performance and minimizing the risk of injuries and cramps. and for my diabetics, drinking water may help to lower blood sugar levels by getting rid of excess glucose in the body via urine.

staying hydrated is one of the best things that you can do for your body and health on a daily basis, as our bodies are largely composed of water.

so ….. how do we hydrate effectively?

a rough estimate for adequate hydration is to drink half of your body weight in ounces of h2o each day. so if you weigh 160 pounds, that would be 80oz of water. (160/2 = 80)

you could strictly adhere to your goal water intake strictly by drinking water, but i understand that not everyone enjoys drinking lots of water

this is why it is also important to understand that water is not the only way to hydrate. there are other foods and beverages with high water contents that contribute to your hydration status.

these may include

• cucumbers

• watermelon

• milk

• berries

• orange juice

• coffee ( no, contrary to popular belief - coffee is NOT dehydrating )

• & lettuce

whether you decide to drink you water or eat your water, show your body and mind some love and stay hydrated !!!