drink. more. water.

As I mentioned in my first blog post, I'm going to be sharing tips that you can do to improve your health. This tip is by far the cheapest and easiest thing you can do right now. Drink. More. Water.

So many people are searching high and low for organic / free range / grass fed food, the best supplements, or the most effective workout, but what their body probably needs the most is more water. If you are wanting to feel better or look better then start with water.

Why is drinking water so important? Water can help with so many things: Better digestion, clear complexion, flush toxins out of your body, help with weight loss, prevent headaches, better mood, and more energy. That should be enough to convince anyone to drink more water!

How many cups of water do you currently drink per day? If you have no idea then it's time to count for a day or two and start adding a few more cups of water into your day. I've always heard that adults should drink 8 cups of water per day. That's a good place to start if you don't drink much water, but to see all the benefits you most likely need to drink more. Some people suggest that you should take your weight and divide it in half and that's the minimum amount of water in ounces you should be drinking per day. For example, if you weigh 160 lbs. divided by 2 = 80 ounces, which is equivalent to 10 cups of water per day. Remember, that is just the bare minimum amount. So, if you are really active one day, exercise, or are in a hot environment, then you really should add at least 2 more cups of water to your minimum amount for that day.

There are many ways to drink more water. I've heard of people carrying a gallon jug of water around and drinking from that. (I guess it can double as an arm workout.) Many people bring a reusable water bottle with them everywhere they go and sip on it throughout the day. There are many trendy water bottles these days so you can be hip and hydrated at the same time! If you want to flavor your water with lemon, lime, or berries then go for it. I personally prefer the chug method. In the morning I chug a glass or two of water. After breakfast when I take my vitamins I chug another 2 glasses of water. After my workout I chug a 16 oz. water bottle or 2 glasses of water. I drive in my car a lot to pick up kids from school and drive them around so I always keep water bottles in my car. I try to use the opportunity of being stuck in the car for 30-60 minutes to chug another 16 oz. water bottle. Before or after lunch and dinner, I usually chug a glass or two of water. And that my friends is how I usually drink 10-12 cups of water a day. I could probably drink more and some days I do, but this is how I get in the bare minimum.

(Side note: I know plastic water bottles aren't cool anymore, but I figure it's worth it for me to keep using them if it helps me drink more water in the car. I hate hand washing reusable water bottles and I already wash a million water bottles for my 3 kids who take them to school every day. And don't worry friends, I recycle!)

Now I know what you are all thinking: "I will have to go to the bathroom more if I drink more water". Yes, you are correct! But it's worth it and your body will adjust and get used holding more water. It will also give you plenty of opportunities to celebrate when your pee becomes clear. Yay! I know what else you are thinking: "We are only supposed to drink water now, how boring!" I agree it would be totally boring if you only drank water. You can still enjoy your coffee, tea, or favorite drinks as long as you make sure to get in at least your minimum amount of water per day. Just try to avoid sugary drinks as much as possible. I'll blog about some of my favorite low sugar flavorful drinks another day.

Now get up and go chug a glass of water or buy a fancy new reusable water bottle. Whatever it takes to get you to drink more water!