Optimal hydration = optimal health. Check out these great and fun tips to make it much easier!

1. Begin and End Your Day With H2O

Drink a glass of water when you wake up to rev up your metabolism, fuel your brain, hydrate your body and flush out toxins… and it may even help you eat less. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice to increase its beneficial effects.
In the evening relax with a mug of herbal tea to de-stress and hydrate.

2. Plan Ahead, Pack your Water

Refill a large stainless steel or glass bottle with filtered water and take it wherever you go. Having your water within arm’s reach will increase your likelihood of drinking water throughout the day. Remember to sip before you get thirsty.

3. Visualize Your Water Intake – Keep Track of Your Hydration

With a permanent marker write a schedule on your water bottle and the number of ounces (6 to 8) you will drink every hour. It is wise not to guzzle large amount of water at one time since your body can not benefit from that form of drinking.

4. Set Reminders

Program recurring hourly reminders to drink your glasses of water. Use scheduled emails or texts, your calendar, your to-do list, or set alarms. Or you can choose another schedule that works better for you.

5. Use an App to Track your Water Intake

Keeping up with how many glasses of water you’ve consumed can be easy (and fun) with the help of free apps. Download Daily Water https://goo.gl/NN6FPf or Carbodroid https://goo.gl/35Ra7z

6. Flavor your Water

You can infuse your water with fresh lemon or lime juice, fresh mint leafs, sliced cucumber or ginger. Although, iced tea is delicious and refreshing it is also a mild diuretic. To stay optimally hydrated drink a glass of water for every glass of tea you consume.

7. Don’t Just Drink Your Water – Eat It Too

Eat water-rich foods like vegetables, fruit and yogurt to automatically up your fluid intake. Watermelon is renowned for its high water content and essential electrolytes that are needed by the body for nerve and brain function. Many other foods contain lots of water and other essential nutrients. Some top picks include cucumber (96% water), zucchini (95% water) and grapefruit (91% water).

8. Drink Water Between Meals

As soon as you start eating, your body starts releasing digestive juices. Drinking water at the same time dilutes them, which hinders the proper break down of foods and inhibits the absorption of both nutrients and water. Eating dried, dehydrated or overly salty foods increases the body’s need to consume water while eating. Eat healthy whole foods and water-rich foods regularly.

9. Boost Your Energy with Cold Water

Increase your energy by drinking cold filtered water. You may be surprised by how much more energy you will have as a result of better hydration. Studies show that people instantly feel more alert after drinking H2O. It’s a simple, healthy way to snap out of a midday slump.

10. Popsicles Anyone?

Everyone loves Popsicles! They’re cool, they’re sweet, and they quench thirst. This means they’re a great way to help you on your quest for optimal hydration. Children can benefit from having Popsicles readily available. Check out this link for some great healthy Popsicle recipes – http://goo.gl/3vHdtC

Cheers to a Well Hydrated You!!