When you dont have enough water,dehydration comes out to play.
A simple way to tell is by taking a look at thecolor of your urine.
A light-to-medium yellow (or clear) is what you want to aim for.
If that yellow is more of an amber, it usually means youre not getting enough.
So how much do you need?
Women should drink about 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total fluids a day.
Of course, pregnant women and nursing mothers need more water as well.
If that seems likea ton of waterto you, thats a bad sign.
If you might help it, stick to water.
But if you really want a different beverage, at least drink water in addition to it.
Remember, water is the cheapest drink out there!
Keep your daily activities in mind, too.
The same goes if youve been drinking a lot of coffee, caffeinated tea, or alcohol.
The happy medium range is pretty wide.
This is an easy way to add at least two glasses of water a day to your routine.
Wake up, have a glass of water.
Get ready for bed, have a glass of water.
Just by doing that you get a head start on the rest of the day.
A good stainless steel or heavy-duty plastic bottle should do the trick.
Once youve found one you like, take it with you everywhere.
It doesnt hurt to really make your water bottle your own, either.
Slap an inspirational sticker or image onto it, or even write on it with a permanent marker.
Now youre ready to drink from it throughout the daydont forget to refill it as soon as its empty.
Youll never stay on track with a water bottle you hate using or are embarrassed to be seen with.
Go a whole week drinking your goal every day?
Treat yourself to something you dont normally get.
It goes both ways too.
Forget to drink enough water yesterday?
No Netflix or video games until youve made up for it.
Its best to spread it out, but a challenge is always a good way to keep yourself engaged.
However you like to gamify your life,find a tool that works for youand track what you do.
When you’re free to see how well youre playing your own game it can only help you.
For example, if you start to feel hungry, have a glass of water.
Have a sudden craving for junk food?
Grab a glass of water instead.
Triggers can be requirements you have to meet as well.
If thats the case, there are plenty of ways to go beyond plain, boring H2O.
If youre missing the fizz from your soda, try some sparkling water or club soda.
Youll get the bubbly without the other not-so-great stuff.
Just like a personal water bottle, having a good water glass that fits you is important too.
Use a glass you love and youll feel better about drinking from it.
For example, I drink my water from a large Spider-Man glass (seriously, its awesome).
It reminds me that super heroes drink their water, so I should too.
If super heroes arent your thing, consider a fun straw.
If a crazy straw will get you to drink more, do it.
Plus, drinking from a straw can help you drink more in the long run.
Youll sip and sip, not realizing how much youve actually had.
Eat Your Water
Yes, food has water in it too.
Pick your favorites and keep those around.
Drinking more water can literally change your life for the better.
Learn tolove the taste of water, because every single sip is good for you.
