Hydration is essential for your health. Not only does hydration impact your organ function but also your energy levels, ability to think and process information, eliminate toxins from your body, lose weight and keep your whole body in balance. The general recommendation for water intake is 1 litre for every 20 kgs of body weight but as a general guide - lets say 3 litres is optimal!
Hydation Tips:
1. Buy a BIG ASS WATER BOTTLE!
I don’t know about all of you but I am extremely visual. For me, I need to know what success looks like and how I am going to get there. So, when I aim to drink a minimum of 3 litres of water a day, I need to be able to picture what I have to do. You know the ones I’m talking about. I originally had one that was 2.2 litres but I found the BPA free plastic a bit hard to keep clean, however the size was excellent! Gone are the excuses I didn’t have anywhere to fill up because…well…you brough the entire well with you. Now I am using a cheeki 1.6 litre water bottle which means I know that from the time I wake up until the time I go to bed I need to finish 2 of those. As a visual person, and with a clear measurable goal set I hit that nearly everyday!
2. Aim to start your morning with 1 litre of lemon juice and water (or apple cider vinegar if the lemon juice is too hard)
That way, by the time you leave for work, you’re already 1/3 of the way there for the day! Plus lemon juice will wake up your digestive system and alkalise you! Great way to get a kickstart for the day. Lemon water also raises your body temperature which in turn helps you burn more fat throughout the day. What a win.
3. Plan your water in take around your bathroom breaks if you have a restrictive job.
I have a lot of clients who are teachers who cannot leave their students unattended in class so they have to wait for lunch time to go to the toilet. Well, this means teachers, disability workers, security guards, start your water early before you get to work and then go hard on the water in the hour leading up to your bathroom break! That way, you know you’ve got ample time to go.
4. Eat more organic raw fruits and vegetables.
Celery, cucumber, watermelon, oranges, peaches, rockmelon in addition to your 3 litres of water a day to increase your hydration further! Those are the most water packed foods you can find and they are also full of great vitamins, minerals and enzymes your body needs to thrive.
If drinking a lot of water, say 3 litres, seems nearly impossible to you or if you are going to be introducing a lot more water than you are used to, start slow. Gradually increase your water intake by 500 mils over a week and then let you body adjust. Yes you will pee more, but you will get used to it. If you are not absorbing your water, try adding a pinch of rock or Himalayan salt to help you absorb it. Coconut water is also extremely hydrating, and it’s the closes thing to your natural PH level which makes for great absorption.
**Make a note of your energy levels, headaches and ability to concentrate before you increase your water intake and compare to once you are consistently smashing through 3 litres! I know for me, I haven't had a headache in about 6 years. Conveniently, right after I started drinking 3 litres of water a day. Go figure.
Happy hydrating everyone!
