Hey there~
This week, let's talk hydration - the hidden truths.
Okay, maybe not hidden, but there are a few things you might want to know that will make staying hydrated so much easier!
First of all, hydration really is as important as it’s touted to be.
Dehydration can lead to low energy, lack of focus, headaches, bad mood, so many things!
BUT there are a few things you might not know about hydration so let’s dive in!
You probably don’t need as much water as you think:
Have you heard, “drink a gallon a day” or “half your body weight in ounces”?
Honestly, a gallon a day is really too much. There may be minimal benefits for short periods of time but you really are just diluting your digestive juices and making your body work harder to pee it out.
Half your body weight in ounces is a good place to start but everyone is different AND we are different each day. You may need more or less one day because of the weather, how much you are exercising, etc.
PLUS, you get water from the foods you eat and other liquids, besides water. Yes, coffee, tea, fruit juices, smoothies, all count.
So what do you do?
The formula is pretty simple: You want your pee to be a light yellow. If it gets clear, you need to cut back on fluids and if it's darker yellow, you need more fluid.
Here are a few tips to help:
- Drink 8-24 ounces first thing in the morning to hydrate the body after you sleep.
- Don’t drink during a meal because you dilute your digestive juices.
- Get all your fluids in before 7pm so you don’t have to be up as much during the night.
- Choose essential oils to add to your water for more wellness benefits (they also make the water taste good so drinking more is easier). Make sure you have oils that are safe to ingest. Scroll down for ideas! Copy the graphic for yourself.
- Be careful of many water flavor drops and powders - they usually have unhealthy sweeteners or flavorings - we have a suggestion, of course! Scroll down!
