Water works

Water is essential for good health.

Every part of our bodies from our skin to our brains count on water to function. If something as simple as drinking more water can improve one of our greatest gifts, our health, then I propose we drink up!

(I'll wait here why you go get yourself some water)

I'm not going to lecture you on the benefits of drinking water because (I am not qualified to do so and) I'm kind of thirsty.

In a nutshell, here are the top motivators to get ME to drink more water.

H2O:

• Suppresses my appetite naturally and aids in digestion
• Provides me energy throughout the day (seriously!)
• Keeps my skin clear and healthy
• Cushions and lubricates bones and joints allowing me to preform better in the gym
• Transports nutrients throughout my entire body
• Helps maintain my hard-earned muscle
• Reduces water retention
• Increases my metabolism

Speaking of metabolism, I recently read 3 interesting claims about the impact water can make on this very subject:

1. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that drinking about two cups of cool water on an empty stomach resulted in a 30 percent leap in metabolism.
2. Even mild dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as much as 3% (according to an article referenced on definingedge.ca). GULP!
   
3. Researchers at the University of Utah found that subjects who drank eight to 12 eight-ounce glasses of water per day had higher metabolic rates than those who only drank half as much.
   

Just reading these three points again are good enough reasons for me to commit to drinking more water.

While the experts agree there are many benefits to drinking water their recommendations vary on how many ounces you need.They usually calculate their recommendations on a complicated equation based on the weather, your activity level, your weight, and the last four digits of your social security number (kidding)!

Some experts will tell you to drink 8 cups of water 8 times a day, others will tell you to double that on days you exercise while supplementing with a sports drink. Still others recommend dividing your weight in half and consuming that many ounces, plus an additional 24 ounces on training days. I'm sure you've read some of these recommendations along with a few others. It's confusing, isn't it? Whatever equation you choose the most important thing is to pick one that is right for you and start making water part of your healthy lifestyle.

If you were to ask me how much water I drink a day, I would probably say not enough. I do drink quite a bit of water, but I could do better. If you're already in the habit of drinking water then I give you a standing H-2-Ovation!

If you are looking for ways to add more water to your day, here are a few tips that might help you get your fill:

• Fill a water pitcher each morning and make sure you drink the entire thing by the end of the day. The pitcher I use makes fruit infused water.
• Find a favorite water bottle (like the KOR ONE Hydration Vessel) and refill it throughout the day
• Carry a bottle of water with you everywhere you go
• Drink a glass of water before each meal and one during each meal (sometimes I mistake hunger for thirst, so this tip can help me reduce the amount of calories I consume)
  
• Freeze half a bottle of water and then top off the rest of the bottle with cold water to make ice cold water to go
• Drink a bottle of water every hour. Sabrina gave me this tip! I'm going to try to set my Blackberry to go off once an hour as a reminder.
• Drink 4 gulps of water before returning every email
• For a little variety add lemon (right, Amy?), lime, orange, or cucumber slices. Sometimes I will add a cinnamon stick or even a few mint leaves to a bottle that I refill during the day.
• Keep tabs on how many glasses you've had by entering a tick mark on your calendar, on an index or business card, or whatever is convenient for you

Now, I'd like to hear from you. What tips do you have to make sure you're drinking enough water?

While you're doing that, I'm off to the loo.

Salute!